How to tackle the backcountry
Exploring the Backcountry: A Guide to Fly Fishing and Outdoor Adventures
Jack is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, deeply devoted to the wonders of nature, fly fishing, and various adventure sports. His love for fly fishing is inseparable from his fascination with the natural world. When he reflects on his most cherished experiences, they invariably involve the wilderness, shared with like-minded individuals who appreciate the world of fly fishing in the great outdoors. He is also the Director and Co-owner of Aotearoa Anglers, a fly guiding outfitter based in Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand.
Jack's expertise in outdoor pursuits has been developed across a range of countries and various activities, including canyoning, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, and fly fishing. Jack shares his tips and thoughts on how to safely venture into the backcountry and shares some of his thoughts accumulated from his own experiences.
“I love all aspects of heading into the backcountry, and I believe the adventure starts from the first whispers of a trip. It's taken a lot of trial and error to reach a point where my planning process and packing list doesn’t vary much. After nearly 20 years spending as much time as I can in the backcountry I’ve accumulated some simple thought processes and lessons that I implement with each trip.
Photo credit: Jeff Forsee, Aotearoa Anglers
Take the time to plan before you go
I’ve found that these trips usually come to fruition from getting inspired by something or someone. It could be an article, a video, or a story told by someone that gets the juices flowing. The itch to seek this out for yourself slowly starts to develop. My first tip is to take the time to think about what you want from your trip and plan accordingly; this pays dividends. Time is precious, so use it wisely. For me, I usually have a million goals going on at one time, but when I get psyched about one particular trip, I start planning. I’ll find the optimal time of year to go, study weather patterns, and create a logistical plan. Spending time planning here will save you a headache later.
My stepped out planning process is as follows:
Scour the maps - I love getting solid visuals of the areas first!
Go through what you own and figure out what you might need for the trip.
Work out the logistics: where are you going, how long do you need, can you get there easily, or is further transport or logistics required?
Start a group chat, or organise a phone call with those you’re going with - ensure everyone is on the same page with the plan.
Create contingency plans - if things go awry or weather doesn’t cooperate you want to have a plan ready to fall back on.
Build the gear you might need for the trip
Some additional resources:
For NZ, NZ topo maps is a great resource, can be bought as an app for your phone.
Metvuw.com is my go-to weather forecasting tool for NZ, and use Windy.com as a secondary opinion
Getting into your local outdoor gear shop and chatting with them is a great way to learn some stuff from the people who know best!
Write lists
Writing stuff down! Mapping out everything you need on a page is so helpful. Having it all written down in front of you just seems to work. The number of times I haven't done so, and gone into the backcountry only to realize that I’ve forgotten a knife or a headtorch has proven far too many. One particular trip where I left the tent poles behind on an overnight trip into The Darran Mountains, one of the wettest places in New Zealand, stands out! When I try to rely on memory, crucial things invariably get forgotten. There are some great online list tools like Jotform or lighterpack.com
Know your limits
Remote places offer heightened and inherent risks. You can manage these risks a great deal by being honest with yourself about your capabilities. Before heading into the deepest depths of Fiordland, think about whether you have the experience, equipment, and expertise to manage yourself appropriately if something goes wrong.
Plan your escape
Thinking about the worst-case scenario doesn't fit well with romanticising about your grand adventure, but it's necessary. If you're going somewhere gnarly, tell someone and give them a time they should expect to hear from you once you're back. Additionally, there is a plethora of great emergency locator beacons that are light weight and relatively inexpensive. You can even hire them if it's a one-off, but it'll save your bacon if you ever need it. I have a Garmin InReach Mini, which allows me to stay in contact with the outside world despite having no service – I never head into the backcountry without it!
Be weight-conscious – light is right!
