Remlite

Remlite NZ delivers purpose-built ultralight hiking gear for New Zealand adventurers seeking comfort, safety, and performance without the weight.

Ultralight thinking in rugged terrain

Few companies understand New Zealand’s wilderness quite like Remlite NZ. Born from lived experience in the notoriously challenging Tararua Ranges, they’ve built a reputation as the country’s premier source of ultralight hiking gear. With a mission rooted in practical necessity, they’ve translated that into a high-functioning online store where every gram counts and every product proves its worth under pressure.

The weight of inspiration

Founded in 2020 by outdoor enthusiast Stan Leenders, Remlite NZ was shaped in the aftermath of a severe backcountry storm. That harrowing moment, shared with his father, sparked a transformation in the way they approached gear. Heavy packs became liabilities. Safety and endurance demanded change. From that realisation came a philosophy: lighter is safer. From this philosophy, Remlite NZ emerged, focused solely on ultralight equipment suited to New Zealand’s diverse climates and unforgiving landscapes.

Gear with a purpose

Each item in their store reflects a commitment to ultralight travel and practical application. Their ultralight tents and shelters, like the Nemo Hornet Elite, are designed for fast deployment in alpine, coastal, and bush environments. Meanwhile, ultralight sleeping systems such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir provide essential insulation and comfort without the bulk.

Remlite NZ’s selection also includes:

• Ergonomic, weather-resistant backpacks from Sea to Summit

• Compact, efficient cooking systems like the MSR PocketRocket

• Portable water purification tools

• Lightweight headlamps, multi-tools, and safety accessories

• Technical outdoor clothing made with Icebreaker merino wool

• Purpose-built hunting packs and camouflage gear

• Waterproof socks and breathable gaiters for rugged terrain

Each product is selected for weight, functionality, and relevance to the unique demands of New Zealand adventuring.

Brands that back the mission

Rather than chase every new trend, Remlite NZ partners only with trusted names. Their online shelves feature gear from Therm-a-Rest, Nemo, MSR, Sea to Summit, ENO, and Icebreaker. These brands are known for reliability and innovation. The store’s niche specialisation in ultralight hammocks, including ENO’s Sub6 model and Helios suspension systems, adds another layer of adaptability for hikers tackling forested or saturated ground.

More than gear: an online community

While Remlite NZ runs exclusively online, the store does more than sell products. Through content on their platform and Stan’s Hard Antler Hunting YouTube channel, they help customers make informed choices tailored to local conditions. Their customer-first approach extends to a generous 30-day return policy, personalised recommendations, and fast, encrypted nationwide shipping. Even customers in New Zealand’s most remote regions are well supported.

International shoppers are not left out either. With deliveries available across Australia and flexible international options, Remlite NZ is ready to support ultralight adventurers beyond home shores.

Engineered for movement

Remlite NZ’s gear is not just about shedding weight. It is about moving smarter. Every piece is chosen to support the demands of thru-hiking, bikepacking, hunting, and backcountry trekking. For example, their compact cookware solutions cater to those who need hot meals without heavy setups. Their ultralight rain gear shields hikers from sudden downpours without adding drag. Their clothing ensures layerable warmth, moisture control, and freedom of movement. All are essential in rapidly changing weather.

A uniquely local advantage

What sets Remlite NZ apart is their unflinching commitment to local conditions. They do not simply repackage global brands for a New Zealand audience. Instead, they filter their offerings through direct backcountry experience. Every piece of gear is vetted against the wind-lashed ridges, muddy tracks, and unpredictable forecasts of real-world trips.

This local intelligence is embedded in their product range. From the weight distribution of their packs to the stealth features of their hunting gear, they understand outdoor life in New Zealand because they live it.

The hammock edge

One of Remlite NZ’s most compelling points of difference is their focus on ultralight hammock camping. With ENO’s minimal setups, hikers can bypass boggy ground and tight bush clearings. Add-ons like mosquito nets and rain tarps allow for comfortable sleeping in varied conditions. For those tackling routes where traditional tenting proves difficult, this lightweight solution offers freedom, flexibility, and safety without compromise.

Designed for adventure, backed by care

Behind every parcel sent by Remlite NZ is a real person who knows what it is like to be deep in the bush with the weather turning and the path still long. That empathy translates into service. Their website makes it easy to compare gear, check specs, and access helpful insights. Free shipping for orders over $150, trackable delivery, and secure payments all contribute to a seamless online experience.

Sustainability is part of the ethos too. By emphasising durable, high-quality products that reduce the need for frequent replacements, they encourage thoughtful purchasing that aligns with environmental responsibility.

Ready for the remote

Whether preparing for the Routeburn Track or an extended solo expedition in the Kawekas, New Zealanders need gear they can trust. Remlite NZ’s product range has been built for just that. Every item serves a function, lightens the load, and performs under pressure.

Importantly, this is gear for serious use. These are not novelty items or short-season gadgets. With ultralight gear from Remlite NZ, adventurers can stretch their range, extend their trips, and explore more without the physical toll of overburdened packs.

Built from real terrain

At its core, Remlite NZ is a reflection of its founder’s own trials and triumphs. Stan Leenders did not enter this business from a boardroom. He arrived through soaked boots, storm-rattled shelters, and the clarity that comes from pushing past exhaustion with only the gear on your back.

His continued involvement in the outdoors ensures that Remlite’s inventory evolves with actual needs, not hypothetical ones. Whether choosing a new lightweight tarp or a compact multi-tool, customers can trust that it is there for a reason. It has likely been tested under pressure.

Where weight meets wisdom

Ultimately, Remlite NZ is not just selling ultralight hiking gear. They are providing access to freedom. With their gear, outdoor lovers can venture deeper, move faster, and stay out longer. Less weight means more miles. More comfort means safer journeys. And expert support means confidence in every purchase.

They have not just filled a niche in the market. They have built a community of movement-minded adventurers who trust their gear to carry them through whatever the track throws their way.

From Wellington to the West Coast, and from Fiordland to forest ridgelines only accessible on foot, Remlite NZ has made a name for itself. Not with noise, but with nuance. Not by being loud, but by being light.