Gidday mate, watching this makes me feel like I've really not prepared myself enough lol,. I've got pretty much all my things ready for when I start walking in a few more weeks. I didn't know whether a hammock or tent/bivy would be better so I got a hammock. I don't even know how high I'm ment to have my walking poles or If it matters. It's funny I've watched your journey and I watch alot it hiking and camping videos and I'm so pumped. But I'm also winging it so much and just thinking I can change things as I go. Charging my phone so I can film or stream has me buggered 😂, but I see you carried power banks so I think that's the best idea unless there's something else now. Much love thanks.
I wonder how many people actually feel prepared enough when they start a thru-hike. I know I didn't. But you'll get into the swing of it soon enough and there are plenty of places to add or change out gear as needed. I'm a little concerned with your choice of hammock. I looked into going that way a couple of years ago because I hear it provides much better sleep. The problem on the TA is that there aren't always trees to hook the hammock to. Now if you got one of those hammocks that can be set up as a tent as well, you're sweet. Standard trekking pole height wisdom is that on flat ground you want your lower arm to be level with the ground when you are holding the poles. When you go uphill, shorten the poles and when you are going downhill, lengthen them. Again, you'll find what is comfortable for you. I found I liked the poles to be a little longer than standard wisdom. I carried two 10,000ma batteries but only really needed the second when I was in the Richmonds. Again, play around with it and by the first week or so, you'll have an idea of what you need. Go well, my friend! I'm jealous of you getting to hike the TA this year!
@freedom_on_the_trail +not quite doing the TA mate.. more so all over New Zealand and just parts of the TA when I'm in that area.. I want to see the entire country at my own pace.. This Definitely gives me alot of good advice so thanks so much. I'm doing the TA from Te kuiti to Tauramani then going to new plymouth, then to gisborne, up the east cape, then making My way to whatever after that lol. Than hititng the south island. I've given myself no real time limit. You've definitely been a huge inspiration to my massive journey. Also think I'll take a bivy tent or something to, My friend in the south was like bro take a hammock so me been a noob brought a hammock lol
@@UrbanKiwiana Ah, got it. That sounds like a fantastic trip! You're going to be the inspiration!! Hammock may be ok then if you're careful about where you'll be stopping. Like I said, I've heard it is a much more comfortable option.
@freedom_on_the_trail +Thank you mate, hopefully my friend I really want to motivate and inspire people and show you don't need alot of money to do it. Also trying to always inspire my family to get off their screens. So knowing my Nephews and Neices look upto me I thought what better way then to show them. Hopefully it works out with my hammock I haven't had a chance to even set it up yet let along pack my bag and go on a trail walk, Been so busy these last few weeks
Thanks, Robin. I just finished your videos today. I loved day 161 when you got to the top of that hill after Merrivale and pointed out Bluff for the first time. It felt like it was probably a pretty emotional spot.
Seeing bluff and knowing that my feet had brought me there was awesome. Many times things got emotional but I thought it would be stupid showing those moments on UA-cam.
Yeah, it can be a bit of an issue to put too much of yourself out on YT. I’ve show some of my hiking mistakes in the past and got raked over the coals a couple of times for it. Some people see emotion and honesty as a weakness and feel they need to kick you a bit more while you’re down.
I hope you plan to upload your journey as you go!! Dying to follow TA journeys. I’m local to the TA near Mercer. Let me know if you need anything around this area
Hi there Kurt, Am having a ball watching all of your Te Araroa films as I’m hoping to walk the South Island in 2026. Am curious to hear how you’ve found the magnesium drops? I’m also of a similar age & am interested in finding out more. Am based in Brissie. Are they an online purchase? Good luck with your remaining sections 🤗
I used them for a while. Easy enough to buy at Health 2000, although there aren’t a lot of them on the South Island. I’ve gone to using Boost Mag from Healtheries. They come in a tube and are usually found at grocery stores
I’ll be starting in Cape Reinga. I’m disappointed the first leg down to Twighlight Beach is closed and that there are virtually no viable options to start the trek from the lighthouse. I’ll catch a lift to a spot just below Twighlight Beach and then possibly go back up at the end of the journey to get that first section done. Trail closures are becoming more of a thing around the world these days. We just have to adapt and move on. Have a great time this year doing all your planning and training!
