Jim Meyer came to New Zealand in 2002. A former product tester for Gregory Mountain Products in the US, he has extensive backcountry experience and a deep understanding of pack mechanics. He started Helium Packs in 2021 and believes long-distance tramping is all about being as efficient as possible. He plans to hike Australia’s 1000km Bibbulmun Track later this year. 

Camp clothing

My camp insulation is typically a Macpac Uber Light down jacket, Macpac merino tights and long-sleeved top and a Kmart beanie. If it’s really cold I bring my Techtop down pants and my Aegismax down socks. Collectively this is good to about -10℃.

Rain gear

I prefer to get wet rather than wear rain gear, but when it’s cold and wet I opt for an AntiGravityGear rain jacket, a Helium rain kilt and a Sunday Afternoons rain hat. I remove the hoods from my rain jackets – hoods and glasses don’t work well together.

Big four

I use a modified Helium Hazel pack (610g), which I change periodically as I trial new designs. I love the torsion flex it provides and the custom fit. I take a Nemo Tensor LW sleeping pad (642g), a Kiwi Ultralight down quilt (680g), a Kiwi Ultralight Moa 1 tarp with Yama bug bivy (656g) and Big Sky International tent pegs. 

Cooking

When I take a stove, it’s a BRS 300 with GSI pot gripper, MSR fuel canister, Toaks 750ml titanium mug, two lighters and a Lexan tablespoon.

Clothing

I prefer to hike in a Helium kilt, which is very breathable and offers more sun protection, and sometimes Kathmandu shorts and sun shirt, plus a Montane wind jacket and a Sunday Afternoons hat. In cold conditions I add a Macpac Tui fleece.

Footwear

I haven’t worn boots since 2001. Instead, I prefer La Sportiva Ultra Raptor shoes with Sidas insoles (907g), Macpac Rouler merino socks and Montbell stretch gaiters.

Miscellaneous

I use a Nitecore 10,000 power bank, Victorinox Classic knife, Petzl Tikka headlamp, Katadyn BeFree water filter, RescueMe PLB and a pair of Vitamin water bottles.

Poles

Black Diamond trekking poles (492g)