A Short Walk In the Kepler Mountains
Between the 9th and 14th of January I went on a trip up the Iris Burn Valley and back to Te Anau by the tops. There were considerable difficulties to surmount and it was not clear until well into the fifth day of the trip that we would make it. We were out a day late.
South Fiord of Lake Te Anau
The last 2 weeks has been difficult, I deceded to use the first good day since Christmas for a quick solo kayak mission up the South Fiord of Lake Te Anau.
The Tin Range
On Saturday the 5th of December I headed off to Stewart Island with 4 friends.
Homer Gertrude Conservation Trip
I am just back from a trip to the Homer Saddle and Gertrude Valley to check the Alpine Clubs DOC200 and Trapinator traps.
Introducing the Packraftineer Pack
Today I finished my first 70l Packraftineer Pack. I have been working on the pattern for months and to finally put one together is exciting.
Precip Like Rain Pants
This morning I took a short break from sewing packs and dry bags to make a pair of rain pants for myself. I made a few mistakes, it is a very light fabric and you really have to keep your wits about you, and dont even think of making a buttonhole, that was a disaster. Overall I am very pleased with the result. At least I know they fit me after all the effort I put into making the pattern.
The Wild Podcast
I had a talk with Jonny on The Wild Podcast, find it here, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Kepler In A Day Again!
Monday and Tuesday this week were forecast to be splendid mild early summer days. Finding myself not over busy and feeling antsy I had planned on a quick trip up Mt. Titiroa. On Sunday quite randomly I found needed to be in town on Tuesday for a interview so that postponed my original plan.
Flying Visit to Sammy Stoat
A group of us fund raised to buy Sammy Stoat, resident near the top of Lake Alabaster, a PLB and heavy duty down jacket. It was my job to get them to him.
Doubtful Sound Conservation Trip With Side Adventure
I have just returned from a trip to Deep Cove to check traps for the Deep Cove Education Trust and Permolat Southland. Thanks to Stanley, Sally, Annabel and Alastair for a great trip.
Testing the Nothing Pack
Today is the only day in a long stretch with low likelihood of rain and somewhat reasonable weather. Snow is expected to sea level in a few days, and it is raining otherwise. Rather than waste it indoors, I decided on the spur of the moment to take my new 25l 200g Tuke Pack for a quick jaunt up the hill to Luxmore Hut.
25l Tuke Daypack
Yesterday afternoon I got some elastic and webbing from my supplier, which allowed me to sew up my new 25l Tuke daypack. I am really happy with the result, it weighs 213g, and is very sturdy and capable.
New Stuff
Today I made my first waist bag out XPac VX21 Cire and Liteskin LS07, using up odd bits between pack cuts. I am very happy with the result, and the good news is it weighs in at exactly the same weight as the XPac VX15 version, under 60g. A little less for a cut down waist strap, I ship them long just in case.
Web Shop Now Live
Its been quite a journey so far, the web shop is finaly live.
Landsborough Track Cutting and Bikepacking Trip
I needed to be at the Pleasant Flat bridge on Sunday at 2:30 pm where the track up the Landsbourough Valley starts. With ants in my pants, stressed and overdue for a trip, I decided to bike there.
Fitted Dyneema Drybag
Today I finalised my drybag pattern. Made from 1.43 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric it weighs in at 43g. With approximately 1.3m flat felled seams, sealed with dyneema tape. It closes with 2 press studs and short opposing velcro tabs. Fits perfectly in an Empty Pack.
Introducing XPac VX21 Cire
I got a shipment of fabric this week. This is my first Empty Pack made with VX21 Cire, impressive, highly abrasion resistant and very light, 400g with a lot of room for improvement.
Early Spring Kepler Fast Pack
The weather promised to be good for the weekend and there is not currently much snow on the peaks. So as not to waste the opportunity on Saturday at 9 am we set off for a 2 day Kepler Track jaunt, I had a new pack to test.
Olivine Hut Clean Up
On Saturday I took off for a planned 5 day trip for a desperately needed tidy up of Olivine Hut. The hut was flooded in February and with road closures and travel restrictions due to covid-19, few parties have passed recently.
Waist Bag
For the winter I have been working on a light packable swim bag for the long packraftineering trips I am so fond of. I think it is now finally ready for production.
Hiking Quilt
I spent Sunday making a standard RayWay quilt for myself.
Kakapo Catch Bags
Kakapo Rescue need new catch bags for the coming season, so I made 6 out of camo canvas.
Patea Doubtful Sound
I have spent the last week at Deep Cove with Permolat Southland and the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust putting in a new trapline, moving and checking traps.