Hardly seems fair ;D
Antihistamines and bite cream :-[Having a good time in Scotland Mel?
Won't take much breaking in, wore mine straight out of the box without issue O0
Montane Featherlite Down Jacket.
I've been toying with the idea of an insulated jacket for about a year but couldn't find one that seemed to fit my shape quite right, went into Go Outdoors at the weekend and saw it was on sale, hadn't even spotted the jacket before for some reason. Fits me perfect and was on sale so got a bit of money off, was obviously just meant to be!
The best moment of a hike, packing and repacking my rucksack!Definitely. The planning and perusing maps is a lot of fun. Not sure I've seen anything like you clothes dryer contraption but its a good idea. You should invent it!
What I would like to purchase if it exists is a very lightweight fold up clothes dryer that will snap-fit to my rucksack to 'peg' my washed clothes to for quicker drying as I walk. Any ideas please?Wire coat hanger! ;) :)
Plus I would like to buy a passport sized 'purse' to hang around my neck designed with a properly shaped flat strap about a half inch wide. I can see ones with string (like Lifeventure) but I find this type of purse uncomfortable to wear.
The bank balance and the wife are really happy that I resisted the urge to buy another goretex jacket, another backpack and another hat :) .LOL, I've got one like that!
LOL, I've got one like that!
"What? Another rucksack? What have you bought another one for? What's wrong with the last one you bought? How many have you got now?"
Survive Outdoors Longer emergency bivvy, lighter than a light thing and will opefully just sit in the bottom of my bag never to see the light of day ;) .
Called in to the Montane Outlet Shop in Ashington for a looksee, managed to resist the fleeces and waterproofs but did leave with a new beanie hat, 2 new hoodys (slight 2nd's £10 each) and a new Polestar 2.0 down jacket for the bargain basement price of £40, well pleased. Just a word of advice, don't go there expecting larger sizes, most of the stuff for sale are salesperson samples therefore around the medium/large size, some bargains to be had though.
Is that Ashington, Northumberland? If so that's near me 😊It is indeed and a mere 20 mins up the road from me :D
Could I ask why you were bitterly disappointed with you Osprey rucksack Innominate man? A new rucksack is high on my wish-list just now and I was thinking of an Osprey to replace a Lowe Alpine air zone one ....I'm sure my reasons wouldn't apply to other people but for what it's worth here goes;
I am always very impressed with people who do LDPs with a 35 litre rucksack Sussamb.
Just make sure you buy a sac of the correct size, with 50-55 Litres a great combination for a good allround day sac
jeezus... I could survive for a month on the contents of a 55 ltr sack!
Must make sure my AA cover is up to date, before i travel, as the Kyle of Tongue is not the place for a puncture.
Best learn to change a wheel then :)
I'm always interested in how peoples pack size varies.
I'd be interested to know what equipment everyone takes, and what foods, for a day hike, a couple of day's, and a weeks wild camping?
Well, it looks like some of you are going to die laughing when I say I use a 35L day sack and a 75L backpack!
Day: waterproofs, insulated jacket (nearly all of my walks are between autumn and late spring), fleece hat, sun hat, 2 sandwiches, chocolate, 2 cans of fizzy pop, dslr camera, spare batteries for it, and occasionally a macro lens.
Muliple-day:see https://snowdoniabackpacking.wordpress.com/gear-list/ (https://snowdoniabackpacking.wordpress.com/gear-list/)
Kahtoola Microspikes £20 arrived this week.
At that price where ever you got them from ought to be in the bargain thread. ;)
I've just bought myself a very lightweight SeatoSummit 10L washing bowel from Ebay, I saved about £6 on the Cotswold Outdoors price. It comes in a tiny little container and there's a diagram how to fold it up small again. I just cannot work out the sequence of moves to make it small again. My wife looks after a friends 8 year old daughter for two hours after school on Monday. If I offer her a fiver I'm sure she will work it out and teach me.
My wife's friends 8 year old daughter came to stay for a couple of hours today. I asked her if she could work out how to refold my 10L bowel and put it back into its little container. I had tried and tried but could not work it out at all. She did it in two minutes! She then taught me how to do it.
I asked her if she could work out how to refold my 10L bowel and put it back into its little container.:o
I had a pair of cheap black Thinsulate gloves (£5 at purchase) which were ideal if the weather was chilly but not cold, but I lost them recently. They were at their best first thing in the morning when it was cold to coldish and I needed to pack my tent and other gear into my rucksack. They left enough warmth and feeling in my fingers to complete the packing task without having to keep warming my hands every few minutes. They were also very good when I wore them inside my Montane mittens. The mittens were also a poor buy, my hands stay cold when I use them by themselves.
I decided to buy a new pair of thin gloves but this time decided to go upmarket and bought a pair of Arc'teryx gloves at £20. They looked like my old gloves and the material felt the same as well.
It was chilly and a bit windy on the downs yesterday so I put them on and the wind just blew right through them! Useless! They only worked when I put my mittens on as well.
I had the same problem with a pair of Seal Skinz. Absolute crap. I would've been better of going to B&M and buying a £3 pair of whatever.
......The young lady who served me ......... gave me one for free! .....It's amazing what words/phrases stand out when you are in a facetious mood :D
It's amazing what words/phrases stand out when you are in a facetious mood :DOr 'always' as it is usually known.
Or 'always' as it is usually known.
I just bought a pair of Salomon Quest 4D II GTX Hiking Boots. Was able to get a 20% discount so the price wasn't too bad. I'm hoping to do a few 5-10 mile walks this weekend.
I just bought a pair of Salomon Quest 4D II GTX Hiking Boots. Was able to get a 20% discount so the price wasn't too bad. I'm hoping to do a few 5-10 mile walks this weekend.
Re: Salomon Quest boots. I too bought a pair a while back for a good price. I'm still nervous about them but so far they are waterproof. They are however supremely comfortable!
Bought a very nice pouch for my mobile yesterday, needed one because I dropped my last phone and the screen shattered.
A bargain for anyone looking for a bladder.
A 2 Litre Cambelbak Antidote bladder AND a 16 litre day pack, for £20!!!!!
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/cam17/camelbak-arete-18-backpack/ (https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/cam17/camelbak-arete-18-backpack/)
Excellent choice of boot, may I ask where the 20% discount was and is ut still available?
A Camelbak Arete 18 with Antidote bladder from this post -
This weekend I have not incurred unreasonable costs. I have made shrewd long term investments. That's how I have packaged the purchase of new winter boots (Mammut GTX), Rab Accent 900 sleeping bag, G10 Grivel crampons and a "T" rated ice axe also Grivel.Oh dear, I think she probably will ...... :knuppel2: What did 'The Stranglers' say (sing) ..." He got an ice pick, that made his ears burn "
Have to confess Mrs G has not, as yet, responded.
Just ordered a Gamma II head torch from Alpkit. Seems to be good value at £21.00. The only slight disadvantage is that it doesn't take rechargeable batteries but I don't think that will be a problem.
Just bought:
Anker 10,000mah battery pack + USB C cable
Quechua Escape 20 backpack
On the look out for a good scarf/face mask/neckwarmer combo!
Take a look at the Buff range.
Trying very hard not to buy a Suunto Ambit 3 Peak
The hook on the Rab Latoks .... (as well as being the wrong way up for ease of attachment/detachment IMHO).
...not sure why Rab do them that way :-\
Yep, that's how I do them but still a tad more difficult than my others that have the hook 'the right way around'. Get your point about staying in place better though, my Rabs have never 'unhooked' themselves O0
Last month I got myself a new pair of Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Men's Hiking Boots - they were a birthday gift as well as necessity as I kept falling over in my Hi-Tec Men's Eurotrek Waterproof Hiking Boots. I've still not worn them :-\ But hopefully they'll get an airing this weekend with a Ramblers' trip to Arnside
And an airing is what they got :) And these were without doubt the least uncomfortable thing that I have ever had on my feet. A great bit of intuitive buying on my behalf ;D
New boots bought, plumped for some old favourites, a pair of Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX and also thought I'd try a pair of Mammut Mercury Advanced High II GTX. It's been an expensive month :(
For many years I have had a power bank for charging up my phone when using Viewranger, but over the past year it has been losing its charge quickly so I have just replaced it with an Anker 10000. I'm very pleased with it. Many thanks to gunwharfman for the recommendation whilst we were on the Yorkshire Dales meet last year. O0
trekkertent stealth 1, not used it yet but will be soon
Karrimor Mount Low 7... lets see how these hold up against >40 miles a week pavement pounding!
Jetboil Minimo arrives tuesday, looking forward to giving it an outing the following weekend.
Not good Bhod - and I wanted your review as I am keen on getting something similar.
Just received a blow up mattress - about 18 quid - from China. 390g, 30mm thick - Bargain on eBay. Can't believe that years ago I was spending about 90-100 for ones which were just as good
Question is....will it last as long?
I never worried about this until 2015 when wild camping in the Pyrenees. I was rudely awakened by what at first I thought was Wild Boar! It wasn't, it was a group of large domesticated sows who tried to get in my tent with me! I first heard them grunting, then a couple of big snotty snouts tried to lift my outer tent from the ground and I then had to jump out of my tent to confront them! All very exciting but since them I've thought a few times that it 'could' have been Wild Boar. I wonder what I would have done or coped if it was?
#Request
I am sure it's been mentioned before, but it would be good to have sub forum within Gear for member to post tried and tested reviews of gear .....
My latest kit item was this....
http://www.trekitt.co.uk/10760/products/lowe-alpine-space-case-black.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=¤cy=GBP&gclid=CMOvvdr3htQCFYqRGwodfhUM-Q (http://www.trekitt.co.uk/10760/products/lowe-alpine-space-case-black.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=¤cy=GBP&gclid=CMOvvdr3htQCFYqRGwodfhUM-Q)
Nice find. I've looking for something like that.
Is the waist strap elasticated? My current one has an elasticated waist strap and with any weight in the bag, it's difficult to stop it slipping down over my bum.
I'm of that age where I hate it when people talk to me and don't take them off, especially when I cannot see their eyes at all, so rude in my book.
I'm of that age where I hate it when people talk to me and don't take them off, especially when I cannot see their eyes at all, so rude in my book.
I'm of the age when my shades are prescription issue so tough titty if you don't like looking into them (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/grin.gif)
Just bought a raft of Montane AW18 samples from Sportspursuit. Sadly I have to wait until mid-June before they arrive :(
I've merino baselayers and bamboo baselayers, never really happy with them. I popped into Snow and Rock yesterday and they were having an Odlo synthetic baselayer sale so bought myself two long sleeved tops. I buy long sleeves these days as a few years ago I had to have a pre-cancerous mole removed. The dermatologist told me that like so many older men and women I've spent too many years resting my right arm on the car door in hot sunlight. The Odlo sizing really seemed odd, I tried on Small but couldn't get it on, it was so tight! I then tried Medium and that didn't feel much better. In the end I decided to buy Large, still close fitting but comfortable. I wonder how firms work out their sizing? When I bought my Merino the Small fitted me really well, as do my bamboo tops. I'm not sure if I've purchased well, I'll find out next week when I start a new hike.
So I decided to dismiss all of the box wording and graphs and thought, I live in the UK, we do not have many hot days in a year normally, so based on this simple criteria I chose the buy the 'warm' version. I thought to myself, I'd rather be a bit hotter than to be a bit colder, so I told myself to buy the 'warm' product in the hope it will be useful to me throughout the year. The mind knots I wind myself into, I just can't help it, I'm a hopeless case!
Just bought a small pouch to hold my Lidl cashews, walnuts and almonds. I'm starting the Pennine Journey tomorrow and I can't leave without nuts!
Just been to the Altberg factory and treated myself to a new pair of Tethera boots. I've only worn them around the house so far, but it feels like I'm wearing a pair of slippers. :)
Just wondering. I'm thinking of getting some Altbergs myself, do they mix and match sizes to allow for different sized feet?
Just wondering. I'm thinking of getting some Altbergs myself, do they mix and match sizes to allow for different sized feet?
A trip to Taunton today while getting over the scratches from yesterday's trip on the SWCP.
Bought 2 tins of Leder Gris from Taunton Leisure - the only place round here that seems to stock it
From Go Outdoors a pair of Sorbathane Double Strikes to replace the pair of Sida insoles that are now well past their best. I also took the chance to increase my stock of long sleeved trekking shirts with 2 Craghoppers Nosilife Adventurer shirts in preparation for a forthcoming trip to the Austrian Alps and OS maps 115 and 116 to support my assault on the southern SWCP.
Taunton Leisure have a branch in Exeter that may be closer to you.
Thanks. I know about them but I needed to go Go too and, whilst the Exeter stores are closer geographically, I wanted to see the Taunton stores and timewise there isn't much in it since the direct route to Exeter involves 10 miles of Devon lanes followed by a run in from Crediton.
I'm not sure that anywhere (including the Altberg factory) offers that unless you're prepared to buy both pairs. No harm in phoning or emailing them to ask though.
Whalley Warm & Dry are Altberg Premier Retailers and may be a bit nearer for you to travel to. Their boot fitters are trained at the Altberg factory and they have an excellent reputation with customers travelling from all over the country to use their boot fitting services.
http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/ (http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/)
I can personally recommend them and the best advice I can offer you is to book an appointment, go with an open mind and be prepared to be guided by the advice and expertise they offer.
How did the Taunton stores compare with those in Exeter?
Yes I was thinking of going there thanks.
I know I wouldn't ask or expect a retailer to split a par of boots, but at a factory every boot is simply added to a matching size to make a pair. Logically they simply return each boot to the appropriate size coming off the line. Then it gets matched back in. ::)
Its because they take a pride in ensuring a proper fit that I assume they would do this?
I was unaware of any difference in my feet (beyond a bunion on one) until quite recently. Though I gather that lots of people have different size feet (maybe not a big difference). Mine is just a half size I think.
The off-the-shelf walking boots are all made in Treviso, Italy (under close supervision from Richmond!), which is also where all of the leather is sourced.
The only walking boots still made in Richmond are made to measure boots - but this is very unusual given that the standard boots come in English sizes 3 - 15 together with 5 width fittings, making a total of 115 different fittings! Made to measure is really a last resort for people with very unusual feet or injuries etc.
I just used my recently purchased sit mat, I'm fed up getting a damp backside! It's now an essential part of my kit :coolsmiley:I keep meaning to do that, every time it's lunch I remember. Get home. I forget. Now I've remembered!
My latest kit item was this....
http://www.trekitt.co.uk/10760/products/lowe-alpine-space-case-black.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=¤cy=GBP&gclid=CMOvvdr3htQCFYqRGwodfhUM-Q (http://www.trekitt.co.uk/10760/products/lowe-alpine-space-case-black.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=¤cy=GBP&gclid=CMOvvdr3htQCFYqRGwodfhUM-Q)
Great for Summer use and it's surprising just how much you can fit in it. I'm impressed! 8)
Just got one of these for my birthday and, have to say, very impressed. Thanks for the heads up on this Sunnydale.
My Wife has just texted me that she has bought me something 'for your hillwalking'
I've just texted back to ask what it is, thinking it may be some nice new stretchy trousers or some 1000 mile socks, but no
'I've bought you a T-reg Land Rover Freelander so you can [censored] off out in the snow when you're grumpy'
Charming.
You would rather have some new socks?? :o
I'll swap.... ::)
Brakes are LETHAL.
My new purchase: Salomon 4d GTX boots (courtesy of a price match at Go Outdoors) ....
Just got a pair of Montane Terra pants. They are what they are hyped up to be. Very good. Black, wasn't keen on the "patchy" look. Very thin and light material so will dry easily.
Got large and they're snug enough and I'm no chunker :) .
Great pockets.
Sorted. O0
I've just got a pair too after returning my Salomon Quests, which were 10 months old, to Cotswold as they had leaked during my recent Pennine Way walk, causing a blister after about 40 years of blister free walking!
Cotswold were brilliant, immediate option of a refund or another pair of boots, and rather than choose the quests again I paid a bit more and got the 4d boots O0
If you have boots that leak take them back O0
I've used mainly Berghaus in the past which remained waterproof for many years. The only other boots that leaked were a pair of Asolos, they too were replaced without issue.
Glad you like it pleb! O0
But its like always having a Latte when you go into Cafe Nero - its strangely satisfying and warm, which is also like weeing in your walking trousers when you're already saturated from a rainstorm in the winter.
Roy
Millets are selling a pack of two rubber tips for walking poles for £3 reduced from £5 and if you buy two packs you get the second pack half-price so you get 4 tips for £4.50.
Regards Keith
Millets are selling a pack of two rubber tips for walking poles for £3 reduced from £5 and if you buy two packs you get the second pack half-price so you get 4 tips for £4.50.
Regards Keith
These are the Eurohike http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/147401-trekking-basket-and-dlx-rubber-tip.html. Couldn't find them on the website so maybe offer has expired. I've found they grip fine but I go through about two tips a years.
If they are the tips with concentric rings as a tread pattern I find they skid very easily when loaded, especially on grass or rock.
These are the Eurohike http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/147401-trekking-basket-and-dlx-rubber-tip.html (http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/147401-trekking-basket-and-dlx-rubber-tip.html). Couldn't find them on the website so maybe offer has expired. I've found they grip fine but I go through about two tips a years.
Regards Keith
Somehow Cafe Nero will never seem the same againYes, but best not to be standing in Cafe Nero when doing so :D
........ its like always having a Latte when you go into Cafe Nero - its strangely satisfying and warm, which is also like weeing in your walking trousers when you're already saturated from a rainstorm in the winter.
I bought a Thermarest NeoAir inflatable mattress earlier this year. Its main drwback is that its not self inflating, it takes me about 40 puffs which wears me out. Thermarest seels a battery powered pump but I settled for their low-tech answer. Its a yellow plastic bag with a hole in the end which fits over the open valve. All I have to do is roll up the bag and squeeze the air into the mattress. I inflated it at the weekend with just 4 goes. Its a good idea, no moving parts, no batteries and the bag weighs next to nothing. When not in use I can use it in my rucksack for storage.
- its strangely satisfying and warm, which is also like weeing in your walking trousers when you're already saturated from a rainstorm in the winter.
Roy
An even more disturbing thought:
Have you heard of the 4 signs of Alzheimer's:
I. First you forget people's names.
2. Then their faces.
3.Then you forget to close your fly.
and worst of all
4. You forget to open your fly.
Wouldn't it be so much more hygienic just to unzip it.
The OS 147 map of the Elan Valley and Builth Wells area.
Having discovered my family history has Droving connections just outside Tregaron, i am going down maybe next week, to search out the area around Abergwesyn and along the Abergwesyn Common.
If one knows where to look, there are a significant number of ruined buildings and specially designed shoeing enclosures, where the cattle were shod by the local blacksmiths.
Locating them without the latest OS map, is virtually impossible.
Long may the paper OS document remain in print, as it provides a vital historical reference for budding family tree researchers.
A new pair of Sealskinz off eBay for £7 - I constantly berate myself for buying these infernal things when I KNOW they leak after the second wearing, but I STILL buy them. I think its psychological.
I've been on the hunt for a pair of super-lightweight summer boots for a while. Just got some Inov8 Roclite 325GTX to try out: http://amzn.to/2vMoqVw
Berghaus Stronsay jacket (I'm starting to look like a walking berghaus advert) and a pair of Karrimor Anti Shock Carbon poles someone on here recommended. 28 quid new and posted from eBay.
Can't find the thread now but thanks to who ever pointed out the eBay seller for the poles. O0
https://www.optimusstoves.com/us/us/93-8018907-optimus-clip-on-windshield (https://www.optimusstoves.com/us/us/93-8018907-optimus-clip-on-windshield)
Clip on windshield. Fits perfectly around those ubiquitous chinese pot sets
I think the weight is OK. Total weight of stove is c.320g including the cooking pot. Compared with a Brukit at about 460g it seems fair, albeit not as good.,
My stove, SnowPeak Gigapower, is 110g. Plus gas cartridge of course*.
But my 550ml (~ 1 pint) titanium pot & lid is 79g, which is less than the weight of the Optimus windshield @ 87g!
*Anyone else noticed that there's less gas in them now, 230g when it used to be 250g?
I always used to have a bit of gas left at the end of my 3-4 day trips, but last one I almost ran out.
Neilc, rum does not ruin anything! In fact it should be an essential and does not even count towards your total pack weight. the preferred rum for hiking is Woods. O0
Neilc, rum does not ruin anything! In fact it should be an essential and does not even count towards your total pack weight. the preferred rum for hiking is Woods. O0
I've been on the hunt for a pair of super-lightweight summer boots for a while. Just got some Inov8 Roclite 325GTX to try out: http://amzn.to/2vMoqVw (http://amzn.to/2vMoqVw)Well, first impression was good. Very lightweight. Seemed well-made. Good treads and a reasonably solid sole (so shouldn't feel stones).
Forgot about this post and I have been busy squandering my hard earned..
Pair of Agile Parcour 2 wellies, not yet worn.
Keela waterproof coat, not yet delivered :(
Keela scuffer trousers, not yet delivered :(
Keela waterproof overtrousers, got to be altered. (and I would need to go out in rain too, which seems a bit foolish these days)
Sealskinz Dragoneye waterproof gloves. Too small despite measuring my hand and ordering accordingly.
Sealskinz Waterproof/windproof beanie hat. Actually worn and very nice ta.
Overboard 30 litre waterproof rucksack. Delivered last week, not been out since :(
Colman head torch, rechargeable 300 lumens. (Who the hell goes out in the dark??)
I also bought a pair of boots from Whalley Warm & Dry that despite being carefully measured and fitted, did NOT fit in action.
So, that is the best part of £1000 spent and so far my ears have been warm enough.
>:( ??? :-[ :-\
I almost got through Boxing Day without buying anything, but .. I succumbed
F10 Helium UL1 which imho is my second favourite tent behind the Terra Nova Laser is a bit pricey at 200 quid-ish, but when Amazon offer you one for £63 its gotta be had. So I had it. Roll on pay day now.
Forgot about this post and I have been busy squandering my hard earned..
Pair of Agile Parcour 2 wellies, not yet worn.
Keela waterproof coat, not yet delivered :(
Keela scuffer trousers, not yet delivered :(
Keela waterproof overtrousers, got to be altered. (and I would need to go out in rain too, which seems a bit foolish these days)
Sealskinz Dragoneye waterproof gloves. Too small despite measuring my hand and ordering accordingly.
Sealskinz Waterproof/windproof beanie hat. Actually worn and very nice ta.
Overboard 30 litre waterproof rucksack. Delivered last week, not been out since :(
Colman head torch, rechargeable 300 lumens. (Who the hell goes out in the dark??)
I also bought a pair of boots from Whalley Warm & Dry that despite being carefully measured and fitted, did NOT fit in action.
So, that is the best part of £1000 spent and so far my ears have been warm enough.
>:( ??? :-[ :-\
It might be one of those types of things that feels cold initially until you've generated a warm layer of body heat which it retains :-\
:o just checked amazon was it second hand?
Taken delivery of everything now, was so looking forward to the Keela kit, perhaps the weather is exceptionally cold at the moment but I am worried that I feel cold in the coat.
I have a thin quilted coat from Decatholon that is warm enough to wear with just a shirt. The Keela coat feels cold from the moment I put it on.??
Just doesn't feel right. £150 and I feel cold??
Nope, says its new - from Amazon International
Sadly yet another outdoor supplier is closing doors in Settle. Cave and Crag have been there a lifetime it feels.Yes Peter, it's always a shame when a long-established supplier closes it's doors. Actually, this was mentioned in the Bargain Thread a couple of days ago, where someone thought it was an online scam.
Anyway I bought a Rab Nimbus jacket for half price. That's £50 cheaper than the cheapest price on the net.
Not something I bought myself....but a friend very kindly got me some Kahtoola microspikes for Christmas, which I'm hoping I'll get to use at least once this Winter! :D
I'll be interested in any comments about them April, have been thinking about investing in a pair, buuuut, have heard horrible things about the 2016 models, apparently the have changed the compound of the rubber/silicone and they are more prone to snapping according to some online reviews :-\
Not something I bought myself....but a friend very kindly got me some Kahtoola microspikes for Christmas, which I'm hoping I'll get to use at least once this Winter! :D
I'll be interested in any comments about them April, have been thinking about investing in a pair, buuuut, have heard horrible things about the 2016 models, apparently the have changed the compound of the rubber/silicone and they are more prone to snapping according to some online reviews :-\
April??? lol O0
April??? lol O0
Perhaps some people are using their spikes on ground that is too steep and that is causing the snapping? :-\
Apparently it is when they have been fitting them to their boots, not in actual usage, only seen one or two negative comments but it appears the rubber has split/torn in the same places.
For me, a pair of mobile phone headphones! I'll be buying them today.
I went out for a longer than usual run yesterday and I was bothered by phone call after phone call concerning one of my clients. It became an intellectual challenge for all concerned. When a man has a severe alcohol problem and the plan is to restrict him to a maximum 4 cans of lager per day and without warning his disability scooter breaks down (can only walk about 5-10 steps) and it can't be repaired for nearly five days, what do you do? Everyone panics! The off licence is one mile away. As a one-off, a relative agreed to pay for a taxi, the 'passenger' was four cans and one pouch of tobacco! A Plan B had never been considered. Why would they need to, the scooter would obviously work forever and he would never change. Wrong! His lager plan has worked well for four years, but yesterday everything fell apart at the seams.
