“My greatest passion is exploring new areas, preferably off-track with a close friend and my dog, Coda. The Tararua Range is my place, and I like to embrace all the types of weather it is famous for.”

Pack

I’ve had my Thule Versant 60l for years. It was when I was looking for something I could afford. I keep looking to upgrade but it’s actually really good so I can’t justify a new one yet. It weighs around 2kg.

Insulation

The Marmot Echo Featherless puffer is super warm even in the damp and it also makes an excellent pillow. In summer I use a North Face ThermoBall jacket.

Tent

In winter it’s a single-person Marmot Tungsten. In summer, Coda and I sleep beneath a DD Hammocks SuperLight tarp.

Sleeping gear

In summer I swap my Marmot Helium bag which is rated to -9°C for my super-light Marmot Hydrogen bag. This is rated to -1°C. I sleep on a Klymit V Insulated sleeping mat – it’s well priced, comfy, warm, a good weight and not crinkly!

Wet weather gear

My Marmot Minimalist Pro raincoat is the best I’ve ever owned. I’m often the only dry person in the hut after several days of torrential Tararua rain, and it’s super lightweight.

Bits and bobs

I never leave home without my PLB, even on day walks. In a separate dry bag there’s a Fenix headlamp, a power pack, Kobo eReader, compass and map and a small first aid kit.

Food and water

I’m a recent convert to the Jetboil Stash and I’m loving it. I have a titanium spork, pot and cup and a Nalgene bottle that has so far proved indestructible and doubles as a hot water bottle.

Clothing

I use Hunters Element Core thermal pants and a long-sleeved top for at the end of the day. T-shirt and shorts for walking with Hunters Element Zenith top in cooler weather. Outdoor Research waterproof gloves to protect my hands. I always take a sunhat and a couple of Buffs.

Dog gear

Coda has a Wild Dog slip lead, collapsible bowl, Pompa coat and K9 Natural freeze-dried dog food (regular dog food gets heavy!).