Kia ora Kurt ... again, really informative, and useful stuff to know. Thanks for sharing, and being so generous to pass on your experience, as I'm sure, so many people are appreciating it, and helping them consider and plan their hikoi. Kia ora.

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

Pay it forward, right? I learned so much from others who have done this. Just happy to pass on what I learned.

Thank you so much Kurt for the review super informative. Just checking if the goodbye sandfly spray is found easily in the town Can’t wait for the video editing review

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

I ordered mine directly from them. I have found it in Torpedo7 as well. I saw it in other places along the way too. A couple of things to consider. (1) I don’t think I really needed it on the North Island except coming out of the Tararuas. So you have some time to find it before you need it. (2) one bottle lasted me the entire hike because I covered up arms legs and feet most of the time at camp. I used it mainly on my hands and face.

Once again a great helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to do all of these.

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

3000km is a good field test ☺️

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

Indeed it is!

I am loving these gear chats Kurt. Can’t wait for the video episode. Are you able to include how the go pro connects to the frame and yourself for newbies like me?

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

Yes. That info is on the editing video that will come out next week

Thanks Kurt, hope you don’t mind a couple more questions from me? 1. Are the Versa flow water filters readily available in New Zealand? It looks like you replace the whole unit not the filter? I have seen mixed reviews on Sawyer & Katadyn, do you have an opinion on these? 2. What model is your Garmin watch? 3. You used less than 2 Jetboil canisters, were they 100g or 230g canisters?

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the questions. Happy to answer: 1. I could not find them in NZ. Had to order from the States. Only took a week to get it and pretty reasonable even with the shipping. I did find a place in Australia that had them, but they were out of stock. And you do change the whole unit, but the whole unit is basically the filter. Sawyer is the most popular. I have a concern about the little o rings they use. They fall out easily, so get extras if you go this way. I saw lots of people with Katadyn too. I’ve seen mixed reports on YT but didn’t see anyone having problems with them in the trail. 2. Fenix 6x pro 3. They were the 230g canisters

@rayperry1763

3 ай бұрын

@@freedom_on_the_trail thanks, the versa flow supplier in Australia is 30 minutes down the road from my place 👍. I will go in the next couple of days and get some. Happy to grab one for you and mail it in appreciation for all your responses to my questions. Not sure how we exchange details privately off the public forum though? Really looking forward to the video on video’s next week. I thought my 2024-2025 TA attempt was a no go due to job issues but there is a “ glimmer of hope” for me again 🤞🤞🤞🤞

@freedom_on_the_trail

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for that kind offer. The filter I ordered just came in yesterday so I don't need another one. Here's hoping that glimmer of hope turns into a full ray of experiences!

Hi Kurt, the TA website recommends not relying on Satellite Emergency Notification Devices and to take a PLB as well. I don’t recall a PLB in your gear videos, did you hire one?

@freedom_on_the_trail

Ай бұрын

No. A couple things on that. First, the Garmin mini 2 was tested on several KZread videos I watched and shown to be much better than the first version. I felt and still feel comfortable with taking just that out there. Second, Richie had a PLB with him so we were covered both ways. What I like about the Mini is that you can communicate with rescuers as well as alerting them to a problem. The top reason I got the Mini was so I could send location updates to my family even without cell service. That worked great. A side benefit was that I was able to get pretty accurate weather forecasts as well - a HUGE help on the South Island. This is a debate that will go on until technology makes the PLB and satellite emergency devices obsolete.

@rayperry1763

Ай бұрын

@@freedom_on_the_trail thanks Kurt, did you do a river crossing course, if so is there anyone you would recommend? Things starting to look positive for me to attempt TA this year, I will probably ask more questions as departure gets closer, I am aiming for 15 October start. Appreciate your quick replies.

@freedom_on_the_trail

Ай бұрын

I did not but wanted to. It just didn’t work out in my schedule. There was one in Auckland last year in September (I think) that some of the TAers did last year. They will probably be holding it again. I think it was advertised on the Facebook group pages last year.

Hi Kurt, was your sleeping pad the Regular (20’) wide pad or the Regular wide (25’) pad. I need to order my zenbivy sheet to match pad width, thought I would go with 25’ wide pad for comfort but cannot find one, how wide is yours and did you slide off the edge?

@freedom_on_the_trail

5 күн бұрын

I have both and I’ll tell you, the extra weight of the wide is definitely worth it. That’s one area I didn’t skimp- sleeping comfort. I had an inflatable pillow, wide mat, overfilled quilt, and thin pad for under the mat. If you don’t sleep well, you don’t hike well. Go wit the wider version; you won’t regret it

@rayperry1763

5 күн бұрын

@@freedom_on_the_trail thanks ordered the wider one, dialing in the gear takes a while, I have managed to get the big 3 under 3kg. Went with X-Mid Pro 2 with ground sheet, Kakwa 55, Zenbivy sleep system with wide NeoAir XLite pad. It’s a relief to finally choose! Wish the TA went through Havelock North so I could shout you a meal after all your advice.

@freedom_on_the_trail

5 күн бұрын

Great choices. I’ll be interested to hear how you find the Kakwa; it looks pretty good. I love being able to help others on the TA, just like you will next year