It was just me identifying that when hiking I'm happy enough to take calls but not necessarily so when I'm running. On a long day, when perhaps I'm bored and fed up with my lot, I sometimes find a phone call a bit of welcome relief. Given a choice I would have preferred to run the day before yesterday but it was my own fault, I forgot to switch my phone off at the start. As I was self employed for a lot of years (I'm almost retired now but old habits die hard) if my phone rings and work is offered I still find it hard to say no. I know other people who hike prefer to avoid such intrusions
Anyway, I bought my headphones around lunch time, £9.99 from a local shop and I then went for an off road run. I decided to wear them while I ran, just to try them out. I now realise I didn't choose well, I'm not used to earphones so they felt odd but I persevered and then found they were fine until I started to sweat. Then they just fell out. Can anyone please recommend a headphone set that doesn't fall out?
In relation to KimE's mail, she is clearly not from the UK where the law states that "The Criminal Justice Act (1988) says that you may carry a knife with a blade length of 3.0" or less so long as it is capable of folding and does not lock" - so no fixed blade knives as an every day carry!! "Unless someone knows differently then even a 2 and half inch fixed blade may not be carried in areas where the public may be. or to carry out a specific job of work, where the constabulary has been given a certain amount of discretion, seemingly. (I have myself wondered about those sliding/locking blade craft knives where a 4" blade can be achieved?
... I'll try to find a way of fixing the pouch semi permanently so it does not slide off when I undo the belt.
My latest purchase has been a hip belt pouch by Aiguille. My Osprey Talon pouches are next to useless, too small and too far round the sides, and this pouch slides over a hip belt fin and over one of the fixed pouches. Much better now i can actually reach it and it opens easily, has two compartments for snacks, camera, etc. I got to try it out at Ennerdale last Tuesday. I'll try to find a way of fixing the pouch semi permanently so it does not slide off when I undo the belt.
A Brother FS70WT sewing machine, from Argos. I bought it to make custom made webbing straps and pouches. At first I just wanted to replace the awful pouch my lovely Alpkit Splitta ultralight camping table came in, because it was bright high-viz orange, making it totally unsuitable for stealth camping. So I bought some medium weight, water resistant, Polyester fabric in a dark olive green colour, perfect for stealth camping, then I bought the sewing machine to actually turn the fabric into a new pouch. Took me a whole day to master the machine, then it was plane sailing. I changed the design from the original pouch, which had a flap on one end held down with velcro, to one with a full width flap (for easier access), expanding sides (to increase the pouches volume (so it could carry other awkward-to-carry items, like my Qi-Wiz ultralight Titanium cathole trowel), webbing loops sewn on the back to allow it to attach securely to the top of the daisy chain on either side of my back pack, and the top flap is held down with two webbing straps which can be tightened down via ladderlock buckles...These also allow the front of the pouch to be cinched down tight, to keep everything inside from rattling around when I walk. Another bonus is that despite the webbing on it, it is actually 5g lighter than the original pouch! I was so pleased with the result I made a new pouch for my Helinox Chair Zero out of the same fabric. Before that, I was having to carry the Chair Zero in a Helinox Table One carry bag, which weighs a whopping 56g...The new pouch has a rolltop and the top can be cinched down via two quick release buckles, and the sides of the pouch can also be cinched down via the ladderlock buckle straps I made to hold the pouch vertically on the back of my backpack. It only weighs just over 20g, at least half the weight of the Table One bag. It is strapped onto one corner, and my tent poles are strapped vertically to the other corner, in the camo green tent pole bag that was supplied with my tent...This balances the weight evenly, frees up useful space in my backpack, allows me to keep the width of the pack as narrow as possible, so it can't snag on branches when walking through dense forest and it still allows me to have unhindered access the mesh side pockets and the big mesh pocket in the middle. It has got me thinking of maybe going into business making ultralight custom rucksack/backpack accessory packs and pouches and selling them on sites like ebay or Amazon...Not sure if there is a big market for such items though.
I've spent an absolute fortune on material and bits and pieces to make bespoke kit.. failed far too often. :-[
Meindl Boots... Yep Marmottungsden, they were off Ebay and 2nd hand. Luckily, the soles are in cracking condition and they fit me really well. The leather is bashed around at the toe end (think he's been working on a building site! But I've dubbined them and they've come up pretty good and the leather and memory foam is very comfortable. I took a chance though; but luckily enough for once it worked out. I saw the prices this morning and couldn't believe just how dear they are.
YUK! I would never ever buy second hand shoes because the person who had them before might have had Athletes Foot! Once you get that it is really hard to get rid of it, especially if it gets under your toenails, and it can lead to other fungal related diseases like trench foot. Hope this wont happen to you, but it might...
..... Athletes Foot! Once you get that it is really hard to get rid of it, especially if it gets under your toenails, and it can lead to other fungal related diseases like trench foot. Hope this wont happen to you, but it might...
Don't worry, maybe I could make some for you instead? ;)
That would be brilliant!
There are lots of well made but inexpensive military Molle webbing pouches in various sizes and colours online, (usually in black, desert sand (coyote), olive or woodland camo) but they are usually made of a very thick, strong Cordura material, which makes them quite heavy...For instance, a 2.7 litre capacity medical Molle pouch weighs 360g. I am trying to save weight where possible so I have looked around for lighter pouch options. Zpacks in the States make an ultralight 3.2 litre capacity DCM pack/pouch that can be mounted or carried in various ways, such as over your chest via four adjustable webbing straps, or you can wear it hanging via one shoulder strap, or even as a belt pouch...It only weighs 82g! It costs $49 (£36.85), which is very cheap for such a lightweight pouch. I have ordered one and I'm still waiting for it to arrive.
There are lots of well made but inexpensive military Molle webbing pouches in various sizes and colours online, (usually in black, desert sand (coyote), olive or woodland camo) but they are usually made of a very thick, strong Cordura material, which makes them quite heavy...For instance, a 2.7 litre capacity medical Molle pouch weighs 360g. I am trying to save weight where possible so I have looked around for lighter pouch options. Zpacks in the States make an ultralight 3.2 litre capacity DCM pack/pouch that can be mounted or carried in various ways, such as over your chest via four adjustable webbing straps, or you can wear it hanging via one shoulder strap, or even as a belt pouch...It only weighs 82g! It costs $49 (£36.85), which is very cheap for such a lightweight pouch. I have ordered one and I'm still waiting for it to arrive.
One of those credit card-shaped tick removal tools after my partner picked up a tick in Wales on Monday.I've got one of the crowbar shaped ones, called a Tom O'Twister or something, and it's brilliant. Not had to use it on myself yet but got a couple off the dog.
Yes, I tried various Molle bits and pieces. They contributed to the fortune I've paid out.
One successful (in part) item was a standard dry bag which I stitched onto a belt. Worked very well for putting gloves and hat into. Just not quite perfect.
One of the concepts I was working towards was having items quickly to hand. I've found that too many trousers no longer have good cargo pockets. So I was trying to figure out a 'belt' that would replace trouser pockets. Needs to be waterproof. Something that can go over rain pants and coats.
So I was trying to figure out a 'belt' that would replace trouser pockets. Needs to be waterproof. Something that can go over rain pants and coats.I got a quite cheap bumbag from mountain warehouse soaked it in Fabsil.
Big Agnus Fly Creek HV UL 1 tent. £174 from Sportspursuit
But I don't mind carrying a bit more weight to allow me to have a better designed tent, with more space inside, made with much longer lasting materials and with a rain fly that won't sag when it gets wet.
I never thought I'd see something like that from 'the micro-gram counter'
Comfort can often trump weight.
The majority of tents in that price range, full price that is, are made from nylon - various deniers. The choice of front or side opening can still lead to a potential wet entry\ exit. Im not defending my purchase, as I bought it because it was cheap! I have no experience with tents or camping, but Im sure that will develop as time goes on. Will wait and see how well, or not, the tent performs. I did read and watch several reiews and none were overly negative. Personal preference and experience I suppose.
There are four main problems with the Fly Creek HV UL1... 1) They are very flimsy in construction, so will rip or tear easily. 2) They are made from Nylon, which is easily damaged by the UV light in sunlight outdoors so the fabric will degrade over time, making it even easier to rip or tear. 3) Nylon absorbs water, so the rain fly will sag when wet, which can both loosen your guy lines (and if it is windy out this can cause you real issues) and allow the rain fly to touch the inner tent allowing any condensation inside to run down and into the mesh inner, leaving you and your kit wet. 4) Because the door is on the front, and partially covered by the top of the vestibule, you have no choice but to crawl into it on your hands and knees...And if the bare ground inside the vestibule space is wet and/or muddy, your hands and knees will get dirty and muddy too! It is a terrible design. It's only saving grace is it's light weight...But I don't mind carrying a bit more weight to allow me to have a better designed tent, with more space inside, made with much longer lasting materials and with a rain fly that won't sag when it gets wet, which stops my guy lines loosening and keeps me much drier. But I am sure you must have been well aware of these issues and decided you are prepared to live with them, or you wouldn't have bought a Fly Creek HV UL1.
Bought a Yamama Mountain Gear Swiftline 2 recently https://www.yamamountaingear.com/swiftline-2P/ (https://www.yamamountaingear.com/swiftline-2P/)
Only 962grams without carbon stakes at 66grams plus a new Hyberg rucksack https://hyberg.de/produkt/hyberg-attila-x-ultraleicht-rucksack/ (https://hyberg.de/produkt/hyberg-attila-x-ultraleicht-rucksack/) and a new stormin cone together with at Toaks 135ml ti pot.
The majority of tents in that price range, full price that is, are made from nylon - various deniers. The choice of front or side opening can still lead to a potential wet entry\ exit. Im not defending my purchase, as I bought it because it was cheap! I have no experience with tents or camping, but Im sure that will develop as time goes on. Will wait and see how well, or not, the tent performs. I did read and watch several reiews and none were overly negative. Personal preference and experience I suppose.
Bought a Yamama Mountain Gear Swiftline 2 recently https://www.yamamountaingear.com/swiftline-2P/ (https://www.yamamountaingear.com/swiftline-2P/)Great idea using trekking poles to save weight O0
Only 962grams without carbon stakes at 66grams plus a new Hyberg rucksack https://hyberg.de/produkt/hyberg-attila-x-ultraleicht-rucksack/ (https://hyberg.de/produkt/hyberg-attila-x-ultraleicht-rucksack/) and a new stormin cone together with at Toaks 135ml ti pot.
you could use some mouldy old branches to do the same job as the poles if you want to go for a walk after pitching your tent
Do you think we could use these mouldy branches in the MSR if you forget to bring the poles for our tent?;D
e
There are four main problems with the Fly Creek HV UL1... 1) They are very flimsy in construction, so will rip or tear easily. 2) They are made from Nylon, which is easily damaged by the UV light in sunlight outdoors so the fabric will degrade over time, making it even easier to rip or tear. 3) Nylon absorbs water, so the rain fly will sag when wet, which can both loosen your guy lines (and if it is windy out this can cause you real issues) and allow the rain fly to touch the inner tent allowing any condensation inside to run down and into the mesh inner, leaving you and your kit wet. 4) Because the door is on the front, and partially covered by the top of the vestibule, you have no choice but to crawl into it on your hands and knees...And if the bare ground inside the vestibule space is wet and/or muddy, your hands and knees will get dirty and muddy too! It is a terrible design. It's only saving grace is it's light weight...But I don't mind carrying a bit more weight to allow me to have a better designed tent, with more space inside, made with much longer lasting materials and with a rain fly that won't sag when it gets wet, which stops my guy lines loosening and keeps me much drier. But I am sure you must have been well aware of these issues and decided you are prepared to live with them, or you wouldn't have bought a Fly Creek HV UL1.
;D just spotted this one
I never thought I'd see something like that from 'the micro-gram counter'
Comfort can often trump weight.j
The phone is half an inch too long for the compartment so cannot be zipped closed.
I bought some underwear from Decathlon for £3. I'm always looking for synthetic underwear, specifically for hiking trips, that are lightweight, will last and can be washed in an instant and then dry quickly. Most underwear which seem to fit my criteria can be over £15, Odlo for example. I have ordinary Odlo versions but only as briefs so this time I thought I would try figure hugging boxers. I bought a Medium pair which fits me well but just too well! I'm going to go back to Decathlon today and buy a Large in the hope they fit as I want them too. If the Large does the trick for me then £3 a pair is not bad.
I've also decided to be a bit more security conscious with my phone and cards and have been looking for a neck pouch to carry them next to my skin under my shirt or baselayer. My experience is that all of the basic pouches from Blacks, Cotswold and so on have one or even two major weakness, the cord or strap that goes around the neck and the compartment for the phone. They are fine just to carry cards and a few notes but that's all. I find that once I try to carry my phone as well, the extra weight around my neckjust becomes irritating. I do not even look at the corded types, for me once the phone is in the pouch they are always uncomfortable. The pouch in Decathlon has a thin strap but is still irritating because it does not widen at its weight bearing point. The phone is half an inch too long for the compartment so cannot be zipped closed.
I know I sound fussy but I like to walk as comfortably as I can, after a few days little irritations can easily become big irritations. I think my previous set up was better, my wife's friend sewed three debit card sized pockets to my baselayer. I may decide to go back to this arrangement if I cannot find a suitable neck pouch.
I bought some underwear from Decathlon for £3. I'm always looking for synthetic underwear, specifically for hiking trips, that are lightweight, will last and can be washed in an instant and then dry quickly. Most underwear which seem to fit my criteria can be over £15, Odlo for example. I have ordinary Odlo versions but only as briefs so this time I thought I would try figure hugging boxers. I bought a Medium pair which fits me well but just too well! I'm going to go back to Decathlon today and buy a Large in the hope they fit as I want them too. If the Large does the trick for me then £3 a pair is not bad.
Never keep your cards right next to your phone as the magnetic field can erase the data on your card!
I visited Decathlon again today, I'm hooked, so much to see and study! Decathlon is a French company and their head office is in Mons and about three of the staff in my local branch are French. I was looking for a new water container today to fit into my rucksack but couldn't find them. I saw a young woman staff standing nearby and asked her where I could find them. That's when I realised she was French, she didn't understand me at first, I kept asking for a flexible water container, but at one point I must have used the word bladder. Her face then lit up, she now knew what I was asking for and she gave me a very white toothy grin, perfect teeth in fact, laughed out loud and said "do you mean bladdeeer monsieur", all I could say clumsingly smiling back was "Oui, yes, bladdeeer, Merci".That grin and laugh was really worth going shopping for! A classic case of an old man charmed!
I've now bought two synthetic pairs of boxer underwear, one blue, one red specifically for my hiking trips. I got it wrong in my earlier post, they were £3.99 each, not £2.99, sorry about that. My first underwear purchase was a Medium which I found to be too tight, so I've now purchased the Large which fit me perfectly. All I have to do now is go on a hike.
I have visited Decathlon stores in Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Tenerife, as well as in the UK (Reading is the closest one to me)...They don't sell much ultralight lightweight kit so the only thing I find them handy for is for somewhere cheap to buy gas canisters (In Venice you can't get gas canisters for a BRS3000T and you have to visit the Decathlon store on the mainland, several hours away, just to get one) However, now I have ditched using gas in favour of solid fuel tablets, because they are lighter, I have little reason to visit Decathlon. I did buy a pair of trekking trainers from their Rome branch whilst I was out there (which lasted years), but haven't found anything in there since that I couldn't buy cheaper online.
They do cheap as hell base layers, rucksacks and I'd send anyone beginning a life of camping in the hills there to save themselves a few pennies, not to mention the base layers/synthetics are functionally very similar to more expensive models. I do agree ordering online can be brilliant, but there is also the truth that if we do not support bricks and mortar stores then they will close and high streets turn to an absolute barren wasteland.
Yes, but it's simply cheaper to buy online and that is the most important thing to most buyers. If the greedy high St stores don't lower their prices in order to compete with cheaper online sellers, then yes, they will go the way of the Dodo...But how many really care?
Yes, but it's simply cheaper to buy online and that is the most important thing to most buyers. If the greedy high St stores don't lower their prices in order to compete with cheaper online sellers, then yes, they will go the way of the Dodo...But how many really care?
What a load of ill-informed drivel.
I suppose you go into 'Go-Outdoors' (other 'real stores' are available) take an hour or two of their time and try all of the different brands and sizes of boots on, then once you know exactly what brand and size you require go and order them on ebay (other on-line suppliers available)
How do you expect high-street stores to be competitive when they are paying huge rent, rates, staff wages, pensions, holiday pay etc etc. Your 'on-line' supplier has a shed with a limited range of sizes and virtually no overheads.
To answer your question "who really cares ?" - I DO !!
That's a bit harsh. He's dead right that for most people, price comes first...……..
Well said. This is actually what it is really all about. Those who try on things in a store then buy online actually cost the high street shop real money, which the tax avoiding online companies benefit from.
What a load of ill-informed drivel.
I suppose you go into 'Go-Outdoors' (other 'real stores' are available) take an hour or two of their time and try all of the different brands and sizes of boots on, then once you know exactly what brand and size you require go and order them on ebay (other on-line suppliers available)
How do you expect high-street stores to be competitive when they are paying huge rent, rates, staff wages, pensions, holiday pay etc etc. Your 'on-line' supplier has a shed with a limited range of sizes and virtually no overheads.
To answer your question "who really cares ?" - I DO !!
Well done marmottungsten. Your trolling has finally paid off ... you've got the discussion wildly off topic and caused genuine forum members to bicker amongst themselves O0+1 :D
Just my 2p about the high street and online.
The thing the High street has to learn is to keep actual stock. The amount of times I have made a specific trip and there is nothing in stock to try on.
I find that a quick telephone call before departure tends to give the required information.
I find that a quick telephone call before departure tends to give the required information.
Yes of course I never thought of doing that when my trip maybe involving 3 or 4 shops by the time I have waited on the phone for their reply I could be in town!
My apologies I misunderstood what you meant by a 'specific trip'.
Just purchased an hybrid jacket (in Blue) it works but it’s just getting your mind around it.
https://www.berghaus.com/mens-extrem-ulvetanna-hybrid-2.0-down-insulated-jacket/421916.html (https://www.berghaus.com/mens-extrem-ulvetanna-hybrid-2.0-down-insulated-jacket/421916.html)
(http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/blob:http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/58ce0ca7-e4c8-48f2-994d-35ad44a40901)
Maybe this comment should have opened a new topic since you didn't actually purchase one????? In general most people try to stick to the subject.
I watched the video they provided and at 0:30 the sales guy says "the Hydrodown we use will stay dry for over 16 hours".
Huh??? But what happens after that? Does the hydrophobic coating on the down break down suddenly, allowing the down to get soaked and therefore useless? Does the coating break down permanently?
A very strange thing to say in an advertising vid as it has put me off buying it!
Man this forum is getting a bit catty of late...Sorry Neil. I'll go and eat humble pie, or maybe leaves and berries. :-[
Sorry Neil. I'll go and eat humble pie, or maybe leaves and berries. :-[
I have found that with an internal water bladder it is not easy to clean and you tend to lose track of how much / little you have drunk, rather than taking off the pack to get to water bottles I have been using a Heath-Robinson arrangement of elastics and 'bottle hangers' but finally decided to 'splash -out' (see what I did there ?) on water bottle holder that can be attached to my rucksack strap.
Spent a whole £2 on a cyclists water bottle holder, adjustable for all shapes and sizes of bottles, simple attachment to my shoulder strap and only weighs in at 35 grams.
I have found that with an internal water bladder it is not easy to clean and you tend to lose track of how much / little you have drunk, rather than taking off the pack to get to water bottles I have been using a Heath-Robinson arrangement of elastics and 'bottle hangers' but finally decided to 'splash -out' (see what I did there ?) on water bottle holder that can be attached to my rucksack strap.
Spent a whole £2 on a cyclists water bottle holder, adjustable for all shapes and sizes of bottles, simple attachment to my shoulder strap and only weighs in at 35 grams.
you can buy various camo pattern or plain coloured cover tubes to cover the blue drinking tube to keep it camouflaged for when you are stealth camping.I think people would see you before they saw the tube, do you wear camo clothes too :D
Spent a whole £2 on a cyclists water bottle holder, adjustable for all shapes and sizes of bottles, simple attachment to my shoulder strap and only weighs in at 35 grams.
What bottle holder did you get and where did you buy it?
Thanks Alan :) I'm also considering making a water holder from paracord and a carabiner (seen a video in YouTube) as I like a craft project.
I have found that with an internal water bladder it is not easy to clean and you tend to lose track of how much / little you have drunk, rather than taking off the pack to get to water bottles I have been using a Heath-Robinson arrangement of elastics and 'bottle hangers' but finally decided to 'splash -out' (see what I did there ?) on water bottle holder that can be attached to my rucksack strap.
Spent a whole £2 on a cyclists water bottle holder, adjustable for all shapes and sizes of bottles, simple attachment to my shoulder strap and only weighs in at 35 grams.
I took Gunwharfman's lead and got some Decathlon running underwear - briefs and boxers. Very cheap and look decent. I've been meaning to get some synthetic underwear for ages after many trips with sodden cotton M&S boxers: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/breathable-boxers-id_8489345.html (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/breathable-boxers-id_8489345.html)
Whilst I was there I noticed they have their Helium windproofs back on the shelves so got one of those. £15.99 for a 110g windproof is good value. Fits well, the DWR works under the tap test. Not so sure about the design but it's time I bought some things that weren't black or grey: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/fh500-helium-wind-mens-jacket-id_8492440.html (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/fh500-helium-wind-mens-jacket-id_8492440.html)
My latest purchase is a set of sea to summit dry bags to keep my sleeping bag and down jacket dry and my gear organised. Ok now my bag has become a Russian doll of sorts but I like it.
I got myself a lightweight 100% water proof rucksack instead, so I don't need to carry the extra weight of a rucksack cover (at least 80g) or the weight of several drybags. If you bought the lightweight set of 3 drybags (1, 2 and 4 litre) then they weigh a total of 142g...so this has reduced my base weight by nearly 250g.
Knowing that no rucksack is going to be always 100% watertight I use a 'garden waste' heavy duty bin bag, weight 47g, cost a few pennies.
Fits inside the pack as a 'liner', top rolls over, does the job for me.
There is more than one way to skin a cat.
Knowing that no rucksack is going to be always 100% watertight
Clearly you have not discovered the Mountain Hardware Outdry rucksack range then!...They are so waterproof you can even go swimming with them on and everything inside will stay bone dry...And if you don't believe me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhFeecwF_24&t=12s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhFeecwF_24&t=12s)
That's useful to know MMT. I often like to go swimming wearing nothing but a rucksack ;)
I've been stalking the forum for a while now and as I'm going on an overnight wild camp on Saturday I have bought a few things recently. I've bought a 3l water bladder to go in my other new purchase, a new Viking Patrol 60l rucksack :)
To be honest I could / should have gone for a much lighter pack, but it fits everything in and has so many pockets as to make the extra weight worth it.
I found that platypus bags or comebacks taint my water with a horrid plastic taste. I use smart water bottles. A because they I light B because they are easy to fill with a Sawyer mini. C because they fit in my bags side pockets for quick access and D they are easy and cheap to replace when they get too dirty.
Welcome to the forum, Hazy, and enjoy your wild camp.
The one I have doesn't give out a plastic taste. I've tried bottles in my side pouches but my arms won't bend enough to reach them ;D
Welcome to the forum, Hazy, and enjoy your wild camp.
I found that platypus bags or comebacks taint my water with a horrid plastic taste. I use smart water bottles. A because they I light B because they are easy to fill with a Sawyer mini. C because they fit in my bags side pockets for quick access and D they are easy and cheap to replace when they get too dirty.
Recently I bought a British army tarp in perfect condition, then some paracord(can u see where this so going?). I haven't used it before so I'm trying to learn a simple setup and pack away routine for tying it to 2 trees. YouTube helps.I had that exact set up a few years ago.
Think I need a hammock next.
Also got an east German kidney shape mess tin set. I chose that because I wanted a tin with a handle to hang over fire. Most tins seem to have a side handle. It seems to be a solid bit of basic kit and all stored together.
We have bought a new stove. We got the MSR pocket rocket 2. Under £30, 73g and we like MSR gear. We will be trying it out this weekend, we are away for 2 nights :)
I await a reply from someone telling me what we should have bought instead ;)
What a mistake - you should have gone for the Xxxxxx, it only weighs 72 grams and costs £72, at £1 per gram it is excellent value and far better than the 'heavyweight' MSR stove.
We have bought a new stove. We got the MSR pocket rocket 2. Under £30, 73g and we like MSR gear. We will be trying it out this weekend, we are away for 2 nights ;D;D ;D
I await a reply from someone telling me what we should have bought instead ;)
Yes but does it have mesh ?
What a mistake - you should have gone for the Xxxxxx, it only weighs 72 grams and costs £72, at £1 per gram it is excellent value and far better than the 'heavyweight' MSR stove.
What a mistake - you should have gone for the Xxxxxx, it only weighs 72 grams and costs £72, at £1 per gram it is excellent value and far better than the 'heavyweight' MSR stove.
