A Week in Wanaka with Mountain Designs

Earlier this year when international borders reopened, we were as keen as anyone to get back out and start adventuring again. So we tagged along with Jasmine and Bevan, two well-versed Aussie travellers with a penchant for exploring new cities, delving into local cultures and uncovering what the great big world has to offer. The curious pair make up The Travel Quandary and for one week, we joined them in Wanaka, New Zealand for a trip to the snow.

A Week In Wanaka

With international borders re-opening, it was a thrill to dust off the passports and suitcases before jet setting across the Tasman to cousin nation, New Zealand. With the promise of fresh powder on the South Island slopes, we based ourselves in Wanaka for a week, perfectly positioned to access Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area. We were accompanied by a selection of Mountain Designs' winter essentials range including our insulated down jackets, fleece jacket and fleece pants, and durable Expedition duffle bag.

Women's Liberty 700 Down Jacket & Men's Advance 600 Down Jacket

With the thermometer regularly sitting below 10° Celsius, our Women's Liberty 700 Goose Down Hooded Longline Jacket and Men's Advance 600 Down Jacket provided much needed warmth during night time dinner escapades as well as protection from the light drizzle we encountered on our second day in Wanaka. Their streamlined design with accompanying pouch made packing a cinch without sacrificing on comfort and warmth.

The warm and snug Liberty (left) and the active Advance jacket (right). (Images courtesy of The Travel Quandary)

Women's Galena Fleece Jacket & Men's Brass Monkey Fleece Pants

When we weren't exploring the outdoors, our Women's Galena Full Zip Fleece Jacket and Men's Brass Monkey Fleece Pant were the ideal travel companions on our winter adventure. We found these fleece items lightweight and warm, and being made from 100% recycled polyester, they receive an eco-friendly tick of approval.

Mountain Pony 20L Day Pack

The Mountain Pony 20L Day Pack joined us too and we opted to carry this backpack on the airplane. The top lid design opens up to a spacious main compartment, with a laptop sleeve compartment inside. The front mesh pouch has some serious stretch, allowing room for your water bottle or umbrella. This feature takes some getting used to and may not be favourable among those who prefer backpacks with side compartments for carrying water bottles. The daisy chain attachment system was useful for hooking easy-to-reach reusable carry bags and small hand sanitiser bottles

Expedition 120L Duffle Bag

Without a doubt, we found the Mountain Designs Expedition 120L Duffle Bag the most useful accessory for our snow adventure. Constructed with highly durable, water repellent material, this duffle bag accompanied us up the slopes, carrying ski boots, helmets and gloves. Being able to sling this bag over the shoulder left our hands free to juggle larger equipment such as skis and snowboard, plus the compression straps allowed for an easy pack down once it was time to fly home.

The Expedition duffle bag once again proved why it's such a good traveller, being the ultimate durable and functional gear hauler. (Images courtesy of The Travel Quandary)

All in all, our Mountain Design gear showed its value. Our favourite features of the winter essentials clothing range include its lightweight design and warmth, whilst the travel accessories proved their durability and resistance. We're thrilled to have this gear in our travel arsenal and look forward to taking Mountain Designs with us again on our next adventure.

Photo Credits

All images supplied by The Travel Quandary

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