Winter Hiking Gear

Winter Hiking Gear Buying Guide for New Zealand Conditions

New Zealand winter conditions can change quickly, particularly above the bush line. Select your winter hiking gear according to the expected snow, ice, slope angle, exposure and overnight temperature. Equipment intended for an occasional frozen patch may not be suitable for extended alpine travel.

Choosing Traction for Snow and Ice

The range includes several levels of foot traction. The right option depends on whether ice is unexpected, likely or present across much of the route.

• Microspikes: Suitable as lightweight backup traction for short, unexpected icy patches. They are not intended for routes where prolonged snow or ice is expected.
• Flexible 18-tooth crampons: A lightweight option for brief crossings and occasional icy sections. Their flexible construction suits a wide range of hiking shoes and boots, but they are not intended for steep or demanding alpine terrain.
• 10-tooth adjustable crampons: A more substantial choice when snow or ice is expected. They offer a rigid platform while keeping weight lower than the larger 12-tooth and Hardcore models.
• 12-tooth adjustable crampons: Suitable when firmer grip and longer spikes are required for extended frozen surfaces. They provide an intermediate option between the lighter 10-tooth model and the heavier Hardcore crampons.
• Vuno Hardcore 18-tooth crampons: Designed for prolonged firm snow, harder ice and steeper frozen terrain. Their rigid manganese steel frame, 5.5cm front spikes and additional side spikes prioritise traction over low pack weight.

Tooth count alone does not determine how a crampon should be used. The flexible 18-tooth models are lightweight traction aids, while the Vuno Hardcore 18-tooth model has a rigid steel frame and much longer spikes.

When an Ice Axe May Be Required

An ice axe may be needed on alpine routes involving steep snow, exposed traverses or slopes where a fall must be stopped. It should only be carried by someone trained to use it correctly. Crampons and an ice axe do not replace alpine experience, avalanche assessment or route planning.

Selecting a Four-Season Tent

The four-season tents in this range include snow skirts and full-coverage outer flies for colder, wetter and more exposed camps. Select the capacity according to the number of occupants and the weight you can comfortably carry.

• One-person tent: The lightest option at approximately 1.9kg, suited to solo winter tramping and compact campsites.
• Two-person tent: Provides additional sleeping and storage room at approximately 2.7kg.
• Three-person tent: Offers more internal space for a larger group or two people carrying bulky winter equipment, with a weight of approximately 3.2kg.

A snow skirt can be secured with snow to reduce draughts and blowing spindrift. However, ventilation should remain open where conditions allow because condensation can quickly build inside a winter tent.

Adding Warmth to Your Sleeping System

A warm sleeping system should reduce heat loss both below and above you. The tent insulation liners add a reflective layer beneath your sleeping mat and are available in widths suited to different tent floors. They should be used with a suitable sleeping mat rather than as a replacement for one.

A fleece sleeping bag liner adds another layer of warmth and comfort inside your sleeping bag. It also helps keep the main bag cleaner. A liner does not replace a sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating for the expected overnight conditions.

Keeping Essential Equipment Dry

The 70-litre waterproof pack liner provides internal protection for sleeping gear, spare clothing and other items that must remain dry. This is particularly useful during wet New Zealand winters, when a pack cover may not prevent water entering around shoulder straps, seams and the back panel.

Prepare Before Entering Winter Terrain

Test crampons with the exact footwear you plan to use and practise fitting them before leaving home. Check the route, weather, daylight hours and avalanche conditions before every trip. Advanced winter routes may require additional equipment, specialist training and experience beyond the products included on this page.