Carrying heavy packs through rugged terrain drains energy and limits mobility. Remlite addresses this challenge by curating New Zealand ultralight gear designed for serious adventurers who refuse to compromise on quality. Their selection prioritises function over flash, offering equipment that performs reliably in harsh conditions without adding unnecessary weight to packs. Every item undergoes rigorous field testing before earning a place in their catalogue.
Founded in 2020 by wilderness enthusiast Stan Leenders, Remlite emerged from a personal crisis during a severe Tararua Ranges storm. Heavy equipment nearly proved fatal when weather deteriorated rapidly. The experience prompted extensive research into lighter alternatives that wouldn’t sacrifice safety or durability. This origin story shapes every product decision the company makes today. Stan tests gear personally during solo backcountry hunts and multi-day tramps, documenting results through his YouTube channel, Hard Antler Hunting.
Their catalogue spans shelters, sleep systems, packs, and technical apparel. Many products come from specialist cottage manufacturers who hand-craft equipment using superior stitching techniques and premium materials. Liteway tents and Leleka hammocks exemplify this approach, featuring SilPoly fabrics that balance weather resistance with minimal weight. These aren’t mass-produced items churned out by factories. Each piece reflects meticulous attention to detail, with seams reinforced and materials selected for specific performance characteristics.
Trampers benefit from shelters that pack small yet provide reliable protection against wind and rain. Hunters appreciate SKRE apparel engineered for silence and thermal management during stationary glassing sessions. Bikepackers value compact cooking systems like the MSR PocketRocket and water purification tools that add minimal grams to their loads. Remlite serves multiple outdoor segments without diluting their core focus on weight reduction and durability. Their philosophy centres on the tagline “Experience More, Carry Less,” acknowledging that lighter loads enable longer trips and safer journeys.
New Zealand ultralight gear from Remlite also addresses local conditions that international brands sometimes overlook. UV exposure, rapid weather changes, and remote locations demand equipment that won’t fail when help is hours or days away. The company’s Wellington base at York Bay provides easy access to testing grounds like Remutaka Forest Park and the Tararua Ranges, where products face real-world validation before reaching customers. This regional expertise informs their curation process, filtering out items that work well overseas but struggle with New Zealand’s unique combination of alpine environments, coastal storms, and intense sunlight. They stock brands like Nemo, Therm-a-Rest, and Sea to Summit alongside specialist makers, creating a range that balances proven performance with innovative design.
Remlite operates from Lower Hutt, serving customers across New Zealand and Australia through their online platform. Free shipping applies to orders exceeding 199 dollars, making premium gear accessible to trampers and hunters throughout both countries. Their website features detailed product specifications, helping buyers make informed decisions without needing to handle items physically. A 30-day money-back guarantee reduces purchase risk, though return rates remain low due to careful curation.
The company’s Wellington location influences their understanding of regional tramping culture. Local Department of Conservation tracks like those in Remutaka Forest Park receive heavy use from weekend trampers testing new equipment. Stan’s involvement with the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club provides direct feedback from experienced users who push gear to its limits. These connections inform product selection, ensuring New Zealand ultralight gear meets the specific demands of Kiwi adventurers rather than simply replicating overseas trends.
Shelter systems form a critical category. Nemo’s Hornet Elite tents offer exceptional space-to-weight ratios, with reinforced poles and guy-out points that handle exposed ridgeline camping. Liteway tarps provide minimalist alternatives for experienced trampers comfortable with flexible shelter configurations. ENO hammocks suit forest environments where trees offer natural anchor points. Each shelter type serves different terrain and weather conditions, giving buyers options tailored to their typical tramping routes.
Sleep systems balance warmth retention with pack weight. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pads use reflective layers to maximise insulation without bulk. Quilts from specialist makers eliminate unnecessary fabric under the body, where compression reduces loft anyway. Sleeping bags still appeal to those who prefer traditional designs, though upgrading to ultralight versions can shave significant grams without requiring complete gear replacement. Remlite stocks temperature ratings suitable for New Zealand’s four-season conditions, from summer tramping to winter alpine trips.
Apparel receives particular attention for hunters pursuing game in remote public land. SKRE clothing emphasises quiet fabrics that won’t rustle during slow stalking approaches. Layering systems using merino wool base layers from Icebreaker provide odour resistance and moisture management during multi-day hunts. Rain gear must repel downpours while remaining breathable enough to prevent internal condensation. Technical specifications matter more than brand names when selecting New Zealand ultralight gear for serious backcountry use.
Packs designed for ultralight systems differ from traditional tramping packs. Frameless designs work well when base weight drops below certain thresholds, transferring load directly to hips without metal or plastic supports adding bulk. Sea to Summit backpacks incorporate clever organisational features while maintaining low weights. Hunting-specific packs include rifle carry systems and meat hauling capabilities, recognising that successful hunters face different load management challenges than trampers.
Accessories often get overlooked yet contribute substantially to overall pack weight. MSR PocketRocket stoves weigh grams rather than kilograms yet boil water efficiently. Compact water purification systems eliminate the need to carry litres from camp. Headlamps using modern LED technology provide hours of light from tiny batteries. Navigation devices have shrunk dramatically, though Remlite still recommends carrying paper maps as backups. These small optimisations accumulate into significant weight savings.
The ultralight philosophy extends beyond simple weight reduction. Equipment must remain functional when conditions deteriorate. Remlite rejects fragile gear that saves grams through compromised durability. Their testing process includes exposure to New Zealand’s notorious weather systems, where tackling common myths around ultralight tramping requires demonstrating that lighter doesn’t automatically mean weaker. Hand-crafted items from cottage manufacturers often exceed mass-produced alternatives in longevity precisely because skilled makers prioritise construction quality over production speed.
Stan’s YouTube channel documents real-world gear performance during actual hunting and tramping trips. These aren’t sponsored reviews or controlled demonstrations. Viewers watch equipment function during rain, wind, river crossings, and overnight camps in exposed locations. This transparency builds trust with customers who need confidence their purchases will perform when kilometres from the nearest road. The channel complements Remlite’s written product descriptions, providing visual context for how items pack, deploy, and withstand field conditions.
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