For years, I took extra clothing, extra food, and extra stuff that, half the time, I'd get back to the car or home and realise I hadn't touched any of it. This is average on a number of levels, the main one being the weight of my pack. I’ve spent a good amount of time refining the things I take. While my time in the backcountry isn't spent like a Monk with no items whatsoever, I've just cut down on the unnecessary items to make my pack weight way more manageable. The goal for me was to have a full kit, including tent, burner and food, and be able to fish all day without really feeling the need to take my pack off. Some of the simple thought processes to take necessities rather than unneeded extras. Start small – what utensils can double up? A bowl works as a plate and a coffee cup; I don’t need a heavier warmer jacket when I'll just get into my sleeping bag. Keep an open mind and try to find your own efficiencies.
The theory I go by, taught to me by my good friend and business partner Jeff Forsee, is the “wet zone and dry zone” concept. This is the principle of wearing clothing specific to the activity during the day and having something to change into in the evening. I have clothing layers for the day that largely stay on during the day when I'm fishing i.e., “wet zone,” and then some base layers that I'll change into i.e. “the dry zone”. If its cool, I can then add the warmer layers that I was wearing during the day back on top. “Dry zone” can be as simple as Thermal bottoms and shorts to change into with a merino top.
Packing fishing gear by the time of year is a critical planning element as the fish do different things at different times of the year and will allow you to cut down on unnecessary items. My fishing kit is quite simple. I always have the basics, including the scissor/forcep combo, indicator yarn, floatant, 3X and 4X tippet, some extra leader material and 2 fly boxes with a selection of streamers, nymphs, dries and squirmy worms. I also carry a lightweight net that attached with a carabiner to my pack.
In terms of rod choice, this depends on the time of year and the conditions. A very safe bet is a 6 wt. rod with a floating line, this will work for 99% of what you’re trying to achieve in the realm of chasing trout. Talk to your local gear shop for advice and optimal rod options. They vary greatly in feel and expense and it helps to get a professional opinion.
Protip, find a simple fishing pack and run with that. I have a Patagonia wader workstation that clips on to my pack at my chest and is super accessible and lightweight. This saves having to take an extra back or hip pack for fishing gear! Gadgets like a tippet spool holder, lanyards for nippers and floatant and a combined fly box are all handy and is enough gear to cover most bases.
This is more a fishing tip than a backcountry tip but I often see people using brass nymphs, and whilst they have their place, I can almost guarantee that without tungsten, you’re not gonna get near those deeper fish. Pack some weight – I’m talking like 4mm beads and split shot, this is an easy way to increase your catch rate!
Buy quality
I'm a massive outdoor gear nerd and enthusiast, and I have a few go-to brands and products that I prefer (please note I am not sponsored by any of these brands and have paid full retail for all the gear listed below!) I've seen the outcomes of getting a deal on a no-name eBay jacket or tent, and it often ends in tears. When it comes to your equipment, it's the biggest barrier separating you from a lousy experience or even an emergency. The adage "you get what you pay for" is so true with outdoor gear. Take your time to research, talk to your local purveyor of fine outdoor equipment, and buy good-quality gear. It'll last you, do exactly what it's designed to do, and if it's not for you, it'll have a half-decent resale price.
Photo credit: Jeff Forsee, Aotearoa Anglers
Some of my go to equipment
Patagonia - I love Patagonia layers, particularly their synthetic layers. I believe a merino base layer, vest, a fleece, a synthetic mid-weight layer (Patagonia Nano Puff, i.e., the best fishing layer on the planet), along with a good-quality rain jacket such as the Riversalt or Swiftcurrent, will give you a layering system that can handle most conditions.
A quality burner - MSR Reactor or Jetboil. While I prefer the former, these types of stoves are super efficient, lightweight, and boil water in less than a minute. I've had my MSR Reactor for nearly 8 years now, and it's still going strong. While you wouldn't want to do much cooking on it, it boils water super fast, in windy conditions and all packs up into one contained unit. It's lightweight, durable and is probably the highest quality burner I’ve come across.
Think of your feet! Nothing will ruin a trip faster than boots that hurt or give you blisters. Patagonia, Simms, and Astral all make high-quality wading and water shoes and boots. I personally have opted for a white water specific boot called the Astral Rambler 2.0’s for back country missions as they’re light and comfy.
Be aware of certain materials! Cotton does not insulate when it's wet, and fishing inherently involves water! Merino or synthetic layers will still retain heat when they’re wet! Biff the cotton, take some wool instead!
