Kia Ora Reader!

Welcome to the second instalment of the Winter Tramping Tips Series!

If you missed the first instalment last week, we covered my picks of winter clothing and footwear to keep you warm and dry during your winter adventures. If you want to catch up, you can read it again here.

(P.s. don't forget, if you'd rather not receive these emails, you can opt out here but still receive my normal newsletters!)

In this edition, we're diving into the crucial gear you'll need for winter tramping in New Zealand.

Winter tramping presents unique challenges, so having the right equipment can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and an uncomfortable slog.

Many of NZ's hiking trails can still be hiked in the winter months, provided you have the right gear (and experience).

But you'll need to know how to stay safe in icy conditions and ensure you’re well-prepared for unexpected weather changes. Making some simple gear changes can go a long way towards this.

After we've covered the must-add gear to every winter tramper's list, we'll also go over some specialist gear for those who wish to push the boat out a bit farther. So let's get started!

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Essential Winter Tramping Gear to Add to your Kit

The rest of this email will break down the must-have items for upgrading your standard tramper's kit for winter conditions.

Whether it's rain, hail, snow, ice or wind, having these items in your kit will increase your chances of a successful trip.

We'll start with the core gear you'll need to keep your winter adventures smooth and safe. This gear is designed to help you transition from regular tramping to winter-specific adventures, ensuring you're well-prepared for the icy and often unpredictable weather.

After covering these essentials, we'll delve into some specialist gear for those who are ready to tackle more extreme conditions and terrain. This gear is aimed at those with a bit more winter experience looking to push their limits.

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1. A Bigger Pack

A bigger pack is essential for winter tramping, as it provides all the extra space needed to carry additional (often heavier) winter gear and supplies.

Unlike your standard summer pack, which might only need to hold the basics, a winter pack must be able to accommodate the weight and bulk of items like extra layers, more food and specialist gear.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Unlike your standard summer pack, which might only need to hold the basics, a winter pack must be able to accommodate the weight and bulk of items like extra layers, more food and specialist gear, whilst still remaining comfortable and stable.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Capacity: Look for a pack with a capacity of 60-75 litres to handle the additional gear needed for winter.
• Durability: Ensure the pack is made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials to withstand harsh conditions.
• Features: A multi-compartment system will allow better organisation and easy access to your gear when you need it. A built-in rain cover can be very useful as well.

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2. Winter Sleeping Bag

A winter sleeping bag is specifically designed to keep you warm in colder temperatures, often featuring more insulation and a higher temperature rating than summer sleeping bags.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Regardless of whether you're staying in huts or camping, winter conditions demand extra insulation to protect against freezing temperatures. A standard summer sleeping bag won’t cut it if temperatures drop significantly or you can't get the hut fire going.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Temperature Rating: Select a bag with a comfort rating suitable for the temperatures you’ll be encountering. For winter tramping, look for bags rated down to at least -5°C / 20F to -10°C / 14F.
• Insulation: Synthetic insulation is moisture-resistant and often preferred in damp conditions, while down insulation offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio but needs to stay dry to be effective.
• Size and Fit: A well-fitting sleeping bag traps heat more effectively. Ensure it’s snug but not restrictive. Whereas I prefer quilts in summer, a mummy bag is perfect for winter trips.

Check out this comprehensive test/review to find the best winter sleeping bag for you.

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3. Emergency Shelter

If you prefer to stay in huts, you may not be used to carrying shelter with you. But in winter, having some form of emergency shelter to keep you alive if things take a turn for the worst is a must. Personally, I carry a tent all year round.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

In winter, weather conditions can change rapidly and severely. It's a lot easier to get caught out so an emergency shelter is crucial for maintaining warmth and protection if you find yourself stuck in adverse conditions (i.e. waiting for a swollen river to go down) or need to take an unscheduled rest (i.e. if you slip and injure yourself).

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Size and Weight: Look for a shelter that is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your pack without taking up too much space. My ZPacks Duplex probably doesn't fit these criteria strictly, but at less than 1kg it's a no brainer.
• Material: A foil blanket will do in a pinch, but try to opt for a more substantial shelter made from waterproof and windproof materials to keep you out of the harsh winter weather.
• Ease of Setup: Choose a shelter that can be quickly and easily deployed in an emergency situation.
• Recommendation: This RAB shelter has plenty of room to sit up in, or this emergency tent is a bestseller and doubles as an emergency bivvy if you don't have anything to set it up with.

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4. Extra Food Supplies

Whilst what you eat on the trails in winter may not differ from what you usually carry in summer, the quantity of food you may have to carry probably will.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter​
Winter conditions demand more energy and nutrients to keep you warm and healthy. Colder temperatures require more energy which makes you hungrier. Having extra food supplies ensures you stay well-fed and maintain critical energy levels, as well as be prepared for unexpected delays or emergencies.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Nutritional Value: Choose high-calorie and nutrient-dense foods will provide long-lasting energy so you don't have to stop as often.
• Portability: Because you'll be carrying more, opt for lightweight and compact options that are easy to pack and carry.

