Make your gear go further
Gear guides
Practical guides to choosing, checking and using second-hand outdoor gear. Find help with fit, condition and the kit you need for your next trip.
Outdoor zip care: clean grit before it becomes a problem
Look after tent, jacket and pack zips: understand the parts, remove grit, choose compatible care products and recognise when cleaning is not enough.
Read more... : Outdoor zip care: clean grit before it becomes a problem
How to clean a hiking backpack without damaging it
Clean sweat, dirt and crumbs from your hiking backpack: safe hand washing, removable parts, drying and the checks to make before storage.
Read more... : How to clean a hiking backpack without damaging it
Tent footprints and groundsheets: choose the fit and keep rain out
Learn what a tent footprint does, why it fits inside the floor edge, how to match and pitch one, and what to check when buying or storing it.
Read more... : Tent footprints and groundsheets: choose the fit and keep rain out
Hiking socks explained: height, cushioning, materials and fit
Choose hiking socks that fit your boots: understand light and heavy cushioning, merino blends, sock height and a simple fit check before a walk.
Read more... : Hiking socks explained: height, cushioning, materials and fit
Broken tent pole: choosing and using a repair sleeve
Understand tent-pole repair sleeves, pole diameter and shock cord, then use a compatible splint and arrange a lasting repair after the trip.
Read more... : Broken tent pole: choosing and using a repair sleeve
Hiking-boot lacing: ease pressure and reduce heel movement
Learn window lacing, surgeon’s knots and toe-pressure adjustments, with plain explanations of boot fittings and when the fit itself needs changing.
Read more... : Hiking-boot lacing: ease pressure and reduce heel movement
How to find and repair a sleeping-mat puncture
Find a slow sleeping-mat leak, understand patch kits and cure times, recognise seam problems and test a used inflatable mat before camping.
Read more... : How to find and repair a sleeping-mat puncture
How to wash and reproof a waterproof jacket
Understand DWR, wetting out and waterproof membranes, then clean and restore a jacket using its care label and the correct fabric-specific method.
Read more... : How to wash and reproof a waterproof jacket
Tent pegs and guylines: choosing and checking the small parts
Understand tent pegs, guylines and tensioners, match anchors to ground conditions and check whether a used tent includes the parts you need.
Read more... : Tent pegs and guylines: choosing and checking the small parts
How to clean and dry a hiking hydration bladder
Clean a hydration bladder, hose and bite valve, dry them properly, troubleshoot cap leaks and check a used reservoir before buying.
Read more... : How to clean and dry a hiking hydration bladder
Emergency shelters for day hikes: bothy, bivvy or tarp?
Compare tents, tarps, bivvy bags and bothy shelters for day hikes. Understand capacity, thermal blankets and checks before buying used.
Read more... : Emergency shelters for day hikes: bothy, bivvy or tarp?
Hiking gaiters explained: height, fit and used-pair checks
Choose hiking gaiters by height, footwear fit and conditions. Learn what instep straps and lace hooks do, plus what to inspect on a used pair.
Read more... : Hiking gaiters explained: height, fit and used-pair checks
Camping stove basics: safe setup, fuel and pot compatibility
Learn camping stove basics: matching fuel and pots, avoiding carbon monoxide, checking used equipment and setting up a stable outdoor cooking spot.
Read more... : Camping stove basics: safe setup, fuel and pot compatibility
Drinking water on NZ walks: filters, boiling and safe refills
Understand hiking water filters, micron ratings, boiling times and safe refills, with a practical routine for streams and hut tanks.
Read more... : Drinking water on NZ walks: filters, boiling and safe refills
Personal locator beacons in NZ: registration, used buying and trip plans
Understand 406 MHz personal locator beacons, NZ registration, second-hand buying checks and how a beacon fits into a sensible hiking trip plan.
Read more... : Personal locator beacons in NZ: registration, used buying and trip plans
Headtorch ratings explained: lumens, beam distance and runtime
Learn what headtorch lumens, beam distance, runtime and IPX4 mean, with a real mode comparison and practical checks for buying a used lamp.
Read more... : Headtorch ratings explained: lumens, beam distance and runtime
Keeping hiking gear dry: pack liners, dry bags and ratings
Learn how pack liners and dry bags protect hiking gear, what waterproof ratings mean, and how to separate wet items from warm layers and electronics.
Read more... : Keeping hiking gear dry: pack liners, dry bags and ratings
How to read the weather before a New Zealand hike
Understand NZ weather watches and warnings, check a forecast for the right terrain, and turn wind, rain and cloud information into a practical hiking plan.
Read more... : How to read the weather before a New Zealand hike
How to choose second-hand camping cookware
Check used camping pots for stable bases, sound handles, coating damage and missing parts. Confirm stove compatibility and the full cost before buying.
Read more... : How to choose second-hand camping cookware
How to check a second-hand waterproof jacket
Look at a used rain jacket’s seam tape, fabric layers, zips and fit. Understand why surface water beading alone cannot prove waterproof performance.
Read more... : How to check a second-hand waterproof jacket
What to check when buying second-hand trekking poles
Inspect used trekking poles for shaft damage, slipping locks, worn tips and missing parts. Check adjustment and care instructions for the exact model.
Read more... : What to check when buying second-hand trekking poles
How to check a second-hand sleeping bag
Check a used sleeping bag’s temperature label, loft, dimensions, zip and storage history. Match the whole sleep system to your trip before buying.
Read more... : How to check a second-hand sleeping bag
How to choose a second-hand tramping pack
Check a used tramping pack’s fit, harness, fabric and missing parts before buying. A practical guide to choosing the actual pack, not just its litre rating.
Read more... : How to choose a second-hand tramping pack
How to choose a second-hand camping bed or mat
Compare fit, packed size, condition, insulation and included parts when choosing a second-hand stretcher, camping bed or sleeping mat.
Read more... : How to choose a second-hand camping bed or mat