Did you know your sleeping bag is only as good as the mattress you’re lying on? Without something to insulate you from the ground, all the goose down in the world won’t be able to keep you warm on the underside.
Choosing a mattress to suit your needs can be a daunting task. But we make it simple with our 2026 buyer’s guide to sleeping mats.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Don’t be foolish, take a look at the latest outdoor news like a dirt bike trial on Tongariro Northern Circuit gets approval, DOC to remove navigational signs in new ‘back to basics’ initiative, record broken for longest time spent ‘just five minutes away’.
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Delicious, convenient, and ready wherever the adventure takes you.
Quiz
Preparation for crossing a river using the mutual support method includes:
A - Having all buckles done up and straps tight.
B - Undoing the breast strap, keeping other buckles done up, and straps tight.
C - Undoing the waist belt, keeping other buckles done up, and straps tight.
D - Undoing the breast strap, loosening the shoulder straps, and keeping the waist belt done up.
E - Undoing the breast strap and waist belt, loosening the shoulder straps.
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
GEAR REVIEW: An efficient and adaptable gravity water filter system to suit your backcountry adventures.
Gear editor Mark Watson takes this ultralight and easy-to-use gravity water filtration system out on a field test. He found that the capacity and efficiency of this well-designed system is ideal for two people, individuals in water-scarce areas, or any time you want the benefit of up to 3L carrying capacity with the durable reservoir.
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!
Get your WildCard!
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The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 3°/12°
|
 3°/9°
|
 5°/8°
|
4°/6°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
8°/21°
|
 10°/16°
|
 11°/15°
|
6°/9°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
7°/18°
|
8°/14°
|
11°/14°
|
 9°/11°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
2°/13°
|
 3°/10°
|
2°/6°
|
-0°/5°
|
| Brewster Hut |
3°/12°
|
5°/7°
|
5°/8°
|
3°/6°
|
| Cape Reinga |
16°/21°
|
16°/21°
|
17°/21°
|
17°/21°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
12°/19°
|
11°/20°
|
10°/19°
|
13°/19°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
0°/11°
|
2°/12°
|
2°/13°
|
3°/11°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
6°/11°
|
7°/8°
|
4°/9°
|
1°/9°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
15°/17°
|
14°/18°
|
14°/18°
|
17°/18°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
7°/15°
|
7°/15°
|
4°/15°
|
7°/15°
|
| Mueller Hut |
8°/11°
|
6°/9°
|
6°/9°
|
 2°/4°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
10°/15°
|
10°/16°
|
9°/16°
|
10°/16°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
5°/13°
|
5°/12°
|
5°/11°
|
5°/13°
|
| Powell Hut |
2°/14°
|
5°/12°
|
8°/11°
|
6°/11°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
6°/21°
|
7°/18°
|
10°/17°
|
10°/13°
|
| Roys Peak |
2°/15°
|
4°/11°
|
3°/8°
|
2°/5°
|
| Tongariro VC |
4°/16°
|
5°/15°
|
6°/14°
|
7°/14°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
11°/17°
|
10°/17°
|
9°/17°
|
12°/17°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
8°/19°
|
8°/17°
|
7°/14°
|
6°/8°
|
Report created on 02 April, 2026 at 07:08am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
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Quiz
Answer D - Undoing the breast strap, loosening the shoulder straps, and keeping the waist belt done up.
The breast strap should be undone as it contributes little to pack stability. If you did get swept off your feet, having the breast strap undone makes it easier to get out of the pack if you become caught in something.
The waist belt should be done up, but make sure the buckle can be released quickly and easily. Having the waist belt done up keeps the pack on you in a more stable manner.
The shoulder straps should be loosened to allow the person beside you to more easily pass their arm between your back and your pack.
Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.
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