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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 21:12:16, 25/02/18

Title: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:12:16, 25/02/18
I'm home alone at the moment. My wife is visting her mother at the moment so I decided to bring ALL of my camping stuff into the lounge and get it properly sorted. It then struck me that there are a few small items which make 'all of the difference' to a good trip or not. For example, my Lowe Alpine peaked hat, such a simple thing but so very useful, covers my ears, keeps out the cold and wind and is ideal under my hood when it rains, the peak size is just right. Then my 4 bright yellow plastic velcro strips from Wilko's, ideal to strap my flipflops together, to keep my warm jacket neatly folded and secured and so on, my glasses necklace which holds 2 pairs, always easy to get to plus my waterproof phone cover, £2.99 from a local shop. Great items!
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Gadabout Bounder on 22:10:21, 25/02/18
Gunwharfman -


Earplugs - In any weather a good nights sleep.


Ipad Mini - I'm a big reader and I have the Kindle app downloaded, good for music and the odd downloaded video.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Thedogsmother on 22:18:24, 25/02/18
I did a sort of audit of my hiking kit too the other week which involved spreading it all out on the lounge floor and checking it worked/was in a reasonably decent state. Sounds like a simple enough thing but I always save lanyards from conferences in work or festivals I went to years ago. I find them good for fixing small loseable items to so they don’t get lost in the depths of your rucksack. Fix them on the outside and poke them inside the main opening of the bag then I can just pull it when I need the item, without having to ferret around in my bag.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: alan de enfield on 22:27:32, 25/02/18

Not necessary - just luxuries :


An aerosol can of Deet - a lifesaver if camping near water & trees.
A small wind-up radio - can still find out what is happening in the world, but ONLY when I want to.
Soft toilet paper - surely no explanation needed.
A kindle - for the days you cannot, or do not want to move.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Dan1902 on 08:22:30, 26/02/18
Not for me but my Mrs is a very cold sleeper, her hands and feet are permanent ice blocks. I changed her water bottle to Nalgene so she uses this as a hot water bottle at night in the tent. It sends her right off.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:23:43, 26/02/18
Instead of Deet, some people suggest eating Marmite first thing in the morning?
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Bhod on 15:05:39, 26/02/18
I'd rather eat the DEET  :D
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: MudMagnet on 16:23:22, 26/02/18
I'd rather eat the DEET  :D

 ;D
For me it's my walking poles as essential for an easier life.  Messed up knees are far less painful after a trip with them.   
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: fernman on 17:15:46, 26/02/18
Instead of Deet which I was thinking of buying, I shall be trying a product called Smidge this year. Developed to deter midges, it is said to have been found effective against ticks as well, which is what I want it for. There's a pocket one about the size of a thick credit card for around £5.

People have mentioned how they keep all their little items together so they can get at them easily or to avoid losing them. I put all mine inside my 550ml (1 pint) cooking pot. A folded kitchen cloth on top stops them rattling, and a strong rubber band around the pot and lid keeps it all together.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: RuthW on 18:48:22, 26/02/18
A small, bright dry-bag with small essentials in - lip salve, money, paracetamol, etc. Easy to take out and carry round if you leave the large bag outside too.
I love the lanyard idea - I'm using that!
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Dan1902 on 19:26:06, 26/02/18
+1 for DEET or Smidge.

Only come across midges once but they were awful (wasn't even a big swarm either.) Boiling hot day had to put my night time leggings on and long top and a beanie just to get the tent pitched and quickly make some food before locking myself away inside. Would have preferred heavy rain!
That's something I'm still yet to buy for my kit!
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: scottk on 23:15:57, 26/02/18
Smidge works well for me but you still get midgies in your mouth, eyes, tea etc!! No issues with damaging fabrics or plastics and my wife doesn't seem to be allergic to it.
Used it last year quite a lot and the only bites I got were at the small of my back where I either exposed skin putting my tent up or my top got pushed up by my rucksack during the day.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:01:55, 27/02/18
I've been lucky, a couple of memorable swarms to contend with (in Alston and near Coniston) so have never thought of packing Deet or similar. My tent is a fully enclosed mesh area, bugs have never got in. The outside of the mesh can a mecca for slugs however, sometimes I wake up and even the big ones have slithered up and look down on me.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: wobblyknees on 10:38:31, 27/02/18
my glasses necklace which holds 2 pairs,


Could you explain how this/these work? Is it one necklace or two?
A recent medical condition requires me to wear UV protection for my eyes. The only time I wear ordinary glasses outdoors is when fly fishing - for changing or tying on flies. I'm wondering how I'll cope with two pairs of glasses.


Re midges:
The following 'recipe' has never failed to work for me:


Base: Distilled witch hazel.
A few drops each of the following essential oils: Citronella oil, Orange oil, Eucalyptus oil, Tea tree oil.


