The trend of ultralight backpacking is growing in popularity here in New Zealand, with hikers going to extremes to carry as little weight and gear as possible.
And while it has its advantages, it's raising questions around safety.
Czech man Rostislav Nevlud is walking the 3000km Te Araroa trail – a tramping route that stretches the length of the New Zealand.
"If you are just ultralight, you can go so far so fast," he says.
The base weight of his pack (excluding water or food) is 3.6kg. Nevlud says that surprises most people.
Ultralight backpacking has been popular in the United States and Europe for more than a decade, and is becoming more common in New Zealand.
Many Kiwis are still wrapping their heads around the concept – including tramper Paul Halkett who recently met a couple of American ultralight hikers on the Queen Charlotte Track.
"I thought, 'where are your clothes? what size is your sleeping bag? what about emergencies?"
Safety
The latest Mountain Safety Council report on tramping found a lack of, or insufficient equipment was a contributing factor in nearly a third of fatalities, of which there could be several depending on the incident.
However, there’s no current data to suggest that’s linked to lightweight hiking equipment at this stage.
"The main concerns is if people sort of confuse being ultralight, i.e. deliberately choosing to reduce the weight they're taking with their equipment; versus leaving important pieces behind," explains Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
Those "important pieces" become lifelines in unexpected situations.
"We always suggest taking a raincoat, even if its very lightweight and breathable it’s important because the weather is changeable," says Mr Daisley.
Rostislav Nevlud says he plans his trips based on the conditions and carries a personal locator beacon.
"If I start somewhere and get bad weather, I have my waterproof jacket, my poncho, I have my warm puffy for the night and I have gloves and a hat".
Retail
Lightweight equipment has been known to be expensive, but New Zealand retailers say there've been big reductions recently.
"The quality of the products is still high grade, we're not seeing any issues, it's just making sure we're directing the customer towards the right product for the right use and guiding them, particularly if they're new into it," says Bivouac Operations Manager Graeme Allen.
He’s seen an increase in customers buying ultralight products in recent years, but particularly as people look for ways to enjoy the doors while under time constraints. Lightweight gear gives them the ability to "travel faster, more distances, and enjoy their time more".
Game of grams
Many ultralight hikers account for every gram they carry, reducing their overall weight, one item at a time. This can include cutting a toothbrush in half or using a piece of equipment for multiple tasks.
"Once I (broke) my spoon. All you can do, you can take your credit card, and like, eat with your credit card," laughs Mr Nevlud.
More information on planning a trip in the outdoors can be found at the mountainsafety.org.nz
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