Climbing and Safety Equipment.

Notes by Don French

Most outdoor equpment that will be required is available in outdoor shops found in major cities. Packs (rucksacks)/Coat/Thermal Clothing prices are slightly lower than those in USA or Europe, but hardware (ice axes, climbing ropes etc) will be slightly more expensive, with a more limited range available. As a rule hardware in NZ is 25-30% less expensive than Australia. The locally made products are up to world standard, but the size or colour selection may be limited. The clothing and packs may be of heavier construction that European brands. This is primarily because of the more rugged conditions experienced by NZ equipment.

Only the most popular brands of boots are imported. For tramping it is better to bring your favourite heavy boots from home, but be prepared for them to be worn out before you return.

Remember that northern hemisphere compasses will not function properly in the southern hemisphere. Southern hemisphere versions of well known brands can be purchased.

It is essential to have good waterproof shell clothing for the New Zealand weather conditions. Very little non thermal clothing is carried in a New Zealanders pack, for trampers often have to cope with hypothermia conditions, even in mid summer. A warm hat is essential.

In the alps mountaineers usually wear helmets due to the loose nature of the rock and small bits of wind blown ice. Ropes are always used on glaciers, with "prussik" cords being carried for self rescue. Our glaciers have an unusually high concentration of crevasses, due to our maritime alps.

In 1993 New Zealand changed over to the international standard frequency (457KHz) (DIN32924) for avalance transceivers. These are now commonly carried during winter trips. Equipment for the other avalance transmitter systems is not used in New Zealand. Tranceivers can often be hired or purchased at the most popular outdoor shops.

Radios are sometimes carried and can be hired from the Mountain Radio Service who will keep in contact with you and give you weather forecasts. The best contact is: Mountain Radio Service, P.O. Box 22-342, Christchurch.

Most New Zealanders carry "white spirits" stoves. Fuel can easily be purchased at service stations (garages) or hardware shops. The fuel is sometimes known as Shellite, Callite, or Pegasol. It is best to explain what you are using it for. Methylated Spirits (alcohol) is easily found. It is sold with a purple tinge to identify it. Kerosine (paraffin) is also available. The huts in the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks have stocks of Kerosene. Bluet gas is available in most camping shops, while the screw type gas cylinders can now be found. "Epigas" as Butane or as a Butane/Propane mix are in some camping shops.

Fires are still used by many trampers, but these tend to be in the less well visited areas. Sometimes there are fire bans in place during the driest months of summer. Check with the local DoC field centre, or Fire Station, before lighting a fire during the summer months. The Kiwi tramper will carry a deep billy (pot) for cooking over open fires. Its flat brother is very unstable.

Most New Zealanders use big plastic rubbish bags in their packs in order to keep the contents dry during heavy rain. The Mountain Safety Council produce a plastic bag for this purpose. Their pack liner has survival information printed on the outside.

Climbers will often carry a snowstake. This is a piece of angle aluminium with a strop attached, and pointed at one end. These are used as a snow anchor. They are available from climbing shops and cost very little more than $30.