post thru-hike gear wrapup: Leki Micro Vario Ti Cor-Tec pole

Gusts were at “extreme gale” in exposed areas and squally showers blew sideways the day I crossed Nelson Lakes National Park’s Traverse Saddle in New Zealand’s South Island. I made it to the top with enough clear sky to shoot a selfie even if I was barely able to stand. Going down, per usual, was […]
…and we have a winner!

TA video: ready or not…

The Blissful Hiker Alison Young packs ultralight gear to ready to go to New Zealand.
Hammock Gear Burrow quilt review

A quilt opens beneath you and puts the down feathers on top. where you need them.
Soto Amicus review

I had 25 ounces at a rolling boil on my 3 ounce stove in about 4 minutes.
gear list for the Te Araroa

The Blissful Hiker’s packed weight for 5 months on the Te Araroa is under 15 pounds.
Thru-hike prep with visual aids

In Silent-Film-style, the Blissful Hiker sets the “alicoop” and finally crawls in for a little shut eye.
The little light that could

The Black Diamond Spot is only 3 ounces with loads of functionality, but I can never remember the steps.
Leki Micro Vario Ti Cor-tec review

I swear by foldable, bomb-proof Leki trekking poles to keep me upright.
Tarptent Notch Li partial solid w/silnylon floor review

Set up is a snap for my ultralight and rugged tarptent, named the”alicoop” by followers.