Do not put on forehead if you perspire. It is very painful if it gets in your eyes.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Ho11yberry on 16:27:19, 27/02/18
A folding foam sit mat which only weighs a couple of ounces.  Mine cost £2.99 in Millets about 10 years ago and it's invaluable for lunch stops - especially when the ground is wet and the rocks are sharp  :o .  It has a permanent place in my daysack.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:40:11, 27/02/18
You are so right! I forgot about my Milletts blue folding mat, absolutely essential! Great for kneeling on as well, when I need to rummage though my gear after I've thrown it all in my tent.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: sunnydale on 10:01:08, 28/02/18
Ah yes, I wouldn't be without my folding sit mat! :D


Other little items?...Hmmm....well, fruit pastilles and/or Bournville chocolate spring to mind.
And a flask of tomato soup on cold Winter walks 8)
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: photonut on 10:31:05, 28/02/18
Having purchased them recently, Gaiters... oh what a joy to have!!!

... other than that... Wethers Original and Winegums  :D
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Stube on 20:16:41, 28/02/18
A pound shop waterproof picnic rug: 

     Room to sprawl and prepare lunch when stopped.
     Prevents muddy knees entering and leaving your tent.
     Extra insulation under your sleeping mat in winter.
     Kit marshalling area when packing your rucksack in the the morning.
     A floor for your bothy bag.
     etc.
I've modified mine so that it packs up waterproof side out.

A small thermos flask so that a hot drink is always available.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: RubberSoul on 22:30:34, 01/03/18
A tiny little keyring torch  cost about 3 quid off amazon. It's actually touted as a light for a dog collar - and I don't have a dog!. I have it attached to the small strap inside my ruckask, at the top,  that is designed to hold the H20 tube (I don't use H20 bladders). The light comes in handy for seeing to the bottom of my rucksack, even in daylight. It can be a pain in the valley to find something quickly sometimes. like something small that might have dropped to the bottom of the bag.


A cut up rectangle of an old fitness mat. Slips inside the H20 sleeve. I use it as a sit mat and it also helps gives some shape to my rucksack if its fairly empty.


An old zip grip I took off an old football boot bag zip. it has a rubber 'U' shaped end and is really easy to grip. Attached it to the main zip of my main rainjacket so I can zip it fast even with winter gloves on.


A small cloth-towel with a small loop on. It is as small as a hankerchief I guess. Got it from Ikea for about a quid ages ago. Used it in many different ways. Attached it to a loop on the inside of my waterproof bottoms. If I need to dry something quicky when its raining, a quick unclip and hey presto. Also has served as a wiper for my inner tent if there has been any condensaton. Or for the outer if it has got a bit mucky and needs a wipe up before packing away.   
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:35:08, 02/03/18
I like the key ring idea, yes even in daylight it can be quite gloomy looking down into a rucksack. I'm going to pick up some of these ideas for myself, thanks people!
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Owen on 13:12:24, 02/03/18
Instead of Deet which I was thinking of buying, I shall be trying a product called Smidge this year.


Been using Smidge for a few years now, much better than Deet and far kinder to your skin.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: sunnydale on 15:08:37, 02/03/18
I carry a lightweight travel towel (in it's own little net pouch) in the bottom of my rucksack.  Handy at any time of year, for various reasons.... but I actually bought it for using on hot sunny days when I fancy paddling in a river or the sea to cool off hot achy feet.
Very refreshing! 8)
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Welsh Rambler on 16:38:05, 02/03/18
Wet wipes  ;D
Regards Keith
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: sunnydale on 07:34:01, 03/03/18
Wet wipes  ;D



Hmmm, too much info! :D
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:31:57, 04/03/18
I'm doing something for the environment, I'm not going to buy or use wet wipes ever again. I have a system but its going to be private to myself, no need to embarrass anyone.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: BuzyG on 00:09:34, 05/03/18

Leather toe clip straps. Off my old racing bike.  Better at gripping poles ice axes etc.. Than any modern nonsense straps. If a few grams heavier.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Jac on 11:20:57, 05/03/18
I'm doing something for the environment, I'm not going to buy or use wet wipes ever again. I have a system but its going to be private to myself, no need to embarrass anyone.

Oh come on - this a caring and sharing forum. Good advice should be mde available to all. :)
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: NeilC on 20:10:41, 05/03/18
I get some good use out of my bothy bag in wet and cold weather. It's great to be able to get out of the rain completely when it's tipping it down.
Combined with a good friend and shot of Woods to take the chill off....10 mins later I'm raring to go again.

Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Maggot on 22:27:50, 05/03/18
I have a tiny DAB/FM radio.  I wouldn't leave home without it!
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Marsden Moor on 17:24:15, 10/03/18
I’ve put some metal split rings on me rucksack zips so much easier especially with cold fingers
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: naturegirl on 23:22:13, 27/03/18
Handwarmers!

My hands are always cold, and sometimes the tips of my fingers get white (Raynauds)
I've used the liquid ones (those you have to boil to reset) but the heat is gone after a few minutes.

