Jonty Crane is the host of ‘The Tramping Life’ podcast. His gear has had as much use in the Himalaya, Hong Kong and Timor-Leste as in New Zealand. After two years volunteering in Timor-Leste and Fiji, he is looking forward to returning to the backcountry. His pack base weight is 10kg - this is what he packs.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Shortcut to the best parts of the Paparoa Track using this track.
Quiz
Which NZ animal conservation organisation was launched in 2015?
A: Wildlife Action Foundation
B: Endangered Species Organisation
C: Habitat Guardians Trust
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
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Gear review: Kathmandu XT Series Cordura 3L
Fastpackers, casual trampers and thru-hikers will all find appeal in these light, comfortable and convenient pants that stand up to rain, but technical users might wish for a trimmer fit. Gear editor, Mark Watson, puts these pants to the test to give us a full review.
Current Issue - September 2026 Great Walks special issue
Get a free gear Checklist printed on 250gsm card with the September Great Walks special issue. Also inside, Which Great Walk is right for you, tips and advice from those who have done them, plus the birds and plants to spot on your Great Walk adventure.
The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -3°/5°
|
 -2°/4°
|
 -2°/2°
|
 -2°/1°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
2°/9°
|
 3°/9°
|
 7°/9°
|
8°/10°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
2°/10°
|
3°/9°
|
5°/9°
|
5°/10°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
-5°/4°
|
-4°/3°
|
-1°/4°
|
-3°/-1°
|
| Brewster Hut |
-3°/6°
|
 -0°/2°
|
0°/4°
|
-2°/1°
|
| Cape Reinga |
9°/14°
|
10°/15°
|
11°/15°
|
12°/15°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
1°/14°
|
4°/15°
|
7°/15°
|
 9°/14°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
-3°/1°
|
-3°/3°
|
-5°/5°
|
0°/6°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
-1°/7°
|
 1°/4°
|
4°/6°
|
-0°/2°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
6°/11°
|
9°/12°
|
10°/13°
|
12°/13°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
-1°/8°
|
3°/9°
|
4°/9°
|
 6°/9°
|
| Mueller Hut |
1°/6°
|
-0°/3°
|
-0°/2°
|
-2°/1°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
2°/10°
|
5°/11°
|
6°/11°
|
7°/11°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
1°/6°
|
2°/5°
|
 3°/6°
|
3°/6°
|
| Powell Hut |
-0°/5°
|
1°/6°
|
3°/6°
|
3°/6°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
-1°/12°
|
1°/12°
|
2°/9°
|
4°/8°
|
| Roys Peak |
-6°/4°
|
-3°/5°
|
-3°/6°
|
 -2°/0°
|
| Tongariro VC |
-1°/8°
|
0°/7°
|
2°/6°
|
2°/5°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
2°/11°
|
5°/12°
|
7°/12°
|
7°/13°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
-1°/7°
|
0°/12°
|
4°/11°
|
3°/7°
|
Report created on 20 Aug, 2026 at 7:05am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
Quiz
Answer B - Endangered Species Organisation
The Endangered Species Organisation was established in 2015. It is a charitable trust that aims to protect NZ’s rarest animals through mobilising movements and supporting conservation projects to ensure biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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