Thanks Cam, great information here. I’m in the research process for TA 23/24 and most certainly feel the cold so your points noted. Looking forward to seeing more from you 👏👏👏
Thanks! I’m definitely in the minority with how I manage in the cold, would definitely recommend something warmer for someone unsure. A great thing about TA is that (at least sobo), hikers have a long time to test out their gear before heading into the more remote, colder terrain. Good luck with your hike!
Interesting points about the Durston Xmid 2p Pro, I’ve heard this a few times in reviews when discussing the footprint area not accommodating the camp site. Thanks for the review of your gear well done. 🤙🏽
Yep, the size definitely can be an issue. It wouldn’t bother me on a trail like the PCT where camp spots are large and readily available. But TA spots can be a squeeze.
My Xmid solid, Osprey Exos and BA Rapide Large + Quilt are 4kg alone haha but at least comfort is off the roof and loving this set up lately here in colder Scotland lol Wish I could do Te Araroa one day, probably in top best and most beautiful trails in the world. All the best pal.
I've now done a number of multi-week hikes with home made backpacks. I've gone for about the 65l size. So far I've done them with frames and my biggest issue is the end of frame components wearing through webbing retainers. I'm in the process of making some carbon fibre retainers at the moment.
Wow that's impressive, I have to admit that the complexity of framed packs has definitely contributed to my preference for frameless. I'd love to give one a go at some point. I've seen that those retainers for frame stays is often a weak point even on commercial packs so don't be to hard on yourself.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Very helpful for planning my own trip. Did you have any sewing patterns for your backpack or did you design your own?🎒
Thanks! I didn't use a pattern for the pack, probably why it ended up a little small. :) For me the fun of MYOG is the design process, I'm not particularly keen on the sewing tbh. Highly recommend giving it a go though, such a rewarding feeling to hike with gear you've made from scratch.
I was warm the whole time, i was warm.. if i had a different pack i wouldn't have had to bed cold 😂😂 nah but jokes aside thats pretty freaking cool!! And 4kg is amazing
Yeah my thermarest neoair has just started delaminating again. It's the third replacement I've had. They seem to last between one and six nights before failing. Sadly they are unfit for purpose and can't be relied on .
Honestly, it's very difficult to say as they are both so unique but I have to say, I feel like the PCT is the perfect first trail. Whether you go on to hike many other trails or if it's a one-and-done, it showcases the best of this crazy hobby.
Honestly, I’m not really sure. I’ve definitely had around 10kg in there with no problem but the volume is the limiting factor rather than comfort. I’m also pretty well adapted to have weight on my shoulders so really I think up to around 14kg I’d be okay. If you’re making the switch from a hip belt then all I’d say is make sure the rest of your gear is dialled and allow time for your body to adjust.
It's definitely a piece of gear I would recommend for most people! It is a risk to exclude, however, no piece of equipment will make up for bad decision-making. At the end of the day, my decision was made based mostly on funds and partly, I'll admit, from arrogance. Throughout the trail, I saw the many benefits of carrying an inReach and I think if I were to do it again, I would make an effort to include one in my kit.
Risk is a part of stepping outside, I minimize my exposure through experience and backcountry skills rather than relying on expensive, heavy equipment which could fail. Time to hike your own hike.
@@cam.rowethwhile I agree with you for less experienced people it will be a problem your uber light pack has made me rethink what I pack but won't work for everyone I think that's what they were pointing out expshaly if they decided to go in the colder months Thanxs for the vid and recommendations
@@cam.rowethI just finished the 2198mile Appalachian Trail in 2023. Completed in five months and three days and experienced winter with single digit temperatures, to summer with heavy torrential rains and swollen rivers. Personally I think your ultralight approach is insane. No matter how much “prep or experience” you have, no one can predict Mother Weather.
Given that you also have no plb, you really were one bad slip away from death by hypothermia. This gear list is totally underestimating NZ’s changeable and unpredictable weather. I’m pleased you got through safely, but I would not recommend this gear list at all.
Thanks Cam, great information here. I’m in the research process for TA 23/24 and most certainly feel the cold so your points noted. Looking forward to seeing more from you 👏👏👏
Thanks! I’m definitely in the minority with how I manage in the cold, would definitely recommend something warmer for someone unsure. A great thing about TA is that (at least sobo), hikers have a long time to test out their gear before heading into the more remote, colder terrain. Good luck with your hike!
That's super light, it would be interesting to hear a breakdown of your food, what you took and weight, etc.
Interesting points about the Durston Xmid 2p Pro, I’ve heard this a few times in reviews when discussing the footprint area not accommodating the camp site. Thanks for the review of your gear well done. 🤙🏽
Yep, the size definitely can be an issue. It wouldn’t bother me on a trail like the PCT where camp spots are large and readily available. But TA spots can be a squeeze.