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5. Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are used to provide stability and support while hiking. They can be a real bonus in winter.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter​
Winter conditions can make trails slippery and uneven. More water on the trails can create large bogs to navigate through, and adverse weather can create slips and landslides to navigate around. Trekking poles minimise the risk of falls & injury by providing support and balance. They can also be used to test the stability and depth of mud and snow.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Material: Carbon fibre poles are lightweight but may be more prone to breaking under extreme conditions, while aluminium poles are more durable and robust.
• Grip and Adjustability: Choose poles with comfortable grips (like cork or foam) and which have an easy means of adjusting whilst wearing thick gloves. Flip locks are better than twist-locks for using with gloves.
• Recommendation: You probably know by now how much I love my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles, although if you only need them for one season i've used a predecessor of these budget poles have which may suffice for a season or two.

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6. Winter Hiking Boots

Winter-specific hiking boots are equipped with features to handle the cold, wet, and slippery conditions of the winter months.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter​
While trail runners, hiking shoes and summer hiking boots offer good traction and flexibility, they typically lack features like a super-durable outer, really deep lugs for extra grip on snow & ice, waterproof and/or insulated linings, and a sturdy shank running through the sole to enable crampons to be attached.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Waterproof Membrane: A waterproof lining, such as Gore-Tex, can often be beneficial in winter, especially if hiking through lots of snow. This will help to keep the moisture from melting snow out, and heat in.
• Traction: Choose boots with a robust rubber sole and good tread pattern to handle icy and snowy conditions.
• Ankle Support: Opt for boots that provide solid ankle support to prevent injuries on uneven terrain.
• Shank: If you are planning to attach crampons, you'll need a boot with a shank running through to provide enough stability for crampon use.

Again, check out this review from people much more qualified than me to make winter boot recommendations!

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7. Winter Raincoat

A proper winter raincoat will be durable as well as waterproof to protect against heavy rain, snow, and the biting polar blast wind.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter​
Unlike lightweight summer raincoats, winter raincoats are more robust and built to offer better coverage. Slips and falls are more likely in winter conditions, so you want a jacket that can stand up to everything you'll throw at it, whilst keeping you as warm and dry as possible.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Material: Opt for high-quality waterproof and windproof fabrics that have excellent durability. A 3-layer jacket will be more useful than a lighter 2-layer for winter conditions.
• Coverage: Choose a jacket that extends to mid-thigh to shield against splashes and keep your bum dry against unexpected slips & falls.
• Recommendation: I'm a fangirl for the Earth Sea Sky Hyrdophobia jacket which is built specifically for NZ tramping conditions. But if you don't want to remortgage your house, the Macpac Copland is a good option too.

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8. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items for protecting your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays, even in winter!

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

In winter, sunlight reflects off snow and ice, intensifying UV exposure and in worst-case scenarios causing snow blindness. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV rays back at you, increasing your exposure even on cloudy days.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Sunglasses UV Protection: Ensure they provide 100% UV protection. Polarised lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces like snow.
• Wraparound Coverage: Look for wraparound designs to protect your eyes from side glare.
• High SPF Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Water Resistance: Opt for water-resistant sunscreens to stay effective even if it rains.

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9. Microspikes

Microspikes are small, lightweight traction devices that fit over your hiking shoes or boots, which are designed to grip icy or snowy surfaces.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Extra grip is crucial in situations where regular boots or trail runners can slip. Winter conditions can make trails extremely slippery, and without proper traction you risk serious injury from falls.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Fit: Ensure the microspikes fit securely over your winter hiking boots. Most microspikes these days come in multiple sizes, to suit your specific needs.
• Ease of Use: Choose a model that is easy to put on and take off, even with gloves on. My Kahtoola microspikes are one of the most popular kinds and have a flexible elastomer harness which can easily be stretched over shoes or boots.

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10. Extra Battery Power Bank

Extra battery power is essential in winter if you're a heavy electronics user.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Cold temperatures can significantly and more quickly drain the batteries of your electronic devices. Of course we all know that reliable communication and navigation are crucial, but especially on winter trips. An extra power bank ensures that you have a backup power source to keep your devices operational throughout your trip.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Capacity: Choose a power bank with a high capacity (10,000mAh to 20,000mAh) to keep all your devices juiced.
• Output: Ensure it has sufficient output to charge your devices quickly, and at least 2 charging ports. ⭐ PRO TIP: ⭐ Put it in your sleeping bag at night to keep it warmer and conserve the charge!
• Recommendations: I own an Anker 20,000 maH battery bank (which is great) but they are difficult to get in/to NZ (I bought mine from MightyApe but they no longer stock, so this is the closest I could find). The Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 2 is a good alternative (although it's half the capacity, it's also less than half the weight).

