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.
Trampers say decision to remove beloved hut failed to follow process
Foggy Peak, Korowai-Torlesse Tussockland Park
Roaming the red rocks
2026’s guide to outdoor socks
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My gear through the decades