[Robin McKay]

Roger – an unfortunate name for NZ consumers. 1080 is a deadly poison used throughout our backcountry to control possums. Stoats and rabbits to protect our native birds and fauna. There is a group of highly emotional people against this (objects not based in science). Personally, as a backcountry regular user – and a dweller of a rabbit infested area (central Otago ), I agree with its usage – Rob

[Robin McKay]

Ryan – I have a Hexamid for sale – I live in NZ and this tent (second one I have had) was purchased and hand delivered by Joe at Zpacks when he came here to do the TA Trail (Nov 2012). It is .75 Cuben in Green. Very well cared for. In pristine condition with ground sheet and guide lines. New, the cost is $US490. I am prepared to sell for $US320 and will hand shipping/insurance – Stuff sack supplied. Tried to upload pictures but file size too big – PM me and we can communicate via email.
Selling reason – I want to purchase the latest Duplex. I am not hell bent on selling, but if it meets your needs – out it goes! Photo at: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gHIPvRRBm_MhWGHa_WkhutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

Cheers Rob http://www.lightweightrob.com

 

[Robin McKay]

Have you purchased yet?

I have a brand new one for you, surplus to my needs (I have Zpacks extra long Challenge Jacket now)

Cheers Rob

[Robin McKay]

Just found this thread whilst researching for the PCT – In NZ we only talk about hours hiking. The terrain is so varied – no switchbacks down here – we go straight up the ridge. We budget 1 hour per 300 meters of elevation gain. Usually we hike (we call it Tramping) for between 6 and 9 hours a day. A really big day can pan out to 12/14 hours. We never measure kilometers travelled. All of our trail signs are in hours and tend to be on the cautious side. Usually strong fast hikers can knock off a quarter of published track times especially on our "Great Walks" trails.
As you guys deal in miles per day I am trying to figure out average PCT times to plan efficiently.
I did the JMT a couple of years ago and we averaged 21ks a day with one re-supply at Muir Ranch. My pack weight was 10 Kgs. Our biggest day was 27ks. So by my calculation and reading this thread. I could comfortably average 12/13 miles a day without busting my guts.
Appreciate your feedback

[Robin McKay]

I've tried a lot of "on the go" foods over the years, but nothing, I say nothing beats Ems Power Bars and Cookies. Em is a nutritionalist and famous NZ ultra distance multi sport adventurer. Check these out at http://www.powercookies.com/

[Robin McKay]

John – It is – errr was! I got Joe to make me a new one in .75oz cuben and with in-built netting and "floating" bucket floor. My hiking friend (Kathy) has been using my older one (as pictured). We decided to sell this and she will get the same config as me.

This is a good buy for any long distance US through hikers – Cheers Rob

[Robin McKay]

Brad – stick with Zpacks – If you are mainly under 3/4 days go for the Blast22 in heavier cuben and with stays. I suggest you get the hip pockets. This pack is the bomb – If looking for 5 days plus the Arc Blast is the ultimate choice. I am a NZ hiker with over 45 years hiking experience and the latter is my go to pack! Also order the Zpacks cuben pack liner. Tell Joe Rob recommend you – you won't get a discount, but Joe will love me more!
You made a wise choice re Zpack bag

[Robin McKay]

Good job for a "beginner" light weight attempt. Suggestions:
1. Halve you tent weight – sell the Nemo and get a Zpacks Solo with built-in netting.
2. Likewise pack – the Arc Blast also from Zpack (383grams!) I love this pack
3. Shoes – Salamons are good, take a look at Innov8 315
4. Sleeping Bag – Once again you can't go past Zpacks or Western Mountaineering Highlite – both around 450 grams, 32 degrees F.

I use the above – Hiked JMT, but as I live in NZ. Have given this gear a good workout in much tougher conditions to what you will expect. Have a great hike. For more suggestions check my blog at http://www.lightweighttramping.blogspot.com

[Robin McKay]

Check out Icebreaker Sonic – Us Kiwis live in merino – after all we supply it to the world! You may want to try the Icebreaker outlet store – not too sure if they sell on line. I get all my Merino gear there. Not cheap but super quality comes at a price!