What an incredible adventure. I would love to see the topography there. Excellent gear loadout. New follower here. Crow
Thanks! New Zealand is definitely worth a visit!
My Xmid solid, Osprey Exos and BA Rapide Large + Quilt are 4kg alone haha but at least comfort is off the roof and loving this set up lately here in colder Scotland lol
Wish I could do Te Araroa one day, probably in top best and most beautiful trails in the world.
All the best pal.
Sounds like a super comfy setup! Definitely worth it up in Scotland. Thanks!
I've now done a number of multi-week hikes with home made backpacks. I've gone for about the 65l size. So far I've done them with frames and my biggest issue is the end of frame components wearing through webbing retainers. I'm in the process of making some carbon fibre retainers at the moment.
Wow that's impressive, I have to admit that the complexity of framed packs has definitely contributed to my preference for frameless. I'd love to give one a go at some point. I've seen that those retainers for frame stays is often a weak point even on commercial packs so don't be to hard on yourself.
I bet if the person knew that bandana they lost had trekked the length of NZ they would be stoked.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Very helpful for planning my own trip. Did you have any sewing patterns for your backpack or did you design your own?🎒
Thanks! I didn't use a pattern for the pack, probably why it ended up a little small. :) For me the fun of MYOG is the design process, I'm not particularly keen on the sewing tbh. Highly recommend giving it a go though, such a rewarding feeling to hike with gear you've made from scratch.
I was warm the whole time, i was warm.. if i had a different pack i wouldn't have had to bed cold 😂😂 nah but jokes aside thats pretty freaking cool!! And 4kg is amazing
Yeah my thermarest neoair has just started delaminating again. It's the third replacement I've had. They seem to last between one and six nights before failing. Sadly they are unfit for purpose and can't be relied on .
@@miniveloman3642 mines up to 60 nights so far with no issues showing
Also keen to know how you did your food
thanks for share. if you had to choose one between TA and PCT what trail you would choose?
Honestly, it's very difficult to say as they are both so unique but I have to say, I feel like the PCT is the perfect first trail. Whether you go on to hike many other trails or if it's a one-and-done, it showcases the best of this crazy hobby.
Cool.
Curious what did you make those back straps out of? Did you use 2 layers of spacer mesh or a layer of spacer mesh and foam like a regular pack?
Oooh well spotted! I used two layers of spacer mesh also stuffed with foam. Got the idea from atelierlonguedistance.fr/ Worked a treat.
@@cam.roweth how much weight could you load before it got uncomfortable? Thinking about making a running vest style pack without a hip belt as well
Honestly, I’m not really sure. I’ve definitely had around 10kg in there with no problem but the volume is the limiting factor rather than comfort. I’m also pretty well adapted to have weight on my shoulders so really I think up to around 14kg I’d be okay. If you’re making the switch from a hip belt then all I’d say is make sure the rest of your gear is dialled and allow time for your body to adjust.
What no PLB? The piece of equipment you hope not to need. What is your reason not to include it?
It's definitely a piece of gear I would recommend for most people! It is a risk to exclude, however, no piece of equipment will make up for bad decision-making.
At the end of the day, my decision was made based mostly on funds and partly, I'll admit, from arrogance. Throughout the trail, I saw the many benefits of carrying an inReach and I think if I were to do it again, I would make an effort to include one in my kit.
What sleeping pad would you recommend?
The Thermarest X-lite 100%, that thing lasted me the entire PCT with 0 problems. I'll be grabbing a new one soon as a step foot on another long trail!
Thanks!!
Just wanted to point out that NZ weather can be brutal and if you get caught out with this bag in a storm you might die.
Risk is a part of stepping outside, I minimize my exposure through experience and backcountry skills rather than relying on expensive, heavy equipment which could fail. Time to hike your own hike.
@@cam.rowethwhile I agree with you for less experienced people it will be a problem your uber light pack has made me rethink what I pack but won't work for everyone I think that's what they were pointing out expshaly if they decided to go in the colder months
Thanxs for the vid and recommendations
@@cam.rowethI just finished the 2198mile Appalachian Trail in 2023. Completed in five months and three days and experienced winter with single digit temperatures, to summer with heavy torrential rains and swollen rivers. Personally I think your ultralight approach is insane. No matter how much “prep or experience” you have, no one can predict Mother Weather.
Given that you also have no plb, you really were one bad slip away from death by hypothermia. This gear list is totally underestimating NZ’s changeable and unpredictable weather. I’m pleased you got through safely, but I would not recommend this gear list at all.
Why do you drop pronouncing the letter ‘t’ so many times?
First time hearing an English accent?
@@cam.roweth that is not an English accent. It’s simply laziness with pronunciation.
@@chrishamilton2527 Ahh wonderful, more meaningless internet arguments. Get outside.
@@chrishamilton2527do you pronounce the /k/ in know?