"if you are looking for good bombproof kit that you could be passing on to your grandchildren I'd look no further than gear from cactus climbing. NZ based with a good ethical construction policy, If you ever manage to break anything (unlikely)…"

"hi there, I'd love to be involved, but I've got that weekend booked for mountain biking the heaphy track.. I'll spread the word amongst my flat mates and friends though. cheers!"

"just made my first coal using a hand drill today!   using a nice ancient piece of super dry totara fence post for a hearth and a 700mm long, little finger thick piece of kanono (coprosma grandiflora) as a spindle. first coal made by sharing the…"

"I have done a lot of carving with a no8 carbon steel opinel, can't fault it as a wood working blade, really comfy handle for a folding knife and the steel is top notch. And they cost about 30 bucks..   If you want something more…"

"I've had great success using macrocarpa for both fireboard and spindle, using the native amercan bow and spindle technique. Its a nice medium density wood, very easily carved but not too soft. The only downside is the smoke can be quite…"

"My buddy rowan is making beautiful one pole tipis in the motueka region. check out www.origintents.co.nz.. they aren't exactly tramping tipis, being made of heavy duty 14oz canvas but they are bombproof and will last for ever. I've lived…"