Rob Frost is a tramper and mountaineer who wrote the NZAC guidebook for Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini national parks. He runs Mountain Journeys, which specialises in guided transalpine trips, mountain weddings and instruction courses. He packs his gear into easily sortable dry bags.

Pack

Twin Needle ‘Tuke’ (55L) – a lightweight (1300g) yet tough and modular pack with all the right attachments that’s suitable for trips of up to 6 days. I use the detachable hip-belt pockets for snacks and a small drink bottle.

Tent

My Hilleberg Anjan 3 sleeps three can withstand strong winds and weighs only 1900g.

Clothes

Most of my clothing is from Earth Sea Sky – it’s long-lasting, comfortable, practical and made in NZ. I use their Flash trousers for protection from sun, wind and scrub, either the Silk Weight T-shirt or Power Wool Zip Polo as my base layer, and the Stealth pullover as a lightweight second layer.

Alpine equipment

Ice axe, aluminium crampons, lightweight helmet and walking pole.

Dry bag 1

One Planet Cocoon -8℃ sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite mattress, Astral Loyak shoes, Earth Sea Sky Mercury leggings, merino T-shirt and socks for at camp, and toiletries, notebook, power bank.

Dry bag 2

Apart from a buff, a pair of Montane Prism gloves and Montane Minimus waterproof trousers, the rest is Earth Sea Sky: legionnaire’s cap, merino beanie, Alpha jacket and Zeal Guide waterproof jacket.

Clothes

Most of my clothing is from Earth Sea Sky – it’s long-lasting, comfortable, practical and made in NZ. I use their Flash trousers for protection from sun, wind and scrub, either the Silk Weight T-shirt or Power Wool Zip Polo as my base layer, and the Stealth pullover as a lightweight second layer.

Boots

The perfect boots for most of my trips is the Salewa Ortles LT Mid. They’re stiff enough for cramponing, flexible enough for valley walking, have good edges for secure sidling on steep slopes and are really light.

Useful tricks

The following items make a difference for me in subtle but effective ways.
» Suunto Core watch – with altimeter and thermometer – securely attached to a shoulder strap so it’s always visible but out of the way. The battery lasts 6 months.
» Aarn shoulder-strap pocket to hold map, compass, phone, InReach/PLB and sunscreen
» Small piece of closed-cell foam for sitting/kneeling
» Sailing gloves for tough subalpine scrub and rock scrambling.

Food

I dehydrate most of my meals at home. I love Bushline instant breakfasts and also enjoy Firepot, Real Meals and Radix dinners. For snacks, Torq bars are great and I always bring chocolate. For a savoury change: tamari almonds and wasabi peas! I cook everything with my MSR Windburner Duo stove system.

Extras

First aid kit, camera (Sony A6500 with 10–18mm and 55mm lenses), drink bottles, electrolyte tablets, bowl, mug, spoon and sunglasses.