Here are some of my most admired and used items, items that I constantly call on when heading into the back country for either work or play.
They are things that I trust to work and always give back with reliable service and durability. I am grateful to have them in my gear list…
Gear I love in the Back Country | Ross Mackay
Sea to Summit Spark PRO -1 Sleeping Bag
The original version of this bag has lived stuffed in the bottom of my climbing pack, the seat bags of both my push bike and motorbike, jammed in my paraglider harness ever since I got it 5 years ago. It’s my go to for lightweight mid-winter hut trips, summer flying/biking/climbing missions and pretty much everything in between. Barring a mid-winter tent stay, this thing is the Swiss army knife of sleeping warmth for me.
Update
For this year Sea to Summit have updated this amazing little bag. I had some reservations on how they might make a great bag better but they have knocked this update out of the park. I have to say I was initially puzzled at how they had managed to keep the weight within 80grms of the original version while adding more zips and 3d shape to the hood and toe box and 950+ loft power down to the newest one. The revised outer material is probably where this has happened. This has been updated so you can’t see the down inside the bag, it’s proved to be very durable and stuffable.
Temperature Rating
The first trip I pulled it out on was an early season Centennial Hut trip in early August. I teamed it up with the Ember quilt and thermo liner for a warmer setup. However, I really need not have bothered carrying the extra quilt. I ended up abandoning the Ember subconsciously sometime during the night and finding it in a pile beside me in the morning.
The extra loft power (950+) of the new bag makes it even warmer than the original for me. The -1 temp rating is a very modest guide as to what this bag is capable of enduring temperature wise. I’m looking forward to using it this spring during a two-week project in the hills coming up. Like the original I’m sure this bag will be a constant companion of mine and one that I trust to get the job done.
Caveat – I run pretty hot, if you don’t then throw in one of the S2S thermo-liners or Ember quilt and it will lift the base temp of this great little bag.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT
Alongside my Spark sleeping bag this mat is as close to perfection I have found. So comfy and warm, yet packs almost to the size of a 500ml can of beer. Its light and easy to blow up with the included inflation bag. Using the Bernoulli effect (google or YouTube it) will have you fully inflated in less than a minute.
I was dubious about the outer material at first glance, but this has proven to be wasted energy as its never let me down. Caution does need to be taken in certain alpine zones with the baby Spaniards and a couple of other plants. But this is the case with any sleeping mat you own, not a lot of things will keep a Spaniard at bay.
Pro hack: Put an offcut of building wrap directly on the ground. Combined with a closed cell foam mat on snow and ice, this is a great all-rounder for year-round use.
Black Diamond Venom Adze 64cm
My do it all climbing axe. It’s not the lightest or most fancy looking but it just works.
From cutting steps or digging an anchor to wailing on the top with its hammer headed venomous sister this thing just keeps going. Just like the Toyota corolla wagon that you get in, start and drive away every single time.
It’s ok to use in a two-axe climbing setup but the extra length is a bit gangly. Fine for short pitches where the benefit of having a longer axe during the rest of the climb is advantageous.
Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampon
This is the most versatile crampon I own. These reliable and durable stainless steel spikes are perfect for NZ conditions where you will find yourself walking on a variety of different surfaces at all times of the year.
That’s the part I love about these, put them on any semi-auto boot and walk any alpine surface, any time. No worries about wearing them out or damaging them on all that broken up chossy (frozen and unfrozen) rubbish we get a lot of here in NZ.
Not the lightest crampon by any means but they make up for it with their durability. Light, strong, cheap – pick two…
Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hoody
This is a garment I love…I use it most of the year.
It doubles as a top thermal layer in the alpine in the summer. Sometimes just alone, and then also works buried deep in a winter layering system. I often find myself having this and a merino base layer as my system for skinning back to the top of a run for another lap. Its surprisingly warm due to the micro lofting effect the grid has on the inside. It moves freely with my upper body and breathes very well.
The hood is another standout – it can be pulled and stretched over a cap + peak and pulls over any type of helmet well. It creates another level of comfort on those colder moments when riding or operating in the mountains.
I’ve never been a fan of thumb loops until this top came along. A little added sun protection for top of your hands. Or some extra warmth, and with the extra length of the arms they are surprisingly comfortable.
