Thread: Gear needed in April

We are planning to hunt tahr April 15-26. There are a lot of pieces of gear that I know are needed however, I have never needed an ice axe or heavy duty crampons. What are the recommendations for these? Also, as far as rain gear goes, it looks like the grass and rock can be very damaging. Is there a brand of rain pants that hold up above the rest? Thank you for any and all suggestions.

Where are you heading will probably dictate weather you need ice axes and crampons in April it never hurts to have them though, the east coast as a general rule is a lot more open and the rain gear won’t get punished the same as the west coast with the thick scrub where gear would be more prone to rips

Any hunting brand kuiu/sitka pants and gear will be fine. Nothing especially bad here to rip gear. If you haven’t used crampons you can get yourself in a bit of trouble using them, eg can get up the ice but not back down, or trip yourself up easily. Either way just buy them here from bivouac or hunting and fishing in Christchurch when you land. Don’t really think you would/should need them with no experience

I think it is fair to say that most Kiwis don't worry about rain pants, especially in the milder months like April. You will tend to get as wet from sweat climbing hills as you will from the rain when wearing them. A light weight pair of over pants for when you are sitting glassing can be handy, but not essential.
Crampons and ice axe, again, not essential. Probably better without them as it will stop you from going anywhere stupid.
Don't get too hung up on all the gear. Come over and enjoy the country. If there is something "essential: that you think you've missed, buy it here.

A good head torch and Barnes bullets in 7mm and 30 cal thanks

I second Perazzisc3 advice about the crampons. A tahr hunt is not the place to learn how to use crampons. Even an ice axe needs a bit of practice to learn how to self arrest with them. Best advice is to get some lessons and experience on how to use them now in the States.
In late April there shouldn’t be much snow and ice where you need to hunt. Probably some Catahoula micro spikes would be better if you haven’t had experience with crampons.
There are a couple of outdoor shops in Christchurch or queens town that will sell ice axes. Generally you want one that is long enough to nearly touch the ground when held in your hand with your arms down by your sides.

A tough jacket like a Swazi Tahr or something, Gaiters to protect your legs from our spikey vegetation!

Also hire a PLB when you get here, they are cheap as chips to hire & potentially the best piece of equipment you could have if it goes pear shape

You can hire things like Crampons and Ice axes as well as Inreach and PLB if needed and cheaper than buying as to leggings all you need are a pair of these and everyone will think you are a local hunter.

I've been chasing tahr and chamois for 50 odd years, 35 years guiding. Have only ever used crampons twice in that time, once on the West Coast in a late may hunt, and once a mid winter hunt up the Rangitata. Always had them available while I was guiding, but really not much use if the wearer hasnt had any training in using them. If youre using crampons or an iceaxe in april, then your way too high for the tahr!

2nd what everyone else has said re crampons , you can get your self into spots that might end up being very difficult to get out of, better using a hill stick etc. rain pants i use a pair of cheap ones with gaiters over the top but the wx would have to be heaps shit for me to put them on. more useful for cutting the wind while glassing . normally wear shorts or shorts and thermals if a bit cold as you can/will sweat like a fat kid outside a cake shop while climbing.

A pair of zip on over pants for wind and rain when sitting at you tent or glassing, walking they will be too hot and anything heavy enough to last over rocks or matagouri etc will be too hot and heavy.
Heavy Gators,https://twinneedle.co.nz/products/th...40177630249007
Ie, light over paint like this. https://www.pointssouth.co.nz/collec...tormtight-pant
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I wouldn’t bring any crampons or an ice axe as previously mentioned the chances of snow during the time period your planning is less than later in May / June.

Unless you have experience with crampons / ice axe then you’ll just get yourself into trouble.

As for waterproof trousers, get a pair of US ex army over trousers preferably with a side zip for easier donning & removing.

For a few years I just used a pair of ex British army over trousers I bought from an ex army store and they were perfect.

Gaiters, I use a pair of kuiu gaiters for our scrub down here, they’ve been solid, dependable and have with stood a tonne of abuse.

I would also recommend hiring a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) when your down here, you can hire them through a variety of places, bivouac stores hire them out.

Yep. when I started Tahr hunting I had Axe and crampons. Because I had them I found reasons to chase the animals way up in country where they'd be used. I also fell in a crevasse and had a couple of other scares.
Now I don't take them, and find plenty of animals where they are not needed and haven't had a close call since.

Rain trousers are really useful for sitting and glassing long periods, even when not raining but it's cold. Depending where you are heading, the fleece lined goretex is either great, or shit. It gets waterlogged and wets out and heavy. Nowdays I go for something light weight that can stay in my daypack, like the stoney creek stowit jacket.

PLB is a great insurance. Garmin in reach is next best but also offers communication which is a bonus.

Layers- get a good selection of clothing layers and use them. Wetness is you big enemy here and being wet and sweaty can make you miserable.

Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen are more important than ice axe and crampons. You can get sunstroke and sunburn far easier in NZ and it can really ruin your fun, even in Autumn. Mountain Safety Council website will have some good info.

Originally Posted by Waitati Hunter

Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen are more important than ice axe and crampons. You can get sunstroke and sunburn far easier in NZ and it can really ruin your fun, even in Autumn. Mountain Safety Council website will have some good info.

I can second this, I suffered some heat stroke out tramping recently, ruined the whole trip. My own fault I should have known better.