[Robin McKay]

Sil floor – Bivy is now SOLD – thanks

[Robin McKay]

Got your email – sorry you just missed out – Tarp sold – Thanks – Rob

[Robin McKay]

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla or the Zpacks Arc Blast – I have both. Just my Arc Blast – looks and feel great plus it's 380 grams Vs 780!! Also if you need slightly more volume checkout the new ULA Circuit now in Cuben fiber

[Robin McKay]

I did the JMT exactly the same time last year – Cowboy camped all the way – the tarp stayed in my pack – however you do need to take a shelter (Not a tent – a cuben fiber tarp – Zpacks). My current gear list at http://www.lightweighttramping.blogspot.com – although for NZ is basically what I took on the JMT. We had 18 days straight blue sky.

[Robin McKay]

Rusty – I see you know about Zpacks – Joe is great to deal with and his products are super quality (I have his Hexamid tarp and bug inner, rain jacket and pack liner). My next sleeping
bag will be his (I currently use Western Mountaineering Highlite).

[Robin McKay]

Try hiking here in NZ – you'll be in and out of rivers all day. Waterproof boots are a joke. After river crossings they don't drain and you are now carrying an extra 1Kg plus. I had to laugh when doing the JMT. I saw Americans stop at rivers, put on aqua shoes, and then on the other side, put their boots back on – this was summer and about 28c!!

[Robin McKay]

Stephen – I have the Zpacks Cuben Fiber Jacket,
they are fab – Hey it's not a fashion parade out there!

[Robin McKay]

Susan – We (2) did JMT last August (from NZ) and re-supplied once at JMTR – I think you could go with a 3 gallon bucket – we really struggled to get 9 days into the 5 gallon (for 2) but did it!
I feel the cost from JMTR will be the same – They kept the bucket and will recycle your trash – call them – they are nice people to deal with – I did this from here in NZ. We got the bucket at a local hardware shop and posted from our base at Merced. JMTR will give you a bar code when you subscribe (I think it was $50) and you tape this onto the bucket.
Pat at JMTR is a lovely lady and really looked after us!
Enjoy your trip – we LOVED it!!

[Robin McKay]

Megan – I am in NZ – I did the JMT in August last year.

I did Yosemity to Red Medows and the on to Whitney – 10Kgs each leg. Some thoughts…

You do NOT need a tent – I slept under the stars every night in a MLD Superlight Biv Bag – But also carried a tarp (Public camp grounds at Yosemity, Tuolume Meadows and Whitney) – never used on the trail – weather perfect for 18 days! BUT we had late "bugs" so have some form of netting for sleeping and eating (head net).

You really should consider a tarp – Gossamer Gear is a good start – Pack should be no more that 45 Ltrs – Gossamer Gear Gorilla was perfect 4 me, or if you need more, ULA Circuit – The most popular I saw on the trail – I use to have one but to much volume!

Sleeping bag – Western Mountaineering Summerlight.
Wear your clothes if cold – never did.

Don't wear boots – trail runner best.

We never treated water (maybe the first day out of Yosemity and the last day down Whitney). Water is OK if taken above the trail off snow.

Feel free to email me for gear suggestions at [email protected] or check my blog at http://www.lightweighttramping.blogspot.com

[Robin McKay]

Megan – I am in NZ – I did the JMT in August last year.

I did Yosemity to Red Medows and the on to Whitney – 10Kgs each leg. Some thoughts…

You do NOT need a tent – I slept under the stars every night in a MLD Superlight Biv Bag – But also carried a tarp (Public camp grounds at Yosemity, Tuolume Medows and Whitney) – never used on the trail – weather perfect for 18 days! BUT we had late "bugs" so have some netting sleeping and eating (head net).

We never treated water (maybe the first day out of Yosemity and the last day down Whitney). Water is OK if taken above the trail of snow.

Feel free to email me for gear suggestions at [email protected]

[Robin McKay]

I agree re shoulder straps – plus fabric – dyneema better

[Robin McKay]

Yes it does – I used this on my recent JMT Hike

[Robin McKay]

I am an experienced ultra light weight hiker in NZ. Got my copy of Andrew's book last week. Good advice, great layout. Would have like more "brand" suggestions on gear. But understand this can date. Well worth the investment – great job Andrew!

[Robin McKay]

I love the B&W photos – Superb – especially the Trailstar shots!!

[Robin McKay]

I ordered the Hexamid and asked Joe to customise an extended beak – This customisation is now a standard option! Joe was soooooo helpful with this design change. great communication.
I have returned to order the HexiNet.
I might also add the workmanship is A1

[Robin McKay]

176 grams (6.2oz) – I have added this to original post. Also a link to view etc. Cheers Rob

[Author]

Posts