Gear
For those gear junkies interested in what I'm packing.
Electronic tools
InReach Mini 2 I chose this model over the vaunted InReach Mini 3 Plus because Trackme does not have the photo sharing and voice message capabilities in place yet. I like the simplicity and reliability of the unit so far and have had great support from Trackme over the past 10 years or more. I have never had to use the SOS functionality but am happy for this ultimate call for help to be available from anywhere. The message service has been invaluable for keeping in touch with others while out of cell coverage. I have used the service to assist others for whom a misadventure has left them vulnerable in the back country. It gets used regularly just to keep in touch and notify others of any plans that change. This peace of mind ability is huge.
Cellphone is a Ulefone Armor 28 Pro , a rugged waterproof 5G enabled phone with a 10,600mah battery and fast charging. I have a history of destroying phones on my adventures so am hoping this one will perform OK.
Useful apps for adventures:
NZTopo50 (North and South)
Brave browser - secure and capable
Duolingo - for learning Spanish
Garmin Connect - connects to my watch wirelessly and collects recorded tracks that I can share
Garmin Explore - for connecting to the InReach Mini 2 and writing/ receiving messages when outside cell coverage
HereWeGo - Navigation alternative to Google Maps.
Libby - for audiobooks from the library
Notesnook - for writing notes/blog posts and recording thoughts across platforms
Podcast addict
Protonmail
Signal messenger for keeping in touch with folk
Skullcandy earbuds are comfy and IP67 waterproof. I use these mainly for listening to audiobooks and Podcasts. Phone calls are a bit faint and echo'y apparently but audible.
My watch is a Garmin Fenix 6X Saphire used for recording the days track either walking or paddling. An oldy but a goody which has done good service for 5 years. Nice to have an electronic gadget that seems pretty robust.
Keeping things charged up is the job for my Nitecore Power Bank. It is rated at IPX8 and will hopefully last the distance in the wet conditions I subject my gear to.
Paddling tools
Alpacka Aleutian is the linchpin for this adventure allowing me to transition between land and water travel efficiently.
Sockdolager Bow Bag storing accessible food and gear on the deck within easy reach and doubling as an extra storage pocket on the pack
Werner Pack-Tour Paddle 210-225cm A robust yet lightweight paddle that I extend for open water paddling but can shorten for creek work.
Shelter and sleep
Durston X-Dome 2 tent. Plenty of room yet extremely light and robust. A free standing tent opens up site options.
A large Thermarest NeoLoft Insulated Sleeping Mat makes sleeping pleasant and reduces the need to worry about rocks/roots protruding into me while trying to get comfortable as it is so deep.It has a considerable downside in that if you have significant water flowing through the tent then you do not become aware of this for a long time!!! (yes there is a story here ;) )
My cosy Quilt has straps that connect it to the sleeping mat and works a treat
A comfy pillow rounds out the good sleep system
Walking gear
Aarnpacks have released a Long Back 65l Featherlite Freedom.
This accommodates the Aleutian alongside my other gear and distributes the weight front and back to hopefully enable me to "go the distance" comfortably.
Walking in the Altra Lone Peak 9+ Wide Shoe is my go to and I have started wearing Gaiters with them to keep the rubble out.
A pair of Iceline trekking poles add significant strength to the tent when added to the entrances on either side. I have changed out the straps for Leki Shark Straps so the energy when walking is transmitted comfortably to/from the wrist rather than the fingers.
In the kitchen
The Toaks alcohol stove works brilliantly. Bombproof and simple and used with the stand it supports my Kathmandu 1l cooking pot. I have an MSR flint igniter + a Flint karabiner as backup to light the meths.
Extras
Crazy Creek make a wonderful chair that doubles as a sleeping mat to lay under the Neoloft to protect it if there are nasty sharp things to sleep above.
A pair of Bedrock sandals will be coming along as camp shoes and a backup if the Lone Peaks fall apart.