Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Layering
Layering your clothes will trap air between layers - which is the best way to conserve body
heat - and allow you to add or remove clothing to suit conditions.
Choose your undergarments carefully as they have to deal with sweat, which in cool con-
ditions can reduce your ability to keep warm. Merino wool, polypropylene, polyester or
merino-synthetic mixes are good options; cotton is not. Ultrafine merino can be expensive
and does take longer to dry than synthetic materials, but is soft and comfortable and won't
smell even after a few days on the trail. Polypropylene and polyester are excellent at wick-
ing moisture away from the skin but they do tend to retain odours.
An insulating midlayer provides essential additional warmth; many trampers use a jersey
or jacket of pile or fleece fabric, such as Polartec, or merino wool. Avoid cotton hooded
sweatshirts, as they will not insulate when wet and take forever to dry. Also toss into your
backpack some woollen mittens and a wool or fleece hat. The body loses most of its heat
through its extremities, particularly the head.
A common and practical uniform for the track is thermal leggings under a pair of baggy
hiking shorts, giving maximum freedom of movement while providing protection from cold
weather, light rain, excessive sun, and bugs. If you prefer long trousers (pants), they should
preferably be of stretch nylon, synthetic pile or light merino, never denim.
Waterproof Shell
Your jacket should be made of a breathable waterproof fabric, with capacious pockets, a
good-quality heavy-gauge zip protected by a storm flap, and a hood roomy enough to cover
headwear but which still affords peripheral vision. Make sure the sleeves extend well down
the wrist, and that the overall body length allows you to sit down without getting a mossy
bottom.
Although restrictive, overtrousers are essential if you're tramping in wet and cold condi-
tions. Choose a style with slits for pocket access, and long ankle zips so that you can pull
them on and off over your boots.
Footwear
Many trampers now opt for lightweight nylon boots made by many sporting-shoe compan-
ies. Designed for for trail hiking, easy terrain and carrying light loads, such boots are fine
for benched tracks like the Kepler, Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone.
