A storm in the Tararua Ranges changed everything for Stan Leenders and his father. Heavy packs turned a challenging situation into something far more dangerous, proving that excess weight compromises safety when conditions deteriorate. That 2020 experience sparked the creation of Remlite, a Wellington-based operation now serving adventurers across New Zealand and Australia. The company’s foundation rests on a straightforward premise: lighter loads enable longer, safer journeys through demanding terrain.
Their York Bay warehouse stocks equipment selected through personal field testing rather than catalogue specifications. Stan documents solo expeditions via his Hard Antler Hunting YouTube channel, evaluating gear in the exact environments customers will encounter. This approach filters out products that look impressive on paper but fail under real-world stress. The result is a curated range focused on durability, packability, and genuine performance in New Zealand’s notoriously variable conditions.
New Zealand ultralight gear from Remlite serves two overlapping communities with distinct requirements. Trampers and bikepackers chase multi-day endurance, prioritising shelter systems and sleep equipment that maximise comfort per gram carried. Hunters need technical apparel delivering silence and thermal management during stationary periods in alpine environments. Both groups demand reliability; when you’re 20 kilometres from the nearest road, equipment failure isn’t an inconvenience but a crisis.
The company partners with established manufacturers known for quality construction. Nemo tents, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, MSR stoves, and ENO hammocks all feature prominently, selected for proven track records rather than marketing claims. European-engineered Liteway products bring meticulous attention to material selection and construction methods. Icebreaker merino wool provides New Zealand-specific solutions for moisture management and odour resistance across extended trips. Each brand relationship reflects careful vetting against local terrain challenges, UV intensity, and weather extremes.
Free nationwide shipping on orders exceeding 199 dollars removes barriers for rural customers who often need this equipment most. Their 30-day return policy acknowledges that personal fit matters more than specifications, particularly for packs and sleep systems where comfort determines success. This customer-focused approach, combined with genuine field experience, positions them as specialists serving committed outdoor users rather than casual weekend campers.
Shelter weight dominates most pack loads, making it the primary target for meaningful reduction. Remlite stocks the Nemo Hornet Elite series, where advanced fabrics and construction deliver liveable space at weights once considered impossible. These tents withstand New Zealand’s horizontal rain while packing small enough to free precious pack volume. Tarp shelters offer even lighter alternatives for experienced users comfortable with exposed camping, though they demand higher skill levels and weather awareness.
Hammock systems eliminate ground contact entirely, appealing to those operating in areas where flat tent sites prove scarce. The ENO Sub6 with Helios suspension provides a complete sleep solution at remarkable low weight, though it requires suitable anchor points. Each shelter category serves different risk tolerances and experience levels, but all prioritise rapid deployment and packability. Weather protection remains non-negotiable; New Zealand ultralight gear must perform when conditions turn hostile, not just on calm evenings.
Sleep systems receive equal scrutiny. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir pads deliver insulation and cushioning through advanced construction techniques that seemed impossible a decade ago. Quilts replace traditional sleeping bags for those willing to master the learning curve in exchange for substantial weight savings. The company stocks both down and synthetic options, recognising that New Zealand’s damp conditions sometimes favour synthetic fill despite the weight penalty. Temperature ratings undergo verification; they carry only systems genuinely tested for local conditions rather than optimistic manufacturer claims.
Technical apparel addresses the specific challenges of New Zealand backcountry. SKRE clothing forms a featured range, engineered for hunters requiring silence and thermal management during long stationary periods. These garments handle the temperature fluctuations between active stalking and motionless waiting, a requirement that standard tramping clothing often fails to meet. Merino wool base layers from Icebreaker provide moisture wicking and odour resistance across multi-day trips where laundering isn’t an option. Rain gear must withstand sustained downpours while remaining breathable enough to prevent internal condensation; they stock only proven waterproof-breathable systems delivering on both requirements.
Pack selection reflects the philosophy that lighter loads create safer, more enjoyable experiences. Their range includes frameless designs for experienced users carrying base weights below seven kilograms, and minimal-frame options for those transitioning from traditional heavy packs. Proper fit outweighs feature lists; an uncomfortable light pack defeats the entire purpose. Hunting-specific designs incorporate weapon carry systems and quieter fabrics, addressing specialised requirements that standard tramping packs ignore.
Supporting equipment completes the system. MSR PocketRocket stoves provide reliable performance at minimal weight, tackling the myths around ultralight tramping that suggest lighter gear means fragile gear. Water purification systems, navigation devices, and lighting all undergo the same evaluation: does it perform reliably at the claimed weight, and will it survive New Zealand conditions? Products failing either test don’t make the catalogue.
The Liteway brand deserves particular mention for its hand-crafted approach and European engineering standards. These items arrive from manufacturers who understand that genuine weight reduction demands obsessive material selection and construction precision. Sea to Summit accessories demonstrate how thoughtful design eliminates unnecessary mass without sacrificing functionality. The company’s focus on ultralight gear ideas keeps customers informed about emerging options that might suit their specific requirements.
They maintain substantial stock levels, recognising that trampers planning multi-day trips need reliable availability rather than backorder delays. The warehouse provides storage for complete systems, from shelter through cooking equipment. Educational resources help customers understand that purchasing light gear without grasping proper packing techniques often leads to disappointment. Their role extends beyond retail to include guidance on transitioning to lighter systems safely and effectively.
New Zealand ultralight gear represents more than weight reduction; it enables experiences that heavy traditional packs make impractical or unsafe. Extended trips into remote areas become feasible when daily mileage increases and fatigue decreases. Hunters gain mobility advantages when stalking game across difficult terrain. Bike packers can tackle longer routes with less physical stress. The company’s curated approach, grounded in genuine field experience and backed by reliable customer support, serves adventurers seeking performance improvements rather than casual weekend users chasing trends. Their journey into ultralight hiking philosophy emphasises that lighter loads aren’t about deprivation but about experiencing more while carrying less.