Packing essentials for full day glacier hike?
 

Hi guys,

Trying to figure out how to pack for our 2 weeks in New Zealand in January. We are travelling around the South Island doing everything from kayaking/beaches in Abel Tasman to a full day glacier hike at Franz Josef.

What did you guys pack for the glacier specifically? We are trying our best to fit all the bare essentials in 2 carry-on suitcases (wish us luck). I have noticed a few glacier hike pictures showing people with puffy winter jackets - did you guys actually pack these in your luggage and/or cold weather clothes? These kind of clothes take up a lot of room and so I'm trying to figure that out. We will have our hiking shoes.

Have read through several threads on packing tips, but haven't seen glacier packing addressed... thanks in advance for any advice.

It's my understanding that the glacier guide companies provide the necessary items.

For instance, the Franz Josef Glacier Guide website indicates that they provide:

•Breathable Rain Jacket
•Waterproof over-trousers (if required)
•Socks and sturdy boots (or you have the option to wear your own hiking boots)


They ask you to bring the following:

2-4 warm upper body layers ideally woollen or polypro (not cotton)
Quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans)
Food and drink for the day
Sunglasses, sunscreen, camera
Backpack

We've only taken the helihike. It was unplanned, so we just wore what we had - jeans and jacket - they provided the rest.

In our nine trips to the SI we've gotten away with taking only a fleece jacket, a waterproof layer with hood that fits over the fleece, a winter hat, a rain suit (for winter hiking) and silk long underwear, to wear under the rain suit. We've seldom needed the long underwear or rain suits, but because we usually travel off season, they're nice to have just in case. We also take a summer hat and some shorts if visiting in the summer.

Otherwise, it's just jeans, tops and of course our hiking boots which we pretty much live in.

Think layers, and you'll be fine.

The guide companies also provide:

Crampons (with small waist bag) for superior glacier grip
Woollen hats and gloves (if required)

We did a half day glacier hike of Franz Josef in August, a couple of years ago. I thought I would need something like ski pants and ski jacket especially at that time of year. However, once I got to the guide company I knew I was overdressed. I went back to the hotel and changed the ski pants for jeans. I put that with a long sleeve t shirt and my ski jacket. I am so glad I did as others on the hike who had put on thermal underwear etc were completely overheated. I did have a beanie and gloves. Though I don't think I wore the gloves.

As I recall, the company provided our shoes and crampons. We took a backpack with water and some snacks.

So considering you'r going to be there in January in the middle of summer you won't need to wear much. But I would recommend long pants just the same albeit lightweight. I was delighted with our hike and was so glad we did it and I was very impressed with the way the guides looked after us.

Thank you very much for the feedback - that helps a lot.