@@mikemurtha1333I’ll get my first changeover in Hamilton. Then near the end of the North Island. I haven’t figured out where I’ll get the final pair yet. Somewhere on the South Island. Im budgeting each pair to last me around 800 kms.
@@OutdoorsmanDave I appreciate that generous offer but I think I’m supposed to have feet on the trail to get credit for doing it. 😏. I’ve downloaded LumaFusion onto my iPhone and will do editing with that. Save the videos as files and then when I have wifi in towns, I’ll upload them.
What temp rating was your EE quilt? I’m interested to see how your xmid fares with the nz weather, wind and rain, condensation. I have a 1p pro and hiked the Colorado Trail this year, unless I had both doors open it had condensation frequently, but the weight and space inside is great. Great load out. Have a super tramp and hope for a better summer this year for you.
I got the EE Enigma rated to 20f but then I had a bit more added so it sleeps warmer than that. I’m a cold sleeper so I wanted the extra bit. So far the xmid pro has done great. It’s been warm and dry and I’ve had at least one fly open every night I’ve used it. I expect condensation when I use it but I’m willing to put up with that for the weight savings
They are Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Gloves. You can get them from their US website, or here in NZ, you get get them from the Further Faster website.
Hi Kurt, how have you found charging two 10000mAh power banks as opposed to purchasing one 20000mAh unit? Some through hikers suggest there is a lot of competition for power points and they have been held up getting back on trail.
I haven’t found any problems recharging when I needed to. I have twice had one of the power banks get turned on in my backpack and get drained. But having a second power bank meant I still had charging capabilities.
Gidday mate, watching this makes me feel like I've really not prepared myself enough lol,.
I've got pretty much all my things ready for when I start walking in a few more weeks.
I didn't know whether a hammock or tent/bivy would be better so I got a hammock.
I don't even know how high I'm ment to have my walking poles or If it matters.
It's funny I've watched your journey and I watch alot it hiking and camping videos and I'm so pumped.
But I'm also winging it so much and just thinking I can change things as I go.
Charging my phone so I can film or stream has me buggered 😂, but I see you carried power banks so I think that's the best idea unless there's something else now.
Much love thanks.
I wonder how many people actually feel prepared enough when they start a thru-hike. I know I didn't. But you'll get into the swing of it soon enough and there are plenty of places to add or change out gear as needed.
I'm a little concerned with your choice of hammock. I looked into going that way a couple of years ago because I hear it provides much better sleep. The problem on the TA is that there aren't always trees to hook the hammock to. Now if you got one of those hammocks that can be set up as a tent as well, you're sweet.
Standard trekking pole height wisdom is that on flat ground you want your lower arm to be level with the ground when you are holding the poles. When you go uphill, shorten the poles and when you are going downhill, lengthen them. Again, you'll find what is comfortable for you. I found I liked the poles to be a little longer than standard wisdom.
I carried two 10,000ma batteries but only really needed the second when I was in the Richmonds. Again, play around with it and by the first week or so, you'll have an idea of what you need.
Go well, my friend! I'm jealous of you getting to hike the TA this year!
@freedom_on_the_trail +not quite doing the TA mate.. more so all over New Zealand and just parts of the TA when I'm in that area..
I want to see the entire country at my own pace..
This Definitely gives me alot of good advice so thanks so much.
I'm doing the TA from Te kuiti to Tauramani then going to new plymouth, then to gisborne, up the east cape, then making
My way to whatever after that lol.
Than hititng the south island.
I've given myself no real time limit.
You've definitely been a huge inspiration to my massive journey.
Also think I'll take a bivy tent or something to,
My friend in the south was like bro take a hammock so me been a noob brought a hammock lol
@@UrbanKiwiana Ah, got it. That sounds like a fantastic trip! You're going to be the inspiration!! Hammock may be ok then if you're careful about where you'll be stopping. Like I said, I've heard it is a much more comfortable option.
@freedom_on_the_trail +Thank you mate, hopefully my friend I really want to motivate and inspire people and show you don't need alot of money to do it.
Also trying to always inspire my family to get off their screens. So knowing my Nephews and Neices look upto me I thought what better way then to show them.
Hopefully it works out with my hammock I haven't had a chance to even set it up yet let along pack my bag and go on a trail walk,
Been so busy these last few weeks
Very well prepared list.
You will see a diverse range of gear out there.
Good luck. Remember to take one step at a time and repeat.
