Gear Recommendations

HTMC Gear Talk 

June 4, 2016 

Highlights & Recommendations from the evening with HTMC and Auckland Tramping Club members

Shoes

1. Lowa www.lowaboots.com (thru-trekker recommended)
2. Vasque boots
3. Hawaii shoe store – Uyeda 931 University Ave #105 Hono, HI 96826 808-941-1331 for micro spikes and hiking shoes & injinji socks
4. Inov8 shoes – trail running shoe lightweight with amazing tread

Socks 

Bridgedale http://www.bridgedale.com (Kiwi recommended)

Gaiters

1. Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters in Hawaii – protect from mud, dirt, rocks & keep shoes tied.
2. 2. Swazi gaiters Kevlar impregnated stretch polyester www.swazi.co.nz  (Kiwi recommended)

Feet health 

Methylated Spirits known in the US as denatured alcohol, methyl hydrate or fondue fuel. (Kiwi recommended)

Hiking Clothing 

1. Icebreaker – warm & quick drying (Kiwi recommended)
2. Arc’teryx – Canadian company with high quality clothing (Kiwi Recommended)
3. Lululemon – Anti-Stink Gear –  made with silver weave – warm when cold & quick drying

Pants

1. Karen Liliker recommended Original G Pant – quick drying material, lightweight
2. Kiwi’s tend to wear shorts and gaiters – better in climate & terrain weather

Hats 

1. Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero $60 REI (Karen Liliker recommended)
2. Tilley Hat – Canadian company – guaranteed for life http://www.tilley.com/us_en/ (Kiwi recommended)
3. Sunday Afternoons – broad rim & protection from the sun – many styles & colors https://www.sundayafternoons.com

Backpacks 

1. Osprey – Everyone raved about the design that keeps you cool with pack off your back

2. Aarn – body pack system to balance weight in front & back www.aarnpacks.com (Kiwi Recommended)

Water Filter  

1. Sawyer squeeze water filter

2. Aquamira tablets/liquid

Gloves 

1. Showa atlas Fit Rubber Palm Knit Gloves – great for trail clearing and Hawaii hiking

2.  Silk glove liners – colder climates – keep your hands warm even if wet

Stove 

Sierra stove (thru trekker recommended) — wood burning titanium backpacking stove – lightweight

Kitchen

Sea to Summit – silicone collapsable cups & bowls (Kiwi recommended)

Sleeping Bag 

Kelty DriDown – allows down to stay dry longer, loft better and dry faster

Sleeping pad 

Big Agnes – lightweight and compact though can be squeaky when moving

DryBags

Sea to Summit

Hammock 

Hennessy with rain fly

Tents/Shelters

1.MSR Hubba Hubba – lightweight (recommended by Bob Tyson)

2. REI Half Dome – cheap and sturdy – not lightweight

3. Big Agnes

4. Terra Nova

5. Vaude

6. MacPac

Food 

1. MaryJanes Organic Farm – dehydrated packaged foods
2. Back Country Cuisine freeze Dri www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz (Kiwi recommended esp. desserts)
3. Down to Earth – split pea soup and some of the other dehydrated soups (Karen Liliker recommended)
4. Book “Fast and Light” by Paul Garland  http://campfirecreations.co.nz/fast-light/  (Kiwi author recommended)
5. Whittakers Chocolate (Kiwi recommended)