Website updates
Today I have added a page for this year’s backpacking gear to the site. It includes the good, the bad and the ugly of last year’s gear, and the changes to the kit for 2014… so far! See the page here.
Backpacking
Christmas Backpacking Gear Update
I got a selection of new outdoor kit for Christmas – which has lightened my backpack even further, taking nearly 500g off the total.
Blacks Camp Pillow
I have hopefully got the solution to my pillow problems. Having used three different types of inflatable pillows over the last couple of years I think I may now have a durable, lightweight solution.
It is not inflatable so it cannot fail like the other pillows, having tried it out at home it is very comfortable.
Although it looks large it compresses well and rolls back into a fitted pocket. If I then pack this with my spare clothes and sleeping bag in a compression sack it takes up far less room in my backpack than the previous Vango pillow. This pillow is also much lighter then the Vango pillow – something lighter is always a good idea.
Craghoppers Kiwi Convertible Trousers
I needed a new pair of trousers for outdoor use and having looked at a variety of lightweight outdoor trousers I still went back to my favourites the Craghoppers Kiwi Convertible Trousers. I have several pairs of these, in various states of repair – good ones for work and two battered pairs that I have been using for camping and backpacking for a number of years, one of these I had to repair in the summer where the cloth had frayed through use, hence the new pair.
One improved feature of the latest design is a larger second pocket in the cargo pocket that will now hold my mobile phone.
Unfortunately Blacks offered these trousers in only two colours, as I use dark blue ones for work I bought the tan ones – I would have preferred something a bit darker for outdoors use.
Blacks Turbo Gas Lighter
This item is a bit heavier then the refillable Bic lighter I was using, but this lighter has a very strong flame that does not blow out in windy conditions – that’s why it earns a place in my cooking kit.
The webbing strap I thought was useful, but it was secured to the lighter with a bit of useless Velcro, so I have stitched the strap onto the lighter.
Gadget Gloves
I had been planning to buy some lightweight gloves this winter to wear under my larger thermal gloves and to use in the summer when the winter gloves are a bit extreme. Diana bought me these, the light coloured finger tips work on the screen of my iPhone so I do not need to take them off to take a photo or check the map.
Helly Hanson Lifa Dry Thermal Underwear
Diana had bought me a Helly Hanson under shirt for my birthday – and completed the set for Christmas and added a second set (usefully in another colour).
This underwear is state of the art in keeping people warm. Having tried it out, it is very comfortable and warm.
click on the above image for a larger version
This base layer is significant lighter in weight than the previous set I was using.
Including my new headlamp I have yet again reduced the weight of my walking backpack.
Christmas Backpacking Gear Update Read More »
Website updates – Backpacking Brew Kit
With the winter here it is time to start sorting through my backpacking equipment and updating the website to my current kit.
I have made some changes and additions to my backpacking brew kit.
Website updates – Backpacking Brew Kit Read More »
New gear – lighter still!
Diana has bought me a new headlamp for backpacking – a Petzl e+lite.
It weighs 27g and uses 2x CR2032 lithium button cells – so this torch and a spare set batteries weigh less than the three spare AAA batteries I carried for my pervious Petzl headlamp.
The three white LEDs have two brightness settings, the brightest of which is provides enough light to walk at night by, the lower setting is good for reading a book or using in a small tent. There is a single red LED for night vision lighting – not something I think I will be using. There are two emergency strobe modes, one for the white LEDs and one for the red.
The thin headband is not elastic but sprung loaded and retracts into the headlamp when not is use. Not being elastic it is very comfortable to wear. However I have some concerns about the durability of this mechanism with extended use. Some care will need to be taken when using the headband.
click on the above image for a larger version
Although the Perzl e+lite is sold as an emergency torch it will make an excellent, very lightweight backpacking headlamp.
New gear – lighter still! Read More »
Backpacking coffee machine
I saw the ultimate backpacking coffee machine today in Truro.
It comes with your own personal barista who, I am sure, would drive it along behind you as you walk! So not adding any extra weight to your backpack.
Backpacking coffee machine Read More »
Walking and Camping Photos The Viking Way
It has been an great weekend for the weather, I was sitting by the lake at the campsite until late last night and only needed to use my down sleeping bag as a quilt overnight a big difference from the Peak District trip last weekend.
Photos
I carried a tin of food rather than a dehydrated meal – the extra weight was worth it – tasty “Lamb Big Soup “
Walking and Camping Photos The Viking Way Read More »
Walking – The Viking Way
With the end if the summer camping season rapidly approaching, and with the next two weekends booked with a server change over for a client, I have planned a short backing trip to the regular Camping and Caravan Club site near Woodhall Spa using the Viking Way.
This is also a busy weekend as I have to finish a proposal for a client to provide an integrated email solution between an office in the UK and locations in Southern Africa both in the cities and in more remote places – so using our cloud server I am planning to work that this evening on my iPhone.
morning coffee at the ruins of Barlings Abbey
The Viking Way
This sign is not as accurate as it could be – it looks like the path follows the line of the hedge, when actually the path is marked and heads across the middle of the field.
the sign is at the junction shown in the map clip as you approach the abbey ruins from Fiskerton
the path is very distinct when looking back
Walking – The Viking Way Read More »