Jenny Tough (yes, her real name) is a Montane Athlete who has fastpacked over six continents including New Zealand. Here, she shares how she gets the most from her gear to gain the most from her adventures.
Packing philosophy
“It’s important to ensure your kit remains lightweight without compromising safety. But a modicum of comfort – used sparingly and strategically – will help you perform. I tend to follow the rule that everything in my pack (25l – 30l) should be either something edible, something to keep me alive, or a camera.”
My packing list
The specific items will change between climates, but my standard list looks like this:
• Sleeping bag and bivi
• Sleeping mat
• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Base layers
• Down booties (they are essential!)
• Spare socks + underwear
• Beanie + gloves
• Trekking pants (for cold mornings)
• Mini stove + food
• Water system
• Navigation system
• Headtorch
• Hiking poles
• Toiletries
• First aid kit, including duct tape and ibuprofen
• Camera
• Wearing: technical tee, shorts or tights, trucker hat, trail shoes.
Shelter
“On my first big expedition, I wanted a tent as I would be facing some gnarly mountain weather. Other expeditions have been warmer and more forgiving, so a bivvy was enough. In New Zealand, I had the pleasure of backcountry huts. The biggest factors are warmth, safety, and comfort, so be realistic about the adventure you have planned, what you can get away with, and what you’ll find enjoyable.”
Nutrition
“I always bring 15 per cent more food than I think I need, just in case. Water filters have become super light and convenient, although boiling is still the safest method.
“Whether to take a stove or not is an endless debate in the ultralight community. I carry an ultralight stove. On adventures lasting two days or more, it’s lighter to carry this and dehydrated meals than ready-to-eat food. I also feel more comfortable with a stove in mountain environments, where the ability to heat water can make all the difference in a bad storm or cold night. Also: coffee.”
Clothing
“Good quality, technical layers never weigh too much to be worth leaving at home. Technical clothing will help eliminate chafing caused by wearing a backpack over long distances. I will wear the same clothes every day (current record standing at 23 days), so shirts with anti-odour qualities (like merino wool or polygenie) really come into their own. I always carry one extra set of socks and underwear, and wash the current day’s set with bio soap in the evening.”