;D ;D Yes but does it have mesh ?
:D
..and its made of magic mylar, so it reflects 110% of the heat back to the pot.
;D
The stove comes with a couple of sachets of free dehydrated water too that should lighten our packs
This afternoon,ive managed to obtain a almost mint Camera Care System pouch for my Digital SLR camera.
It was collecting dust in a local charity shop in Porthmadog, so i still gave them a crisp £10 note for it.
CCS camera equipment was amongst the best quality gear you could buy back in the 1980s and early 90s.
It was a very sad day when they went into receivership, as no company really has rivalled them for durability and quality.
Lowe Alpine make camera cases or pouches, but the quality is simply not there compared to those of CCS.
Chuffed to bits when i saw it on their shelf, as their now getting very hard to find, and they were more than pleased with my offer of a tenner, as they had marked it up for a silly £4.
Other than a map of Dartmoor for our upcoming holiday, my latest purchase was a compass. Now I need to learn how to use it properly and hopefully we'll be able to find our way back to the cottage we have rented.
In the next couple of weeks I will be looking at trousers and backpack, if I can ever decide which to go for!
If that map of Dartmoor you bought was an ordnance survey one, and you’ve got a smartphone you can download OS map app onto your phone, then download map details into the app.
That makes it a fair bit easier to navigate around, because your position on on-line map (on phone) and other key details are shown as you move around.
But yes, still just about essential to learn basic map/compass techniques.
OL9 OL28 OS Explorer sheets 109, 113,114,127. Anyone spot an underlying theme?
You have bought North Devon and need to explore your estate.
As for the Bodmin Map, that is my patch. ;)
Slightly different design this time but should be as good, if not better, than before O0
Are the hooks the right way up now? If that's the design change I'll grab a new pair as don't like the ones I have as struggle with the hooks!
My latest walking kit purchase is a walking staff to give me a bit more confidence going down steep, rocky hills :)
How posh. You have walking staff to walk down hills for you :D :D :DYou mean there are people that don't?!! :o
My latest walking kit purchase is a walking staff to give me a bit more confidence going down steep, rocky hills :)What is the daily rate Mel. I may apply for the position. O0
Now, just have to get motivated, lose weight and get my backside near hills O0
Pair of Salomon Quest 4D 3GTX boots O0
I've been eyeing a new pair of Salomon boots. How would you rate the quality and fit to previous Salomons?
I have just got myself an old respirator bag for my day walks. Perfect size, £8Hope it is better material than the old khaki canvas one I used to carry my flask and bait (sarnies ) to work over 50 years ago.
I have just got myself an old respirator bag for my day walks. Perfect size, £8 O0LoL. I have one in the garage, with my resperator and dog tags still in it. Must be 29 years since I last used it.
Just ordered one of these, reduced from £130 to £75 ... Been after something like this for a while
https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Jack_Wolfskin_Mens_Vingen_Insulated_Jacket/ (https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Jack_Wolfskin_Mens_Vingen_Insulated_Jacket/)
Bought a silicone toothbrush head cover (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Momola-Silicone-Toothbrush-Protection-Traveling/dp/B0774HSNB9/ref=pd_sbs_201_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0774HSNB9&pd_rd_r=f58070c7-fa6b-11e8-8312-596663aa5301&pd_rd_w=NKYSC&pd_rd_wg=1z9wb&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=AMK6JWMBNSE58VA2NH6J&psc=1&refRID=AMK6JWMBNSE58VA2NH6J) to replace a toothbrush case (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Toothbrush-Outdoor-Travel-Holder/dp/B071V54NVN/ref=sr_1_12?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1544220449&sr=1-12&keywords=toothbrush+case), with a view to shaving a few more grams off the pack weight. Do I get the prize for the cheapest item on here??Hope you have cut half the handle off your brush to save weight too. Can't you buy a folding brush so the handle protects the head? https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/travel/accessories/wash-gear/foldable-toothbrush-p11966.aspx/
Hope you have cut half the handle off your brush to save weight too. Can't you buy a folding brush so the handle protects the head?If you cut half the handle off the folding brush.... nuff said. ;)
If you cut half the handle off the folding brush.... nuff said. ;)I was thinking either or ::)
I haven't bought it but I noticed in Decathlon yesterday some kind of plastic 'snow clogs' (about £8) which click over walking boots to help when walking on ice and snow. I have no idea if they are any good but someone might like to give them the once over?I tried to find them on the website and failed. I had something similar to what you described to go on ski boots. They didn’t work well as they tended to stretch under load and you walked out of them. Without a link I couldn’t say if these would have the same problem.
Today I did buy an Osprey Daylite 13l day pack to replace my old Berghaus pack which is a bit big and heavy, and looking decidedly tatty.After four days of walking (Exmoor) last month I found out why some walkers use two poles where none is sufficient. I have a bad knee too and it protests as the miles add up, so my single emergency pole came out of my backpack. After more miles I realized that to fully support that knee it needs assistance on each stride. That is, when the pole in my left hand is now at the rear of it's stroke. At that point a second pole in the other hand was needed for the next stride.That wasn't very clear! Try walking at a reasonable clip and you see what I mean.Actually - both knees have torn cartilages and the other seems to be becoming jealous of the attention t'other is getting. So it might be two poles for me soon.
Also, a Leki trekking pole; decided to give it a shot again, as my knee isn't getting any better.
And, replaced a couple of my OS maps of the Lake District, as the old ones are getting a bit faded around the creases.
........ by posting on here we all get the chance to find new, possibly less costly sources of things we are looking for , even if it is only one thing per year.
I am at the stage now where I don't think I "need" anything else.
;D Unless of course someone mentions something that I suddenly discover the need for. ;D
I know what you mean, I too now have trusty and reliable items and would never think of upgrading them. But there is always the temptation to buy the new item, these days I'm pretty good at saying no!Yeah, but it was you got me looking at Decathlon stuff. :D
Yeah, but it was you got me looking at Decathlon stuff. :D
I didn't realise. Lord Gunwaharman twas you got me looking at Decathlon. ::)
Hmm... peer pressure eh ? ;D
Would be great later if you can post your experience with it, I suspect there are a few here who are considering something similar O0I’ll certainly do that but won’t need it in earnest until it warms up a bit, I don’t do cold!
After months of deliberation, finally bit the bullet and bought a Osprey Talon 22. Hopefully big enough for the day hikes.If it isn't, you are doing it wrong!
Berghaus Mera Peak jacket and a Montane Antifreeze jacketI had the older type Mera Peak, bit on the heavy side but an excellent bit of kit.
As a result I am not allowed into Go Outdoors on my own anymore !! :( :(
I had the older type Mera Peak, bit on the heavy side but an excellent bit of kit.I also had the older style and loved the big pockets. I haven’t been able to find any jacket with similar sized pockets as the fashion now seems to be for closer fitting styles, which really doesn’t suit my frame.
If it isn't, you are doing it wrong!
If it isn't, you are doing it wrong!Depends What your doing. ;)
I’ve just taken delivery of a Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern, got it a bit cheaper than anywhere else from
E-Outdoor.
I'll be very interested to know what yours weighs.You must have the Micro Mini which is not what I have, mine is the Lighthouse Mini, spec on that says 226.8g but I’ve weighed mine on very accurate scales that I’ve just calibrated and mine comes in at 234.77g.
It was in Goal Zero's Tech Specs as 68g, but mine received for Christmas is 78g on digital scales.
I took it up with them, response was a bit slow, they thought maybe I was talking about the wrong lantern, I had to send them photos, and the end result amounted to little more than 'we'll look into it'.
I just checked on their website, they've since dropped the grammes from the specs and just state 2.4oz - which converted is 68g. Amazon, meanwhile, says 73g.
I'll be very interested to know what yours weighs.Thanks Fenman, you’ve just made me press the “add to basket” button on Amazon as I’ve looked at the one you have and decided I needed one too, just don’t tell my wife.
It was in Goal Zero's Tech Specs as 68g, but mine received for Christmas is 78g on digital scales.
I took it up with them, response was a bit slow, they thought maybe I was talking about the wrong lantern, I had to send them photos, and the end result amounted to little more than 'we'll look into it'.
I just checked on their website, they've since dropped the grammes from the specs and just state 2.4oz - which converted is 68g. Amazon, meanwhile, says 73g.
I looked at them on there today when I was composing my 14:09 post. No doubt you bought the one that was £10 less than the other seller?I’ll weigh it
Well, you can let me know what that one weighs when you get it! :)
I'll be very interested to know what yours weighs.I’ve just weighed mine and it’s 78g too.
It was in Goal Zero's Tech Specs as 68g, but mine received for Christmas is 78g on digital scales.
I took it up with them, response was a bit slow, they thought maybe I was talking about the wrong lantern, I had to send them photos, and the end result amounted to little more than 'we'll look into it'.
I just checked on their website, they've since dropped the grammes from the specs and just state 2.4oz - which converted is 68g. Amazon, meanwhile, says 73g.
I’ve just weighed mine and it’s 78g too.
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/lighting-c30/lanterns-c163/lighthouse-micro-usb-rechargeable-lantern-p8001 (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/lighting-c30/lanterns-c163/lighthouse-micro-usb-rechargeable-lantern-p8001)Same here, 10g is nowt, especially compared to the weight of wine I carry! LOL.
I have one of these, bought it last year and used it when we wild camped. Mine weighs 78g too, just weighed it. I really don't care if it is 10g heavier than advertised, it is a great lantern. Perhaps the weight listed didn't include the battery or summat? :-\
Same here, 10g is nowt, especially compared to the weight of wine I carry! LOL.
Aldi - This weeks 'specials'
Merino wool Glove liners £5.99 - seem OK now for the trial.
They also have merino wool (50%) long socks and Merino wool beanie hats and balaclavas.
Aldi - This weeks 'specials'
Merino wool Glove liners £5.99 - seem OK now for the trial.
They also have merino wool (50%) long socks and Merino wool beanie hats and balaclavas.
I’ve just weighed mine and it’s 78g too.
Just got a 0.3lt Primus fuel bottle for my Omnifuel.
I used this for fishing so always took a 1Lt one in the car but I’ve decided to take it on the hill this year so wanted to save a bit of weight.
I just love the roar of it when it’s going on full throttle.
My latest purchase - a buff for my wife.
Was it a part-exchange offer ?
Was it a part-exchange offer ?
Nearly forgot....another birthday prezzie that I'll get to play with next week...
Satmap Active 20 GPS (with the Platinum bundle) :D :D
I'm sure you will be impressed
Cheapo thin pair of gloves from Poundland - cost £2. Not a bad lightweight glove for day to day use.Mmm, Pound land? ??I suppose that would be one pound per glove.
Just ordered a pair of cheap wetsuit shoes to wear when wading rivers. I've been wearing trail shoes for this but their getting quite tatty and the neoprene ones are cheaper and should be a little lighter. I've a couple of trips planned where crossing rivers will be unavoidable.I did this a couple of years ago. They are also used as my footwear when I take my boots off of an evening. Light as a feather yet surprisingly padded against sharp objects.
Just ordered a pair of cheap wetsuit shoes to wear when wading rivers. I've been wearing trail shoes for this but their getting quite tatty and the neoprene ones are cheaper and should be a little lighter. I've a couple of trips planned where crossing rivers will be unavoidable.
Ordered 10.00 yesterday, arrived 10.00 today, not bad service. I ordered then from Lomo wetsuits in Glasgow.
There actually exactly the same weight as my old trail shoes - inov8 285's. But only £13.
Two pairs of Alpkit Merino wool undies!Mrs BFM’s view is that you should do your own hand washing ;D
As I don’t buy normal stuff and haven’t got a clue what stuff costs my wife couldn’t believe it when I told her I paid £17, she said “that’s mad for two pairs of undies”.
I then said no, they were in a sale and they were £17 per pair, she nearly fell over!
They are very nice to wear though but again she was not impressed when I told her she had to hand wash them and hang to dry, no tumble dryer.
Mrs BFM’s view is that you should do your own hand washing ;D
I'm with you 110% on that one.
I agree - I always manage to wash my own hands, but clothes are the responsibility of SWMBO.
A bit gimmicky, but a rather nice Titanium mug.
Came from Hong Kong for £4.75, and comparing it with a genuine titanium cutlery set i own, its the real deal.
Probably does not weigh much less than a normal mug, but for less than a £5 it was a worthy addition to enjoy a favourite cuppa.
Why Falmouth coastguard :-\
They just happen to be the UK Government's office for EPIRB & PLB registration and SAR Co-Ordination centre.
They take the 'incoming' call from the satellites and then notify/activate the closest SAR team to the co-ordinates given.
I'm feeling very satisfied with myself today. I managed to buy three new tent poles (£15 from Germany, 'extremtextil,' came in three days) and with the help of a junior hacksaw I've managed to repair my tent. I was worried that I might have to get them bent to shape, but I solved the problem without having to worry about this.
Finally decided to give walking poles a go to see if they are any good, in the past I've always decried them unless they're for those who need them due to some medical or other issue. If I remember I'll post back after I've given them a bit of a workout :)Welcome to the dark side young Padawan. May the Force help you on your chosen path.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LCA4ZAI/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1 (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LCA4ZAI/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1)
Welcome to the dark side young Padawan. May the Force help you on your chosen path.
I’ve just bought a sit mat from Millets for £2.50.
My last was blown from the side pocket of my rucksack in 60 mph winds on the Kentmere Horseshoe in January.
I sat down on a rock just after that and ripped my waterproof trousers, now repaired with tenacious tape but £2.50 is money well spent to stop it happening again.
Finally decided to give walking poles a go to see if they are any good, in the past I've always decried them unless they're for those who need them due to some medical or other issue. If I remember I'll post back after I've given them a bit of a workout :)
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LCA4ZAI/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1 (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LCA4ZAI/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1)
They make a difference Jon, wouldn't be without mine.
O0
Finally decided to give walking poles a go to see if they are any good, in the past I've always decried them unless they're for those who need them due to some medical or other issue. If I remember I'll post back after I've given them a bit of a workout :)
You don't have to use them, just secured to your rucksack will make you look more professional and will give you that 'John Wayne' look! ;)
You don't have to use them, just secured to your rucksack will make you look more professional and will give you that 'John Wayne' look! ;)I am now the proud owner of a three legged fold up stool hanging from my rucksack...what do I look like...no don`t answer that >:(
Just got an Osprey Exos 58 delivered today from Amazon for a very reasonable £102.
I don’t know if I was just lucky but they are now selling them for £117.75 less than two days after I ordered mine.
A small mirror for my first aid kit (I wear contact lenses and trying to re-insert a slipped lens on an overnight camp never good without a mirror) and BCB Crusader for my day hikes to brew up. Whats next on the list? Well it never ends does it? :-[How do you see to insert your contact lens, if you don’t have them in place?
I wear glasses, especially reading ones. Why do people wear contact lenses, is there a particular reason?
I used to wear disposable contacts before I needed varifocal glasses - as you say, they don't fog up or get mucky. Eventually I found I found I could not see to read at all with them in. I spent a time with one in and one out, which was ok for activities like skiing but a bit iffy for flying, then that stopped working so I went back to glasses.
They don't get steamed up in the cold and no rain smudges. I find them comfy to wear especially as they are monthly ones that I wear even when asleep. For me its convenient and comfy. Until it goes missing at the back of my eye.
Nice reminder, I have one and wondering if I should pack it for my C2C walk at end June/early July :-\If yours is anything like mine and you don't need it for midges it will be useful as a laundry bag ;D
I have paid out to an online firm but I'm worried that I might have fallen for a scam? I ordered a Rab Vital Hoody for £24.64 on the 5th May, seemed to be about £50ish everywhere else.
It's now 15th May and doubts are now creeping into my mind that my desire for a cheap price has possibly dropped me in it? I've emailed the firm twice and they send me a copy of my invoice each time but nothing else.
I won't name the firm yet, for all I know my suspicion may be way out of order as it might turn up tomorrow. I've never had to wait this long for a delivery before and to date I've never been caught out by an internet purchase but as they say, there's always a first time.
Their delivery section said it was going to be delivered by something called 'Best Way?' I almost bought a down blanket from another firm the other day but on seeing that they too were offering 'Best Way' delivery I decided not to purchase again until I have clarity about my Rab hoody purchase.
The site is called 'On Line Store' and the site is www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk (http://www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk). My item was ordered on the 1st May 2019, paid for by credit card.One of my tests for if I will order on line is that there is a postal address and landline phone number.
I think my desire for such a cheap price overruled sensible judgement!
NO, my Rab Vital has never arrived. I've written to the firm 4 times now and all I get back is an email showing me what I ordered and that I have paid for it.
The site is called 'On Line Store' and the site is www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk (http://www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk). My item was ordered on the 1st May 2019, paid for by credit card.
The courier firm is identified as EMS.
This is the first time one of my internet orders has failed to arrive.
But a bargain is a bargain! :D
NO, my Rab Vital has never arrived. I've written to the firm 4 times now and all I get back is an email showing me what I ordered and that I have paid for it.Was there not a EMS tracking number with the order? Says on their website there should be. Very dodgy lookng website not secure plus no contact phone number or physical address anywhere.
The site is called 'On Line Store' and the site is www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk (http://www.prakashjiwadarts.co.uk). My item was ordered on the 1st May 2019, paid for by credit card.
The courier firm is identified as EMS.
This is the first time one of my internet orders has failed to arrive.
Hope these keep me foot issue free, toe nail about to fall off after last walk. Toe box seemed to crimp on my toe. Fun times.
Ouch. Hopefully, you don’t get any long term problems from this. I lost two in the past; one playing football, which grew back OK and the other from running, which damaged the nail bed. The nail has never grown back properly. It grows very thick and tries to grow into my toe.
I don't think you will be getting your Rab Vital at all, Gunwharfman, it looks like a dodgy site.If it is a dodgy site, and they have gunwharfman's card number and security code, probably a good idea to watch out for any more purchases from them
The is no address or phone number on the website and no information about the company.
The URL is not secure, it is http instead of https.
The name of the company would be enough to deter me from ordering from them, my prejudices plays some part part in this I know, but it would make me doubly cautious. There are also typos and grammatical errors in the FAQ.
Do you recall if there was a padlock symbol in the address bar when you placed your order?
It's time, I think, to report it to ActionFraud (a toothless organisation, but you might as well) and to contact your card provider to get your money back.
"You can never have too many Buffs"I have just one and that came as a free gift, when I bought some OS maps. Prefer my scalf and wooly hats. Though the buff is both lighter and more practical.
-from the Spine website.
I have just one and that came as a free gift, when I bought some OS maps. Prefer my scalf and wooly hats. Though the buff is both lighter and more practical.
Mine is actually, in the bottom of my bag with my emergency kit. I lost my hat on my Brecons walk last winter. Properly cold day that was. Buff was a god send, as you can wear it as a hat, a balaclava or a scalf. Still prefer my hat and scarf for the moment though. O0
I'm a real convert. Ideal for winter dog walking, as well as on the hill.
I'm a real convert. Ideal for winter dog walking, as well as on the hill.
I was converted many many years ago as we were issued them in the Army, my army one must be at least 40 years old and is still in perfect condition :)Do you also have a sheemagh? They're great, hat, scarf, towel, modesty screen, spare blanket, shopping bag.I also like buffs for their versatility.
Bought first extra kit for about a year...splashed out 3 quid on a pair of bootlaces. (Got to Shrewsbury on Sunday..planning to walk Craven Arms to Much Wenlock next day...realised I’d left spare bootlaces at home. Then, of course, I start worrying that laces will break at some point of next day’s walk...)Always have to have spare laces. Last time I used one, was to tie a flip flopping sole, back on to one of my walking shoes, in the middle of Dartmoor. Did such a good job I was able to glue the sole, when I got home and keep using the shoes for several more walks. :)
Still..it got me used to spending money on kit again...and I may well steel myself and buy some new boots this Friday.
Not for me I'm afrait, Strawy - I've been let down too many times in the past by fabric boots.Funny, I was just thinking that is an awful lot of stitches.
My purchase is a SIM card, which I use use most when I'm hiking.
I have a 2 SIM phone, one card is for phone calls the other is for the internet. I'm not a contract person but on this occasion, I've signed up for an ongoing contract which gives me 1mb of internet per four weeks.
I was paying £5 for 500mb of internet but I'm now paying £5 for 1mb. I'm pleased.
I use my smartphone a lot when I'm hiking so I decided to visit PC World yesterday. I bought one or their soft touch stylus pens for £1.99. I left my last one in a coffee shop recently and couldn't be bothered to walk a mile back to see if it was still there and collect it. I've never liked on-screen keyboards as I'm forever correcting mistakes when I finger-type so I find a stylus much easier to use, especially when I'm on the move. If I need to do a bit of work in the evening and settled with a pint I use a cheap Bluetooth folding keyboard.Thanks yet again for two great tips GWM.
I use my smartphone a lot when I'm hiking so I decided to visit PC World yesterday. I bought one or their soft touch stylus pens for £1.99. I left my last one in a coffee shop recently and couldn't be bothered to walk a mile back to see if it was still there and collect it. I've never liked on-screen keyboards as I'm forever correcting mistakes when I finger-type so I find a stylus much easier to use, especially when I'm on the move. If I need to do a bit of work in the evening and settled with a pint I use a cheap Bluetooth folding keyboard.
Interesting, I didn't ever consider using a stylus pen. May give it a go as my fingers are on the large size. O0I got two yesterday. One to use and one to lose ;D
Does it work on a wet screen?
My Rab Vital windproof has just arrived, looks goodIs this the order you though you had made a mistake with?????
Two Klymit Static V sleep mats from a company in the Netherlands, half the price of UK kit:
www.frank.shop (http://www.frank.shop)
They have some good kit on there if you look.
Just tried one of the mats here in the living room, inflation two minutes, deflation and pack away in stuff sack supplied, three minutes. Mat feels good even on bare floor in side sleep position.
I treated Mrs N to one of theseThat looks a good idea for day to day use when you want to carry a few cards.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/RFID-Blocking-Wallet-Genuine-Leather/dp/B07GN3LJL2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1UBU3FBGPXH61&keywords=credit+card+holder+rfid+blocking&qid=1561633358&s=gateway&sprefix=credit%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-6 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/RFID-Blocking-Wallet-Genuine-Leather/dp/B07GN3LJL2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1UBU3FBGPXH61&keywords=credit+card+holder+rfid+blocking&qid=1561633358&s=gateway&sprefix=credit%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-6)
They prevent the contactless element being used until you want it to be,
...I think Crahoppers’ quality control has gone downhill. There were noticeable dimensional differences between pairs that were the same size and the material doesn’t seem as good as the older, well worn pairs that I have....
Nice one Whistable Dave! I've always found that Cotswold have treated me well and fairly when I've presented them with a poorly made product.
I lost yet another pair of wrap around 'sunglasses' yesterday, so I popped off to my local Decathlon shop this afternoon and bought another pair, £2.99, plus a pair of flip-flops, £3.99.
Some Craghoppers Kiwi trousers and Nosilife shirts. I think Crahoppers’ quality control has gone downhill. There were noticeable dimensional differences between pairs that were the same size and the material doesn’t seem as good as the older, well worn pairs that I have.I just bought some Decathlon forclaz shorts. They seem quite an improvement on the craghopper kiwi stretch shorts in both cut and little details, like having a popper (backed with velcto) instead of the button on my kiwi shorts. £17.99 seemed a reasonable price too.
I also bought a Tilley hat. I wasn’t looking to spend that much on a hat, but for those of us with a large brain capacity there aren’t too many options. :)
Finally arrivedThat lawn needs a trim! Still, it provides an authentic environment to display the tent. Hope you get to enjoy it soon.
https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb17588532/p5pb17588532.jpg (https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb17588532/p5pb17588532.jpg)
Finally arrived
https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb17588532/p5pb17588532.jpg
The Berghaus Stormcloud trousers were amazing very impressed they kept me dry through nearly 8 hours of almost constant rain and I didn't overheat or get sweaty.
Normal people sized (if you can call XXL normal) technical clothing is indeed far superior to that available in fat man sizes.
Two polyester baselayers from Mountain Warehouse in Aviemore - £7.99 & £9.99.
Rather cheaper than the £25-£35 offerings in the more upmarket shops, and I'm sure that they will do the job just the same.
Just bought a new tent.So have we :D
So have we :DIs the MSR going in to retirement?
Is the MSR going in to retirement?No the msr is still in good condition and we will still use it
But will you go out 1kg lighter or is that another half platypus of wine? :)
But will you go out 1kg lighter or is that another half platypus of wine? :);D
Don't put ideas in her head :o
Now that sounds like a plan. O0
;D
No the weight saving will come in handy on multi day treks
If you drink the extra wine on the first night, you will still save weight on the other days :D
A small spare compass for £3.99 from Mountain Warehouse, Kendal.
Unfortunately the bright red end of the needle with an "N" marked on it points South! Needle doesn't rotate freely either, unless you tilt the compass to the left.
Absolute rubbish. Needless to say, it will be going back!
LOL I bought a cheap compass from Sports Direct once that didn't actually point north without careful handling. Gave me new respect for Silva - maybe it's not as easy making them as it would first appear!
