Outdoor Gear

Christmas Backpacking Gear Update

/ Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Gear / , , ,

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 »

New gear – lighter still!

/ Backpacking, Outdoor Gear / ,

Diana has bought me a new headlamp for backpacking – a Petzl e+lite.

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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.

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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 »

New backpacking kit

/ Camping, Outdoor Gear / ,

It was my birthday last week and I got a couple of new pieces of lightweight backpacking equipment.

Nalgene Travel Kit Small

The first was a selection of Nalgene bottles – I bought a set earlier this year (see here) and they have been great for packaging small amounts of food, including liquids. I am happy to carry a little extra weight for the security of the food being packaged in something stronger than plastic bags. The small jar has been useful for carrying jam or peanut butter in, and there are two similar jars in this kit. Now I can take jam and peanut butter! The small bottle will be useful for taking a little cooking oil on backpacking trips.

The second item was a Helly Hansen Lifa Dry undershirt. This high tech, laminated shirt should keep me warmer than my previous under shirt and it weighs less at about 150g. I tried the shirt out at the weekend and it was very comfortable so I have added the long johns to my Christmas list.

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Lunch today

/ Outdoor Gear, Photography, Travel, Walking / , , , ,

I found a great place to stop for lunch today.

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These rocks are upstream from Rogie Falls.

The water for lunch and for drinking for the rest if the day came from the river – using my Travel Tap bottle. Yesterday I recommended this bottle to one of the people on the campsite, as a good way to save weight when walking – as long as there is natural water around this bottle will make it safe to drink, so you do not have to carry too much heavy water.

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