Looking for great lightweight gear to help you walk great distances? This kit will do the job.
Kiwi Ultralight Down Quilts from $475
Filled with 850+FP ethically sourced goose down. It’s among the top warmth-for-weight quilts available and has a box-baffle design, a footbox section with zip closure, pad strap attachments, a neck drawstring and 20% overfill for longevity. There are three comfort ratings (5⁰C, 0⁰C, -5⁰C). From 510g. www.kiwiultralight.co.nz

Earth Sea Sky Power Wool Short Sleeve $179
Made with fast-drying Polartec Power Wool fabric that uses 15 micron merino fibres next to the skin and polyester fibres facing out. This combination provides quick drying, wicking, breathability, odour resistance and durability. Men’s and women’s fit. Made in NZ. 142g (m), 106g (w). www.earthseasky.co.nz

The North Face Basin Pro Pants $250
With four-way stretch and articulated knees, these pants are made for long days on the trail. FLASHDRY materials offer enhanced moisture management, a reinforced seat and knee panels add durability, and the adjustable waistband has an integrated webbing belt. It has mesh-lined hand pockets, a secure-zip thigh pocket and a drop-in back pocket. 346g (m), 340g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Kiwi Ultralight Moa 1 DCF $1395
An ultralight, multi-pitch tent that sets up using hiking poles. The DCF fly fabric doesn’t tear, absorb water or sag when wet. It has two doors and vestibules, a mesh inner, organisation pockets and an adjustable pitch height for greater ventilation or weather protection. It’s spacious too, with 2mᒾ floor and 1.7mᒾ vestibule. 625g (min), 722g (packed). www.kiwiultralight.co.nz

Salewa Pedroc 2 MAX $329.90
A speed-hiking shoe providing rebound, stability and smooth roll-off. It has a high-tenacity, breathable mesh upper; Salewa’s 3F heel hold system for flex, fit and support; a shock-absorbing ‘Rebound’ EVA midsole with an integrated stability plate; TPU film protection; and a Pomoca Speed Hiker 2 outsole. 650g (m), 510g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Rab Muon 50L $549.95
This thru-hiking pack uses lightweight durable nylon fabrics and has a removable lid to keep weight down. It has a close-fitting TRI-FLEX carry system with a wraparound harness, a shaped lumbar pad and a supportive hipbelt. There are front and side pockets, a hiking pole carry system, and it’s hydration compatible. 50l. 995g. www.outfitters.co.nz

FarPointe Alpha Cruiser $199.99
An all-season active insulation piece for layering or standalone when on the move. Soft-touch Polartec Alpha Direct fabric provides warmth and is quick drying. It has a fitted hood with drawstring and packs down small. 108g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Oboz Katabatic RT Low $349
This rugged shoe offers the durability, support and stability required for long-distance trails. It has a rigid synthetic upper with recycled woven mesh and reinforced welded TPU overlays for protection, a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit lining, a Kinertia energy midsole, a TPU ‘trail chassis’ for torsional stability on variable terrain, a moulded heel counter and Vibram Megagrip outsole. 860g (m), 694g (w). www.kathmandu.co.nz

Pstyle $34.99
Allows women, non-binary folk and trans men to pee while standing and without undressing. It’s easy to manoeuvre inside clothing and position properly. Clean with soap and water or wet wipes, or shake vigorously and wash at the next convenient time. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Kula Cloth $34.99
A super-absorbent pee cloth made from silver-infused anti-microbial fabric. It has a durable and waterproof ‘clean’ side so your hand doesn’t get wet, and a double snap to hang it while folded in half so it doesn’t touch your pack or get dirty on the trail. www.furtherfaster.co.nz







My gear through the decades