Is it not bomb proof as it is?I’m a cautious type and like to be high up so thought for a little bit of extra weight it would be worth it for peace of mind.
Despite the eyelet problem that I had last year, I've just gone and purchased another pair of leather Brasher boots (from Millets in Inverness), different model, this time, the Country Master. Seem pretty well made, with full leather uppers, good soles and a rand all the way around, and I checked that the eyelets were tight! Been wearing them around the house today before venturing forth - fairly pleased with them so far.
Cost £139 - I could have had 15% off if I had bought them online (code AUTUMN), but then I wouldn't have been able to try them on in the shop!
https://www.millets.co.uk/footwear/250717-brasher-mens-country-master-walking-boot-brown.html (https://www.millets.co.uk/footwear/250717-brasher-mens-country-master-walking-boot-brown.html)
Bought some new winter walking trousers at Trespass and a couple of pairs of heavy wool socks from Millets. I have had mixed results with Trespass in the past. Hopefully these will work out, as they were not that cheep. They certainly appear well made, taped seams, sealed zips etc. Most importantly they fit well and I can manover in them. I have split several pairs of Trespass summer trousers climbing.Have you bought your NZ visa?
Need it to get a bit cooler before I give them a try out.
Have you bought your NZ visa?
A pair of Berghaus Stormcloud waterproof overtrousers following a soaking on a health walk a couple of weeks ago in Northumberland.Welcome. :)
An Osprey Daylite 13L day pack for short hikes where my North Face Borealis is too big.
Yeah, I was going to get a cheaper one but the sleeves looked a bit too loose for my liking. Don't mind spending money when needed, but if I can get a cheaper option that does the job I'm happy.I have two of those fleeces. Great lightweight summer fleece. Been wearing one today over my base layer. Need another layer when you stop this time of year.
There were a few decent looking heavy ones (300gsm region) for around a tenner. Zipped pockets and elasticated cuffs, pretty much all you need with a fleece I reckon. I'd have gotten one but I've more than enough winter options for now.
My partner is just getting into hiking, so has bought a few items last weekend. A Berghaus Brampton 3.0 fleece, OEX Vallo Air 36 backpack and a Rab Kangri GTX jacket.
There's nothing wrong with my gear, but I have to admit, I felt a little jealous at all the shiny new items!
The new Rab GoreTex stuff looks quite good if I must say so
Despite the eyelet problem that I had last year, I've just gone and purchased another pair of leather Brasher boots (from Millets in Inverness), different model, this time, the Country Master. Seem pretty well made, with full leather uppers, good soles and a rand all the way around, and I checked that the eyelets were tight! Been wearing them around the house today before venturing forth - fairly pleased with them so far.
Cost £139 - I could have had 15% off if I had bought them online (code AUTUMN), but then I wouldn't have been able to try them on in the shop!
https://www.millets.co.uk/footwear/250717-brasher-mens-country-master-walking-boot-brown.html (https://www.millets.co.uk/footwear/250717-brasher-mens-country-master-walking-boot-brown.html)
First day out on the fells in the new boots today, very pleased with them.
I bought 10 pairs of sew-on 1/2" magnets because I had this 'great idea' of using them to secure the flap across the zip on my rain jacket. Then I got cold feet because of the warning leaflet that came with them. Possible damage to phones mainly?
Oh yes, compass. In all the years I have been hiking, I've always carried one but have never used it once.
I guess it really depends on where you go walking. Down in Englandshire, following well layed out footpaths you probably don't really need one.
You do!!! When you arrive at the edge of a large field with no obvious path, and you can't see where you should exit the far side. When you come to a fork in a path or track, usually in a wood, and you're not sure which one to take. When you've gone a wee bit wrong (aka lost) and need to get back where you should have been. And many more.Not to mention foggy days on Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor, Exmoor and all the other moors (also taking the correct exit out of the car park)
Not to mention foggy days on Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor, Exmoor and all the other moors (also taking the correct exit out of the car park)What they said plus picking the right path in the middle of a forest or taking a bearing to work out later what that distant hill was.
Backcountry app, (£14.99) for a one-off payment OS maps 'forever!'How is it going. What are the differences between Backcountry and the OS mapping App.?Anything better or anything worse would you say.?
OS Maps - 12 month subscription for online access and mobile phone app here in the UK
Backcountry app, (£14.99) for a one-off payment OS maps 'forever!'Are you sure?
Are you sure?
I read it as TOPO maps for Android OS.
Garmin also uses TOPO maps which get badly pixelated when trying to zoom in etc.
Hope I'm wrong and that it is truly OS maps because then the prices on other apps may drop if OS are willing to allow their stuff out at that price. Seems strange that they would undercut themselves by so much.
Are you sure?
I read it as TOPO maps for Android OS.
Garmin also uses TOPO maps which get badly pixelated when trying to zoom in etc.
Hope I'm wrong and that it is truly OS maps because then the prices on other apps may drop if OS are willing to allow their stuff out at that price. Seems strange that they would undercut themselves by so much.
Strange, as they say TOPO maps for Android OS which is quite different to OS maps (meaning Ordnance Survey, they usually state Explorer and/or Landranger) as distinct from Open Source(OS) TOPO maps which are available free on other apps and the OS next to Android stands for Operating System.
Seems like, as its the Black Friday deal
I've just had a look at my Backcountry app, it states 'UK OS maps from Bing.' I must admit I'm not into maps so the various distinctions between them are beyond my knowledge base. I just point my phone and go and check when I need to. I can't say that the Backcountry OS maps have ever let me down, I wouldn't really know what to look for to decide?I followed this up by googling to see if Bing OS maps were truly Ordnance Survey maps and not open source maps. Looks like I will be learning to use the Backcountry app whilst waiting for my VR subscription to Ordnance Survey to expire.
... Only downside online is there's no distance measuring tool, ....
Which tent is it please and was it pricey?Looks like the Plexamid Zpacks which he mentioned on this thread (8/12).
Bought my son a pair of Trespass waterproof walking boots. They were fairly cheap at £27, but I doubt he'll be getting much use out of them before growing out of them. He wore them today for a 2 mile walk and he says they are comfy. Just hope they are waterproof like it states.
What was annoying was I tried Blacks for footwear but they have stopped selling children's footwear completely. I ended up getting his boots from Trespass and walking socks from Sports Direct. I bought him Trespass socks last year and they were awful. Shrunk quite a bit and ended up getting pulls all over.
I’ve been using this waterproofing spray on my Merrells for the last couple of months. Works well and goes a long way.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15893437/nikwax-fabric-and-leather-proof-spray-300ml-15893437 (https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15893437/nikwax-fabric-and-leather-proof-spray-300ml-15893437)
Thanks for the info! I could do with some of that for my own boots too since I've had them a while.
Not super-cheap, but I get mine from Go Outdoors with their discount card/National Trust card.
I've got a large Go Outdoors in my city but never been, only looked at their website. How does the discount card card please? Is it a one off purchase?
Thanks for the info guys! Will look into it.
Save yourself a fiver and share a mate's card.
When the GO till person me asks if I have a card I just give them my son's name and his postcode. Never a problem, works every time.
I do however phone him first to make sure he's renewed it!
Thanks for the info guys! Will look into it.
Just for further info - a National Trust card adds an additional 10% discount.
Bought my son a pair of Trespass waterproof walking boots. They were fairly cheap at £27, but I doubt he'll be getting much use out of them before growing out of them. He wore them today for a 2 mile walk and he says they are comfy. Just hope they are waterproof like it states.
What was annoying was I tried Blacks for footwear but they have stopped selling children's footwear completely. I ended up getting his boots from Trespass and walking socks from Sports Direct. I bought him Trespass socks last year and they were awful. Shrunk quite a bit and ended up getting pulls all over.
Are your Montain Prism's mittens or gloves? I have a pair of their really lightweight mittens and I use a thin £1.49 pair of Decathlon gloves with them. As a combination, they keep my hands warm as toast, used separately they are less effective, but good enough when I just want my hands covered in mild weather.
I bought a small container of 'dry shower' today, I always like to carry some with me when I hike. On a hot day it can be really helpful under the arms and in other private areas and also when I'm feeling sticky I apply some to the nape of the neck and around the back of the neck as well to revive me. Sometimes when my feet are just too hot I just rub some on to revive them as well.
Looks rather like my vintage Robert Saunders Jetpacker!It does, and I think that's a good thing
My eldest daughter spent 6-weeks in Iceland doing conservation volunteering with the Icelandic Forestry service - and was living in a 2-person Wild Country tent (I can't remember which type). Quite a few of her friends had the MSR Hubba Hubba NX and rated it well - although the mesh inner was prone to volcanic ash.
;D
Here is the new tent, msr hubba hubba nx in stealthy green, lovely :)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48671436076_649a427e40.jpg)
Spot Gen 3 GPS Messenger/Tracker.
The realisation that I'm getting older, that mobile phone coverage isn't 100% and that I needed a back up other than a route card and approximate timings left in front of my computer for my to wife to use. Bought not so much for the tracking feature (My Suunto Peak 3 does that), although my wife does like the idea of being able to 'see where you are', it was purchased more for the peace of mind of having a back up system of getting a help message out there should I need to.
Does anyone else carry one?
What does your app actually do?
I replied to your same question in the other thread :
http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39663.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39663.0)
The Spot has bad reviews and is expensive with its monthly charges.
I know a guy who has one and uses it for when he does deliveries of boats (worldwide) so the boat owners can follow him, but he says he would never have one otherwise.
My Pebbell, if it's a like for like comparison, is just a one-off payment. It has a SIM card inside and I put the lowest amount of PAYG money on it. I 've never had to use it so none of the PAYG has been used. It's programmed to alert two people, my wife and my son as soon as I press the button on it. I can also programme it to tell them my coordinates, they get a text message, but as I am easily distracted I've never organised it. Perhaps I should.
I have seen the bad reviews on the likes of Amazon, I have also seen the positive reviews in the likes of TGO magazine, runultra, Amazon etc and after carefully balancing the pros and cons decided to go ahead with the purchase. Yes it costs for the unit and then there is either a monthly or yearly satellite subscription charge both of which combined amount to less than the cost of say the Garmin Inreach mini, which you would then have to add a further subscription charge to.
I suppose it is an expensive gadget, but for peace of mind (my wife's mainly), if it can do what it says on the tin then surely it is worth it?
Return flights to Northern Sweden for July. Hotel reservation for first and last night's, just need to book train/buses to start and finish of my walk. Can't wait.I read that apart from the midges, there are 47 species of mosquito in Sweden, 43 of which bite. Given the season is from mid June to September, perhaps if you were to put a small bag of blood in the top of your pack, you could get the bugs to bite into it and carry your bag for you. Apparently, the Swedish word for mosquito is mygg, pronounced midge.
I'm always ready to apply a fix. When I bought my Salomon Ultra X's, the left heel area felt so uncomfortable, my heel became red and raw after a couple of miles. I just hit the inside heel area with a 'pane' hammer and it solved the problem, no difficulties since.I think you mean a ball-pein hammer https://www.diydata.com/tool/hammer/hammers.php (https://www.diydata.com/tool/hammer/hammers.php) I think pein refers to the non-ball end.
I hope 'pane hammer' is the correct term, one end of the hammer was round.
Thank you, I suspected that I was incorrect using the word 'pane' I know so little about hammers. The bloke who I got it from said I can keep it, its now in my gargage doing nothing.I also have a row of different kinds of hammer hanging on a peg board in my garage not doing much. Most of them were my father's. looks like you can have peen or pane as well https://mymultiplemusings.blogspot.com/2011/07/ball-peen-ball-pein-or-ball-pane-hammer.html (https://mymultiplemusings.blogspot.com/2011/07/ball-peen-ball-pein-or-ball-pane-hammer.html)
I've just bought 2 x Columbia Silver Ridge hiking shirts. I decided on this brand and model after reading about them on 'outdoorgearlab.com.' They arrived this morning and I'm wearing one right now, feels very comfortable and the medium I ordered fits me extremely well. How good will they be whilst I'm hiking? No idea yet but I will try them out soon.
They cost me £25 each from the Columbia site.
Altra lone peaks, hope they fix my blister issues! Ordered from amazon prime so easy to return if they don't fit. Get delivered tomorrowI'd be interested to know what you think of these if you're willing to share your thoughts, am considering them after an unpleasant pair of Salomons.
One step up from a spaceblanket, an actual 'foil lined space-sleeping bag'Two for a fiver is cheep. Do you have a link to where you bought them?
Fits in a pocket and handy if you are not taking a full pack with tent, sleeping bag etc, or just for the car.
Weighs in at 117g (4oz) each and a bargain at two for £5.
(https://i.postimg.cc/N9fqwNdG/A6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9fqwNdG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LJzrgd76/X2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJzrgd76)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CZh6ZRkm/A4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CZh6ZRkm)
Two for a fiver is cheep. Do you have a link to where you bought them?
I've just bought an OS Aventura boys toy/outdoor gym assistant to replace my old satmap active 10 which had seen better days. OS had them on offer so went for it. Hope it lives up to their claims. Not many reviews but seems okay. Yet to try it out.I will be interested to see how you get on with it. I too didn’t find many reviews and was wondering how it might compare with other GPS devices.
I've just bought an OS Aventura boys toy/outdoor gym assistant to replace my old satmap active 10 which had seen better days. OS had them on offer so went for it. Hope it lives up to their claims. Not many reviews but seems okay. Yet to try it out.
Ebay, make an offer.
I offered £5 and it was accepted. They arrived 3 days later.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283722019144?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283722019144?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649)
Cheers just ordered a couple myself. Like many I suspect, I have never used my current emergency bivi bag. For this price I will be testing one of these and the other will go in MrsG's bag. This winter for the first time since we were teenagers, she has accompanied me on to the moors occasionally.
Quite tempted myself - I lug around one of those polythene survival bags - pretty heavy in comparison to metallised film.
Do you still have the 'cards' for the Satmap ?
What have you got ?
Price ?
I've got 3 Satmap 10's (1 in each rucksack) so always looking for 'better' cards.
I've got the Platinum whole UK (1:10,000, 1:25,0000 & 1:50,000) in one of them but the other two only have the 1:50,000 card.
I've a satmap 10 with northern Brittan and Austrian Tirol cards of you're interested?
I will be interested to see how you get on with it. I too didn’t find many reviews and was wondering how it might compare with other GPS devices.I've just posted an initial review of my new toy, the OS Aventura in the gear section. (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39812.msg567694#msg567694)
I've just bought 2 x Columbia Silver Ridge hiking shirts. I decided on this brand and model after reading about them on 'outdoorgearlab.com.' They arrived this morning and I'm wearing one right now, feels very comfortable and the medium I ordered fits me extremely well. How good will they be whilst I'm hiking? No idea yet but I will try them out soon.
They cost me £25 each from the Columbia site.
A new inflatable pillow from Decathlon (£3.99).Is it any good, often thought about buying a pillow, but still using my jacket/fleece, just pull the sleeves inside, zip it up and fill it with my spare clothes. Bit of a faf re-sorting it out in the morning, but it works great.
Is it any good, often thought about buying a pillow, but still using my jacket/fleece, just pull the sleeves inside, zip it up and fill it with my spare clothes. Bit of a faf re-sorting it out in the morning, but it works great.
I usually sleep well and do not wake up with a cricked neck.I seem to get a cricked neck whenever I sleep, but with the combination of my very cheap Tesco travel pillows and my not so cheap Klymit Static V2 bed, I seem to have less of one.
I have a Sea to Summit blow-up pillow, silly really and so expensive, but I had one of those silly moments when I was frustrated that I couldn't find a good cheap one at the time.
My Sea to Summit pillow hasn't leaked yet, I've had it about 4 years, mind you If I'd seen one at Decathlon I'm sure I would have bought their's instead.
I ordered a Champion Typhoon waterproof single skin jacket and it arrived today, £6.90 including postage. Just to compare, my first waterproof jacket was a Paramo Alta 2 for £250. For £250 I could buy 36 Champion jackets!
Walking is basically free. Though commercial companies would like you to believe that you need to spend hundreds of pounds first to make it possible. Some things are really worth the money, others aren't.
Walking is basically free. Though commercial companies would like you to believe that you need to spend hundreds of pounds first to make it possible. Some things are really worth the money, others aren't.
I went on a bit of a splurge, fuelled by a NatWest switching bonus and some Birthday money. Picked up an Icebreaker marino wool base layer, a pair of Adidas Free Hiker GTX, A pair of Inov8 Roclite 345 GTX, a petzl tactika head torch (been meaning to pick one up for awhile now) and an Osprey Talon 22 backpack. Oh, and a book on knots and a water purification straw (no idea when I'll ever need to use this...) :D
I also bought a new coat for the pooch too, so she didn't feel left out. ;D
Not exactly new kit but I've just got a ten year old Mountain Equipment jacket back from Lancashire Sports Repairs. The rubbery cuff tags that had the stiff part of the velcro were delaminating and not holding very well. They have fitted some matching fabric cuff tags and you would think that was how the jacket originally came, very nice craftsmanship.
That's not good...
I sweat buckets on a walk.
Yesterday, I was in my second favourite shop, Poundland. Got a head torch for a quid.It'd be a shocker to get charged 2 quid in there... O0 - I love to ask 'em how much it is when I get to the till lol
Batteries cost more, but then I bought from the more exclusive, Lidl.
Much better that I thought. Probably not too weather proof, but a bit of silicone sealant would sort that.
A Chilly's bottle. Much better than standard vacuum flasks for staying hot.O0 Due electropolished interior surfaces..?
I don't know when we will be able to use it. :(
A Chilly's bottle. Much better than standard vacuum flasks for staying hot.I bought some chillies, they warm me up.
After last weekends pot of water spillage I ordered a remote canister stove. Nowt wrong with the MSR pocket rocket but accidents are more likely to happen with a conventional stove.
A Snowsled pulk, second hand. No idea when I'll be able to collect it, not that I'm going anywhere to use it anytime soon. Really it's for my retirement trip in three years time.
Yesterday, I was in my second favourite shop, Poundland. Got a head torch for a quid.
Batteries cost more, but then I bought from the more exclusive, Lidl.
Much better that I thought. Probably not too weather proof, but a bit of silicone sealant would sort that.
Got me wondering what your favourite shop is. The 99p Store?They got bought by Poundland.
They got bought by Poundland.How much did they pay?
How much did they pay?1p as that is the difference.
1p as that is the difference.How can they do packs of lithium batteries for a quid..? I get through quite a few CR2032s and only bucket shop prices are acceptable to me :o - tbf I don't often get the 'under counter' varieties to make realistic comparisons, but the pound shop ones seem to last as long..?
A few years back, I had to go to Exeter to visit a Poundland. Rather defeated the object.
Got a nice mixing bowl though.
A cheap Buff from Amazon to use when I next visit our local Supermarket. Doubles up as a face mask, I. E. To stop me touching my face directly, after using their baskets etc. Won't arrive till Wednesday so will have to Survive on chard, leeks, pea shoots and spring onions, onions and squash until then.
Indeed. One thing this lockdown has made me think about is the missed opportunities for getting out and doing a wild camp this last winter - putting off buying a new tent, or just taking my chances with the old one. Must do better when the lockdown is eased - grasp the moment!
It does make you think this enforced imprisonment malarkey. Todays walk from my front door was ok, doing the same walk for possibly the next two months is going to be hard.
Carpe Diem. Beefy when this is all over, we are going places!
It does make you think this enforced imprisonment malarkey. Todays walk from my front door was ok, doing the same walk for possibly the next two months is going to be hard.Take an interest in the wildlife. I like to look at the same plants when I am out and see how they change.
Carpe Diem. Beefy when this is all over, we are going places!
Take an interest in the wildlife. I like to look at the same plants when I am out and see how they change.
Or if like me, you can look at the beach. Down here is vanishes, then comes back again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN2FpDxZsh4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN2FpDxZsh4)
Oregan Scientific Weather station, so that i can see the weather trends here on the Welsh coast.Which model. I bought a cheap one from Tandy, but it broke in no time.
Currently, theres one massive anticyclone above the Uk, 1044mb and still climbing.
The all time British record is 1053.
Do you retain a right of veto?
My LWKP was a new White Peak (Peak District) OS map.I don't support O/S anymore as they are more interested in copyright traps...
No not at all. I’m actually looking forward to him being in charge for a change! ;)
I think the concern that O/S have, is everyone who photocopies or produces their maps for their own use, without first considering the copyright on the material.
Just imagine if everyone bought only one map, and then photocopied it, and placed it for sale on ebay or similar site.
A friend, some years ago, needed to copy a section of mapping for his business, so he contacted O/S in Southampton.
They had no issues or qualms in him reproducing the map, but as long as he stuck to very strict criteria laid down by them, then permission was granted.
Its the same with all companies, whose work is copyrighted, most of them have no problems with members of the public reproducing their work.
Just ask for permission first.
The OS put PROWs where the Definitive Map says they are, even when they aren't really there at all.
Also noted this one some years back:3) The Pennine Way from Edale Cross - according to their copyright trap the PW ascended Swine's Back from the west side of Edale Cross - since been corrected it appears.
I always research my routes these days and would never ever rely totally on O/S.
Just 2 examples in the Dales:
1) The Swale Healaugh stepping stones are not recorded on O/S, though quite visible on Google.
2) Low Row bunkhouse location is not accurately recorded.
I had a quick look on Wikipedia and it says that the copyright lasts for 50 years from publication date.This is what Bartholomew's do isn't it?
So look for maps that were published in 1969.
No. But I do report blocked paths to the relevant authority sometimes. Last one was local, so the FP inspector had them put a sign up and 'reinforce' the muddy section of the diversion (ie. put a few bags of chippings down). Went that way again yesterday - the sign's not there anymore, and the gate was open so I went through only to find the exit still blocked off. These departments have very limited resources... so am I going to waste my time contacting them again..? No, I'll just take a different route.
Have you contacted OS to let them know?
We have already established you listen to too much fake news.
I have heard it said that there is a copyright trap in every sq. kilometre - I don't know about that 'cos I can't be evrywhere at once, but it would make sense for their business to be able to trace unlicensed use in every stiuation..?
The OS put PROWs where the Definitive Map says they are, even when they aren't really there at all.
We have already established you listen to too much fake news.:2funny: :2funny:
But we get used to reading that... though not always a dashed line indicating a worn path, there's usually evidence on the ground (but not in Bretherdale ...)
Indeed - there is a right of way going over a cliff on the north side of Moel Hebog!
Could OS be putting lives at risk though by marking things wrongly to suit their own ends..?And what sinister plot are the Deep State putting the OS up to. Don't tell me the OS are really lizard people.
...without looking like a walker.
I think you are just generalizing about people and offering us your personal opinion about cyclists and walkers so as I read it, yes, no, perhaps and maybe?
Hmm I wonder what a 'walker' looks like?An upright human propelling themselves forwards through a particular cadence of leg movements.
An upright human propelling themselves forwards through a particular cadence of leg movements.
I tend to dress like a member of an Ernest Shackleton expedition to avoid being labelled a “poseur wannabe”.
Jackson Sports. Discounted an extra 5% on top of sale price.
What does it do? Carry your rucksack for you, make tea? :)That and more! :)
I've taken advantage of a sale and ordered a Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket, it was down well below the 300 mark. Also, I felt the need to be positive about the future. And it's my birthday coming up. It's the right colour so I can wear it for work too.
I'll be thinking of other excuses to lessen the buyer's remorse soon.
Some people complain that Salomon can be a bit narrow.I've always found the opposite with Salomon boots, they fit my wide feet perfectly, their trainers on the other hand do tend to have a narrower fitting. One brand of boots that I cannot get on with is Scarpa, just way too narrow for my feet.
One brand of boots that I cannot get on with is Scarpa, just way too narrow for my feet.
One brand of boots that I cannot get on with is Scarpa, just way too narrow for my feet.My old, favourite boots that lasted me for thousands of miles before finally succumbing were Scarpa. They were really comfortable, didn’t need breaking in and never gave me blisters. I have large and wide feet and these were never a problem. When I came to replace them, I thought I would try Scarpa again. This was a completely different experience and I couldn’t get my feet into the boots, as they were so narrow.
Nothing much to do but buy supplies and think of better days in the future...
Last couple of weeks I've got:
5L Meths
Ron Hill Momentum trousers
Replacement Sawyer water pouches
Rab SilTarp
Alpkit short sleeping mat
If things get much worse you can always drink the meths ;D
Nothing much to do but buy supplies and think of better days in the future...That’s going to be some party :D
Last couple of weeks I've got:
5L Meths
Ron Hill Momentum trousers
Replacement Sawyer water pouches
Rab SilTarp
Alpkit short sleeping mat
I've taken delivery of a couple of new rucksacks in the last week
Osprey Daylite Plus and Atmos AG 50. Also picked up the raincover for the day pack.
First impressions, I am well pleased. The Atmos especially seems a fantastic bit of kit.
I've just purchased a Brynge short-sleeved string vest! I took it out of the package and my wife looked at it and said "Its hideous!" I put it on and my wife said "Its still hideous!" My first impression is that its extremely comfortable! I could only buy it in green. With postage £25 from 'UKMCPRO' the cheapest, I could find.If you’re looking for a cost-effective base layer, I’d recommend Mountain Warehouse’s Endurance T-shirt. Very effective at wicking perspiration away, and they’re currently half price.
