Hiking

Catenary Cut Tarp:

Looking for an ultralight sewing project? Six Moon Designs have this excellent free pattern for a cat cut tarp complete with insect netting plus sewing instructions: https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/images/stories/pdf/Pattern_NightWing.pdf A number of others are available if you look for them, eg here: http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html PS: The ‘Jones Tent’ (approx 500 grams) is not named after me! PS: SMD

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Backpack Repairs:

You may have noticed this photo in one of my recent posts about the South Coast Track: Della making stirling efforts to repair my backpack under trying conditions: overcast, rain, sandflies etc at the Waitutu Hut; a woman to die for: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/south-coast-track-fiordland-nz-waitutu-to-westies/ Now that we are home she has properly repaired my old backpack (http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/zero.shtml)

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South Coast Track Fiordland NZ Wairaurahiri to Waitutu 2016:

Since we were there last year some new alternatives have emerged. On the way out we were able to follow a lovely dry even old hunter’s route along the coast to the crossing of the Crombie Stream, then walk up the ridge on its true right bank (facing downstream) and rejoin the South Coast track.

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Fire Engine Rolls Over Peanut Lighter:

Impressive. A little heavy maybe (14.3/19.9 grams) , but refillable and well-nigh indestructible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpAKR3DmLZQ After recently suffering a failure with a Mini-Bic (I had a spare) – 12 grams. I am seriously considering my firelighting options. After all if you seriously value your life the ability to light a fire in the wilderness is utterly

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Westies Hut: South Coast Track Fiordland NZ

We have just returned from this magical place four days walk along the South Coast Track from Tuatapere, Fiordland NZ where we stayed in this wonderful hut nestled in a sea cave at the Western end of Price’s Harbour at the far end of the fabulous ‘South Coast Track’: This is the first view you

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