 Off to NZ in October for 4 weeks. Amongst the tourist stuff we'll be doing lots of day walks and at least 1 tramp (Routeburn)
What size rucsac is needed for the tramps there if staying in the huts each night (not camping)? Will I be able to get away with using my daysac? Macpac Tekapo 35+ I was thinking about getting a lighter daysac anyway as the Tekapo is heavy, so can anyone recommend a daysac that is: - lightweight
- big enough for hut-to-hut walks
- sturdy enough to cope with a bit of abuse
- small enough for airline carry-on regulations or squashes down easily (so no fixed back system)
thanx PS will have my big holdall of other stuff in the car or hotel whilst doing routes
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| Edited: 27/08/09 13:28 |
 I've got the Osprey Tallon 33, and its very light (about 850gms), has a good molded "backplate" that really hugs your back, and seems a lot bigger than the claimed 33L, but packs down really thin - very minimalist yet it can carry quite a bit
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thanks Panda
has anyone done any NZ tramps with a daysac?
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I managed a 2 day and a 3 day run with everything in a 25l Kimm sack (now OMM). That was NZ in Feb this year. Managed ok but no room for 'comforts'. Much of my space was taken up with clothing in case the weather changed bad up high (to 6000ft), fairly essential though I never needed mine. Can't see needing more than 35l for up to 3 days, but most locals carry enormous sacks, but usually go much slower (could the two be linked  ?), and include books to read, changes of clothes and heaven knows what else - they looked at me very funny and were of the opinion that I was going to die. Also used the sack as 'carry on' bag for the flights. We may go back again soon, it was great  . Moley.
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cheers Matt
Just what I hoped for
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| Edited: 27/08/09 22:18 |
 It'll be fine if you are just doing the Routeburn, but if you are adding the return Greenstone or Caples you might need a bit more - or a resupply break  If you only do the Routeburn you've got a long road trip to get back to where you've started. Or not bother, and do the Kepler track from Te Anau. Have fun
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thanks Milly
we're still planning our holiday but the Routeburn is a definite
anyone been up Taranaki? is it do-able in a long day?
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I was in the area for 3 or 4 days and it never came out of cloud  Think it is achievable in summer, with a convenient starting location, but don't know if October is a bit early in the season?
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we won't get down to the south island until November - going mid Oct and have 4 weeks to enjoy it.
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watch out for 'domestic' size & weight restrictions if you're connecting in HK, auckland. and also if going through US, generous baggage in, less so going out. make sure you wash [& disinfect?] outdoor stuff, esp boots/ tent pegs. don't do any wild swimming in your togs before you go. Taranaki is doable, just, but don't forget contingency plans, weather etc. have a look at some of the trekking companies / bus tour companies - you might be able to get stuff forwarded. and the macpac clearance store is in Sydney! icebreaker one is in a little town known for its clearance shops nearish palmerston.....aha, 203 main highway, Otaki. have an excellent time!
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Hi
We went to NZ at beginning of year. We walked the Kepler track and I carried my Macpac pursuit 30(which is only 28l as I have the small back size one). But I didn't have the quantities of food and luxuries others seemed to have. Did squeeze in a book. As someone said above, a lot of people seemed to carry enormous sacks. I carried that bag full as my hand luggage too.
I also packed a very lightweight 20l sack and used that on day walks. I took it up mount taranaki. Can walk in a day(though start early) - not an easy walk. I found descending a knee killer. We also avoided all the snow - it would be more tricky if you couldn't.
Sophia
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thanks Sophia
I really don't want to bring my huge trekking sack as it will only be used for this tramp, or two.
Most of the time I'll need a daysac and my holdall is much better to use when moving around from place to place for the month. We're not bringing a tent so I think I might get away with the daysac.
I'll have a look at the OMM Jirish-thingy-me-bob 35L, Talon 33 and also look for 40L sacks that compress small too so i can bring enough kit for 3 days
If the snow is low enough we might avoid the tramps.
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oh forgot to say you can hire ruck sacks too - they were macpac or vaude 50l ones at the place in Te Anau. Was cheap to hire.
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I am now considering taking my Vaude Exped Rock 45 but its near the limit of the dimensions for cabin baggage. Bag dimensions are 56 x 32 x 20cm.
However it is the same size as my M&S suitcase which is the max cabin baggage size. It won't even be full. Sleeping bag and coat only.
We're going on Singapore airlines. Do you think I might have problems even though it is "allegedly" ok?
Singapore rules are max dimensions not to exceed 115cm.
Different airlines have different rules. Its very silly. We might do an internal flight so its another chance to fall foul of the rules
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| Edited: 29/09/09 12:42 |
I took my Vaude sack (as above) and had no problems on the flights. We even did some internal flights on little turboprops and the bag was ok.
It was just the right size for the Routeburn Track.
Thanks
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| Edited: 17/11/09 19:35 |
Just to echo the concerns about biosecurity, incoming flights are subject to a real going over. All footwear needs a dam good scrubbing and to be well dry to get through customs before you come into the country. Given the concerns about didymo (aka rocksnot) carrying a nailbrush to get the crud off as you are out in the hills is no bad idea.
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