Whether you're 'tramping,' 'hiking,' or 'rambling,' safety and preparation is key to preventing a backcountry trip from turning into a disaster. The Moa Hunters share a simple list of essential, must-have items to bring on all your backcountry trips.
Don't get caught unprepared in the backcountry. Johnny Mulheron, Backcountry Accident Columnist, offers advice about what to take to the hills in your first aid kit.
Nelson Tramping Club was awarded a FMC Training Grant: a cash grant to enable this snow skills weekend which was run in combination with the Marlborough Tramping Club.
Ken MacIver relates the story and thinking behind his Back country decision-making checklist.
Thanks to New Zealand's temperate oceanic climate, the Southern Alps don't get to experience the same rigid winter temperatures as the European Alps, the American Rocky Mountains or the Himalayas.
There is nothing quite like the the silence of the mountains in winter, the clarity of the Milky Way in the crispy cold air, or an alpenglow on a snowy ridge.
PLB's are brilliant inventions, but they are no use to you unless they are accessible in an emergency and work when you press the button.
Sometimes the back country terrain behind the ski field can get a few groups at once. Local Craigieburn Ski Guide Anna Keeling offers some thoughts and advice on how to avoid putting each other at risk as you enjoy your foray from the safety of the ski field.
Anne Taylor from the Southland Tramping Club explains why you should get some proper training before heading out on your own packrafting adventures.
Hueristic traps can negatively influence outdoor decision making. Maria Hamelink recalls a few learning experiences which cemented her vow to "never cross a river just because someone says its ok."
Interested in giving Packrafting a whirl? Dulkara Martig offers some information you might want to know before giving it a go.
Johnny Mulheron and Nick Plimmer discuss the modes of mountain communication, when to seek assistance, and how to prepare for rescue.
Make good outdoor decisions. Johnny Mulheron warns of, and describes, heuristic traps.
Are you heading beyond the bushline? In Aotearoa New Zealand, the 'death zone' occurs at the subalpine zone around 1200 and 1500 metres and poses many dangers. Johnny Mulheron, FMC Backcountry Accident Columnist, shares what you need to know, and practice, to travel competently at this altitude.
If you want to get into canyoning, make sure you get a good grounding in the skills and judgement required
The latest thinking on how to prevent, recognise and treat this challenging condition in the field
How do you manage the crevasse risk when touring on glaciers?? Matteo Scoz from NZAC Otago section reflects on a near miss on the Tasman.
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