I'm hoping that if the reviews are correct it may be just what I'm looking for, a different way to improve my baselayer experience. I'll let you know soon.
If it does work in the way that I hope I'll buy another one.
If things get much worse you can always drink the meths ;DI would recommend Barrettine MMSP.25 250 ml Mineralised Methylated Spirit, Violet
At £5.87 per 250ml that's the posh stuff, go for the proper rot gut stuff - Bandoline 250ml from Home Bargains 99p O0
Also just received my sunhat - a Kookaburra cricket sun hat - arrived too late for me to avoid a scorched neck on the Howgills last Wednesday!
https://www.kookaburra.biz/en-gb/cricket/gear/cricket-clothing/kookaburra-cricket-sun-hat/ (https://www.kookaburra.biz/en-gb/cricket/gear/cricket-clothing/kookaburra-cricket-sun-hat/)
That explains why it's blowing a hoolie and pouring down today.
I had a headtorch failure once, halfway up a dark and windy mountain, I hadn't checked the batteries on my back-up torch, they were dead so I just had to make do for the night. Trying to get my tent even partly erected was so difficult and trying to find a small area of flat earth was just as bad. I always carry spare batteries now. But after all of this, my fault entirely, at sunrise the view was stunning!Apart from the obvious always check batteries and carry spares routine, I would recommend using your spares when you have to replace the main batteries and then replace the spares rather than just putting in new batteries before you set off. I got caught once, needed spares, went to the zip-loc bag where I keep them only to find they had been in there so long they had gone off.
O0 I wasn't towing a pulk either, was the guys behind me that were ;DClearly orfficer material. ;D
I began this Bank Holiday never having heard of a pulk, so that’s something I’ve learned today.
Clearly orfficer material. ;D
Sounds like an exciting trip for you to look forward to, Owen. O0
Their not your normal walking kit but it's for a long distance trip I'm planning for in three years time. At times they can be something of a mixed blessing, their like having a mad dog chasing you down hills especially when you're going diagonally. But trying to cross country ski with a big heavy pack on isn't that easy either. The route I'm doing can for the most part be done hut to hut but there are a few gaps, the largest one is 80km. This means carrying tents, sleeping bags, stoves, food etc. I'll have to take everything with me all the way even though I'll only be camping around 30% of the time.Sounds like a proper adventure. O0 Can you tell us where you are headed?
I bought a short-sleeved Brynge 'string vest' recently, so impressed I've just about another one, this time with long sleeves. I will not know until I try it out but it may also be very useful as night attire under my sleeping quilt as well?Is there not an issue with static electricity.
Skiing the Kungsladen from Hemavan to Abisko, then hopefully on to the three country cairn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-Country_Cairn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-Country_Cairn) and finishing at Kruna.
I'll need a couple of months so I'm having to wait until I retire in three years time.
Just acquired a Satmap 20 with full OS maps. Only arrived today but initial impression is favourable. Out for the day tomorrow to give it a good test. Satmap are offering 30% off, but it's still a chunk of cash.
Yeah the Micro Tarp that BPL sell seems perfect for me but its been out of stock for quite a while - All I really want is a windbreaker kind of format over the entrance to the Squall but other than the Micro Tarp there's nothing really out there for choice. TBH if I could go back twenty years I'd learn a little more about design and production and start selling some of these niche things as there are a LOT of wildcampers and bivvy-ers now - far more than you'd imagine.What size are these Micro Tarps. I have a large, very cheap, rectangular one, and now a working sewing machine.
Must admit I had an Alpkit bivvy a while ago but like a lot of their recent gear the quality was really bad. I used to adore their gear but tbh these days I doubt they're in my top 20 of goto gear sellers now.
R
I've had an Active 20 with full 1:25K UK maps since Oct 2017. I debated for a long time as to whether I could justify getting one, but I needn't have worried. It's been a huge success and I can't imagine doing without it.
A couple of things... I bought a Kent map card to begin with. Then I started buying cards when we went on holidays to other areas. It occurred to me that a full UK card would save money in the long run so I bought one. The downside is that the full card doesn't have 1:10k street maps, which I sometimes found useful with the 'local' cards. Also, (and I can't remember exactly why) putting my routes on local cards was more convenient than putting them on the Satmap's internal memory, but although I can put them on the full UK card, my routes aren't accessible from there - even though there's sufficient space for them. I'd be interested to know if you get that issue.
Finally: although access to Satmap's Xpedition2 mapping system was included, I didn't like it at all and I use OS Maps to plot routes and copy them to the Active 20.
What size are these Micro Tarps. I have a large, very cheap, rectangular one, and now a working sewing machine.
How hard can it be to modify into a triangle.
First impressions in use yesterday were excellent - highly accurate and visibility of screen very good. My full card does have the street maps, so perhaps they have changed the spec. It's chunky, so I am working on where to carry it so that it is accessible - I have got a belt clip for it and a lanyard.
...
I keep seeing different pouches like that, mostly leather ones advertised on Instagram. The online ship is 'Wish,' I've no idea of the quality but the prices seem cheap enough.
I bought three pairs of BAM bamboo standard-sized (medium) boxer underwear and they came yesterday morning. I'm sending them back! They are a very nice design, very soft and very comfortable but for me just too long. I tried one on and I felt if I tried I could secure the waistband under my armpits! I'm going to order three hipster pairs and hope that they work betterThey were probably made in China by Wun Hung Lo, hence the room in the crutch area.
They were probably made in China by Wun Hung Lo, hence the room in the crutch area.
It is important to recycle jokes otherwise they become landfill.
Do jokes get any older than that one ::)
(I know the chicken one btw ;) )
Just bought a Belkin power bank from Tesco - none of the internet suppliers will deliver to the Scottish islands. I guess because they represent a fire risk, albeit a very small one I would have thought. Also, my partner ordered me a Sawyer Micro water filter from Amazon which presumably does not represent a flood hazard.
I decided I needed a new smartphone, my old one is fine, I just had this desire to spend some money. I looked at various models then read Expert Reviews and their No 1 budget phone is Redmi Note 8T, (takes two SIM cards) I read about it on other sites, all seemed good so I ordered one, £170, 128Gb or is it MB?I got a Motorola MotoE as it has the best battery life of all the normal phones.
I have one paid-for app, Backcountry, which I paid a once only payment for a few years ago and tried to transfer it to my new phone. It didn't work and I somehow ended up paying for it again. I've written to the company, they are going to cancel my payment. They think it occurred because the email I used then is not the email I use now?
There is a couple of things that annoy me about most mobile phones, the batteries can no longer be taken out, they no longer have a security hole to fit a lanyard and I miss not having the opportunity to fit in my own SD type of disk. The one thing I do like however is having a 2 x SIM card phone, very useful.Mine takes a 32GB memory card, and has 2 SIMs, not that I need that, just comes with it.
I got round to ordering my new "April and Beefy" chair! Very similar to one I have but half the weight.O0
I got round to ordering my new "April and Beefy" chair! Very similar to one I have but half the weight.
I'd love to see a pair you describe as "very bright" ;DActually, the photo doesn't do them justice. They're more 'orangey' than they look... ;)
Nice. O0 ...and very understated! ;)Can't go wrong with basic brown! Matches my most of my walking kit which is variations on the theme of matt brown and matt green. Hopefully as they weather the boots will tone down a bit to match Mrs N's.
It seems to me that running and cycling gear can often be more suitable for walking (and better priced) than walking gear... ;)
A pair of curlew waterproof walking shoes from Mountain Warehouse. £29-99 reduced from £59-99. Can't vouch for the waterproofness yet (no great expectations in that department) but, after 30 odd miles my feet are the most comfortable they've felt in a while, and my horrible feet are truly hard to please.
Keep us updated please, it's one I've looked at myself but just haven't taken the plunge.
My cheap Regatta Great Outdoors trousers arrived by mail order and fit perfectly. The first time I have bought trousers mail order. I can see this catching on. The high street is doomed thanks to COVID 19, if it wasn't all ready.
I also drove to Go outdoors to by a climbing helmet, only to realize you can't try anything on in store. Happily that also fitted, when I tried it on in the car park on the way out. :)
I went to Go Outdoors today to buy a lantern and a pillow. I didn't buy either. I bought a couple of Wayfarer meals, the all day breakfast to be precise. Probably wasted my money but thought I'd give them a go on out trip for future reference.
I needed a stove for emergencies if my gas stove ran out so bought a Fire Dragon burner which was only £3 and the fuel which was around the same price.
I ended up nipping into The Range to use their loo and looked at their camping gear and ended up buying the lantern from there at a cost of £3 and I also bought a micro-towel for my son. I just need another trekking pole and a decent pillow for the trip and then I think I'm all done.
Someone said you can try on up to three items of clothing, although helmets might be considered different though I suppose.
I needed a stove for emergencies if my gas stove ran out so bought a Fire Dragon burner which was only £3 and the fuel which was around the same price.
Wouldn't it be an idea to have just bought another gas cartridge 'in case the gas ran out' ?
Now you need to carry two different stoves and two different fuels (those solid fuel tablets are very smelly and sooty and can taint the food)
I used them regularly when with the army youth team (because they were free) but for 'personal use' they are not as good as gas.
They have approximately half of the 'heating power' that gas has and are heavy for the heat generated.
The solid fuel tablets produce 8Wh per gram
"Camping Gas" produces 14.2Wh per gram
No nay nothing none, was the brief given to all shoppers entering the store. The very sensible reason being to prevent spread of Covid 19. I was also told, if I returned my PPE had it not fit in the car park test, then it was to be quarantined for 72 hours before being returned to the shelf. Usually you simply cannot return PPE, once worn. So compromise that works.
Wouldn't it be an idea to have just bought another gas cartridge 'in case the gas ran out' ?
Now you need to carry two different stoves and two different fuels (those solid fuel tablets are very smelly and sooty and can taint the food)
I used them regularly when with the army youth team (because they were free) but for 'personal use' they are not as good as gas.
They have approximately half of the 'heating power' that gas has and are heavy for the heat generated.
The solid fuel tablets produce 8Wh per gram
"Camping Gas" produces 14.2Wh per gram
But gas comes in much heavier packaging!
But gas comes in much heavier packaging!
I've previously bought one of these which isn't great for balancing a pan on, I've discovered:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultralight-Camping-Portable-Outdoor-Backpacking/dp/B08BFJ2RZ3/ref=sr_1_62?dchild=1&keywords=Ultralight+stove&qid=1594750385&sr=8-62 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultralight-Camping-Portable-Outdoor-Backpacking/dp/B08BFJ2RZ3/ref=sr_1_62?dchild=1&keywords=Ultralight+stove&qid=1594750385&sr=8-62)
I'm thinking of buying something better after I get back but not sure what will be best, so what I bought today is just a cheap thing as a last resort in case I run out of gas, or the first stove I bought is too unsafe to use.
I like the look of the one that sits on the ground. I feel I need something low down as my son can be quite distracting and a fidget pants, even at 13.
I’ve not used them, but are the ones that sit on the ground a fire risk?
You can pick them up on ebay
There is one one at £9 + postage
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Outdoor-Picnic-Gas-Burner-Foldable-Camping-Mini-Steel-Stove-Case/383632481847? (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Outdoor-Picnic-Gas-Burner-Foldable-Camping-Mini-Steel-Stove-Case/383632481847?hash=item5952471e37:g:l4UAAOSwS-NfDdti)
or this one at £9.39 with free postage
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3500W-Folding-Portable-Gas-Burner-Fishing-Outdoor-Cook-Camping-Picnic-Cook-Stove/324219122155? (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3500W-Folding-Portable-Gas-Burner-Fishing-Outdoor-Cook-Camping-Picnic-Cook-Stove/324219122155?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225076%26meid%3Dabece95fbc774a3894d32b243c3ec6ba%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dco%26sd%3D402284680901%26itm%3D324219122155%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV1Filter%26brand%3DAlpkit&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851)
Apart from that, I'm seriously afraid of meths because I totally see myself knocking it over after a tough walking day and setting off a fire. And the flames are often invisible.
My stove is a £5 (incl shipping) Chinese thing that is small and quite light (93 grams) that I bought on ebay years ago when I started my first wild camps.
The bit I am interested in is the "number of litres of water boiled"
The stove and solid fuel tablets weighs 361 grams.
A 220 gram gas cartridge weighs 367 grams and gives more than 2x the Wh (number of litres of water boiled) when compared to solid-fuel.
The bit I am interested in is the "number of litres of water boiled"
A Wh is the energy content of the fuel and is equal to 3.6 kJ (J, or joule, is the SI unit of energy).
A litre of water takes 4.2 kJ to increase in temperature by 1 K.
Propane has a specific energy density of ~49.6 MJ/kg, Butane ~49.1 MJ/kgTo complicated for me. I'm taking a Thermos flask. ;)
So assuming a 70/30 mix by mass (this may be wrong but not far out) the energy content will be 49.45 MJ/kg.
1 litre of water heated by 85 K will need 0.357 MJ.
So a 110 gm (0.11 kg) canister will have 5.44 MJ of energy in it. This is enough to heat 14.5 litres of water.
Now assuming that it can only heat 7 litres, that means half the energy in the gas is lost directly to the atmosphere.
50% efficiency is pretty good in reality.
To boil as efficiently as possible, use in a sheltered place, keep a lid on the pot, only boil as much as you need, and boil it as quickly as possible.
To complicated for me. I'm taking a Thermos flask. ;)But you understood the last line, could have just said 'use an electric kettle'.
After drinking some rather suspect water on Tuesday, I've finally taken the plunge and have ordered a Sawyer Micro Squeeze water filter from ebay for £34.95.
Keep us posted. On how quick it is to fill a bottle.
Well, the Sawyer Micro Squeeze filter has arrived, and I'm very impressed by how small it is. And making it compatible with standard water and pop bottles is a stroke of genius!
I may be missing something, but the syringe seems to be a bit superfluous - it is possible to back flush very effectively using the supplied female-female coupling and a pop bottle - not the dirty water one, of course!
I may be missing something, but the syringe seems to be a bit superfluous - it is possible to back flush very effectively using the supplied female-female coupling and a pop bottle - not the dirty water one, of course!
Sorry Alan, but my Fire Dragon stove was a success...
...for roasting marshmallows on. I bet it'd take an eternity to boil water on the thing.
The burner is not actually on the floor and are less of a fire risk than meths stoves or hexamine stoves.
I have never set fire to the grass (or anything else) using one.
Well I have :-[
In exceptionally dry conditions in north Wales in May 2019 (you can't usually fit 'dry' and 'north Wales' in the same sentence) the grass caught fire by my stove and I had to stomp it out with my boot. That was a BRS-3000T (Chinese) on a 220g cartridge.
awoke with headaches, I think it was petrol fumes.I tried that one in court, only had a 12 month ban and a 50 quid fine.
Those were the days .............................
Keep us posted. On how quick it is to fill a bottle.
Keep us updated please, it's one I've looked at myself but just haven't taken the plunge.
The Nature Mongar looks like a cracking tent for the price.
Not to heavy and good waterproof rating. Like the 2 door set up as well.
Good luck with it. Be interested to hear how you get on.
It is definitely more roomy than the Zephyrous 2. It is slightly heavier at 2050 including bags etc., but the Mongar includes the fly sheet and it is only a difference of a couple of hundred grams. If I included the fly sheet of my Zephyrous, that would be heavier I think. All in all, I feel it has been £130 well spent and I can't wait to test it out properly.
Glad that you like the tent, LittleFoot.
I'm a bit confused by this paragraph though - do you not use the flysheet on your Zephyros?
Littlefoot - the Mongar are very well made tents, and mine came with a 'footprint' and I felt that it gave a bit more protection so a thorn or bit of sharp gravel would not puncture the groundsheet.
Did yours come with a footprint ?
For another tent, I purchased a Mongar 'footprint' separately for (I think) £9 and it weighs about 230g
Sorry, meant footprint! Changed it now. Thanks for pointing that out. :)
Why, Why do Companies x**£$" around with something that works?
I've just looked up a comparison review between the Alta 2 and the Alta 3. When I bought my Alta 2 I think it was about £220, the Alta 3 is £300. So what does the review say, 'a new 2-tone look', 'it looks more modern,' 'it looks fresher,' it seems to have a cleaner line,' it has been trimmed down,' 'the vents have been simplified,' and 'all of the pockets are waterproof.' But one less pocket on the female version evidently. Would I be willing to spend £300 to upgrade, NO WAY!
I agree that wasn't a good enough example, I should have thought it through more. How about my phone example, any better? :)
It doesn't happen to me often but I have seen and met some people who had gone out of their way to be both colour and brand coordinated, a bit like high fashion on the ski slopes. I certainly remember meeting a 'Rab' person on the C2C a while ago and I once met a 'Patagonia' man as well. They certainly looked good.
It doesn't happen to me often but I have seen and met some people who had gone out of their way to be both colour and brand coordinated, a bit like high fashion on the ski slopes. I certainly remember meeting a 'Rab' person on the C2C a while ago and I once met a 'Patagonia' man as well. They certainly looked good.Thats great to read LF as I only brought these particular ones as they were reduced in price. Still a got all the gear etc newbie.
It doesn't happen to me often but I have seen and met some people who had gone out of their way to be both colour and brand coordinated, a bit like high fashion on the ski slopes. I certainly remember meeting a 'Rab' person on the C2C a while ago and I once met a 'Patagonia' man as well. They certainly looked good.
Thats great to read LF as I only brought these particular ones as they were reduced in price. Still a got all the gear etc newbie.
Mrs N and certainly make the effort to keep up appearances here in Devon. We certainly would not wish to be taken for the one of the hoi polloi seasonal visitors ;) .
Fashion is very important when out walking in the SW. We have a fine following for down here for Man at Trago Mills.
Trago Mills, the finest store in the SW.
Fashion is very important when out walking in the SW. We have a fine following for down here for Man at Trago Mills.
Good find - but that is quite a big knife!
I don't think it's too big. I like Opinels; I've had a #9 before and it suits me
I find Swiss Army Knives too small & fiddly
Opinels are good knives, but Swiss Army would be my choice for a longer backpacking trip.I also carry an Opinel - a habit that started in France where most men in our area had one, or something similar. When we used to sit down to communal meals with the Hunt or the Rugby Club, all the old fellows used to get their knives out and use them in preference to the disposable cutlery. I never ever saw one get more than a cursory wipe either but nobody died. They hold a reallly good edge too.
Depends what you want it for, I suppose. My wild camping knife is an old pipe cleaning knife that I ground to a finer point, blade is about 30mm long, and it weighs less than 20g, including lanyard. Not what Ray Mears or Bear Grylls would recommend, but then I'm not planning to be out in the bush for a month!
I also carry an Opinel - a habit that started in France where most men in our area had one, or something similar. When we used to sit down to communal meals with the Hunt or the Rugby Club, all the old fellows used to get their knives out and use them in preference to the disposable cutlery. I never ever saw one get more than a cursory wipe either but nobody died. They hold a reallly good edge too.
Regarding knives, all I ever carry is this (22 gram):
(https://i.postimg.cc/8cCyMFyD/go-102047-a.jpg)
And 95% of the time I use just the scissors
Regarding knives, all I ever carry is this (22 gram):
(https://i.postimg.cc/8cCyMFyD/go-102047-a.jpg)
And 95% of the time I use just the scissors
Ah, yes! The Swiss Army Manicure Set :) I always carry one too but it's not always the only knife I carry. Seriously, though, there are other situations, apart from tidying up a broken nail, when only scissors will do. The blade is too small for many things but it is ideal for minor surgery, like digging out ticks or splinters. I forsook the bigger Swiss Army Knives with scissors because they were too heavy to carry around all the time. I settled on the "Camper" (no scissors) as my choice for occasions when I think I need a bigger SA knife but I still carry the little one.
Never mind your nails. where is the corkscrew?
Never mind your nails. where is the corkscrew?
And should I ever come across a bottle with cork that needed opening, I can use a tent peg for that (pushing the cork in instead of pulling it out).
Of course it all depends on what you are going to do. The knife is mainly used for opening resupply boxes and food packages and sometimes it doubles as a screwdriver. The scissors are used for opening packages, cutting ropes, small repairs on tent and clothing, cutting patches to size, etc. That grey end is actually tweezers (hidden inside this army knife), which can be used for removing splinters and I also have used it for small repairs.
For bushcrafting you would of course need a more substantial knife, but my walks and camping are of the leave-no-trace type, so not really relevant.
Btw: I actually also have the same Victorinox Camper knife that you mentioned. It's a good knife, but after a few adventures I replaced it with the one I posted because it lacked scissors and scissors is the tool I use the most by far! For example, cutting patches to size can theoretically be done with a knife but is so much more tough to do properly. I was surprised that Victorinox doesn't have a medium sized knife (like the Camper) that is equipped with this most used tool!
I never carry glass bottles. They are too heavy. And should I ever come across a bottle with cork that needed opening, I can use a tent peg for that (pushing the cork in instead of pulling it out).
Barbarian.
You could consider this:https://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Evolution-Grip-14/p/2.3903.C (https://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Evolution-Grip-14/p/2.3903.C)
Mine is the Opinel No. 2.
The picture below is 'borrowed' from the web because I couldn't be bothered to take my own photo.
Actually it must me on a small hand, because it looks much smaller on mine.
Weight 4.5g
(https://i.postimg.cc/52QscFTX/Opinel-No-2.jpg)
Imo, knifes are overrated for walking/ camping. I admit they are very cool, but it's a lot of weight for not much practical use. Unless you do bushcraft of course... :)
Imo, knifes are overrated for walking/ camping. I admit they are very cool, but it's a lot of weight for not much practical use. Unless you do bushcraft of course... :)
I don't go anywhere without my penknife. Something I have done since I was a cub scout.
Does it have a bit for taking stones out of horses hooves? :D
Imo, knifes are overrated for walking/ camping. I admit they are very cool, but it's a lot of weight for not much practical use. Unless you do bushcraft of course... :)But I used to love sitting quietly on the top of a summit and carving off a piece of dried sausage and eating it while taking in the view. Beats the hell out of a plastic box of sandwiches IMHO and far more montagnard. O0
Imo, knifes are overrated for walking/ camping. I admit they are very cool, but it's a lot of weight for not much practical use. Unless you do bushcraft of course... :)How heavy can such a knife be? Earlier in the thread there was discussion of the benefits of a 22g rather than a 78g knife. Would anyone actually notice that? I doubt that I would even register it.
...WhitstableDave - Your wife is from the Auvergne! WOW!She's from a village called Saint-Saturnin about 15km south of Clermont-Ferrand. :)
... It was there that I discovered St. Nectaire cheese ...
Hilleberg Soulo
Hilleberg Soulo
Hilleberg Soulo
Hilleberg Soulo - WHOOPS! :-[ :-[ I think I put my foot in it!
Just in time for 5-days in the lakes. Arnie thinks it's his new kennel.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5nQsjVc/IMG-4138.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I can't see the name. Is it the patch above the entrance. It may be my colour blindness but all I can see is a reddish (or is it brownish?) blur.It says Hilleberg.
Not a colour I'd choose for Summer time use.
Why?Dark colours soak up heat? Perhaps not an issue, if you arrive late and leave early. On the other hand, it would warm up quickly in the morning to help drive the dew off. I wonder how much light it keeps out?
Dark colours soak up heat? ...Dark colours do not soak up heat. That would suggest the dark material is actively doing something. Dark colours don't reflect away heat as well as light colours do, so, in effect, they can be thought of as being more transparent to heat. And that of course works in both directions - dark colours are better than light colours at emitting heat so if the temperature inside the tent is higher than outside, the occupant will cool down more quickly...
Why?
Dark colours do not soak up heat. That would suggest the dark material is actively doing something. Dark colours don't reflect away heat as well as light colours do, so, in effect, they can be thought of as being more transparent to heat. And that of course works in both directions - dark colours are better than light colours at emitting heat so if the temperature inside the tent is higher than outside, the occupant will cool down more quickly...Sit on a black leather car seat after it has been out in the sun for a few hours, especially wearing shorts ;D
Having said that, I think dark tents are preferable to light-coloured tents because they're less noticeable. ;)
Sit on a black leather car seat after it has been out in the sun for a few hours, especially wearing shorts ;D
Interestingly (I think!), if an equal amount of heat energy was contained in otherwise identical black and white leather seats and they were left to cool down in the shade, then the black seat would cool down more quickly.
Shouldn't this conversation be taking place in the 'Sucking the life...' topic? ;)
This is physics and I can set any initial conditions I choose! ;) 8)
Can't argue with that, but your stated initial condition is a bit disingenuous. If the seats had acquired the excess heat that was later to be lost in the shade from identical incident radiation (e.g. the sun's) they would not have absorbed equal amounts and the black chair would have begun its cooling curve from a higher temperature than that of the white chair. Reciprocity rules!
Dark colours do not soak up heat. That would suggest the dark material is actively doing something. Dark colours don't reflect away heat as well as light colours do, so, in effect, they can be thought of as being more transparent to heat. And that of course works in both directions - dark colours are better than light colours at emitting heat so if the temperature inside the tent is higher than outside, the occupant will cool down more quickly...Try working under a slate roof on a summer's day. Slates are not transparent, being dark they absorb rather than reflect heat, then they conduct it and reradiate it on the inside. Same principle with a dark flysheet.
