Testing the new buff Nano Puff
Patagonia has beefed up its classic puff jacket with heavier insulation and tougher fabrics. The result? The Nano Puff's new burly sibling: the Hi-Loft Nano Puff Hoody.
Gear reviewer Chris Williams test drove this new take on a classic piece of kit in this month's Unpacked article.
Plus: A new ultralight quilt, a high-traction trail shoe that's turning heads and a competitor to Garmin's InReach enters the market. Gear editor Mark Watson breaks down why these new pieces of gear caught his eye this month.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We got stuck into the changes coming the most brutal section of Te Araroa.
Quiz
Ventilation is required when cooking on gas stoves in a hut to avoid being poisoned by:
A - Carbon monoxide released during normal cooking.
B - Carbon dioxide released during normal cooking.
C - Butane fuel released during normal cooking.
D - Butane fuel if the canister leaks during cooking.
E - Carbon monoxide if the canister leaks during cooking.
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
SKILLS CHECK: The expert halo
Play the veto card if you think the situation needs more consideration or discussion. Photo: Neco Wieringa
Most trampers have been in a group that has a perceived leader who, if not calling the shots, is influencing them. It’s common to assume our peers know more than we do about certain topics, until proven otherwise.
Having a leader in a group can be a good thing, but don’t let the ‘expert halo’ outshine reason when making key safety decisions.
Current Issue - April 2026
Should you go NOBO or SOBO on TA, enter the Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition, why autumn is the season for Queen Charlotte Track, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 6°/13°
|
 6°/11°
|
5°/13°
|
 4°/12°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
9°/21°
|
9°/17°
|
9°/21°
|
9°/20°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
9°/19°
|
9°/17°
|
9°/19°
|
10°/18°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
 0°/15°
|
2°/13°
|
1°/14°
|
1°/13°
|
| Brewster Hut |
4°/14°
|
3°/14°
|
4°/14°
|
4°/13°
|
| Cape Reinga |
17°/21°
|
17°/21°
|
16°/21°
|
17°/22°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
12°/23°
|
12°/23°
|
13°/22°
|
12°/21°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
6°/8°
|
4°/10°
|
4°/11°
|
2°/11°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
4°/13°
|
6°/15°
|
5°/14°
|
5°/14°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
15°/20°
|
15°/20°
|
15°/20°
|
18°/18°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
9°/19°
|
8°/18°
|
7°/18°
|
5°/18°
|
| Mueller Hut |
6°/11°
|
5°/9°
|
7°/11°
|
7°/11°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
11°/18°
|
11°/20°
|
11°/18°
|
10°/17°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
8°/15°
|
8°/15°
|
7°/15°
|
5°/15°
|
| Powell Hut |
 8°/12°
|
6°/13°
|
5°/13°
|
2°/14°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
11°/21°
|
10°/19°
|
10°/20°
|
10°/20°
|
| Roys Peak |
0°/17°
|
1°/14°
|
3°/16°
|
3°/14°
|
| Tongariro VC |
8°/17°
|
7°/17°
|
7°/17°
|
5°/17°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
11°/20°
|
11°/21°
|
12°/19°
|
12°/18°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
4°/18°
|
9°/11°
|
5°/17°
|
8°/15°
|
Report created on 19 March, 2026 at 07:13am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
Featured Book
Te Araroa – Walking NZ’s 3000km Trail (Updated Edition)
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Quiz
Answer A - Carbon monoxide released during normal cooking.
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. It is formed as the gas heats up and cooks the food. It is odourless and tasteless, so you are not aware of it building up. It makes the victim sleepy, so they often fall asleep while the gas is on, allowing levels to continue building up.
Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.
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