Natasha Mealing loves going bush and enjoys long, remote alpine trips. She is known for testing her gear thoroughly and values hard-wearing items that can be easily repaired.

Tent

My Vango Banshee (2800g) is still waterproof after 10 years, pitches quickly, stands up to wind and has good ventilation. I also use a Zempire Atom 1 person (1800g), which has good internal space.

Sleep system

Either a One Planet Quest Pro Quilt-3 (680g) or Cocoon-11 (1200g), paired with a silk liner or Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme liner. I sleep best using a quilt and have stayed super warm (when I thought I would be cold). My Therm-a-Rest NeoAir-Xlite (350g regular length) is quiet to sleep on, comfy and warm.

Footwear

I use various La Sportiva boots from the Trango range and currently have the Tower and Trek. Aspiring Safety Snow Gaiters have stood the test of time!

Pack

The Black Diamond Mission 75 (1850g) is super comfy and suits my small frame. On shorter trips I sometimes use an Aarn Featherlite Freedom 50L (1100g), which moves well on my body when bush bashing.

Clothing

Earth Sea Sky is my go-to – I have used their clothing since 2017. My first item was the Helium fleece, and seven years later it still goes on every outing! Depending on the trip, on my top half I wear either a Sun Hoodie or a Silk T Shirt with an Energy Hoodie. I pair this with Taslan shorts and Spider leggings or Katipo pants and Trekker socks. Additional warm clothing includes an Alpha Jacket, fleece pants and a First Layer long-sleeve thermal and boxers. For waterproofing I use the Zeal jacket and Extreme overtrou. I take only synthetic materials, as I have found these warmer and more durable than natural materials.

Transalpine gear

Grivel ice axe and strap-on crampons, Aspiring Safety Tei Tei harness, CT Orion helmet, Black Diamond ATC guide, prussics, Petzl Tibloc, CT Roll-n-lock, rope, slings, carabiners and cord.

Stove

Either a Jetboil Flash (370g) or an older model MSR Simmer Lite (227g), which I’ve had for over 12 years. I use a cut down wooden spoon for cooking and eating.

Food

Mostly my own dehy but when needed I use Radix or Bushline breakfasts and reuse the packaging for my home dehy, as it is super strong.

Accessories

Julbo Montebianco sunglasses, Fenix head torch, Earth Sea Sky First Layer gloves, fleece gloves, overmitts, Pico beanie, legionnaire’s hat and Black Diamond Punisher gloves.

Emergencies

The Garmin inReach, which can receive weather reports, has changed the success of my trips. Also, I take my phone with a few map options, though my preferred app is TopoGPS. Further items include a small power bank, map and compass. I carry a Summit Bothy Bag when I’m not taking a tent.