Having said that, I think dark tents are preferable to light-coloured tents because they're less noticeable. ;)
Try working under a slate roof on a summer's day. Slates are not transparent, being dark they absorb rather than reflect heat, then they conduct it and reradiate it on the inside. Same principle with a dark flysheet.
This is physics and I can set any initial conditions I choose! ;) 8)
So really, you're just rewording my statement where I wrote: "...in effect, they (dark materials) can be thought of as being more transparent to heat...". ;)Yes you could think of it that way but it would not be true. If they were actually "transparent" the process would be instantaneous. In fact it takes time as there are physical process inolved. Analogy is not the same as explanation.
... Analogy is not the same as explanation.
And very good they are :)
Back on topic, our latest purchase are some new water bottles, Hydrapak stash bottles.
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/hydration-c34/stash-bottle-750ml-p14423 (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/hydration-c34/stash-bottle-750ml-p14423)
Soaking up heat is a better analogy than being transparent to heat, but not by much. In fact, dark colours absorb a greater range of frequencies of the solar spectrum, while lighter colours reflect more. Hence, dark colours absorb more energy (from light). This is then radiated in all directions (including inside a tent) rather than being reflected. However, dark and light T shirts being removed from a tumble drier will be at the same temperature, as it is not light imparting the energy.I'm sorry - I thought "soak up heat" was more expressive and less technical than "absorb infra-red" and was quite descriptive of the experience when you crawl into a tent that has been in the sun all day. I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition O0
Now I really have sucked the joy out of walking.
My latest Walking Kit Purchase is 2 pairs of socks from Winfields. Grey and purple.Are Winfields still going? I thought they disappeared with Woolworths.
I've no idea if the colours affect their heat absorption/retention/deflection.
My latest Walking Kit Purchase is 2 pairs of socks from Winfields. Grey and purple.Not only is there black body and white body radiation, there is also grey body radiation. No purple, so you should be safe. There was an interesting show on the radio today about the colour purple.
I've no idea if the colours affect their heat absorption/retention/deflection.
I'm sorry - I thought "soak up heat" was more expressive and less technical than "absorb infra-red" and was quite descriptive of the experience when you crawl into a tent that has been in the sun all day. I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition O0Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition :D
Are Winfields still going? I thought they disappeared with Woolworths.
I just googled it. The Winfield associated with Woolies was their own brand named after the W in F W Woolworth. Every day is a school day.
Alive and well here in Hull
https://www.winfieldsoutdoors.co.uk/our-stores/winfields-outdoors-hull (https://www.winfieldsoutdoors.co.uk/our-stores/winfields-outdoors-hull)
That's an interesting one, what criteria do you use to decide if something is 'British' or not?
This might be of interest then
https://www.altberg.co.uk/the-altberg-factory/the-beginning-of-altberg (https://www.altberg.co.uk/the-altberg-factory/the-beginning-of-altberg)
Also, being on Buy British campaign I was pleased to find they are made in Yorkshire.
It is. There is a picture of ‘Mike’ on my box as he made my boots!👍🏻
I've no idea if they're in any way connected with Winfields, Woolworths, Altberg, or whether or not they're made in the UK out of responsibly sourced dog muck ... and nor do I care.
... just in case anyone felt the urge to enlighten me..
After discovering that nobody has noticed I've been wearing my walking trousers for work I've just bought another couple of pairs - Karrimor Panther - an excellent substitute for Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch and half the price. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that they're a better fit than the craggys.Well you're no fun!
.... from Sports Direct....
I've no idea if they're in any way connected with Winfields, Woolworths, Altberg, or whether or not they're made in the UK out of responsibly sourced dog muck ... and nor do I care.
... just in case anyone felt the urge to enlighten me..
Hey, this is my very first post!!
I’ve done a huge amount of walks and camps this summer.. In May I upgraded my backpack to a Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 and I’d highly recommend! I have a pair of Fjallraven G1000 waxed Barents trousers i wear for bushcraft and woodland treks, the backpack is made from the same waxed G1000 fabric. It has a very robust construction, lots of pockets and a rain cover included.
I also recently bought a GRAYL water purifier/filter bottle to allow me to safely drink stream/spring and lake water on the go.. it’s been fantastic and I’ve tested drinking all sorts of dirty water!
-Luke
Some good kit there, the Fjall kit will last you a while and the Grayl is an excellent piece of kit.
For me the new kit list has now included a reusable coffee strainer for sorting out ground coffee whilst I'm backpacking. Decided I'm too old/fed up of not having a proper brew in the morning so I'll see if I can dial it down for an Ultralight solution.
Decided I'm too old/fed up of not having a proper brew in the morning so I'll see if I can dial it down for an Ultralight solution.
My excellent Mountain Equipment 'Lhotse' jacket is reaching the end of its life after 5 years of hard service, so I have splashed out on its tougher sibling, the Tupilak (all 80 denier Gore Tex Pro, instead of a 40/80d mix).
Best price that I found was £262.50 from The Climbers Shop/Joe Browns (RRP £350 ish).
https://www.climbers-shop.com/11105649/products/mountain-equipment-mens-tupilak-jacket--acid.aspx (https://www.climbers-shop.com/11105649/products/mountain-equipment-mens-tupilak-jacket--acid.aspx)
Available in Acid or Cardinal Orange, in sizes S, L and XL - The acid is slightly less lurid, so I went for that.
The Tulipak jacket has just been delivered - less than 24 hours after I placed the order! Thumbs up to The Climbers Shop for service O0
Very impressed with it, first impressions very good, and the 'Acid' colour is not too lurid - will give it a try out on the hill later today (wild camping trip already planned but didn't think that it would arrive in time).
Craghoppers Expolite padded Jacket, for a simply crazy price of £20 + £3.99 p+p directly from Craghoppers main website.
I got so wet through last Friday (goretex jacket failure) going up Dove Crag that on Saturday morning I was off to Gaynors and purchased a Lhotse jacket. I couldn't believe the difference in breathability between the two jackets.
My latest bit of kit arrived today. Ulefone Armour3w phone (ive joined the smart world at last) as used by the Wildwalking UK blogger. Had resisted a smart phone until now because of the battery drainage issue but hopefully sorted by the new toy, time now to sort out the mapping software for it.
By way of contrast, I have just ordered the OS Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks 1:25000 map from Dash4it, as my old map, which is 35 years old, is based upon the imperial survey!
My latest bit of kit arrived today. Ulefone Armour3w phone (ive joined the smart world at last) as used by the Wildwalking UK blogger. Had resisted a smart phone until now because of the battery drainage issue but hopefully sorted by the new toy, time now to sort out the mapping software for it.
You’ll get all sorts of views on that one!
On my own phone use a mix of Google maps (fine for cities/ big towns) and OS app (when you buy latest version of physical OS maps they come with a download code that allows you to download electronic version of map to their app).
I do most of my walking in three map areas...so just bought new maps for those areas. Still use paper map for planning walks, but easier once out on walk to just use phone on few times I want to double check position.)
Some sort of phone mapping will be my next purchase no doubt, just got to research which sort of package is the best. I would like access to everything from the Scottish border downwards idealy, so probably a yearly subscription.
O0
By way of contrast, I have just ordered the OS Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks 1:25000 map from Dash4it, as my old map, which is 35 years old, is based upon the imperial survey!
Annual OS subscription may well be good route to go if you walk a load of different areas.
But years ago when I first used smartphone I downloaded Viewranger with free open source mapping...and it was pretty good.
So I’d certainly have a quick dekko at free options like that. (Sure a quick search on “Viewranger” on this forum will give you some more useful gen...I’m years out of date.)
A Vargo Triad stove, it weighs about 25 grams and can be used with meths, hex blocks and gel, so some versatility.
Quite tempted myself - I lug around one of those polythene survival bags - pretty heavy in comparison to metallised film.
I always have the rubber tips on my poles, purely because I’m unsure when I should be using just the pointy tips and was worried I’d mess them up lolThe pointy tips are solely for helping cyclists to dismount quickly when they are riding on footpaths ;D
My rule of thumb is that I put them somewhere, forget where, and never use them again. ;D (I don't use poles on tarmac)I use poles on all surfaces except when it is so steep I need my hands O0
Well as a Tier 3 dweller just bought myself an Osprey Talon 11 so that I don't have to lug anything large around on my dreadful local walks for the next n months. >:(Comiserations.
Yes - not sure how it works. I am in Tier 3 Liverpool area which has no hills, and, in my area, not a great access network. But I am next door to Tier 3 Lancashire, which has quite a few hills and better walking. But, we are "guided" not to travel outside our area for other than work education or a couple of other things. So - is Tier 3 to Tier 3 allowed for pleasure? I am also doing an on-line photography diploma - so could crossing a border be for educational purposes if I do some photography?
Edited to say:
Sorry - this is in the wrong part of the forum - please ignore or don't reply.
Just bought a Petzl 350 headlamp from Blacks. They had it on sale at £35 (from £40 I think), but I spotted it online at £26 from somewhere else. They price matched and also knocked 10% off so feel I got a bargain at £23.40. Also bought some cheap carabiners and glow sticks to hang off the ruck sacks in the dark if on roads.The glow sticks remind me of a night hike when in the scouts in the mid 1970s. We were in the south of the Isle of Wight and going cross country. When we were on the road, we had 2 oil lanterns - one green for the front and one red for the rear. I am not sure glow sticks were around then, although the roadside was covered with glow worms.
The glow sticks remind me of a night hike when in the scouts in the mid 1970s. We were in the south of the Isle of Wight and going cross country. When we were on the road, we had 2 oil lanterns - one green for the front and one red for the rear. I am not sure glow sticks were around then, although the roadside was covered with glow worms.
Well as a Tier 3 dweller just bought myself an Osprey Talon 11 so that I don't have to lug anything large around on my dreadful local walks for the next n months. >:(
Not exactly the most exciting purchase - Liquid soap flakes:
£4.19 for 750ml that works just as well as Nikwax Techwash as far as I can tell. Washed all my waterproof kit and all working nicely now.
Not a purchase but I've just received replacement Salomon Ultra X boots from Sportshoes.com for the ones that I sent back due to them leaking. I'm happy, I think?
We pre-ordered a new incline trainer / treadmill a few weeks ago - and we've just been informed that it'll be delivered next Monday.Have you worn out the previous treadmill?
It's a NordicTrack X32i, with a 32" touchscreen, a maximum incline of +40% and decline of -6%. Can't wait! :)
Have you worn out the previous treadmill?Between the two of us, we've walked and run 2,180 miles on the 'old' one since April, but it's still going strong.
That was just £35
The shoes are called Soil Shaker and although they're listed as trail-running shoes, I thought the slightly heavier than usual construction and the incredibly grippy-looking soles would make them perfect for winter walking on muddy ground. They're not waterproof, having a light, meshy upper, but pairing them with
Have you tried them out much?
At that price it seems almost daft not to give them a try
The shoes are called Soil Shaker and although they're listed as trail-running shoes, I thought the slightly heavier than usual construction and the incredibly grippy-looking soles would make them perfect for winter walking on muddy ground. They're not waterproof, having a light, meshy upper, but pairing them with
Have you tried them out much?
At that price it seems almost daft not to give them a try
After seeing WD's recommendation I bought a pair and can also confirm they were comfortable straight out of the box and do seem very well made O0
What are they like size- wise.? Are they true to size or on the large or small side?
After seeing WD's recommendation I bought a pair and can also confirm they were comfortable straight out of the box and do seem very well made O0
What are they like size- wise.? Are they true to size or on the large or small side?I find them true to size. I bought 'my size' - UK 9.5 - and they fit me well, with a bit of wriggle-room for toes.
I find them true to size. I bought 'my size' - UK 9.5 - and they fit me well, with a bit of wriggle-room for toes.
The Soil Shakers cost me approximately £100 less than I paid for my Scarpa Vortex GTX shoes. The Soil Shakers aren't waterproof (I wear waterproof socks if need be), but in every other respect I rate them as highly as the Scarpas...
[/quote
Thanks for the info, seriously thinking about getting a pair.
? ? ?Ebay reconditioned. My last 5 phones have all been under £40. Turns out they have sent me an S5 not the Mini I ordered. ::) Ho Hum it's a better phone, so I see no point returning it. :)
What make and model is it Karl?
Hmm - members only website, karl.
Doh..sorry forgot I'd registered
Link to Dan Durstan's website HERE (https://durstongear.com/product/drop-durston-40l-pack) :)
He designs tents as well which are very well regarded.if I wasn't already fully tented up I might have bought one ;D
While out walking ( locally ) last Friday a friend asked which I thought would be more beneficial in terms of strength and fitness, a running machine or a rowing machine.
My thoughts were that as he is a non-runner he would be using the treadmill only for walking. He walks 3 times a week at least and last year walked 2930 miles. Therefore I think a treadmill is a waste for him. A rowing machine seems to be generally accepted as the best piece of kit for overall fitness and strength so that is what I told him.
When I got home and thought about it I remembered my son had bought a second hand Concept2 rower from a gym that was closing down in the first lockdown. I asked if he wanted to sell it and he was up for that. Then I had a lightbulb moment..I would buy it for me.... so it was delivered and set up this morning and I have done my first set of repetitions of 500 metres.
I used to really enjoy them when I went to a gym and am looking forward to change of fitness regime.
Interesting subject... :)I take your point as to whether my friend might become keen on running, he did a marathon and a half marathon for charity and walked/jogged them and says he does not enjoy running.
12 years ago and to celebrate my retirement, my wife and I did a very long cruise. She signed up for gym classes. I didn't fancy that, but I went with her and tried out the equipment. I was already a cyclist and enjoyed the cycling machine, but I really fell in love with the rowing machine. By the end of the cruise, I was rowing 20km a day.
Almost as soon as we got home, I bought a rowing machine. I persevered with it for a few months, but it wasn't of the same quality or type as the one I was used to and I eventually stopped using it (I gave it to my son-in-law).
When we bought a treadmill at the start of lockdown last year, I was very definitely a non-runner - having never voluntarily run in my entire adult life! But after three months of treadmill walking, I decided to give running a try. It was challenging at first, but I gradually did more running and a few months later I'm calling myself a runner (as well as a walker).
So my points are... a treadmill might not have been a waste for your friend and not all rowing machines are the same. But adding to your fitness regime is very definitely a Good Idea! O0
I take your point as to whether my friend might become keen on running, he did a marathon and a half marathon for charity and walked/jogged them and says he does not enjoy running.
I had a decent running machine for many years but ended up just using it for walking after I was diagnosed with an ankle joint weakness. I was very firmly advised to stop running even on a machine. I have been following your posts relating o your wonderful treadmill and screen set up and i must say it was partly the fact that you got into running during this pandemic that made me think about another form of exercise. Up till now i have been using a set of dumbells and in the summer a skipping rope ( sounds daft but it is incredibly tough).
My new pack (https://drop.com/buy/drop-40l-backpack-designed-by-dan-durston) just arrived from the USA.
...40 litres a tad too small for me though, and there must be some compromises on durability at that weight.
Looks good Karl, let us know when it's been used on a good trek.
It seems quite similar to my Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40l pack (the 40l version of this 50l one) that really surprised me with its huge capacity and superb comfort provided the weight is kept reasonably low.
If it's anything like my Gossamer Gear one above, don't let the stated 40l capacity fool you: the Gorilla is truly cavernous, even with a bulky rolled up fleece stuffed inside there was loads of space left.
Thanks Karl. I like the idea of plentiful pockets on the hip belt and shoulder straps. 40 litres a tad too small for me though, and there must be some compromises on durability at that weight.
tent looks well designed, clever use of diagonal space - but the full mesh inner disqualifies it from inclusion in my wish list.A solid inner is supposedly in the pipeline but with no actual date set for availability
I've just bought a Snugpak Tactical 3 sleeping bag https://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/tactical-3 (https://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/tactical-3) --
Has to be about the best piece of kit I've bought for ages. I've had Down bags previously as people say they're better warmth to weight ratio, but TBH despite it being a 'bit' heavier this beast is amazing - Stays warm when it gets damp or in damp air, chuck it in the washing machine to wash and is bone dry after a fast spin and it actually packs down to almost the same size as an Alpkit down bag I have with a worse rating!
Just received my Lixada 550ml Titanium pot from AliExpress, just 9 days from order to delivery from China. Just need to be allowed out now.
A folding titanium spork from China, a snip as £3.04, and weighs next to nothing. My lightweight cookset is now complete.
My wife uses a treadmill, I prefer to go out into the real countryside, I like to experience the weather as well and I like meeting people, looking at and listening to birds and meeting or viewing other wildlife etc. Over the last few years and in 2020 in particular I now try to resist Home Entertainment 'stuff' as much as I possibly can. During the past year, I've run in every weather and temperature, except snow. I've disliked some of it but even if I've suffered a little my body and mind are having a real experience, not an artificial one. I'm too near my maker to want anything else, in fact, I want more 'real,' nowadays for me 'stuff' is just not enough! Everyone is different, each to their own way of living their life. Except for fly-tippers of course!!!
I got "Russian singles feeling sexy" when I clicked on your "image not found or was removed" image :o :o
Do any of the minimalist hikers here know where I can purchase some lighter water?
https://www.osmiowater.co.uk/water-filters/deuterium-depleted-water-ddw.html (https://www.osmiowater.co.uk/water-filters/deuterium-depleted-water-ddw.html)
That's got to be the best April Fool joke since the Spaghetti Trees!
Thanks. I can't decide whether to go for the £110.60 water or the £257.40 water.
https://www.osmiowater.co.uk/water-filters/deuterium-depleted-water-ddw.html (https://www.osmiowater.co.uk/water-filters/deuterium-depleted-water-ddw.html)
Thanks. I can't decide whether to go for the £110.60 water or the £257.40 water.
What do you mean? Is this not going to help my diet?
;D ;D
Can't believe that people actually buy this stuff. Fools and their money.....
;D ;D
Can't believe that people actually buy this stuff. Fools and their money.....
Thanks. I can't decide whether to go for the £110.60 water or the £257.40 water.You will be a much better person if you drink this water and also feel somehow different from the prols .. O0
Today I bought a Quechua tent from Decathlon. I am excited to go wild camping soon!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mh100-camping-tent-2-man/_/R-p-303295?mc=8513471&c=GREY (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mh100-camping-tent-2-man/_/R-p-303295?mc=8513471&c=GREY)
I arrived home from my morning walk to find two of my latest walking kit purchases waiting for me. :)
The shoes are Merrell Moab Speed - non-GTX version. They're a cross between hiking and trail running shoes, which is exactly what I've been looking for recently. They're extremely light, with very well-cushioned midsoles, quite aggressive Vibram soles and good arch support. They feel really good and I can't wait to try them out on the trails!
(http://www.cruisingmates.co.uk/coppermine/albums/userpics/10054/Moab_Speed.jpg)
The other new item is a well-padded zipped pouch by Mammut that I can attach either to my belt or backpack to store my phone, which is a little too large for my existing pockets and pouches.
I've just ordered a Speedster burner and a Titanium mug and when I get them both I'm going to copy Richards setup. My aluminium tray is at the ready. I hope he doesn't have copyright on his design? The real test for me is if I manage to copy his setup successfully will they ever leave my garage? My wife is sceptical, claiming that when all is said and done I can't resist the pub good life.
May I suggest yet another lightweight setup while we're on the subject?.
Speedster wire pot stand, Speedster Titanium solid fuel burner tray with Lixada titanium windshield. About 3 solid fuel tabs should be good for a overnighter, as you can tell I like Speedster stuff.
I've just ordered a load of blister plasters. :-[Only one brand worth having in my book - Compeed. Blisters should not be the norm when walking though.
So decided to have a day out and drive to
Winfields Camping at Haslingden Lancashire.
Customer services where very helpful .
Hi Shortwalker.
It's the first time I've been to Winfields
The single story building looks like an Old garage warehouse ,and they appear to be working on it
And I thought It was like you said .
It was Interesting to walk around and look at all the goodies .
Yes a lot of cheap gear .
Nothing outstanding .
A big display outside of Large family tents and 2/3 man tents .
No backpacking tents .
Myself I much prefer at Go Outdoors
Newly refurbished Cheadle Heath and Decathalon
Stockport .
As they are local shops .
Where is decathalon in Stockport?
The nearest one I know of is Warrington. Mind you the Warrington store does have the advantage of being near an Axminister store.
(Axminster sell items mainly aimed at woodworkers, which is my main hobby)
The 200ml Speedcup is lightweight and super-durable. The cup weighs only 7 grams and is easy to roll, fold or simply stash away in a race vest pocket. Suitable for both hot and cold drinks, a reinforced brim and molded thumb loop offers stability whilst in use. Designed to last, it is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. 100% BPA and PVC free.
Just arrived - a pair of cups. :)They look good - where do you get them from?
Intended for use at aid stations during Covid, but at only 7gms, tough and highly squash-able, these might also be of interest to campers.
They look good - where do you get them from?SportShoes.com - just search for 'cup'! :)
SportShoes.com - just search for 'cup'! :)
Two ss in the name :
...
Bet that you wouldn't fill them with 200ml of scalding hot tea!I can't remember the last time I drank tea. Oh well never mind, the camping comment was just a thought - we bought them to get cold drinks quickly at aid stations. :)
PS - for a cheapo dog water bowl, I cut 50mm off the bottom of a 4 litre carton of milk (polyethylene, I think) - light as a feather, and seems to be indestructible.
Cost £0.00
Bet that you wouldn't fill them with 200ml of scalding hot tea!And for people there is the really lightweight low cost option. Just take of few these with you. Folds flat, really lightweight and fully recyclable. Not good for hot drinks though! https://www.origamiway.com/origami-cup.shtml (https://www.origamiway.com/origami-cup.shtml) ;D
PS - for a cheapo dog water bowl, I cut 50mm off the bottom of a 4 litre carton of milk (polyethylene, I think) - light as a feather, and seems to be indestructible.
Cost £0.00
I can't remember the last time I drank tea. Oh well never mind, the camping comment was just a thought - we bought them to get cold drinks quickly at aid stations. :)
An interesting possibility, but not for me - too small, for one thing - if I'm going to the trouble of making a brew, then I want 300ml at least!
An interesting possibility, but not for me - too small, for one thing - if I'm going to the trouble of making a brew, then I want 300ml at least!
Today I bought a Quechua tent from Decathlon. I am excited to go wild camping soon!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mh100-camping-tent-2-man/_/R-p-303295?mc=8513471&c=GREY (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mh100-camping-tent-2-man/_/R-p-303295?mc=8513471&c=GREY)
I treated myself to an Osprey Tempest 30, many thanks to the person on here posting that Millets were having mini sale / discount over the bank holiday weekend. It fits me so much better than my cheapo backpack that I have been using for way too long.
I'm glad somebody found my post in the BARGAIN THREAD useful. I bought myself an Osprey Stratos 34 M/L Eclipse Blue which worked out @ £75.03 after the extra discount and cashback - a considerable saving over the £140 RRP.
I've been getting quite a lot of condensation in my shelters this year, but I think it's because the nights are still cold. Last night I bivvied out, and my bivvy bag was saturated. Very cold last night on Bodmin Moor.
It doesn't bother me, though, because my down sleeping bag doesn't get condensation inside it. I keep thinking it will soak through from the bivvy bag, but it doesn't. This isn't much help to budget campers, I admit, as down is dear.
After I'd had my brilliant down sleeping bag nicked, I couldn't afford another one, so I tried synthetic. Got condensation inside it, couldn't bear it, so bought the cheapest down one I could find, made by Naturehike from China. Had it 3 years now and it's surprisingly good. It's taught me that condensation on the cover I'm sleeping under is manageable so long as my sleeping bag breathes. I might be all right in that Quechua tent, though perhaps I'd have to cut off the floor.
I bought a Thermarest NeoAir inflatable mattress earlier this year. Its main drwback is that its not self inflating, it takes me about 40 puffs which wears me out. Thermarest seels a battery powered pump but I settled for their low-tech answer. Its a yellow plastic bag with a hole in the end which fits over the open valve. All I have to do is roll up the bag and squeeze the air into the mattress. I inflated it at the weekend with just 4 goes. Its a good idea, no moving parts, no batteries and the bag weighs next to nothing. When not in use I can use it in my rucksack for storage.
I've only got one pair of off-road running shoes! :-[
I recently purchased two sleeping mats, couldn't decide which one to go for so ended up with both ::)
I have an older 2005 thermarest prolite 4 which is around 650g but I never truly felt it was big enough, fine if you sleep on your back and stay still but I never do that.
I got an exped synmat 7 LW which has a 4.9 r value and weights 1kg. The extra weight doesn't bother me because I can actually get comfortable on it which makes all the difference.
The other mat was an impulse buy via amazon UK that was sold by amazon USA and was £50 cheaper than stockists in the UK. It's the klymat insulated static V luxe and the new upgraded one at that. It's huge and very roomy 193cm long and 76cm wide apparently an r value of 5 but that hasn't been tested to the new standard yet. It weights 900g but packs up surprisingly small. I like my comfort ;D .....
The added bonus is that I don't need such a warm sleeping bag and can use a lighter 2 season one.
