I went on «the most beautiful hike in the world.» Since I hiked with a private company, I stayed in the three private cabins mentioned in my last post: Glade House, Pompolona, and Miter Peak. Each cabin employs staff who welcome walkers, as well as prepare meals, cook and clean. Below are the services they provided and my recommended packing list.
I know this isn’t your typical Trek backcountry post (I wasn’t exactly having a bad time), but it was a dream come true and a great opportunity to try out some new gear, some of which I’ll definitely be using in the Colorado Trail this summer!
Blog 2 of 2 – Services and equipment
The amenities
A refreshment table greets walkers after the hike.
Assorted snacks after the walk; this day was juice, orange slices and fudge
I usually followed snack time with a shower (shampoo/conditioner/towels included) and then washed my clothes by hand before hanging them in a drying room. The drying rooms, with their stifling heat and circulating fans, ensured that the walkers’ clothes were dry in the morning.
Drying room at Pompolona Hut
During the reservation process, the preference for a private or shared room was designated. I shared a room with 1 or 2 other women, depending on the configuration of the cabin. Sheets, duvets and pillows were provided.
Shared room in Pompolona.
Shared room with private bathroom at Miter Peak (complete with views of Milford Sound!)
The meals were absolutely amazing. Breakfast typically consisted of a yogurt and cereal bar, plus hot English-style breakfast items. Lunch consisted of homemade sandwiches; All the trimmings were supplied to the walkers at breakfast time. The real magic happened at dinner; Three-course meals were served. (Walkers usually chose their main course the night before). In each cabin you could buy wine and beer.
Beef T-bone steak with pepper juice
Creme brulee dessert
Rack of lamb and vegetables at Miter Peak
The shelters are replenished on Wednesdays by helicopter.
Helicopter delivery to Fiordland
The gear
For more detailed information, see this list with my Equipment List (found near the title of this article or click here).
Pack
- Durston Kakwa 55 (water resistance worked well; had a bag liner but didn’t need it)
The Kakwa at Mackinnon Pass
Clothes
Spent:
- Mons Royale Bella Merino Long Sleeve
- bunny leggings
- Engine foot pads
- Darn Tough Socks (Lightweight)
- Altra Long Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots – Men
- Sports bra + underwear (not photo)
- Dirty Girl Gaitors (not pictured)
Full:
- Sleepwear: Smartwool base layer top and bottom; Darn Tough Socks (Midweight)
- Rain Coverage: Arc’teryx Waterproof Jacket + REI Women’s Activator Pants
- Camping/Swimming Shoes: Teva Sandals
- Bonus: Patagonia puffer jacket
- 1 underwear, 1 normal bra (not shown in the photo)
Clothing: used and packed
Footwear: used and packed
Electronics
- Airpods Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro
- 2 charging cables (1 short and 1 long for dual charging)
- charging block
- Type 1 adapter
Packaged Electronics
Various (no image)
- Trekking Poles (The most useful miscellaneous item on this list! Don’t leave it behind!)
- Deodorant
- Travel size toothbrush + toothpaste
- Daily contact lenses and glasses
- sunscreen
- 2 one-liter Nalgene bottles
- Skratch Labs Electrolyte Packs
Items I would leave behind next time (not pictured)
- Insect repellent + head net (my preferred method was to cover the skin with thin clothing).
- Power Bank Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 20000mAh (There are enough opportunities to charge devices in the cabins).
- Water filter (filtered water provided).
- Headlamp (but if a walker uses the bathroom frequently during the night, bring one).
- Light camping towel (used, but could do without).
- Swimsuit (I just swam in my hiking clothes).
Thankful for the miles,
Britt xo.
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