My husband gave me a really good one - rechargeable - recently, from HOTT, just have to charge it via USB and once charged the heating can last for many hours. Just make sure you get a powerful one (mine is 10000 mAH) otherwise the battery won't last as long.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Rather be walking on 12:26:29, 28/03/18
Use Solid fuel hand warmers, last about 4 - 5 hours. I get spare fuel sticks from angler shops.

Jon.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: RogerA on 16:51:36, 29/03/18
I’ve put some metal split rings on me rucksack zips so much easier especially with cold fingers

I just ordered some of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017W0Q1YE/
at 18p for 10 delivered you cant really argue and may be better than metal split rings - they havent arrived yet so dont know the quality.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Welsh Rambler on 20:18:05, 29/03/18
I just ordered some of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017W0Q1YE/ (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017W0Q1YE/)
at 18p for 10 delivered you cant really argue and may be better than metal split rings - they havent arrived yet so dont know the quality.
How can they charge just 18p for 10 units with free delivery when a second class stamp now costs 58p ? :o
Regards Keith
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: alan de enfield on 20:37:26, 29/03/18

How can they charge just 18p for 10 units with free delivery when a second class stamp now costs 58p ? :o
Regards Keith


The Chinese Government supports manufacturers who export by funding the postage costs. The Chinese Post Office has a reciprocal agreement with Royal Mail, so China Post do not pay Royal Mail anything.


I buy quite a lot of £1 items off ebay and it still amazes me that even if you take the cost of a jiffy-bag (20-30-40p) how do they do it ?
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Tin on 20:44:31, 29/03/18

The Chinese Government supports manufacturers who export by funding the postage costs. The Chinese Post Office has a reciprocal agreement with Royal Mail, so China Post do not pay Royal Mail anything.


That makes sense...a bit odd though that if you choose the bulk buy you're paying 6 times the price.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: GordonHorwich on 21:41:20, 31/03/18
Gunwharfman -


Earplugs - In any weather a good nights sleep.


Ipad Mini - I'm a big reader and I have the Kindle app downloaded, good for music and the odd downloaded video.


I have to agree about the iPad mini. At first you might think it a bit of a luxury but I was backpacking (mix of camping/hotels) the Summer before last on the GR36 in Normandy and using Viewranger on it was all the mapping I needed to help my find my way back from the GR36 to the town where I was going to stay before catching the train back to Caen (although one footpath was challenging needing a diversion). Just load up your maps when you have WiFi or use a bit of data on your phone (which now costs the same as if you were in the UK). Also use it with my OSMaps subscription. Plus as stated above.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:42:53, 01/04/18
I wore an Ipad mini around my neck in a polythene soft case. One day a cow with horns charged at me, biffed me in the chest and knocked me off my feet down a bank. My screen cracked with the impact, its still works but my screen now often just shows horizontal lines. I should throw it away but its just nostalgia that makes me keep it.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Ozymandiac on 11:07:59, 16/04/18
I didn't see it get mentioned yet: a blindfold (sleeping mask). I get to sleep much faster when it's absolutely dark, and we've seen multiple campings where the light pollution is dominant.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:47:04, 16/04/18
I decided against one of those. I actually like daylight and waking very early. I use one at home though, my wife can read in bed until the early hours. I've tried reading in bed but cannot get past a page before I'm fast asleep.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: jimbob on 14:12:37, 16/04/18
Fruit pastilles.  I love a tube of good old fashioned fruit pastilles.

If I can't get them,  then wine gums are a distant second best.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Ozymandiac on 08:25:09, 19/04/18
I decided against one of those. I actually like daylight and waking very early. I use one at home though, my wife can read in bed until the early hours. I've tried reading in bed but cannot get past a page before I'm fast asleep.

Haha yes. I think we're agreed on preferring not to use them, it's more of a necessary evil for me when the camping is using lanterns.

I like the fruit pastilles suggestion: something to chew on when you're having a tough ascent  :)
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: Troggy on 08:41:10, 19/04/18
If it's just a hike I'm on, I always fancy having a stove to make a brew, rather than carry a flask or bottle of water. There's something relaxing about the little ritual and I enjoy the rest and the view while I'm waiting for my tea.
Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: gunwharfman on 20:57:48, 19/04/18
On a wild camping wet night, miles from the nearest pub but with a hip flask full of brandy, hopefully with a good wifi signal, a decent sized screen and be able to watch a good film before dozing off.

I have to confess I've never done it but I often day dream about such an occasion. One day I'm sure my luck will be in.

I've just finished watching 'In the heat of the night' with Sidney Poiter and Rod Steiger, what a great film, good photography and colours, good sound and clear speech. An ideal watch!

So a full hip flash for me and the brandy, Courvoisier of course!



Title: Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
Post by: madame cholet on 22:53:34, 19/04/18
Ear plugs my female friend snores lol.