Hey all,
I'm heading to NZ and Antarctica this winter for my graduate work as a EE. On the way back, I'll be stopping by in NZ and hope to get a week or two of time in the mountains if I can. I'm putting together a gear list for the trip, so this won't include the gear for Antarctica, though it will be influenced by what I bring to the ice. I would also like to know what are good hikes for touristy spots (Great Walks?) and less-touristy spots (Arthur's Pass?). I'll be starting and ending in Christchurch, and would like to explore the South Island from what I've heard about it. I might have a partner or might just be solo.
What are the temps like in NZ during the day and night? I've heard there's lots of rain which isn't a big deal as long as I have the gear for it.
I've never been to the area but I have hiked a lot in the Whites here in New Hampshire and have taken a couple of wilderness first aid courses and was a group leader and president of my university's outing club during my undergrad years. I also studied abroad in Budapest for a semester and hit up a dozen countries while I was there. I'm 'warm'/'hot' and sweat a fait bit while hiking and sleep 'average'.
Items with a '*' are things that I do not own but think they would work well and items with a '?' are things that I am still undecided on and need input!
Packing:
* Six Moon Designs Traveller
Trash compactor bags, ~2
Food bag
Notes: I have a blast 26 but this is not really a suitable travel pack. I'm looking at the Six Moon Designs Traveller as it seems to be the only lightweight panel loader out there. I used a panel loading Osprey Porter 46 in Europe and it did well but it's not great for the hiking (tramping) portion of the journey. My other pack is an Osprey Crescent 70 (gasp!) so that's not going either if I can help it.
Clothing/Items Worn:
Limmer Custom Leather Boots
Fox River Trekking socks
* Short or Long Sleeve Merino shirt
Beartooth Merino underwear
* REI Sahara Convertible pants
? OR Crocs Full Length gaiters
Sunglasses
Aloksak
Compass
? Matches
? Lighter
Tinder Tabs
Whistle
* Knife
Photon Freedom
eLite Head Lamp
Extra Lace for Boots (doubles as p-cord)
Duct Tape
Orange 55gal Drum Liners x2
Bandana
NZ Cash
Passport
Debit Card
Panasonic Lumix TS1 waterproof camera
Notes: The merino shirt is to help the stink, though I can go either way with the short or long sleeves. I do have the BPL UL long sleeve merino top but this is a bit too light for traveling and wearing it every day.
I have the ID Shortie gaiters but I think I may follow suit with the Kiwi's and go for the full length gaiters, since I own them already and they seem good for the exposed mountains and bush whacking.
Clothing Carried:
Fox River Trekking socks, extra pair
Darn Tough Vermont short socks, sleeping pair
Montane Quickfire rain jacket
* RAB Bergen rain pant
? BPL Merino Hoody
Patagonia Houdini
Montbell Thermawrap Parka
* Crocs Bistro (has tread)
Polypro Liner Gloves
Notes: I'm not sure on the rain pants for NZ. I don't usually use them in the summer since it has to be lower than 40F before I can wear my Marmot Precip pants which are getting old, hence I would get the Bergen's if needed. The Bergen's are nice over the RAB Drillium's I think because I can use them in the winter here and they go over my boots.
Not sure if I need the Hoody either since the merino shirt should cover a good comfort range. If I don't need it then I will just use a hat to complement the merino shirt.
So I need some sort of shower shoe for the dorm's in Antarctica and the hostel's in NZ. My idea was that this shoe could double as a river crossing shoe as well so that my boots could stay dry! I could go with a full-strap sandal like a Teva, but I think that would be heavier. Any other suggestions?
I'm guessing I would have to pick up a cheap knife while I'm there.
Can matches go on a plane? How about a lighter? Should I buy them there instead too?
Sleeping Gear:
* 3 season quilt
? Sleeping pad
Notes: It's time for me to get a new 3 season bag and so I think I'll go for the quilt option this time around. Not sure which one yet but I think it will work for NZ too.
I think I'll stick to the huts instead of camping out so that I don't have to bring a tent. I've heard that bringing a pad is good for the huts and I carry one for survival purposes anyway.
Food/Water:
Cook pot
Spoon
? Stove
Sawyer water filter bottle (1L)
2L Platypus
Notes: I have a Ti-Tri alcohol stove which I love but I'm not sure about bringing it or the fuel on the plane. I'm guessing buying fuel in Christchurch is an option but I'm not sure.
Toiletries:
Dr. Bronner's soap
TP
Tooth Brush
Pack Towel
Sunscreen
Misc:
Leather Boot grease and brush
Spare Camera Battery
Extra Memory Cards
Battery Charger
NZ Plug Adapter
* Guide Book
Maps
Playing Cards
Notes: Is there standard AC electricity in the huts or would I have to charge up my batteries in town?
I've heard the Lonely Planet books are good for NZ tramping and touring around but are there better?
So that's about it. If you've made it to this point, thank you for reading and thank you even more for posting!
-jim
