Great Walks of New Zealand
Sleeping Gear
A warm and compact sleeping bag for nights in the hut or tent are essential for your hiking kit. Many of the Great Walks are alpine tracks and the weather can be unpredictable, where the temperatures can drop considerably overnight. The huts are generally not well insulated and fires in the huts will only warm the main common area. If camping, you will need an even warmer sleeping bag for a good nights sleep outdoors. Check the average monthly temperatures for the Great Walk you have selected and definitely check the weather forecast before heading off to ensure your sleeping bag will be warm enough.
Sleep Tight
Check out some essential items to consider to get a good nights sleep on the trail
Sleeping Bags
Department of Conservation (DOC) recommends a 3 to 4 season sleeping bag. A 3-season bag is designed for colder nights (0 to -5°C) and a 4-season bag is for when the temperature drops to around -10°C with light snow. So, a sleeping bag with a comfort range from 0 to -10°C should be sufficient. Don't use the extreme temp rating on a sleeping bag when selecting a bag. This is not the temperature you will be comfortable at, rather the temperature that you will 'survive the night' at. Yeah Nah.
A lightweight sleeping bag that will keep you comfortable at night and can compress down small into your pack is ideal. Look for a sleeping bag weighing around 1kg (2.2lbs) or less but bear in mind the lighter and warmer your sleeping bag is, the more expensive they tend to be.
TIPS
1. Down material is better for warmth and packs down smaller. Synthetic materials are better in prolonged wet conditions but unless you intend on getting your bag wet then down may be a better choice of material.
2. Look for higher loft down bags that provide more warmth for weight ratio.
3. Consider the comfort level rating temperatures when choosing a sleeping bag. Choose reputable brands from reputable outdoor stores to ensure the advertised temperature ratings are legitimate.
4. Consider the weight of the sleeping bag and look for bags that weigh around 1kg (2.2lbs) or less. The lighter and warmer the bag, the more expensive they tend to be, however.
5. Don't forget to put your sleeping bag in a waterproof dry bag. Sleeping bags are often at the bottom of the pack and can get wet when you throw your pack on the ground or cross rivers.
Quilt Sleeping Bags
Quilt sleeping bags are favoured by long distance or ultralight hikers, as they tend to be more lightweight than a normal sleeping bag, with the hood and back essentially missing. They act as more of a blanket and give insulation on the top and sides only, with a mattress or sleeping pad providing necessary insulation beneath.
Quilts are designed to be tied around the sleeping pad but as a result can be draftier than a mummy sleeping bag. Quilts may suit if you prefer more freedom to move around when you sleep, are keen to lighten your pack, or are a hot sleeper.
Mummy Sleeping Bags
Mummy sleeping bags are great for the warmth factor, cinching up around your face and keeping you cocooned. As a result, mummy bags can be quite restrictive to sleep in and can be heavier than quilts with more material used. However, there is no set up required unlike a quilt, just remove from your compression sack and you are good to go. Mummy bags will suit colder temps and those that don't mind being wrapped up for a good night's sleep.
Dwights Outdoors and Gearshop NZ offer lots of sleeping bags and provide weight, temperature ratings, and customer reviews to help you pick a suitable sleeping bag for your budget.
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Sleeping Bag Liners
If you are not sure if your sleeping bag will be warm enough, consider getting a sleeping bag liner which can increase the warmth of your bag by another 4-8 degrees Celsius, depending on the material of the liner (silk vs fleece). Sleeping bag liners give more flexibility in managing your temperature when sleeping and they don't weigh a lot. The huts can sometimes get toasty with lots of hikers in them and sometimes just the liner is needed for the night. Alternatively, in the alpine huts it can get very cold overnight, and a sleeping bag and liner combo will keep you warm. Liners are also a good way to keep your sleeping bag clean and easier to wash that a sleeping bag.
Sea to Summit make lots of sleeping bag liners from silk to fleece materials depending on the extra warmth factor you are looking for. Liners are great for adding warmth on colder hikes but can be used by itself if the temps are hotter.
Pillows
Inflatable pillows pack down small and can make a night in the hut or tent more enjoyable. There are many out there and they don't have to cost a lot but can make for a good night's sleep. Kmart offer a cheap $5 pillow which is just fine or alternatively you can also ball up a puffer jacket or stuff some clothes in a dry bag, and that works just as well. But if you are happy to pack a few extra grams to ensure a better sleep, check out some options below.
Kmart Inflatable Pillow - compact and a good budget friendly option under $5
Sea to Summit Aeros - easy to inflate, comfortable and lightweight. Good mid-range option
Nemo Fillo Elite - A highly rated, comfortable, and lightweight option
Ear Plugs
Ear Plugs are a must if you are sleeping in the huts if you want to get an ounce of sleep. If you are keen for some decent ear plugs Loop Sleeping Ear Plugs are comfortable, offer different sizes to ensure they stay put, and can be cleaned for your next use. Seriously don't forget the ear plugs if staying in the huts. The snoring is next level.