... a pair of horrifyingly expensive Berghaus Paclite overtrousers.
...
:) I thought that when I bought mine about three years ago. But I've never regretted it once since then. They pack down really small, they're relatively quick and easy to put on and take off, the venting works pretty well, and they've always kept my legs dry. O0
What's a 'snozzle bag?' I don't know that term.
The Rab windproof, is it the Vital? I have this model and it's really good, I wore it nearly every day when hiking the Pennine Way recently, it allowed me to keep warm and comfortable whilst at the same time, wearing the minimum of clothing. My most useful and important clothing item of by far.
I'm not suggesting that the Rab is the best windproof, I'm sure there are many excellent other makes out there, it's just having a windproof that matters to me. How did I get through life without one???
I also have a Decathlon windproof (£14) and this jacket is almost as good, just less breathable. I use this jacket when I go running.
I've just noticed. I bought a small shower head that just pushes into a standard water bottle from Lifeventure about 6-7 years ago for £10, in 2021 it costs just £10.99p, not bad hardly a price increase at all. It's one of those items that can be so useful on a hot sticky day, a wonderful way to cool down and to feel refreshed.
What's a 'snozzle bag?' I don't know that term.
I recently purchased two sleeping mats, couldn't decide which one to go for so ended up with both ::)
I have an older 2005 thermarest prolite 4 which is around 650g but I never truly felt it was big enough, fine if you sleep on your back and stay still but I never do that.
I got an exped synmat 7 LW which has a 4.9 r value and weights 1kg. The extra weight doesn't bother me because I can actually get comfortable on it which makes all the difference.
The other mat was an impulse buy via amazon UK that was sold by amazon USA and was £50 cheaper than stockists in the UK. It's the klymat insulated static V luxe and the new upgraded one at that. It's huge and very roomy 193cm long and 76cm wide apparently an r value of 5 but that hasn't been tested to the new standard yet. It weights 900g but packs up surprisingly small. I like my comfort ;D .....
The added bonus is that I don't need such a warm sleeping bag and can use a lighter 2 season one.
Spent my latest covid survey vouchers on some merino gloves and baselayers from Decathlon.
Not my latest purchase, but my wife's.
A pair of what many are calling the best trail shoes available - the Inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G300 Max. Normal price: £170. Brand new in her size on EBay: £56!!
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/8743/hy4eNz.jpg)
I am so jealous!
So your good lady's feet are now 100% safe from being run over by passing motorist Dave. O0
The camera itself is tiny and weighs about an ounce, but the image quality is amazing.
That is seriously small and light!. Let us know how it handles on the trail.
The sleeves will add to my layering options and will definitely get a lot of use. I've become a real fan of Decathlon recently - my other recent purchases include a lightweight cap, underpants, shorts and a brilliant running vest. O0
Good luck and welcome to tenting. I love camping in my garden.
...Vango Cairngorm 100. Seemed to be the best option for a lightweight tent without going wildly over budget, though it is a bit heavier and bulkier when packed than I'd imagined.
Thanks. I should have said what it is - Vango Cairngorm 100. Seemed to be the best option for a lightweight tent without going wildly over budget, though it is a bit heavier and bulkier when packed than I'd imagined.
They looked so good that I immediately searched for them and of 4 reviews 2 say the stitching gave way. :( and one that the mitts are less than waterproof :( Hope yours prove Ok WD.
I have used Inov8s for 6 years now. The uppers have never lasted long, but other boots I have tried have also leaked, so I reckon I may as well be light and wet than heavy and wet. Inov8 have been good about replacing them, cant complain there. I am going to buy the 400s for the C2C next spring. Inov8s are very comfy and light; the Graphene is not a gimmick, it really does improve traction. Yes the sizing is odd, and I always go a size up.. Take Sealskinz for when the uppers fail, as my last pair did 2 days into Glyndwr's Way in May.I concur with all your points Andy with exception of Glyndwr's Way. Mine, which were already a year old, have this year happily completed Glyndwr's in July, the Coleridge way in April and then the Stour Valley Way (Dorset) in September plus all the usual day walks. They are still looking good - especially the soles, uppers just beginning to show a little wear.
The other route of course is Altberg, but they are too heavy for my liking.
It was my 69th birthday on Monday . . .
My latest one was an ultra light storm shelter. I have had a mountain warehouse one for years and with the exception of group trips it never got used as it was just two bulky and heavy.
I got sent a youtube video the other week of someone who's friend had an accident descending off Snowdon on an 'unofficial' path in very poor weather - synopsis being he was very lucky to survive due to both injuries and exposure and it was the extra protection (of a storm shelter) that made the difference.
I found it quite haunting as its a route I have done several times in all sorts of weather and it hammered home how quickly things can get nasty.
So I have spent the money and got something that is small enough and light weight enough that I will always carry it - and hopefully never use.
Just ordered a '5 season' closed cell foam sleeping mat in anticipation of some winter camping - Multimat Comfort 12 XL, a snip at £14.70 inc postage from Amazon.5 Seasons, now that's clever. O0
It's a bulky beast, though, will have to strap it to the outside of my rucksack.
Decided to give Paramo kit a try to see if it solves my sweaty mess issues - got the Bentu fleece and windproof this morning - going to give them a work out in the Lakes tomorrow.
Good buy, am a huge fan of storm shelters. I will say though that you'll be able to get plenty of use out of it so don't see it as 'hopefully I'll never use it' - they're good for throwing over yourself and a walking partner when you top out at a summit and want to eat lunch, but would prefer not rapidly chilling due to wind and rain. Same situation but if you want to change layers in torrential weather, pull it out, reassess, or change socks/blister pads/etc. It's emergency equipment, sure, but it's great for general comfort/convenience, or just allowing someone a bit of a warm up and recharge. Pair it with one of those foam sit-mats to keep the cold from the ground off you and you'll be able to sit comfortable for quite a while.
My latest one was an ultra light storm shelter.
5 Seasons, now that's clever. O0
Its from "Summit Gear" - the Superlight Bothy Bag 4 Person was what I went for.
Rab Geon fleece ... pressie for my birthday at my request O0
... I have invested in a set of YakTrax ice grips...I bought a pair of those about a year ago - intending to wear them when the ground was icy. I haven't needed them yet...
Pogu are selling their spikes for £10 at the moment, down from £45 O0
https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/ (https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/)
Pogu are selling their spikes for £10 at the moment, down from £45 O0
https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/ (https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/)
Waterproof trousers for running in the rain and wind over every distance (training or competition). Compliant with the waterproofing standards of the longest trail runs. Waterproof: 10,000 Schmerber and taped seams. Compactable, can be stored in the pocket.
We were studying the mandatory kit list for an ultra we plan to attempt next September (The Limestone 50) and noticed the requirement for waterproof trousers...
I bought a pair of those about a year ago - intending to wear them when the ground was icy. I haven't needed them yet...
Pogu are selling their spikes for £10 at the moment, down from £45 O0
https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/ (https://www.pogu.co.uk/product/pogu-trail-ice-spikes/)
I bought a pair of those about a year ago - intending to wear them when the ground was icy. I haven't needed them yet...I tried my new Yaktrax out in the mountains a couple of weeks ago (Seat Sandal above Grasmere) - put them on before descending an icy path that was steep and rocky in places - they seemed to grip well on flat ice and made a big difference. Didn't trust them to the sloping ice though!
From Ray Mears online shop....possum fur / merino beanie. Not expensive when compared to outdoor brands natural material beanies.
I've been through so many hats in my time, misplaced, lost, cr@ppy material, not warm....but this one takes the biscuit. Warm, light, soft, simple, and did I say warm?!
I tried my new Yaktrax out in the mountains a couple of weeks ago (Seat Sandal above Grasmere) - put them on before descending an icy path that was steep and rocky in places - they seemed to grip well on flat ice and made a big difference. Didn't trust them to the sloping ice though!
Interesting - never heard of possum fur being used before. A useful by product of New Zealand's eradication program.
Would consider buying one but I already have an excellent winter hat.
Due to my recent cataract operation, I can't run at the moment so today I walked one of my circuits. There is one downhill section from the top of Portsdown Hill in Portsmouth, just below the pub The Churchillian, when wet, it's the most slippery mud I have ever come across. It's like trying to walk down a slope of mushy ice, people slip up so much and often and I've even seen dogs fall over as well. I've been on my backside more than once myself.
Dave, how many shoes have you got? :)12 pairs of shoes in use... 4 x walking; 4 x hybrid (walk+run); 4 x trail running. :)
I have two off-road pairs, usually one drying on the dashboard of my car and one that I would be wearing, the next day I swap them over. Very muddy and wet where I go. I also have one pair of ordinary running shoes but rarely wear them these days. Everything, boots as well is permanently in my car. It makes a good 'shed!' Only my clothing is in the house.
But the main reason we store our shoes indoors is because we like to have them on show...
Hi Folks
Have just purchased the following and given my bank account a bit of a thrashing ! Alt-berg Tethera boots,
Montane Terra Stretch Pants and Berghaus Paclite Gore Tex waterproof trousers.
Am starting to think about the top half layers so any recommendations and advice will be most useful. Until now didn't realize just how expensive all this stuff is, but see it as more of an investment having walked in the wrong gear for years. Can anyone recommend a top layers combination that won't break the bank but do a good job at the same time ? The holy grail I know but any constructive advice will be gratefully received! Thank you
... Can anyone recommend a top layers combination that won't break the bank but do a good job at the same time ? The holy grail I know but any constructive advice will be gratefully received! Thank you
The Imelda Marcos of the Walking Forum :)
Hi Folks
...Berghaus Paclite Gore Tex waterproof trousers.
Am starting to think about the top half layers so any recommendations and advice will be most useful.
Following our very slippery, sticky, sloppy trail outing (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=43184.0) earlier in the week, I bought a pair of what I hope will be the best solution - Inov-8 Mudclaw.
They have an 8mm lug depth and an aggressive tread pattern designed to release mud instead of holding on to it. O0
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/6421/WHacXX.jpg)
I'm really looking forward to trying them out on the muddiest ground I can find! :)
I want to buy an Altus Atmospheric poncho in the UK but to date, I can't find one, except on Amazon but they want nearly £12 for delivery, which I'm not prepared to pay. I've emailed places in Spain, where the poncho is made, but no joy yet, so far they all claim they can't do it due to Brexit.I am very much a man of principles, here here (although I have few morales - call me alexander boris johnson). Wondering would the cost of return travel ferry fare be much cheaper than £12 postage, plus time on the ferry plus that wait until June when you could have it next week :D
We had hoped that our friends who live in Spain for half the year could buy me one but they can't go yet because both have caught Covid.
If I manage to get to France to walk the GR10 from June I could go to Bilbao by ferry and perhaps buy one there?
I have a neighbour who was born in Spain who may be able to help me, I'm going to talk to her later today.
....................... really uncomfortable, and now too badly marked to take back. Blast!
A long sleeve 'Wedze' skiing baselayer from Decathlon for the princely sum of £5.99.
I ordered one of these to top up an order to get free P&P a couple of years ago, and promptly forgot about it! Rediscovered it this winter and have found it to be excellent - comfortable, warm, light, seems to wick sweat away - and cheap! So good that I decided to buy another.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029 (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029)
A long sleeve 'Wedze' skiing baselayer from Decathlon for the princely sum of £5.99.
I ordered one of these to top up an order to get free P&P a couple of years ago, and promptly forgot about it! Rediscovered it this winter and have found it to be excellent - comfortable, warm, light, seems to wick sweat away - and cheap! So good that I decided to buy another.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029 (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029)
What's the fit like? I've had some Decathlon tops that were close fitting and others that made me look like a sausage about to burst it's skin.
The large fits me snugly, just right. Lets just say that I am not of the slimmest build.
I finally bought a down sleeping bag . . . hoping it will be significantly warmer too.
Now just need to plan a camping trip to test it.
Have you got a garden? :)
Yes, but was hoping to go somewhere a bit more interesting
And I'm getting ready to order one of these:
http://www.thepacka.com/ (http://www.thepacka.com/)
...
And I'm getting ready to order one of these:
http://www.thepacka.com/ (http://www.thepacka.com/)
I looked at the Packa but decided against it in the end, its main drawback for me is its length, too short. I want something where the hem is much nearer the ground.
Don't quite get the Packa thing.
So it's a wet day and you want to sit down and enjoy your lunch and a cuppa. What happens next? ???
Don't quite get the Packa thing.
So it's a wet day and you want to sit down and enjoy your lunch and a cuppa. What happens next? ???
Take off Packa to gain access to food and flask in rucksack or running vest.
Get wet.
Put Packa on again.
Consume food and drink cuppa.
Take Packa off again to put food container and flask away.
Get even wetter.
Put Packa on again.
In the words of the Dragons, “I’m Out”.
But it really is a case of ‘each to their own’ - perhaps it works on lowland walks, but doing anything like the above in foul weather on the hill… no thank you.
I was reading online yesterday that some wild campers buy and use a reel of fishing line and try to find camping spots between triangles of trees, rocks etc. They then encircle their spot with the line to deter any animals that might try to get close during the night, then in the morning just wind the line back onto the reel to be used on another night. I might buy a reel myself?
To be fair, we all know that nothing is perfect,..I have to say that the Mountain Equipment Tupilak is not far off when it comes to breathability and keeping extreme weather out. Heavier than some jackets, of course, but the plus side of that is that it is pretty tough, and I expect to get many years out of it.
I was reading online yesterday that some wild campers buy and use a reel of fishing line and try to find camping spots between triangles of trees, rocks etc. They then encircle their spot with the line to deter any animals that might try to get close during the night, then in the morning just wind the line back onto the reel to be used on another night. I might buy a reel myself?
A long sleeve 'Wedze' skiing baselayer from Decathlon for the princely sum of £5.99.
I ordered one of these to top up an order to get free P&P a couple of years ago, and promptly forgot about it! Rediscovered it this winter and have found it to be excellent - comfortable, warm, light, seems to wick sweat away - and cheap! So good that I decided to buy another.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029 (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-base-layer-ski-top-100/_/R-p-302821?mc=8510029)
Thank you for recommending these - they've been excellent!
£500! FGS!
I had my eyes tested in Boots this morning and whilst waiting I was talking to a lady who just bought herself a new mobile phone, she said it cost her just under £500.
£500! FGS!The most I have yet paid is £46. for my current Samsung S5. I bought it new, about 18 months ago. O0
The most I have yet paid is £46. for my current Samsung S5. I bought it new, about 18 months ago. O0
Pair of Montane Terra pack pants at probably cheapest in UK .£54 from Ultralight Outdoor Gear who charge £65 then theres a 10 % off voucher until April 4 th .Mine are black large/medium leg .Two other colours available
I've taken a bit of a punt and ordered some Army Surplus Goretex Paclite trousers from ebay, "supergrade - mint" condition for £24.95 + p&p
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253416688353 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253416688353)
I'll report back once I get them.
I've just bought a pair of Salomon X Ultra 4 boots. They are so light in weight compared to their last model, I just hope they are just as tough?I ve had the Saloman X Ultra GTX 3 s for a couple of years. they weigh in at 395 grs per shoe on my scale, size 10.5 s. They re tough enough .They re my favourite trail boot and mine are waterproof. Did you buy the GTX model ? The GTX adds about 70 grms per shoe because iI ve got the none GTX version X ultra 3 s which are nice and light at 320 gms per shoe .
After much frustrated searching, I finally found my Petzl Actik headlamp under some junk in the understairs cupboard - must have fallen out of my rucksack top pocket (note to self - remember to close zip). So today I have ordered the compatible Petzl Core lithium battery, cheapest I could find was £19.51 from Millets at Amazon. What has made me splash out on the Core battery is discovering that the NiMH batteries that I have used up to now have a high rate of self discharge - I think that this explains why my headtorch failed when I was exploring a slate mine above Dunnerdale last year.
My dilemma now is, do I take them back and get replacements or just accept that they leak and just live with them? I'm thinking about this right now!
I walked out in my brand new Salomon X Ultra 4 boots yesterday, it was dry and sunny and they felt very comfortable.
It was raining this morning so I put them on again and this time strolled across a 150 yd stretch of wet grass, within 50 yds I could tell that both boots LEAKED!!!
I walked back to my car, took off my boots and looked down at my dark grey socks. My socks were wet from my little toes to my middle toes and back towards my foot arch area. I (unusually for me) just came out with a swear word, F----!!!
My dilemma now is, do I take them back and get replacements or just accept that they leak and just live with them? I'm thinking about this right now!
In my hiking career, I've had 4 pairs of 'fabric type' boots all advertised as waterproof and every pair has leaked. This pair was by far the quickest, within 5 minutes of being wet.
I'm going to have a cup of coffee and a custard tart and have a think!
I do have Berghaus Superlightes, I use them in the colder and wetter months. Although the brand has been good to me, (and they don't leak) for real comfort on long walks I prefer my Salomons.
I walked out in my brand new Salomon X Ultra 4 boots yesterday, it was dry and sunny and they felt very comfortable.The none GTX versions are extremely breathable but leak like a sieve, they are meant to leak because they re so breathable . Goretex boots are never as breathable as none Goretex, but you can t have it both ways . I have both versions from last year of the Xultra 3 s . Personally I would exchange your Ultra 4 s for GTX version.
It was raining this morning so I put them on again and this time strolled across a 150 yd stretch of wet grass, within 50 yds I could tell that both boots LEAKED!!!
I walked back to my car, took off my boots and looked down at my dark grey socks. My socks were wet from my little toes to my middle toes and back towards my foot arch area. I (unusually for me) just came out with a swear word, F----!!!
My dilemma now is, do I take them back and get replacements or just accept that they leak and just live with them? I'm thinking about this right now!
In my hiking career, I've had 4 pairs of 'fabric type' boots all advertised as waterproof and every pair has leaked. This pair was by far the quickest, within 5 minutes of being wet.
I'm going to have a cup of coffee and a custard tart and have a think!
I decided to take my boots back to Snow and Rock but not to exchange them or to get my money back, I've decided to live with the waterproofing problem but I registered a complaint to Salomon. The salesperson (for free) put them through what looked like an 'oven,' pressed a button and they covered my boots with 'something,' no idea what it was but its some kind of waterproofing chemical? I'll see if this works over the next week.
Sorry Kinkyboots, not interested in Altbergs or other boots like them, my Berghaus Superlights are fine and I like lightweight shoes and boots, especially those that are almost like off-road running shoes in how I can use them.
...
or alternatively to buy some lightweight waterproof socks (which your feet may or may not get on with) to use with your leaky Salomon boots for any wet days you get
....
The none GTX versions are extremely breathable but leak like a sieve, they are meant to leak because they re so breathable . Goretex boots are never as breathable as none Goretex, but you can t have it both ways . I have both versions from last two years of the Xultra 3 s . Personally I would exchange your Ultra 4 s for GTX version.
So far have you not made it clear if you bought the GTX version or not .My ultra 3 GTX don t leak, and still don t leak 2 years later.
My ultra 4 s have arrived this morning ( £98 from Wiggle . A quick walk in them reveals that Salomon have nt changed their EVA foam and are not too spongy like every other trail boot I ve tried. It rained quite hard and I deliberately walked in long wet grass ..and they did nt leak. Socks completely dry.
The new lacing system is brilliant. Maybe one day all lace ups will be made like this. But what happens when it snaps ?
They are exactly 20 grams lighter than x ultra 3 gtx so if I can believe the old adage that a lb off the foot is a 5 lb off the back I m a kilo up on the deal. The new lacing system on the Ultra 4 s are brilliant.
... and when I am sure that my feet are dry I can then change my wet socks for dry ones, from experience I know that it does help. My feet may still feel damp but often they no longer feel wet.
If I know I have a deepish river to ford, Then I take my beach pumps and wear those for the crossing. Up to the top of my gaiters though I just walk quickly across. O0
^This is my tactic if I have to ford a river - I just take my boots and socks off, put my boots back on without the socks, wade through, take boots off and dry my feet, before putting on my still dry socks and wet boots. It helps a lot.
Even though I've never knowingly had a tick, I've succumbed to tick paranoia this year by trying to be more prepared.
...
Knowing me, though, I'll probably take it out in a pub and try to buy a pint with it.
I do find that the best tick removal tools are the type that you twist between your fingers, look a bit like a miniature crowbar.
We want to get an Xmid Pro 2I got mine from the batch that were available in January. Yes, you need to be on-line the second they become available and click fast, have your payment info preloaded on the website, practice with the web site, etc... The day before, I picked some random item, put it in my shopping cart, went through the payment and shipping pages all the way to purchase and then backed out so I knew what to expect. With all that I still failed on the first day the 1P was available, but succeeded on the second day. Good Luck.
It is already sold out, on pre sale. We are awaiting an email and hope to order one in July, for August delivery. If we are quick enough!
I got mine from the batch that were available in January. Yes, you need to be on-line the second they become available and click fast, have your payment info preloaded on the website, practice with the web site, etc... The day before, I picked some random item, put it in my shopping cart, went through the payment and shipping pages all the way to purchase and then backed out so I knew what to expect.
Didn't realise that the Durston is single skin. :o
I’m curious about the Tarptent thing. Trekkertent make similar products in similar materials. Is there an obvious reason why the latter’s offerings aren’t so popular despite the obvious price advantage of a U.K. product?
But I do remember Beefy's "DRIP COFFINS :D " signature!
I’m curious about the Tarptent thing. Trekkertent make similar products in similar materials. Is there an obvious reason why the latter’s offerings aren’t so popular despite the obvious price advantage of a U.K. product?
I think they are slightly heavier maybe and it is a one-man operation his business so you can wait a long time for your tent, longer than the lead times advertised sometimes.
I notice that his delivery dates are now much shorter than they were 6-9 months ago and he seems to have a supply of fabric now that things have eased a bit.
I think they are slightly heavier maybe and it is a one-man operation his business so you can wait a long time for your tent, longer than the lead times advertised sometimes.
I suspect that the extra weight is because the Drift has an inner.
The custom Drift 2 (non DCF) catches my eye - this is available with a tougher groundsheet and a mostly solid inner, yet still only weighs 1130g.
I notice that his delivery dates are now much shorter than they were 6-9 months ago and he seems to have a supply of fabric now that things have eased a bit.
Didn't realise that the Durston is single skin. :oI believe that only applies to the Pro version. The original XMids had a polyester outer and a removable mesh inner.
...I have my eye on the Tarptent Notch (solid inner, silnylon outer) - the cost after duty etc will likely top £400, which is more than I have ever paid for a tent before, so I will probably defer until early next year. But if I can tempt my wife back into wild camping (now that she no longer has care duties) I might be tempted to go for their Stratospire 2....I had a Notch. It is a fine tent. I replaced it with the Xmid this year. Reviews said the Xmid was a bit roomier. I did find the Notch to be a bit claustrophobic, although I'm generally not in my tent unless I'm sleeping so that by itself was not a deal breaker. Both tents have generous vestibules so I don't keep much in the sleeping area. The 4-peg set up of the Notch is quite nice. I was also attracted to the fabric of the Xmid which is supposed to be better than silnylon at shedding water and not sagging when damp. But mainly I have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), so if something in my kit has been around for more than a few years, I feel compelled to get the newest thing, even if the old one worked fine. Right now I'm struggling with the urge to replace my still original pack (Elemental Horizons Kalais - version 1.0) with the newest pack from Dan Durston. The problem is my Kalais worked flawlessly on my 5-day Grand Canyon hike in April and I haven't yet come up with a good rationalization to spend another $250.
I believe that only applies to the Pro version. The original XMids had a polyester outer and a removable mesh inner.
@April - I assume that the DCF version has the same dimensions as the non DCF, for which dimensions are given. I also note that a 'Large' version is available for an extra £20.
... after Penny, the demon dog, destroyed my old one in an overnight "hunt the sandwich" game which left me with holes and two zips down.
She even found my jelly babies - she didn't half look guilty though!
Within 10 minutes of me accepting a credit note they had emailed me the certificate to print off. I presume they wanted that outcome and so did I.
My latest purchase was on the 13th May 2022, a pair of Mk. 4 Salomon Ulta X waterproof hiking boots. I sent them back to Cotswold Outdoors for two reasons, they leaked (they are advertised as waterproof) and the soles have worn right down to their honeycomb plastic base. Snow and Rock where I bought them from is part of the Cotswold Outdoors group, I hadn't realised that.
I've just had a reply rejecting my concerns about sole wear, Cotswold seems to be suggesting that I was doing the wrong kind of hiking and that I walked too far, but they do not tell me what is the right kind of hiking I should have done, or how far I should have walked? Obviously, it's not my choice to decide these things anymore, they appear to suggest they as the boot supplier they decide these things! Their email reminds me of the 'its the wrong kind of leaves' approach that was used about the railways a while back.
I've written back (I've not responded to the wrong kind of hiking suggestion yet) stating they have completely ignored my issue about the leaking problem so I expect them to comment on that.
When I get a reply I will then decide what to do about it.
...
I have replaced them with the Moab Speed (as recommended by someone on here). I haven't got many miles on them yet due to an injury but they feel very good on my feet, little slippery on wet cobble / stones, I think the sole might wear quite quickly though as its quite an aggressive 'mud' style pattern.
