Tents that pitch with your hiking poles instead of regular poles save base weight and packing space. My background is mountaineering and transalpine tramping, and more recently lightweight, long-distance bikepacking, so I’m very aware of equipment base weight (the weight of all your gear minus food, fuel and water). I like the liberty of a […]
About the author
Mark Watson
Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
The 2026 Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition
A tale of adventure and tragedy
Mt Peel, Kahurangi National Park
A lofty location for Brass Monkey
Get lost and suffer
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My gear through the decades