Jules Stacey writes the Tinytramper blog, which she began for her 2017 Te Araroa walk. A midlife convert to tramping, she has been hooked ever since. Her pack mixes well-used Te Araroa kit, secondhand finds and a few newer additions.

Her winter base weight is 8.4kg. “It’s certainly not ultralight, but it is practical and proven.”

Long haulers

My gear bought for Te Araroa is still going strong after thousands of kilometres, including my Hilleberg Enan 3-season solo tent, Thermarest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer puffer (also my pillow), and Black Diamond Carbon Cork poles.

New favourites 

I’ve been wearing a Rab Women’s Syncrino Base Tee (lightweight, quick-drying merino blend) and Rab Talus Active Shorts this past year. Both are firm favourites. 

Pack quest 

Finding the ideal 50–55l pack has been a mission. I walked Te Araroa with a Lowe Alpine 45–55l (uncomfortable), tried two Osprey Eja 48s (both squeaky), and now use a Macpac Te Araroa: bombproof and it doesn’t tower over my head. I’ve got my eye on a Durston Kakwa 55 next.

Sleeping

Keeping warm at night is a priority. After Te Araroa I swapped my Katabatic Gear Palisades quilt for a Sea to Summit Flame III sleeping bag. In summer I use a home-made muslin liner and in winter a Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor. 

Clothing

One ‘walking set’ and one ‘dry set’. Daytime is running shorts and T-shirt plus a long sleeve – bright for visibility. My dry set is a Hunting & Fishing short-sleeve fleece, Macpac long johns, Macpac fleece trousers, Icebreaker 150g merino long sleeve, spare shorts and socks. 

Outer layers 

Waterproofs are Marmot’s Minimalist Pro jacket (summer) or Earth Sea Sky’s Hydrophobia jacket (winter) with Outdoor Research Helium rain pants. Cap, beanie, Buff and gloves year-round. 

Footwear 

I wore trail runners for TA; now it’s lightweight boots for longevity – Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX boots (secondhand from TradeMe). Gaiters are Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High or Dirty Girls. Crocs for hut shoes; Smartwool socks always. 

Cooking 

I usually reheat homemade dehy meals and use an MSR PocketRocket stove, Toaks 900ml pot, $2.50 Kmart cup and Sea to Summit titanium spork. Breakfast: MSR MugMate for coffee, collapsible Sea to Summit cup as bowl. 

Essentials

Pack liner, PLB, first aid kit, whistle, ear plugs, glasses, pee cloth (a kitchen wipe), headnet, lighter, pen/paper, duct tape on poles, pink flagging tape. 

I carry a 1.25l bottle plus Sawyer Squeeze pouches. My electronics include a Galaxy S24, Anker 20 mAh battery pack and Nitecore 25 UL head torch. 

An empty wrap packet doubles as my rubbish bag and backcountry seat.