Outdoor Gear

Backpacking load for the weekend

/ Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Gear / , ,

Here is the itemised list, with weights, for my backpacking load this weekend:

Download the spread sheet from here

backpacking load

I have not yet listed the items in my new First Aid Kit (yet) – but the extra weight, over my previous kit, does include:

  • a space blanket (58g)
  • sterile water for eye wash or irrigating wounds (24g)
  • my personal medicine (71g)
  • a better crepe support bandage than I was carrying
  • a larger case than I was using

The new case allows me to bring all my First Aid and medicines into one place, before they were spread out between several stuff sack and pouches. I will review the kit more fully after this weekend.

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Tick Card

/ Outdoor Gear, Photography / ,

Tick Card

I have replaced the tick tweezers in my first aid kit for an easier to carry and pack tick card. There are no sharp points on the card unlike the tweezers which needed careful packing so they did not damage other articles in the kit.

The card also includes a useful magnify glass.

The article here, explains the tick problem in the UK and has a picture of the old tweezers that I now keep in my larger first aid kit.

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Coffee

/ Lincolnshire, Outdoor Gear, Photography / , , , ,

Light My Fire Spill-free Cup

I tried my new Light My Fire Spill-free Cup out today. Rather than take a stove, to save time I opted for hot water in a thermal mug and instant coffee.

The cup was a big success. As I hoped the lid kept the coffee hot, even though the cup/drink has a large surface area. It was comfortable to drink from and hold. I am not sure this cup will replace the plastic beaker I take backpacking but it will make a useful addition to my kit on trips when weight is not such an issue.

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No more latex gloves

/ Outdoor Gear /

Last weekend I reviewed my two first aid kits for items that were approaching their expiry date. Whilst doing this I realised that the gloves I had in both kits were latex medical gloves. These gloves had come with the original kits, now they would need replacing – my sister (and others) are allergic to latex!

A quick phone call to her and she suggested a suitable non-latex replacement – better than that she sent me two packs of the gloves she carrys for emergencies.

I repackaged the gloves into some small zip-lock bags, having first cleaned my hands with antibacterial hand gel to make sure they were clean. One pair in the left bag for my pocket kit and two pairs in the right for my backpacking kit. I have also packed a pair in the pouch of bits I take camping and backpacking.

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Silva Compass

/ Outdoor Gear /

When I went to Scotland last month I forgot my compass. Rather than buy another full function compass I bought a clip on compass.

Silva compass with thermometer

This Silva compass is great. It is very light so it is easy to carry it clipped to a jacket or pocket zipper, making it is easily accessible whilst walking.

The thermometer was an extra and worth having as it was interesting to know what the temperature whilst I was out and about.

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