Phil’s trusty kit through the ages. Photo: John Wheadon
Browsing the flash and modern gear in each issue of Wilderness has prompted Phil Andrews, to look back on his most memorable pieces of kit from a lifetime of tramping and camping.
The gear of the past may have been less sophisticated by today's standards, but according to Phil, it was never about the kit. It was "about the pleasure of being outdoors in the company of good mates".
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Drawing on inspiration from historic female climbers, Hazel Phillips tramps the legendary Three Passes route solo.
Quiz
You are at Daphne Hut and heading to Howletts Hut. What is the height difference you travel?
A - 740m down
B - 740m up
C - 780m up
D - 765m up
E - 565m up
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Gear review: the bag with fuss-free temperature regulation
The comfort factor of this bag will suit trampers who prefer a roomy, less-restrictive bag, and it’s ideal for larger people and side-sleepers.
It’s cleverly adaptable for a variety of temperatures, with enough insulation for confident three-season use but most suitable below the bushline during the coldest months.
Current Issue - May 2026
Trips with mum, visit the new Brass Monkey Hut on the Lewis Pass tops, two Wilderness gear experts explain why they're bucking the ultralight trend, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
The weekend weather at a park near you…
Looks like near perfect weather up and down the country. Lace up the boots and get out there!
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -0°/9°
|
0°/8°
|
-2°/7°
|
-3°/6°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
3°/14°
|
3°/14°
|
2°/12°
|
2°/11°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
3°/13°
|
2°/12°
|
1°/12°
|
2°/12°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
-3°/7°
|
-4°/6°
|
-6°/5°
|
-5°/4°
|
| Brewster Hut |
-0°/10°
|
-1°/9°
|
-3°/8°
|
-3°/6°
|
| Cape Reinga |
 14°/18°
|
13°/17°
|
13°/18°
|
13°/17°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
6°/15°
|
5°/16°
|
5°/16°
|
4°/15°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
 -0°/3°
|
-2°/3°
|
-3°/4°
|
 -1°/3°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
1°/11°
|
-1°/9°
|
-1°/9°
|
-1°/6°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
12°/14°
|
11°/14°
|
12°/15°
|
14°/15°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
3°/10°
|
2°/11°
|
1°/11°
|
-2°/10°
|
| Mueller Hut |
4°/10°
|
5°/10°
|
5°/9°
|
5°/9°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
6°/11°
|
5°/12°
|
5°/12°
|
4°/11°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
2°/9°
|
1°/9°
|
0°/9°
|
-0°/7°
|
| Powell Hut |
2°/5°
|
1°/6°
|
1°/5°
|
 2°/5°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
1°/15°
|
-0°/15°
|
-1°/13°
|
-1°/12°
|
| Roys Peak |
-2°/8°
|
-4°/7°
|
-5°/6°
|
-3°/5°
|
| Tongariro VC |
1°/11°
|
-0°/12°
|
-0°/12°
|
1°/9°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
6°/13°
|
5°/13°
|
4°/13°
|
3°/13°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
3°/13°
|
1°/9°
|
-1°/10°
|
-0°/9°
|
Report created on 14 May, 2026 at 06:26am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
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Quiz
Answer B - 740m up
Daphne Hut is at 600m and Howletts Hut is at 1340m. The height difference is: 1340 - 600 = 740m.
Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.
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