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11. Headlamp (+ Spare Batteries)

Headlamps are essential for early starts, late finishes, or when hiking in darker conditions (like the shorter winter months).

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Daylight hours are shorter in winter, so if you're covering large distances you’re more likely to be hiking in the dark. A reliable headlamp is crucial for navigating safely and setting up camp when you arrive. Standard AA or AAA battery versions are preferable to rechargeable.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Brightness: Look for a headlamp with at least 300 lumens, adjustable brightness settings and a red light for the huts at night. Models with LED bulbs are generally brighter and last longer.
• Weather Resistance: Choose a headlamp that is water-resistant or waterproof to withstand snow and rain.
• Recommendations: My personal favourite is the Black Diamond Spot but there are plenty of awesome options out there (like the Nitecore NU25 which is on my list to try next).

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12. Winter Stove

In colder conditions, your normal summer stove may not cut the mustard.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Summer stoves can struggle to ignite or maintain a steady flame in very cold temperatures. Plus, if winter makes you want to venture to higher altitude, you'll find the air pressure is lower at altitude, affecting stove performance. Winter stoves are designed to handle these conditions, ensuring that you can cook meals and melt snow for water without issues.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Design: Look for stoves with a wider tripod for stability and consider buying/making a shield for wind protection. A remote canister stove, where the fuel is separate from the burner, is often a good choice for winter tramping.
• Recommendation: Whereas I normally use the super lightweight BRS stove on most of my normal tramping trips, in winter I prefer to take the much more reliable MSR Pocket Rocket. Hard-out winter or alpine trampers often opt for the MSR Whisperlite.

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13. Dry Kindling (or Firelighters)

Hear me out here. Whereas it might seem silly to carry kindling for firestarting with you in your winter pack, you'll be glad of it when you arrive at a remote hut only to find no dry wood or first wood to get started!

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Whereas many backcountry huts have woodsheds, in winter even if sheltered, wood and and other firestarting materials are often damp or snow-covered, making them difficult to ignite. By carrying a small amount of dry kindling (or firelighters), you can hopefully avoid a below-zero night.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Recommendations: You can either haul the pre-packaged kindling you can buy at supermarkets or your local hardware store (Mitre 10) or you can start a collection of natural materials (like lichens and small twigs) during your summer trips. If not, a few household firelighters should help you get started.

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14. Reliable Means of Fire-Starting

Being able to get warm and dry most of your damp gear at the end of a long and cold day tramping in winter is not only a morale boost but also essential to prevent against hypothermia, and will make your trip more enjoyable.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Normal matches can get wet and damp, making them useless when you arrive. And cigarette lighters can unexpectedly run out of fuel. Waterproof matches and firesteels provide reliable options when other methods fail.

Examples

• Waterproof Matches: Don't forget to also store these in a waterproof container to keep them dry! These ones come highly reviewed.
• Firesteel: A firesteel (or ferrocerium rod) produces a high-temperature spark that can ignite dry kindling even when wet. This one is cheap and a bestseller.​
• Lighter: If you don't want to switch from your normal lighter, choose one that is windproof and has a protective cover to keep it functional in cold, wet conditions.

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15. Book or Playing Cards

A portable form of entertainment can help while those dull hours away during the longer winter nights or days spent waiting for conditions to improve.

Why the Upgrade Is Necessary for Winter

Winter nights are longer, and you might find yourself stuck in a hut for extended periods over winter due to poor weather or having to wait for a swollen river to drop. Having something to keep you occupied can make these times more pleasant.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Examples: A deck of cards or a card game is a kiwi classic, providing hours of entertainment and camaraderie with your new winter tramping friends (my current fav is Five Crowns and you can even get a mini travel version). Your favourite book is a good option too. If you're indecisive, e-readers are an option, though they require a battery.

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16. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

I mean, do I even need to explain?

Regardless of the season, a PLB provides a critical safety net. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh, increasing the likelihood of accidents or emergencies. Just take one, okay?

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Recommendations: I own an ACR Resqlink 435, and whilst there are other options out there I think this one is great as it comes with an LCD screen so you can get updates on your rescue progress.

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Essential Specialist Winter Tramping Gear

In addition to the essential winter gear we've covered, there are specific pieces of equipment that can significantly enhance your safety and performance in more demanding winter conditions.

These specialist items are designed for those who are venturing into more challenging terrain or looking to push their winter tramping skills further. Whether you're navigating icy slopes or planning to explore remote, snow-covered landscapes, these tools will provide the extra support and safety you need.

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17. Ice Axe

An ice axe is a versatile tool used in winter hiking and mountaineering. It features a long handle and a sharp, curved pick that can be used for climbing and stability on snowy/icy terrain.

