Malaysia’s government is tightening hiking rules after “compressed hikes”, a social media trend promoting fastpacking style hiking, have led to an increased number of adventurers needing rescue in remote locations.

The new measures include making guides mandatory in 189 high-risk locations, strengthening pre-climb screening measures and banning some compressed hikes.

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noy, the deputy minister of natural resources and environmental sustainability, said the government was also strengthening pre-climb screening measures by requiring health declarations, medical history checks and insurance coverage.

Also in this week’s outdoor news: Underground counters lose track of who's visiting nature, hikers escape from erupting volcano as trip becomes unforgettable adventure and more!

Missed yesterday’s feature? Pack shakedown: See this podcaster's 10kg gear list for trips in Aotearoa and abroad.

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

A series of events led by experienced mountain guides aims to make avalanche awareness more accessible in Canterbury.

Hosted by Ōtautahi outdoor retailer Further Faster, the ‘State of the Snowpack’ series will feature local snow professionals who will examine what’s happening in the mountains around Craigieburn, Arthur’s Pass and other Canterbury ranges.

The second event in the series will be held on August 26 (get the details)

The events are ticketed, with all money raised going directly to Alpine Rescue Canterbury and Protect Our Winters New Zealand.

Situated near the bushline high on the steep slopes of Mt Rintoul, this hut makes many Te Araroa walkers’ list of favourites. In clear weather there is a panoramic view of Tasman Bay across to Kahurangi National Park, while by night the lights of Waimea Valley sparkle below.

The hut is a six-bunk was built in 1966 by the New Zealand Forest Service, one of many SF70 huts built in this era. It was upgraded in 1997.

We featured this hut as one of our 25 huts to visit in 2025.

The hut has also appeared in other Wilderness articles like Shaun Barnett’s 2020 article ‘Peak-Hoping in the Richmonds,‘ where he says, “After a day on the snowy tops, Mt Rintoul Hut proved another haven of warmth.”

And in Katrina Megget’s 2022 article ‘Sleeping High’ they had the following to say, “Light and cosy, and I instantly made it my home. Late into the night, I ventured outside. Stars were like diamonds beside a sliver of gleaming moon. Back in bed, on the top bunk, I looked out the windows. The lights of Richmond quivered in the distance. A Friday night, people partying, lipstick and heels. Here I was, unwashed and skanky – and on top of the world.”

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