Thanks, Robin. I just finished your videos today. I loved day 161 when you got to the top of that hill after Merrivale and pointed out Bluff for the first time. It felt like it was probably a pretty emotional spot.
Seeing bluff and knowing that my feet had brought me there was awesome.
Many times things got emotional but I thought it would be stupid showing those moments on UA-cam.
Yeah, it can be a bit of an issue to put too much of yourself out on YT. I’ve show some of my hiking mistakes in the past and got raked over the coals a couple of times for it. Some people see emotion and honesty as a weakness and feel they need to kick you a bit more while you’re down.
I hope you plan to upload your journey as you go!! Dying to follow TA journeys. I’m local to the TA near Mercer. Let me know if you need anything around this area
Thanks so much for the offer. I’ll add that to my list of trail angel offers. I will be posting videos daily once I get going
@@freedom_on_the_trailwhen do you start?
Hopefully the weather starts to settle for you
@@pj3635I’ll be starting at Cape Reinga. But since the first leg is closed, I’ll catch a ride and actually start at Te Paki Stream
good luck on your trip 👍
Thanks so much for that, Arian. Great to have you along
You can also buy the repellent at countdown
Good to know. I’m guessing it’s going to be easier to obtain based on the popularity of it on the Trail.
@@freedom_on_the_trail makes sense ❤️
Hi there Kurt,
Am having a ball watching all of your Te Araroa films as I’m hoping to walk the South Island in 2026.
Am curious to hear how you’ve found the magnesium drops? I’m also of a similar age & am interested in finding out more. Am based in Brissie. Are they an online purchase?
Good luck with your remaining sections 🤗
I used them for a while. Easy enough to buy at Health 2000, although there aren’t a lot of them on the South Island. I’ve gone to using Boost Mag from Healtheries. They come in a tube and are usually found at grocery stores
Good luck for your hike, when do you start?. I hope to be there about this time next year. The above video on your gear was great and really helpful.
I’ll be starting in Cape Reinga. I’m disappointed the first leg down to Twighlight Beach is closed and that there are virtually no viable options to start the trek from the lighthouse. I’ll catch a lift to a spot just below Twighlight Beach and then possibly go back up at the end of the journey to get that first section done. Trail closures are becoming more of a thing around the world these days. We just have to adapt and move on. Have a great time this year doing all your planning and training!
In your video you mentioned you had purchased 4 pairs of the topo shoes. Which Cities/ towns are you forwarding them to?
@@mikemurtha1333I’ll get my first changeover in Hamilton. Then near the end of the North Island. I haven’t figured out where I’ll get the final pair yet. Somewhere on the South Island. Im budgeting each pair to last me around 800 kms.
Great video bud, 9-14kg pack is awesome, like that cnoc bladder. The only thing missing is….me!
Thanks for that, OD. Wish you could come but I think even if we folded you down real small, there wouldn’t be room in my pack for you. Sorry. 😂
@@freedom_on_the_trail You know I’d try and carry you! How are you going to edit and post on route?
@@OutdoorsmanDave I appreciate that generous offer but I think I’m supposed to have feet on the trail to get credit for doing it. 😏. I’ve downloaded LumaFusion onto my iPhone and will do editing with that. Save the videos as files and then when I have wifi in towns, I’ll upload them.
What temp rating was your EE quilt?
I’m interested to see how your xmid fares with the nz weather, wind and rain, condensation. I have a 1p pro and hiked the Colorado Trail this year, unless I had both doors open it had condensation frequently, but the weight and space inside is great.
Great load out. Have a super tramp and hope for a better summer this year for you.
I got the EE Enigma rated to 20f but then I had a bit more added so it sleeps warmer than that. I’m a cold sleeper so I wanted the extra bit. So far the xmid pro has done great. It’s been warm and dry and I’ve had at least one fly open every night I’ve used it. I expect condensation when I use it but I’m willing to put up with that for the weight savings
Where do you get those gloves with rain cover? Thanks
They are Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Gloves. You can get them from their US website, or here in NZ, you get get them from the Further Faster website.
Hi Kurt, how have you found charging two 10000mAh power banks as opposed to purchasing one 20000mAh unit? Some through hikers suggest there is a lot of competition for power points and they have been held up getting back on trail.
I haven’t found any problems recharging when I needed to. I have twice had one of the power banks get turned on in my backpack and get drained. But having a second power bank meant I still had charging capabilities.