Author Topic: The little items that make hiking so much better.  (Read 8661 times)

gunwharfman

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #15 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.

sunnydale

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #16 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)
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photonut

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #17 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

Stube

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #18 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.
« Last Edit: 20:20:53, 28/02/18 by Stube »

RubberSoul

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #19 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.   

gunwharfman

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #20 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!

Owen

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #21 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.

sunnydale

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #22 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)
***Happiness is only a smile away***

Welsh Rambler

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #23 on: 16:38:05, 02/03/18 »
Wet wipes  ;D
Regards Keith

sunnydale

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #24 on: 07:34:01, 03/03/18 »
Wet wipes  ;D



Hmmm, too much info! :D
***Happiness is only a smile away***

gunwharfman

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #25 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.

BuzyG

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #26 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.

Jac

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #27 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. :)
So many paths yet to walk, so little time left

NeilC

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #28 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.


Maggot

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Re: The little items that make hiking so much better.
« Reply #29 on: 22:27:50, 05/03/18 »
I have a tiny DAB/FM radio.  I wouldn't leave home without it!

 

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