I think that might have been me. :)
This is the pair of Moab Speed shoes I've had for about 15 months and, although I don't know the distance they've done, it's got to be many hundreds of miles (three outings alone total 100 miles). I've used them on a mix of terrain, including a fair amount of concrete and tarmac and I reckon the soles have worn extremely well - perhaps surprisingly so considering the relatively small lug depth.
And there are no splits or other faults either. The only real sign of significant use is some compression in the midsole. I'm still a huge fan of the Moab Speed shoes! O0
I have this mental picture of your house filled with trainers of various types. ;D
It's not for hiking but I bought a bike pump today, I never realised how many types there are nowadays. I'm still not sure if I've made a wise choice. I'll let one of my tyes down tomorrow and hopefully will find out.
Quote from: pdstsp
Can you not use the Satmap software in conjunction with the Garmin?
[/quote
Not sure to be honest - but will give it a try. Basecamp is just awful, to me.
I have tried many times to get on with basecamp but it so clunky and not user friendly.
Not sure to be honest - but will give it a try. Basecamp is just awful, to me.
We bought the mint cake in Mountain Warehouse - plain white (they didn't have brown). We ate a bit on the way home and Fred ordered a variety pack as soon as we got back. O0
My latest hiking food purchase is a 5 pack of instant noodles from Spar, cost £1.50.
Omnomnom ;D
My latest hiking food purchase is a 5 pack of instant noodles from Spar, cost £1.50.
I’ve been loading up. SIS energy Gels, a Montane Gecko pack and some cheap rechargeable bicycle red LEDs fir attaching to said pack.
One of these...
https://westonfront.wordpress.com/2022/09/08/tarp-camping-appraising-the-benefits-as-an-alternative-shelter-for-wild-walking/ (https://westonfront.wordpress.com/2022/09/08/tarp-camping-appraising-the-benefits-as-an-alternative-shelter-for-wild-walking/)
I still use RH trackster and waterproof over trousers. But Decathlon or Sports Pursuit seems to be the sensible choice for decently priced new kit
I use an £8 rain skirt from Amazon, cheap waterproof gaiters and my waterproof jacket. My rain skirt can be on or off in 10-15 seconds. To me waterproof overtrousers are shall I wear them or not gear, they take too long to put on, and take too long to take off. With a rain skirt, I don't even have to think about it, I just make an instant decision, I just quickly slip the rain skirt around my waist or I don't. I last wore waterproof overtrousers over 10 years ago.Put them on at the start of the walk. ;)
I wore my rain skirt a couple of days ago whilst out running, the first few drips of rain started. My hand went into my waterproof jacket chest pocket (which was my running jacket that day) and I pulled out my rain skirt and put it on. Within a few seconds, the rain then pelted down for about 10 minutes. I remained dry, except for wet feet. The weakness of my system is that I can't get my gaiters on quick enough. I've never been able to solve that problem.
A GoPro with accessories (well, it's for my wife really). She recorded a short video of our walk/run this morning and we think the results are great. It's uploading to YouTube as I type and I'll post a link in the running thread later... ;)
That's clever, how do you get a YouTube video onto the Forum?
Put them on at the start of the walk. ;)
Gaiters.... O0
Don't often see people wearing rain skirts on the hill. Strange, that.
..or maybe not!
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL48 - Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon
I’ve just bought some more Karrimor Panther trousers from Sports Direct.
I’ll stick my neck on the line and say they are actually better than the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch trousers that they are almost identical to. And at half the price of the Craggys, I’m not complaining O0
[size=0px]A trip into town yesterday to buy a few bits for our trip to Malta next week. We each boughtva new pair of Karrimor walking shoes. Plus I bought two pairs of Karrimor walking trousers and Mrs G bought some comfy sandals. A grand total of £115 for 5 items. Who said you can't still get value for money on the high street. [/size]quote]
I hope you get some decent use out of them but if you're of an age I can assure you they are not the quality they once were and hence not the value. An example would be their old KSB boots, a great trail boot that was tough as nails. The modern incarnation was [censored]* to say the least. Fell apart after the first few miles.
Unfortunately Karrimor were taken over by Sports Direct (say no more) so consequently their gear now is basically cheap rubbish. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad tidings and hope your gear lasts the holiday!
[size=0px]I’ve just bought some more Karrimor Panther trousers from Sports Direct. [size=0px][size=0px] [size=0px][size=0px]I’ll stick my neck on the line and say they are actually better than the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch trousers that they are almost identical to. And at half the price of the Craggys, I’m not complaining [size=0px][size=0px] [size=0px][size=0px]
[size=0px]
Now you get Peter Storm which at a similar price is a vastly inferior product IMO.
Well today I did something that I said that I would never do - order a pair of walking boots online, a pair of Anatom Q3 Braeriach's, from SportPursuit (https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2167145), for £109.99 not inc. postage, a big discount on their list price. I checked their returns policy very carefully, of course...
... a pair of Anatom Q3 Braeriach's, from SportPursuit (https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2167145),...
My new stove arrived yesterday. Cheap as chips fold up job. Took it out on Dartmoor today and boiled up some water for a cuppa soup.
https://ukmcpro.co.uk/products/firedragon-folding-stove-fuel-tablets?variant=34755887333510 (https://ukmcpro.co.uk/products/firedragon-folding-stove-fuel-tablets?variant=34755887333510)
Jobs a good un.
Have something similar in the bottom of a box somewhere - find that they don't perform that well in the wind. A tin foil windshield would solve that, of course.
Need to find a suitable small round pot, with lid now. I searched for our old pots from a globe trotter stove, but I think I threw them out with the stove a few years back.
I can recommend the Lixada 650ml titanium mug, comes with a lid, if that is within your budget.
Need to find a suitable small round pot, with lid now.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353430134339?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=qjrq2SsTAAAAln-aEoHwRH8OodUGAAAAAA
Thx, that looks just ideal as I need a spoon/fork too.
Dave, how many pairs of running-type shoes/trainers do you own now? ;)
I ve had enough of the 500 gram Terra nova laser pulse 1...
Hopefully I will look forward to a night in this tent rather than the dread of the Terra Nova of its complex erection and extremely limited space both inside and in the vestibule . plus this tents 5 denier silnylon does absorb a lot of water which takes a long time to dry out even in hot weather .
Isn’t Tesco’s Finest an oxymoron?
Let us know how you get on with the X Mid, Squacco - a solid inner trekking pole tent is very much on my radar.
I had a look at the Laser Pulse on the Terra Nova website out of curiosity - 7d silnylon fly! :o
How long do they expect that to last, I wonder?
I really like my Decathlon hiking trousers, I have four pairs now all different colours, they fit me so perfectly, they are easy to wash, easy to dry and are really hard wearing.
Alright for some. The nearest Decathlon to me is Cardiff, the far side of the Bristol Channel, otherwise its Poole!
Isn’t Tesco’s Finest an oxymoron?
Decathlon also available on line.
£5 for a brand new knitted polyester and thinsulate hat from the Bay Rescue charity shop in Grange - help them rescue people from the tide and/or quicksand of Morecambe Bay!You should see those pictures of them up in the higher Cumbrian main roads rescuing ppl from the snow. They're like mountain rescue as well, plus river too. There's a shop in milnthorpe too. A good book selection there if you're ever passing through. Alphabetical plus well sorted too.
You should see those pictures of them up in the higher Cumbrian main roads rescuing ppl from the snow.They certainly have the vehicles for it!
They certainly have the vehicles for it!Years ago I enquired about joining nearest MRT. Kendal but being legally if not technically more than 30 minutes from base i was turned down and directed to pennine cave and fell rescue. Biggest in England and whilst base is an hour away I'm in their area.. didn't make sense as I know my local area and whole of lakes very well but nothing about your pennines.
Seriously, if they're reading this, just give me a go in that articulated tracked vehicle, phease! :D
Have to admit the only time I buy footwear on line is to get another pair of walking shoes of the same make, model, colour (brown) and size as the pair I already own and I know fit, when the first pair wears out. I always buy from Taunton Leisure as they give good service. I would not do it with boots though. They always need a trip to Taunton Leisure for a measure and a fitting, just to be sure.
I stopped buying boots. :)
A waterproof baseball cap. I seem to remember a topic recently where someone (fernman?) said someone should invent one. Well, apparently, they have. The logo/brand name says "Hawkins" on it. It's kind of a waxed cotton/polyester (think Barbour jacket material). It's already proved its worth ;D
I have a couple of caps with my favourite being the Decathlon Trail Running Flexible Desert Cap. It cost me £13.99, it weighs 20g and takes up almost no space when carried. It's not waterproof, but my jacket's hood is, and when I pull the hood over the cap, the cap's wide peak is very effective at keeping rain off my face and sunglasses. And of course, the hood stops water running down the back of my neck. :)
You wear sunglasses in the rain ?
...
...I m not imagining this loss of energy in shoes due to a too spongy outsole because InoV8 have been selling their £20 a pair of insoles which are supposed to be "energy return " ( that is impossible ) ...
Another tent ! Sold my Durston X-Mid 1 p V2 via Facebook Marketplace for a small loss on the new purchase price (£20 ) and splashed out on the Dyneema Cuban Fibre version the Durston X-Mid Pro 1p ( with no tent pegs ) which so far has cost $599 for the tent plus $24 postage which comes to $625 ( £505 )
Coming from Canada there is no duty but Uk Vat will raise it a good chunk to around £600 . For a dyneema version its not bad value . Be nice to just shake off the water on the fly instead of carrying extra weight around . Dyneema is supposed to be very strong stuff but its a bit see through even though this tent is a green shade .
Only 4 pegs needed in half decent weather so no need for extending guy ropes
Just arrived: Kendal energy bars, gels and drinks for the IOW circuit in 9 days' time. :)
The chocolate mint gels are like liquid After Eights, while the citrus & mint gels include caffeine (as do the High 5 Aqua gels we're taking as well!). Most gels are very sweet, but the Kendal ones taste less so because the strong mint overpowers the sweetness.
We like the mint cake because it just melts in the mouth. O0
Best of luck Dave on the Isle of Wight Challange next week ...
Thanks Squacco. :)Would you not be better cramming complex carbs such as pasta beforehand?
My strategy for ultras is to consume as many carbs (i.e. sugar!) as I can before I feel too queasy to swallow any more. The caffeine is simply a substitute for what I'd drink on any other day.
Would you not be better cramming complex carbs such as pasta beforehand?
Thanks Richard. :)
Carb loading before and lots of sugar during aren't mutually exclusive! ;)
I think they are the ones I have Dave. Good gaiters, though the lower poper has failed on one, five years in. Chinese steel I expect. I will be replacing with another pair, at some point. But they still do their job perfectly well, as the Velcro is very good and well attached. So no rush.
OEX Brora shorts, im tall and like the short to be on the knee. These fit nicely and slightly more robust fabric than the favoured football short material that seem to be favoured.Check out army surplus goretex trousers, they have a full length zip, and are excellent - as long as you don't mind camo. I only paid £30 for an unused pair.
Next purchase is to update the waterproof trousers to ones with 3/4 length zip so I can get them on over a shoe
Based on the articles within this forum, I purchased a Speedster stove, with a ground heatshield and windshield.
I use a 750 ML Aluminium pot.
I set it all up in my shed, lit it and timed a 650ml water boil. It took 10 minutes? The bottom of the pot was coated in soot. I used Ethylene fuel.
So, is that sort of time normal? Are sooty bottoms just a fact of "spirits" life.
So, is that sort of time normal? Are sooty bottoms just a fact of "spirits" life.
Based on the articles within this forum, I purchased a Speedster stove, with a ground heatshield and windshield.
I use a 750 ML Aluminium pot.
I set it all up in my shed, lit it and timed a 650ml water boil. It took 10 minutes? The bottom of the pot was coated in soot. I used Ethylene fuel.
So, is that sort of time normal? Are sooty bottoms just a fact of "spirits" life.
... and be light to carry! ;DCome on, you know better than that. To carry enough to be useful, you'd have to liquefy a lot of it and carry it in a can, like propane.
Thanks for that Richard. It is bio ethanol that I'm using.
I was wondering if I had done something wrong. Reading other reviews it seems that sooting can occur. Kilo Romeos tip works well enough.
My current problem is that the two 100 ml bottles bought at the same time as the speedster are leaking. Luckily found that out just before the cookset went into my Rucksack. So for my trip starting tomorrow (Edale to Hebden) I've decided to carry my flame free cooking set which is 3 times the weight with fuel, sadly.
I'm a bit puzzled by the sooting, as it is something that I don't experience. Suggests that you are maybe not getting a clean burn - maybe not enough oxygen, which is strange with a purpose designed windshield/pot stand (I use a home made one). As an experiment you could try lifting the edge of the windshield up a mm or two, to let more air in.
PS - enjoy your walk :)
Can’t help but agree. Montane trousers’ only redeeming feature is they dry easily. I won’t buy any more. I would not have bought those if Go had stocked Craghopper trousers in the most common size! Can’t comment on Decathlon as their nearest store requires an overnight stop which puts the price up.
Decathlon's postal charges are pretty reasonable, ninthace. I've been pleased with their budget clothing, although I haven't tried their walking trousers.
When it comes to clothing, I am old fashioned enough to want to browse the shop, see the range on offer, and touch the merchandise and try things on, especially trousers, where fit and fitness for purpose are important. Once I have found something I like, then I may order a replacement in due course. About the only hiking clothing I have mail ordered, without previous experience of use, is socks, and those from a reputable brand and supplier.
Just being nosey, but how many pairs of shoes do you own?
I own one pair of off-roads and one pair of on-roads, both are at least 4 years old. I don't often wear the on-roads but my Decathlon off-roads look to me like they will last another 4 years before I need to replace them.
“Whitstable Imelda”Love it. ;D
I just bought 5m of 2cm wide black webbing for £2 from B & Q. It can be a useful item to have but it could stay in my garage for the next 10 years or so and never be used. But I'd rather have it than not have it.
Just bought a pair of Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G280 shoes £70. They have a sale on at the moment and the Roclite G345 GTX walking boots are priced at £55.Thanks for that tip.i could nt resist the Roclite G345 at only £55 although the GTX version is prob sold out so I bought the more breathable none goretex version..
Richard, the tent pole extension you gave me solved the Lanshan One problems I was having, perfect and thanks again.Happy to help - just using it as an example of the uses that I find for old stuff.
Berghaus fleece. My mate got one for £12 in millets sale. I went to Gooutdoors "closing sale" in MK and it was priced at £32 reduced from £65!!! Haha.
Next I popped into local millets and it was £15 so that was acceptable.
Gooutdoors is taking the P clearly
Just bought a pair of Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G280 shoes £70. They have a sale on at the moment and the Roclite G345 GTX walking boots are priced at £55.
I know nothing about these , but looks like you grabbed yourself a real bargain . Do you think they will be waterproof and is comfort a priority for you .?
I have gone over to the dark side and at £55 bought a set of G345GTX. They fit well, enough room for me and the hallux rigidus and the sole seems reasonably stiff as well. Time will tell on their longevity, but at that price 1 year will suffice.
In 15 years I have never once bought a pair of waterproof boots that are waterproof for very long. Even my present one, Keene Targee III's, they are not waterproof either, I discovered this on my last French hike. The only way that I have found to keep my feet dry is to wear waterproof socks. My socks have proved to be more reliable than any of my boots.
In 15 years I have never once bought a pair of waterproof boots that are waterproof for very long. Even my present one, Keene Targee III's, they are not waterproof either, I discovered this on my last French hike. The only way that I have found to keep my feet dry is to wear waterproof socks. My socks have proved to be more reliable than any of my boots.
My Anatom Q3 Braeriach's seem to be pretty waterproof - my feet stayed largely dry on our squelchy Pennine Way walk, the only significant water that got in was from splashing through the wet ground below Hawk Side - I wasn't wearing gaiters or overtrousers at the time, and the back of my heels got wet. And the Q3's performed very well on a rainy day walking over soggy Crag Hill, Great Coum and Gragareth in the Yorkshire Dales earlier this year too. Very pleased with them.
I agree, although in terms of being waterproof, my all-leather boots at least stayed waterproof for a short while, but I find as I get older and walk more miles they feel 'hard' on my heels and the ball of my feet. I wore all leather boots when I hiked the Pennine Way in April and by the end, I really disliked them for their discomfort and 'hardness.' My inserts helped but not enough. So for me, fabric-type boots are very comfortable and are even more comfortable when I have my inserts inside them.
At first, I used to be really annoyed that companies could advertise their boots as waterproof but for me none of the brands were ever waterproof. I now live with it and accept the reality. My primary concern these days is are my boots comfortable and do they fit my feet well. I am now down to two pairs of fabric boots, Salomon Ultra X and Keen Targee III's, both are great but the Targees are a bit better.
Nowadays I carry two small absorbent towels and if my boots are damp or wet I just stuff them into my boots before I go to sleep. They absorb a lot of the wetness overnight and the boot at least is usable again the next morning. Newspaper works as well. I also carry a spare pair of inserts so when my feet are in my boots its means I'm standing on a dry surface, it's only the top of my socks and feet that then become damp but the dampness doesn't seem to last for too long once I start to hike again.
I have taken this view since I was converted to the idea of waterproof socks. I have used the same pair for well over a year now and they are still waterproof. I know this because when I wash them I fill them up with cold water and hang them on our washing line for a while to see if drips start to form. Nothing to be seen as yet so that keeps me happy. I forgot to take them with me when I hiked the Pennine Way which in hindsight was a bad move on my part.
In the olden days when I just wanted to take my leaking boots back to the shop, the easy way to find out if they leaked from brand new was to fill the boots up with cold water and leave them out overnight on top of our dustbin. I don't bother doing that nowadays, life is too short.
A while ago someone made a suggestion (thanks, a great idea!) to buy a T plastic tubing from B & Q to hold when pushing tent pegs in. That's what I did today, I bought two for £5. I should have done it months ago, pushing my star-type aluminium tent pegs in with my hands could be so painful.
I have gone over to the dark side and at £55 bought a set of G345GTX. They fit well, enough room for me and the hallux rigidus and the sole seems reasonably stiff as well. Time will tell on their longevity, but at that price 1 year will suffice.
Another waste of money. The Goretex does not cover the tongue so will definitely let in water. For a specialist shoe making company why aren’t the shoes feet shaped? For my feet this rolls my smaller toes under the larger toes causing discomfort and eventually blisters. I’ll bang them out on the bay. Looking forward to no more sidetracking by these trainer companies and getting a properly fitted solution at Whalley outdoors at the end of the month.
Nallo 2 tent. I used to do all my walking in a day, coupled with 200 mile drives each way. now I'm going to start wild camping to free up time.
Purchased a pair of Karrimor Panther walking trousers. Very comfortable and 50% off the original price O0
Highly responsive to your output, the Sonic Ultra Zip is cleverly designed to regulate your temperature. Built with ultralight Motiv™ Aero fabric, it is fast-drying, quick-wicking and highly breathable. With its subtle mesh structure, the fabric wicks moisture away from the skin keeping you dry on those steep, challenging climbs. It has laser cut vent holes in high heat areas, like the back of the neck and under the arms, and the deep chest zip is ideal for dumping heat quickly and keep the air flowing. Perfect for runners travelling far and fast, crossing contours, and weathering all conditions.
Choose your own way of walking with them, and just end up with what you like.I'll see how I get on, I'm not overly confident, but I thought worth the try. I just don't know how to practice with them for rocky mountains next summer, when we only have sopping wet clay and cow [censored] round here at the moment!
I'll see how I get on, I'm not overly confident, but I thought worth the try. I just don't know how to practice with them for rocky mountains next summer, when we only have sopping wet clay and cow [censored] round here at the moment!
sopping wet clay and cow [censored]Ideal conditions for poles! Fit mud baskets and tip protectors and away you go. Not only can you learn technique with them, you can use them the test the depth of the gunge and find out if it has a hard base or not. They are also great for keeping you vertical when tussock hopping in an effort to stay out of the wet. After a while, they become extensions of your arms. The more you use them, the more useful they become.
After a while, they become extensions of your arms. The more you use them, the more useful they become.That's the dream, I see people gliding with them, but I think before a lot of practice, before they become second nature, they'll feel like more of a hinderance.
Thanks for the tip (excuse the pun...)! Hear everywhere to get rid of those protectors asap, but that makes perfect sense and as has been said, find out what works for you. Those tips do look good and my experience in life (which might not be transferable), is that a hard things such as carbide tips either give you 100% grip or 0% when they skid, so maybe a rubber tip may make that more like 75%/25%.
I keep a couple of those tip protectors in the belt pouch of my pack. I like the bare tips when "off-road" but I do like the tip protectors for hard surfaces, where the hard tips want to skitter around and also the noise drives me mental.
Just as long as you cleaned off all the blood and DNA from it's last kill. ;)
My daughter did warn us not to walk back to our 'hotel' past Elephant and Castle station - she had walked that way the morning after an incident and had followed a trail of blood!
I know what I want to purchase but can't make up my mind which size. A Sea to Summit folding mug, either the small size or the next one up?I thought that you had a titanium mug?
I know what I want to purchase but can't make up my mind which size. A Sea to Summit folding mug, either the small size or the next one up?
If you hadn't spent £160 in the first place you would be even better off....
...
I've used a quilt for several years now, and would not go back to a sleeping bag.
I had an eye test recently because my left eye was irritating me. The ophthalmic concluded that I was watching a PC screen for too long. She told me that I needed to blink more and told me that PC watching discourages blinking, so that's why my left eye is irritating me, it's a bit dry. She suggested eye drops.
The Cumulous, Poland site is worth taking a look at, because it also shows their 'comforter' models. I believe the difference between a quilt and a comforter is that the quilt has a foot box designed into it, whereas a 'comforter' doesn't have a foot box designed into it. I think I'm correct but I also could be wrong.
I m in a spending mood now so probably threw £36 away on a pair of Enertor insoles. Nolrmal price is £39.99 but they give 10% off for a first time customer
They appear to be a competitor to Sorbothane insoles as they profess to be shock absorbing and very good for sports or other injuries , eg plata fasciiitus and other foot injuries .Worth a try.I could never see the weight of these insoles and no wonder they kept it quiet as they weigh 54 grm a sole , similar to the heavy sorbothane s.. Not good for someone constantly trying to shed weight .
My next purchase I m pondering is to lower my pack weight down a fair chunk by getting a Quilt weighing 312 grs ( Western Mountaineering Nanolite ) and leave my usual Rab Mythic 660 grm at home in the midsummer months . This is mainly so I can get everthing I need in my 450 gr Atom Pack 40 litre rucksack rather than in the ULA Ohm 2 900 gr and lower base weight 750 grms .The Rab is overkill in the summer months and a bit bulky and super warm .
Not a purchase, but a present - a pair of Rab Cirrus hut slippers from my wife - perfect for bothies or keeping my feet warm during a winter wild camp.
https://rab.equipment/uk/cirrus-hut-slipper (https://rab.equipment/uk/cirrus-hut-slipper)
I purchased twenty of these little beauties, and I am fitting extra zip pulls on all the pockets I use most. The rear zipped pockets on my walking trousers drive me to distraction when I am fumbling around trying to find the miniscule zip pull. ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fWSD3Kgc/Zip-pulls.jpg)
that's a great idea .. where did you buy them please?
that's a great idea .. where did you buy them please?
I bought myself the darkest pair of cheap Decathlon sunglasses (£4.99) that I could find and know that I like.
I had my eyes tested the other day and that was the opticians main suggestion, the previous tester told me this as well but I never bothered.
I now have all three models, the clear lens one, the yellow lens one and nor the dark lens one.
They are ideal for me when hiking, especially when it's uncomfortably windy, they are a wrap around types, and they really do protect.
a pair of WaterElves...
Look good - I'm after something similar for canoeing. Where did you get them?
I'm not sure if I am correct, but your WaterElves shoes look similar to the shoes on sale at Decathlon. Mine cost me £8, they are called surf board shoes, they are also hard wearing. I slip them on if I have to cross water when hiking. I use mine as driving shoes as well, very comfortable.
Another Forum member suggested them some months back, and they haven't disappointed me. When I bought them, I took my inserts with me to get the best fitting size.
They have a tough sole, but I found that if I walk on gravel, or other hard irregular surfaces, I can feel the stones pushing into the bottoms of my feet. I've solved the problem by pushing some old trainers inserts into them.
No, still waiting. I've had a message two days ago to say that it's stuck at an airport due to a lack of cargo space, but nothing more. Maybe I shouldn't have purchased from Temu?
I do feel that when you start to buy camping chairs what you really want is called a B&B.
Just treated myself to a Wild Country Helm 1 Compact and gave it a road test on Good Friday. Pleased to report that it held up very well in the very up and down weather conditions.
Help, I've already lost my folding mug. I put it somewhere safe and now can't find it.If you report yourself anonymously to the police as a drug mule that hides things in collapsible mugs they'll get a warrant out and search your place from top to bottom, it'll save you a lot of time😉
If you report yourself anonymously to the police as a drug mule that hides things in collapsible mugs they'll get a warrant out and search your place from top to bottom, it'll save you a lot of time😉
Have heard of the police digging many a lag's granny's garden looking for stolen loot. ;)
Interested to know, how did you find this out? ;D
... each gaiter kept creeping up and over the top of the rear of my boots as I walked, water trickled into my boots.