Gerry is a rural GP who spends one month a year working on Rēkohu Chatham Islands as part of a rotating medical team.

Arthur’s Pass forms the basis of much of her tramping, but she also enjoys the Chatham’s unique walks. At only 152cm tall, finding gear that fits comfortably has been a lifelong challenge, and the move to lighter, smaller and female-specific items has been a real bonus. 

Pack

My pack is an Osprey women’s Aura AG 65 weighing 1900g. It’s the first pack I’ve had that is specifically designed for women and the harness is superbly comfortable, making the load seem much lighter. The multiple compartments are useful.

Sleeping

I’ve recently upgraded to a Nemo women’s Disco 30, saving over 1kg in weight and a lot of real estate in my pack. I like the ‘Thermo Gill’ vents for temperature control. 

I pair it with a silk liner or a warmer Sea to Summit Reactor thermal liner, depending on the season and if I expect to stay in huts or camp. Although bulky, my self-inflating Therm-a-Rest Prolite 4 has an R-value of 3.2.

Clothing

I like to tramp in gear that has a UPF 50+ rating, is made from recycled materials and is quick drying. For me, this equates to a polypro base layer, Kathmandu Miro three-quarter- length pants, long-sleeved tops (also good for insect protection) and a Macpac Halo down jacket.

Shelter

I usually go halves in carrying a Mont Moondance 2-person tent and footprint (2kg) with my husband.

Footwear 

I’m on my second pair of Vasque St Elias boots, which provide excellent water resistance on the South Island’s braided river crossings. I carry neoprene wetsuit shoes, which might seem an unusual choice, but they keep my feet dry in early morning dew or when gathering water and are no heavier than jandals.

Safety gear

Safety and search and rescue are high on my agenda. I’ve carried a PLB or mountain radio since my early days of tramping. I currently have an ACR ResQlink 400, and have used it a couple of times for others. I carry a Steripen Ultralight water purifier, emergency blanket, whistle, mouldable splint, an array of medications and plenty of dressings. 

Cooking

My stove is a simple and now superseded Doite model paired with an integrated heat exchanger pot. I have a Light My Fire Outdoor MealKit (6-piece) – a crazy triangular shape but everything nests together well and there are too many happy trip memories to ditch.

Luxury items

I couldn’t tramp without something to read. The Penguin volumes from the ‘Great Journeys’ series fit the bill at 77g and are a taste of someone else’s adventures to pair with your own. An Allpress coffee is a great way to start the day.