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.
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.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bags
If sleeping in the huts, a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0 to -5 degrees Celsius should be sufficient, but if camping it can get much colder down depending on the time of year. 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. Choose a sleeping bag that is compact and is light (weighs 1kg or less), so it is easy to carry.
Sleeping Bag Liners
Have a sleeping bag but not sure if it will be warm enough? Consider buying a sleeping bag liner that goes inside the sleeping bag and can increase the comfort level temp by another 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. Liners are light and pack down small. They are great for some added warmth on those colder hikes and for keeping your bag clean.
Pillows & Ear Plugs
For a more comfortable sleep, an inflatable pillow is a great option and will take up little room in your pack but can make the difference with a good night's sleep.
If sleeping in the hut a pair of good ear plugs are a MUST. There can be many hikers in a room and there will always be a snorer. Or you could be the snorer so give yours to someone instead.
TIPS
1. 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.
2. No pillow? No problem, make a pillow each night by stuffing clothes in a dry bag for the night or bunch up a down jacket.
3. Seriously don't forget the ear plugs if staying in the huts. The snoring is next level.