Training Grant Avalanche Awareness
With support from a FMC Training Grant, the Canterbury University Tramping Club (CUTC) gains essential, hands-on knowledge in avalanche safety and response.
Outdoor Skills
Hunting A Hunting Tragedy
A hunting trip results in tragedy after a hunter misidentifies his target. Nick Plimmer and Johnny Mulheron explore the events surrounding this terrible loss and share essential guidelines for accident prevention.
August 2021 Tramping Politicians
Uncle Jacko expresses his deep gratitude for the New Zealand politicians who have prioritised conservation, encourages more politicians to get out tramping, and shares some hard-earned knowledge about preparation in the case of medical evacuation.
March 2022 Quicksand, Campfire Cuisine and a Gang of Hooligan Keas
Uncle Jacko encounters a gang of hooligan keas on the Cascade Saddle and shares how packrafts have improved since his DIY raft from the 90s, the best recipe for fine campfire cuisine and the real danger of quicksand in the Dart River.
Survivor Story Scree Slope Crossing
Halfway through their Lewis Pass to Nelson Lakes tramp, an experienced tramper tumbles 25 metres down a scree slope on Thompson Pass. Due to the skilled response by his party and the helicopter rescue team, the tramper is successfully evacuated. The team reflects on lessons from their ordeal and Johnny Mulheron shares essential, lifesaving tips for outdoor enthusiasts.
March 2019 Toilets, Tourism and Transport Noise
Have you ever wondered what costs and resources are required for a backcountry toilet? Uncle Jacko talks toilets, tourism and transport noise, as he shares the calculation for Mr. Erlang’s queuing formulae, the challenge of toilets at high altitude, and DOC's concept of a Tranquillity Map in managing aircraft noise.
Equipment Failure Ski Mountaineering and High Consequence Fall
After successfully skiing the entire east face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, an accomplished backcountry skier attempts the Caroline Face and tragically passes away after an equipment failure. Matteo Scoz offers tips on gear checks and how to properly transition between modes of travel to avoid disastrous consequences.
North America Climbing Moab’s Classic Desert Towers
After saying farewell to the Canadian Rockies, Alastair and Tim road trip to the Utah desert to climb Moab's lesser-known tower routes.
Historical A 1927’s Perspective on Backcountry Accidents
In this historical news article from 1927, an Evening Post journalist examines the recent rise in mountaineering and river-work accidents and the personal stories behind them.
Volunteering The How and Why of Becoming a Pest Trapper
What does volunteering as a pest trapper look like? Myrthe Braam shares what inspired her to start trapping and how her involvement with trapping has changed over the last four years, as well as offers specific tips on how you can get involved too.
Mountaineer's Dilemma Club Trip to Pioneer Hut
Eight days and multiple peaks make for another epic adventure with friends. Rob Hawes leads a party of six climbing from Pioneer Hut, high above Fox Glacier in Westland National Park. With volatile weather conditions, they face the tough decision to continue on or turn back from summiting Mt Tasman, New Zealand's second highest peak.
Safety Backcountry First Aid
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.
Volunteering for Biodiversity How I Became a Trapper
While trapping began as a way for Marcia to bond with her teenager daughter, it evolves into her own personal project. In this honest account of what it takes to be a trapper, Marcia pushes past her comfort zone to overcome challenges and develop backcountry skills.
Youth Award Grant Crossing the Tararuas
A crew of Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying students comes prepared with a contingency plan for every weather scenario, as they embark on the Tararuas and experience many of the elements that an alpine climate has to offer.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Is it Just Giving Back?
While volunteering in conservation requires a generous sacrifice of time and effort, Tony Walton of the Auckland Tramping Club shifts the perspective from ‘giving back’ to ‘receiving back’ and shares the many rewards he has gained from his time as a volunteer.
River Crossing A Casualty on Cascade Saddle
A young, solo tramper attempts to cross the Cascade Saddle during heavy rainfall and tragically drowns. Johnny Mulheron reminds us of the dangers posed by crossing flooded streams and how best to make an informed decision when crossing.
Youth Award Grant A Multi-Sport Mashup
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.
Mountain Adventure Packrafting the Tasman and Jollie Rivers
Fascinated and frightened by the thought of whitewater kayaking, Alastair McDowell embraces his fears (and excitement) to join his mates on a weekend packrafting trip in Mt Cook. After his partner's paddle breaks, Alastair gets thrown in at the deep end and learns the art of navigation.
Scenarios Mountain Safety
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.
Backcountry Magazine Sustainable in Print?
In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.
Training Grant First aid refresher
Need a first aid refresher? Christchurch Tramping Club member, John Kerkhofs, provides a quick, helpful guide to remembering the basics after the FMC Training Grant funds his club's first aid course.
Youth Award Grant Riding the Rapids
From sunshine to high speed winds of over 100 km/h, a week-long rafting trip teaches Youth Award Grant recipient, Harry Brenton-Rule, to be prepared for every scenario in the backcountry.
Youth Award Grant An Un’Rees’onably ‘Dart’lightful Time
What’s the hardest part of any tramp? A return to civilization. The Glen Eden Venturers tackle over 80km along the Rees Dart Track and while feeling reluctant to rejoin society, they become inspired to take their knowledge and train young scouts in backcountry skills.
Survivor Story Stranded on Mt Hopeless
A lack of rope and soft snow pack forces two climbers to weigh their options: build a snow cave for the night or set up an emergency bivouac shelter and call for rescue.
