DEAR GEAR MAVEN:

I am traveling to New Zealand for an extended stay and I plan to take one backpack, convertible or 4-season tent, and a 4-season sleeping bag (15-25 F). What would be your recommendations on the best gear to take?

My major considerations are size and weight. Price is of some importance, since am not independently wealthy, I just need good quality gear that will do the job.

Brandy Adkins

Annie's Answer:

	Ask the Expert Annie Getchell Gear expert Annie Getchell believes the key to happiness is buying quality gear and treating it with tender loving care. Meet Annie Answer Archive Gear Forums

Brandy, Sister! I'm traveling to New Zealand too! Let's meet! How 'bout coffee at the Kai Whaka Pai?

As you probably know from the guidebooks and friends' admonitions, parts of N. Zed are among THE wettest places you can venture. I have a photograph of my raingear-clad husband screaming inside a waterfall. He looks like a guy in primal therapy. No wonder they chose to film Lord of the Flies there. But I digress.

Here's what I'm thinking about taking:

1. Raingear: One new Gore-Tex suit w/ full-zip pants; also my LLBean Cagoule, which is this superlong Jesuit-looking thing, but worn over your Gore-Tex it'll let the former dry out while you feel fairly comfy. The Cagoule is also super for 'round town stuff, including bungee jumping, standing 'round, and rounds of java when we meet at the Kai Whaka Pai . 2. Medium-Large backpack and superlight rucksack: I'm looking at a full-size internal frame job between 3,500-4,500 cubes, like the Dana Design Redirect. Any bigger and you're guaranteed to fill it up with too much junk. Also a small overnight/summit rucksack that will accommodate climbing hardware, squashed sleeping bag or tarp, and daily essentials, like my"Red Kit", my journal, camera, documents,etc.

3. Tent-wise, I'll take a "just" two-person rig. Commodious for one, cozy for two, with vestibule for overflow.

4. Baggyness? I'm going for synthetic fill for sure, due to all the variables with New Zealand weather.I'm going to try a Mountain Hardware bag with Polarguard 3D fill. I also plan to pack my super-light silk liner from Design Salt that's wonderful for hut life and adjusting temperatures.

5. Boots, well, hard to decide, but I'm opting for crampon-compatible all-leather hikers that are several seasons old. I plan to bring some Nikwax goop that you can apply while the leather is wet.

See you down under!