August 2019 A ‘Lazy’ Wind
In this throwback edition of Uncle Jacko's Cookery Column, Uncle Jacko examines the mechanics of backcountry pizza and aluminum fire-starters, while exploring the windy solitude offered by the Takitimu Mountains.
UJCC
June 2024 Huntaneering and the Fall of Hunny Puffs
Huntaneering: A sport where hunters arm themselves with an ice axe and crampons, as well as a rifle. With huntaneering on the rise and Hunny Puffs on the decline, Uncle Jacko delves into the demise of his once-favorite backcountry brekkie, the growing popularity of hunting whilst mountaineering and how a maunga can transcend cultural differences.
March 2024 Learn by Doing
Does the success society has at making life safer merely encourage us to take bigger risks? Uncle Jacko ponders how this question pertains to the backcountry, as well as explores bothy bags, hammocks and the Ngāi Tahu Cultural Mapping Project. He signs off with a friendly message to the blokes reading this column: people learn by doing, not watching.
March 2021 A Decent Brew at Altitude
How do you get a decent brew at altitude? Uncle Jacko experiments with the science behind spuds for energy and a summit brew-up, along with discussing the perks of night-time tramping and reminiscing about a tramp with a dear mate who passed away.
November 2023 The Indestructible Loopies
Are loopies, by definition, indestructible and how do we create a model to better understand risk in the outdoors? Uncle Jacko poses the argument that while there are exceptions to the rule, ill-equipped trampers often seem to survive and explains the idea behind the Heine–McFarlane–McNeill risksetting model that he helped to design.
June 2022 Alpha Centuri
Looking for a more affordable way to purchase gear? Uncle Jacko discusses the versatility of retired poly-cotton office shirts, the best sources for weather prediction and PLB features that can save the life of an incapacitated, solo tramper.
June 2023 Let Your Cravings Be Your Guide
Has your compass ever steered you in the wrong direction? In this UJCC, Uncle Jacko divulges what happens when one's faithful compass becomes an agent of chaos, how much water and electrolyte intake one really needs and some handy, DIY gear hacks for the backcountry.
March 2023 ‘Swamping’ and Pain Relief in the Mountains
Aches and pains slowing you down in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko dives into the best options for pain relief, the ever so popular 'swamping' trek and the pleasures of poetry inspired by Aotearoa's landscapes.
August 2023 Perpetual Sun
What is it like to go alpine tramping in a land of perpetual sun? Uncle Jacko responds to readers' comments and recounts his unique experience of backcountry and hut life in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
November 2022 Absent Friends
Uncle Jacko offers creative solutions for mending those pesky puffer jacket tears, shares how to calculate our carbon footprint and pays tribute to dear friends who have passed away.
June 2021 Dunning-Kruger Effect
How does the Dunning-Kruger effect impact the way we estimate our competency in the outdoors? Uncle Jacko delves into how this effect has both a negative and positive influence on our backcountry experience. He also discusses navigation and communication in the backcountry – S122, ham radio gear and SOTA, for those amateur radio operators who love the outdoors.
August 2020 Revisiting the Past
Uncle Jacko takes a deep dive into the past exploring what we learnt from the COVID-19 lockdowns and raising the question, "What do tourists really appreciate about New Zealand?" And as many trampers are well aware, the question of how much to pack is the perpetual challenge. Uncle Jacko tests out the idea of ‘going lightweight’ and discovers firsthand when lightweight crosses over into just not enough.
June 2020 Quarter of a Century
Marking the 25th anniversary of his column, Uncle Jacko reminisces about his days of tahr hunting, contemplates the old adage ‘pain is weakness leaving the body,’ and suggests a humorous solution for dealing with DOC’s silly signs.
March 2017 Coddiwompling and the Three Types of Fun
'Coddiwomple (v.): an English slang for travelling purposefully towards a vague destination.' Uncle Jacko contemplates the three types of fun and shares a few English and foreign words that capture the true essence of tramping in the backcountry.
March 2020 The Great Unknown
Uncle Jacko reminds us of the unlawful act of killing sandflies according to the National Parks Act of 1980, as well as pays tribute to the life of a dear friend and former editor of the FMC Bulletin.
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.
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.
November 2009 Uncle Jacko Gets the Last Word
Uncle Jacko reveals Darwin's lesser known law, 'Survival of the Unfittest,' and takes the opportunity to have the last word in a hut debate.
March 2014 What Comes Around
Uncle Jacko discloses his favourite YouTube videos ranging from 'cooking eggs and bacon in a paper bag' to 'ice axe self-arrest,' as well as shares a heartwarming story about the benefits of hospitality.
November 2018 Travelling on a Whim
'It’s always satisfying to make important decisions on a whim, because there can be no accounting for taste, no reason to justify and no explanation to satisfy.' Uncle Jacko reveals which of his trips were decided merely on a whim, as well as how he was talked out of travelling by donkey during his tramping adventures in France.
March 2004 Myths About Trampers
What image comes to mind when you think of a 'tramper?' Is it safe to superglue an open wound? Uncle Jacko debunks myths about what the average tramper looks like, as well as shares first aid safety and what it’s been like for him to learn to lead from the back.
March 2013 Lessons from a New Year’s Tramp
Uncle Jacko spends New Year's tramping with his 17-year-old nephew and reflects on the lessons they learned together.
August 2013 Interesting Outdoor Mathematics
How do you measure the height of a bridge when alone in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko explains how nature provides what we need for mathematics and how according to one calculation, 1.4 kg of chocolate might just be an acceptable amount during a long tramp.
