Looking for a more affordable way to purchase gear? Uncle Jacko discusses the versatility of retired poly-cotton office shirts, the best sources for weather prediction and PLB features that can save the life of an incapacitated, solo tramper.
Has your compass ever steered you in the wrong direction? In this UJCC, Uncle Jacko divulges what happens when one's faithful compass becomes an agent of chaos, how much water and electrolyte intake one really needs and some handy, DIY gear hacks for the backcountry.
Aches and pains slowing you down in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko dives into the best options for pain relief, the ever so popular 'swamping' trek and the pleasures of poetry inspired by Aotearoa's landscapes.
What is it like to go alpine tramping in a land of perpetual sun? Uncle Jacko responds to readers' comments and recounts his unique experience of backcountry and hut life in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.
How does the Dunning-Kruger effect impact the way we estimate our competency in the outdoors? Uncle Jacko delves into how this effect has both a negative and positive influence on our backcountry experience. He also discusses navigation and communication in the backcountry – S122, ham radio gear and SOTA, for those amateur radio operators who love the outdoors.
Uncle Jacko takes a deep dive into the past exploring what we learnt from the COVID-19 lockdowns and raising the question, "What do tourists really appreciate about New Zealand?" And as many trampers are well aware, the question of how much to pack is the perpetual challenge. Uncle Jacko tests out the idea of ‘going lightweight’ and discovers firsthand when lightweight crosses over into just not enough.
Marking the 25th anniversary of his column, Uncle Jacko reminisces about his days of tahr hunting, contemplates the old adage ‘pain is weakness leaving the body,’ and suggests a humorous solution for dealing with DOC’s silly signs.
Uncle Jacko reminds us of the unlawful act of killing sandflies according to the National Parks Act of 1980, as well as pays tribute to the life of a dear friend and former editor of the FMC Bulletin.
Despite high river levels cancelling their canoeing trip, this adventurous group of DOE Gold qualifiers bring a whole new meaning to 'carpe diem.' With their extra time, they tackle whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canyoning, even climbing Mount Ruapehu with ice axes.
Safety in the mountains is a serious topic and one that requires good judgment and experience. During an interactive presentation about his Aoraki/Mt Cook climb in 2011, Simon Bell shares photos and key points for climbers to consider in various scenarios.
Uncle Jacko shares creative tips for tramping post-operation and dives into a discussion on tea bags, GPS boosters, and walking sticks.
'We're cold, wet, tired and it's about to get dark. And we've still got that big abseil to go...' Safely home after her first foray into canyoning, Megan Sety and her team reflect on their type-2 adventure. They learn firsthand that while canyoning is an ideal sport for trampers and climbers to explore, it requires its own set of technical skills and expertise.
'Every piece of gear that you bring needs to be examined and optimised. A ruthless and analytical attitude needs to be taken.' Breaking down each component to allow for the lightest and safest travel, Alastair delves into the nitty gritty of fastpacking.
How do you choose where to tramp when you have TOO many good choices? In what he calls the 'Starving Donkey Syndrome,' Uncle Jacko discusses the challenges of having the privilege to choose, as well as DIY maps and the best, easy meals to prepare on a tramp.
After being on his bucket list for 3 years, Andy and his crew finally make it back to Lake Rotomairewhenua (Blue Lake) in the Nelson Lakes National Park, where they fastpack the Travers Sabine Circuit with a side trip to Blue Lake -- all with the goal of keeping their tramping time within 22 hours.
What image comes to mind when you think of a 'tramper?' Is it safe to superglue an open wound? Uncle Jacko debunks myths about what the average tramper looks like, as well as shares first aid safety and what it’s been like for him to learn to lead from the back.
During a climbing trip in Fiordland, Tarsh and her mates attempt to tackle two peaks in one go, which leaves her 'wondering why she had to fall in love with such a precipitous corner of the world.'
What is your outdoor gear really made of and what toll is it taking on the environment? Sash Nukada, Programme Leader of Sustainability and Outdoor Education, decides to stop pointing the finger elsewhere and examine the potential negative impact of his outdoor gear. In an honest and thorough look at materials, brands, and new versus used gear, he offers a guide on how best to minimise your footprint and protect the outdoors we love so much.
Nine days in the wilderness. Sylvie Admore, Helen Liley, Sam Richardson, Björn Striebing and Stephen Waite (Auckland University Tramping Club) meet Simon and invite him along on their trip to the Adams Wilderness Area not long after being introduced. Helen and Sylvie recall their memories of Simon on a trip that he described as 'spontaneous and excellent'.
Have the soles of your boots ever come off in the middle of a tramp? Uncle Jacko shares tramping boot woes and discusses why boot soles last longer when used than stored, as well as gets technical about GPSs and their accuracy.
What is one of the main perks of winter tramping? The sandflies go on holiday. Uncle Jacko discloses tricks for winter tramping, how his down jacket became the first tramping apparel he could wear in town, and in what activity redundancy is key.
28 hours of hiking in two days? Andy embarks on his first two-night fastpacking trip -- the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse -- and documents his journey through video and GPX navigation.
The only true recourse for sandfly bites? According to Uncle Jacko, it's stoicism. In this edition of UJCC, he considers sandfly bites, why he doesn't enjoy solo tramping, and an alternative floor plan to the traditional snowcave.
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