It's crucial for traversing steep, icy or snow-covered slopes and can be used to stop a fall (self-arrest) by digging into the ice or snow. It's essential for advanced winter hiking and climbing.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Length: Choose an ice axe of appropriate length based on your height and the type of terrain you’ll encounter.
• Material: Opt for a lightweight yet durable material, such as aluminium or steel, for better performance and reliability.
• Grip and Head: Ensure the axe has a comfortable grip and a sturdy, well-designed head for effective use in icy conditions.

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18. Crampons

Crampons are metal spikes attached to your boots that provide traction on icy or snow-covered surfaces. They consist of a base plate with attached spikes that dig into the ice, improving grip and stability.

They are essential for preventing slips and falls on icy terrain and steep slopes, and necessary for technical winter climbing (if that's your jam).

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Fit: Ensure crampons are compatible with your hiking boots and can be securely attached.
• Spikes: Look for crampons with durable, well-spaced spikes designed for various conditions (e.g., alpine or general mountaineering).

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19. Avalanche Safety Beacon

An avalanche safety beacon, also known as a transceiver, is a device used to locate people buried under snow during an avalanche. It emits a radio signal that can be detected by other beacons in search mode.

It's essential for backcountry winter travel where you'll cross avalanche paths (of which there are plenty in NZ). Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory for current conditions before heading out (you can also follow them on social media).

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Search Range: Opt for beacons with a search range of at least 40 meters to ensure effective search capabilities.
• Ease of Use: Choose a model with intuitive controls and clear indicators for signal strength and battery life.

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20. Snow Shovel

A snow shovel is a tool used to clear snow from your campsite, dig out avalanche victims, and build snow shelters (like ice caves). It typically features a robust, durable blade and a sturdy handle.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Material: Choose a shovel with a lightweight, yet strong blade made from materials like aluminium.
• Compactness: Opt for a shovel that can be easily packed away or stored in your gear without taking up excessive space.

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21. Snowshoes

Snowshoes are footwear designed to distribute your weight over a larger surface area to prevent you from sinking into snow. They typically feature a frame with a deck and bindings to keep them securely attached to your boots.

They are an essential for traversing deep snow, preventing you from sinking and helping to maintain stability on snow-covered terrain. They help reduce fatigue by making movement across snow easier and less strenuous.

What to Look For When Buying/Hiring

• Size and Fit: Choose snowshoes appropriate for your weight and intended use. Larger snowshoes provide more floatation, while smaller ones offer better manoeuvrability.
• Binding System: Look for an easy-to-use and adjustable binding system that fits securely over your winter boots and is comfortable for prolonged use.

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Where to Buy/Hire Winter Gear

Before we wrap things up, let's briefly cover some options for kitting yourself out for winter tramping.

Large outdoor retailers like Bivouac, Macpac and Torpedo 7 offer plenty of options for purchasing winter tramping gear. And large cities often have small outdoor gear retailers that will offer plenty of advice.

If you're just getting started and/or if you don't want to go to the expense, you can also hire gear with a bit of forward-thinking and preparation. Here are some suggestions of places to hire winter tramping gear from (by location):

• ​Bivouac (nationwide) offer great rates, and mostly hire out specialist winter tramping gear (NB: not all stores carry all gear items, so make sure to ring ahead and check first at your local store).
• ​Pack Gear Go (Nelson/Richmond) offer just about everything you need for an overnight hike (or more) plus cramps and ice axes for winter trips.
• ​Living Simply (Auckland) again offer a full range of tramping gear on a helpful 'weekend' (rather than daily) rate.
• ​Bev's Tramping Gear Hire (Te Anau) can send gear to anywhere in Otago/Southland but prefers pickups.
• ​Further Faster (Christchurch) has a great selection of winter tramping gear for hire.

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That's it for this instalment! I hope you found it helpful to prepare your gear for your winter adventure!

Skipped to the bottom? Here are the key highlights:

• Upgrade Your Gear: Switch out summer hiking gear for winter-specific items to stay warm, dry, and safe in cold conditions.
• Essential Additions: Ensure you have a bigger pack, a winter sleeping bag, emergency shelter, extra food, winter raincoat and a reliable means of keeping warm.
• Winter-Ready Footwear: Invest in winter hiking boots for better traction, waterproofing, and ankle support than your typical summer footwear.
• Specialist Gear for Advanced Trampers: If you're heading into alpine or snow-covered territory, consider adding some specialist equipment like an ice axe, crampons and avalanche beacon to keep you safer.

I'm looking forward to sharing the next instalment with you next week, where we'll cover the important safety tips for winter tramping to familiarise yourself with before you head out there!

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Happy Tramping! 🥾
Michelle xx
​LongWhiteGypsy.com​
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