Gear Review Te Araroa ZPacks

Review – Rain Jacket – ZPacks Challenger (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Wet Weather Jacket – Zpacks Cubin Fibre Challenger Jacket                  Hood was always work over a cap.            Sleeves up was how I wore this most of the time Rating: 8/10 Good: Light, comfortable, good ventilation Bad: Zip Leaked slightly Description: Constructed from 1.62 oz/sqyd Waterproof Breathable Cuben FiberContinue Reading “Review – Rain Jacket – ZPacks Challenger (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)”

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Review – Shoes – Solomon XA Pro 3D Trail (review Feb 15)

Shoes – Solomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes Rating: 5/10 Good: Comfortable Bad: Innersoles lasted 3 days, 200 km holes appeared, 400 km upper completely ripped Comments: I purchased these shoes in Auckland as they are more cushioned and I thought they would be more comfortable for the road walking. They were comfortable and the very first dayContinue Reading “Review – Shoes – Solomon XA Pro 3D Trail (review Feb 15)”

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Review – Groundsheet – Window Insulation Film (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Groundsheet – Window Insulation Film Rating: 10/10 Good: Light, strong, waterproof Bad: nil Weight: 31 g Description: Window Insulation Film which is a clear lightweight plastic (Polycro) that is really tough and puncture resistant. Sold in New Zealand in all Hardware stores for $25-30. The length was perfect for my tent and I cut to fit the tent floor +Continue Reading “Review – Groundsheet – Window Insulation Film (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)”

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Review – Camera – Panasonic Lumix TS5 Waterproof and Shockproof (Review feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Camera – Panasonic Lumix TS5 Waterproof and Shockproof Rating: 9/10 Weight: – 214 g Good: Tough, easy to use, good battery life, great photos, wifi to transfer photos or use mobile phone as remote. Bad: Heavier than other cameras Description: 16.1 MP, waterproof to 13 meters, shockproof to 2 meters Comments: I have had this camera for a year and itContinue Reading “Review – Camera – Panasonic Lumix TS5 Waterproof and Shockproof (Review feb 15, updated Dec 17)”

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Review – Phone and Applications – Samsung S3 (review Feb 15)

Phone – Samsung S3 Mini Rating: 10/10 Weight: 112 g Good: Reliable, easy to use Bad: Not waterproof but the case I used was Comments: Good phone that did everything I needed. I put a 128 gb micro SD card in so I could back up all of my photos onto my phone and had all of my files andContinue Reading “Review – Phone and Applications – Samsung S3 (review Feb 15)”

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Review – Torch – Petzl Elite + (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Torch – Petzl Elite + Headtorch Rating: 10/10 Good: Light, wide range of functions, good battery life Bad: Nil Weight: 29 g Comments: At the start of the TA I had this torch for 9 years already, having have used it in all sorts of conditions with the most brutal being during Adventure Racing. It is an LED headtorch butContinue Reading “Review – Torch – Petzl Elite + (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)”

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Review – Water Bottle – Platypus 500ml and 2 Liter (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Water bottles – 2 x Platypus 500ml with sports top and Platypus 2 litre with normal top      500 ml old style plastic                     2 litre softer plastic Rating: 10/10 Weight: each 500ml bottle 25g, 2 litre 39g Description: Collapsable plastic water bottle. 500 ml bottle 2 litre bottleContinue Reading “Review – Water Bottle – Platypus 500ml and 2 Liter (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)”

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Review – Water Filter – Saywer Mini (review Feb 15)

Water Filter – Sawyer Mini  Rating: 10/10 Weight: 54g Good: Size, ease of use Bad: Nil Description: The Sawyer MINI Water Filter is rated to 0.1 micron absolute, weighs only 2 ounces, and filters up to 100,000 gallons. The MINI can be attached to the included collapsible drinking pouch, inline on a hydration pack, on a standard soda bottle. TheContinue Reading “Review – Water Filter – Saywer Mini (review Feb 15)”