Took the morning off…
…and worked this afternoon.
Took the morning off… Read More »
lightweight walking
Lunch break
I was busy today with meetings and a report but there was time to walk out for a lunch break with a view.
I tried out a homemade stove today for the first time out in the field… and the wind. The tin held Vaseline lip balm and the trivet fits a Trangia burner and it works with both alcohol gel or fuel tablets. The stand is made from three layers of hardboard to hold the stove steady and to insulate it from the ground or seat.
Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack
I have a new Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack, primarily for using as hiking day pack. I chose this pack as it could also be used for travelling and work.
Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack
It is a Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack in dark butterscotch. It has a good sized pocket for a water bottle and another for small gear. There is an external rear laptop pocket and an external front slip pocket which can be fastened with a small carabiner for security. Inside there is a long slip pocket with a key keeper and a small zippered pocket for valuables.
The main pack has a roll top lid with a hook fastening – the strap is long enough to use the whole of the bag with a small roll over. This could prove useful when hiking for carrying a jacket when not in use or extra gear when going away. One of the shoulder straps has a security buckle so it can be fastened to a chair when you are having a coffee, so the pack cannot be stolen. There is a gear rack under the front zipper rain flap and other sturdy loops that gear could be fastened to.
The material looks hard wearing, that includes the straps and buckles.
I went for a walk
I slung my 1.1l titanium canteen in its Molle carrier onto the righthand shoulder strap, where it was not in my way. I put another 500ml water bottle in the water bottle pouch. I then packed gear for a day’s walk including a picnic stool.
I did not go far and then stopped for tea – see the photo above. The rucksack carried well, the inside is really just a long tube so the equipment had to be packed carefully. Even so the padding on the back stopped any bits sticking in my back. The back ventilation worked OK. The shoulder straps were comfortable with enough adjustment and a chest strap to keep them in place.
A success as a day pack.
Work though…
There is a problem, My Dell XPS 15 laptop, probably one of the smallest 15inch laptops on the market, will no way fit in the laptop sleeve. The laptop sleeve is advertised to hold a 16inch laptop. So May be not so useful for work if I need my laptop.
I am a bit annoyed the laptop does not fit but for everything else I wanted it for I am pleased.
Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack Read More »
More photos from my Coniston walk
I didn’t go up, but walked down to Coniston Water and walked along the lake side.
By the lake side I found a quiet spot to brew up. This time I had taken my miniature Alpkit Kraku stove and my titanium canteen cook set. Using gas means it is quick a minute or two to boil a mug of water and no residue so the coffee can be made in the pot/mug. Unlike the coffee stop on Thursday.
More photos from my Coniston walk Read More »
The River Keer again with snow and coffee
It was not much snow but it did snow overnight. The plan was get out as early as possible after coffee, a cooked breakfast and checking my email.
The walk
Coffee
I found a convenient stone step to sit on and set up my stove. Fortunately being the middle of winter I could use the hole in the wall style without being disturbed by other walkers.
I could not help my shadow in the photo and show the bridge.
I used a solid fuel stove today as it is easy to carry. Two of the fuel tablets boiled 400ml of water in about five minutes – not quickly but silently so it did not disturb the view.
The downside is the residue and taste left on the titanium mug, hence the Sea-to-Summit collapsible mug to make the coffee in and drink from. The bottom of the mug needed a quick clean – a rub on the damp grass – before repacking.
The River Keer again with snow and coffee Read More »
More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire
Wychnor Park Country Club
National Forest Way
The Wychnor Flitch
Swarbourne Meadows
More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire Read More »