Keep it dry
"Dry bags – I love dry bags, Silicon nylon is super lightweight, waterproof, and offers more than just keeping your gear dry. The weather is always the master dictator in the backcountry, and a pack full of wet clothes is a quick way to send you home or ruin your trip. I have 4-8 dry bags depending on the trip, and I use them like packing cells. This is great for arranging your pack but also means that it isolates your dry and wet equipment as well as keeping all your gear dry if the heavens open or you take a spill when netting a fish!
Camp life.
You've decided to go all-in, pack the tent, and stay for a night or more. Beautiful. There are some luxury items that can add to your experience.
A seat - There's been a recent uptake in designing super lightweight outdoor seats and chairs. I love leaning against something while I'm eating dinner if I've spent a whole day in the saddle (walking with my pack on).
Let there be light! Goal Zero makes a 100-gram lantern that charges with solar power! It's a nice touch for kicking around the tent or camp.
Jandals or crocs - ripping off the boots after a day on your feet and slipping on fresh socks with jandals or crocs is an experience fit for a king. Try it!
Glorious Food
Perhaps you've seen "127 Hours," and the thought of being hungry in the wilderness drives you to load up your pack with enough food to survive for months, but you've ignored the previous suggestion, Light is Right! Be mindful of how much you're likely to eat and pack accordingly, with a little extra contingency like snacks in case of an emergency. 1 Kilo per day is a reasonable rule of thumb but you should take into account your personal height, weight and metabolism.
Don't pack it all! My pro tip is to use reusable zip-lock bags to portion out what you need for each meal! Rather than taking 500 grams of ground coffee for one night, portion it out into a zip-lock bag. The zip-lock bags then double down as a garbage bag!
Freeze-dried food - it's not for everyone, but it's simple, light, easy and means you can take stove specific for boiling water rather than bulky or less efficient stoves! You can add fresh vegetables to your freeze dried meals for extra fibre like zucchini or broccoli which travel super well!
I'm not all about practicality. I know the value of a little indulgence in the wild, and my go-to backcountry essentials are Whittaker's chocolate and red wine decanted into a soft plastic bottle!
The weather
The weather is a fickle mistress and one that is not worth being at odds with. My thoughts about fly fishing trips and the weather are to take it for what it is. You can’t choose an arbitrary date a year down the track that fits in with your leave from work and expect the weather to be perfect; most of the time it won't be, particularly in New Zealand. Managing your expectations before you go means you'll be better equipped if the weather gods are not kind, and you may have thought of a good alternative in the event your first option isn’t viable. Outdoor sports just play to the weather, and it just makes it even better when you get a great forecast!
Mountain weather is also changeable; be prepared for the forecast to be wrong, pack and plan accordingly!
Leave no trace or kaitiakitanga
In New Zealand, we wholeheartedly embrace the Maori cultural value of 'kaitiakitanga' (pronounced kai-tee-ah-key-tung-uh), which signifies our dedication to being responsible stewards of the land. It underscores the need for utmost respect and preservation of the natural world. Therefore, as we venture into the backcountry, we hold these values close, ensuring that we 'Leave No Trace.' This principle not only safeguards the pristine beauty of the wilderness but also safeguards its irreplaceable natural treasures for the benefit of other fisho’s and people enjoying the outdoors.
Some thoughts to leave you with
As you embark on your own backcountry adventures, remember that the backcountry has a way of teaching us lessons about ourselves and the world around us. It's a place where we can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and connect with the beauty and serenity of nature.
But with this privilege comes a responsibility—to respect and protect the wild places we cherish. Leave no trace, follow the principles of kaitiakitanga, and ensure that others can experience the same wonders that have captivated us.
I've shared my knowledge and experiences with you in this guide, but the true magic of the backcountry lies in your own journey of discovery. It's a place where you'll find your own way of doing things and preferred systems. Get out there with a well-planned adventure, well-chosen gear, and a sense of respect for the natural world. Whether you're fishing in the backcountry for a week or a day, take your time to soak it all in and enjoy it for the presence fly fishing brings!