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.
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.
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.
No more latex gloves Read More »
Whilst looking online for a lightweight pocket knife I came across this article about what could possibly be the earliest multipurpose pocket tool.
Roman Swiss Army Knife Read More »
When I went to Scotland last month I forgot my compass. Rather than buy another full function compass I bought a clip on compass.
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.
The Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack has, since last summer, become my walking day pack of choice.
It packs away into a keyring size package making it excellent as an extra bag for backpacking, holidays and travelling. I started using it as my day pack to simply save weight.
In use Scotland August 2013
The 20l capacity provides enough space to carry my:
In use Scotland January 2014
The only time this is not my “go to” day pack is when I need to carry a walking pole. For short walks I can slide my lightweight pole in between the small of my back and the pack, letting it ride on the bottom of the straps. For more technical longer walks with a pole I use another bag.
Comfort
With such a light backpack there are some issues with the comfort – but these are not so great to stop me using it.
Mods
I have added a couple of small caribieners to the ends of the very thin shoulder straps. This has stopped the straps being pulled back into the buckles, which happened a lot when walking with the pack with even a moderate load in it. Once the strap was back in the buckle it was then very awkward to adjust the shoulder straps for comfort and there was also a risk of the strap being pulled right out if the buckle.
I have also added a caribiener to the double zip for security.
Inside you can see an 8l dry sack – this is essential as the pack does leak in heavy weather
Wear and tear
The Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack is made from rip stop Siliconized Cordura® and the pack itself is very well made, making it extremely tough and strong. However I use the bag (particularly in the winter) well packed and this has led to some abrasion damage. When well packed the material is tight, with no give in it and when it had dragged against rough rocks it has been damaged. At the moment none of the damage is serious but I expect it to happen regularly and to eventually ruin the bag.
The shoulder straps now have permanent heavy creases in them through use.
A bag for work
A few weeks back I used this pack for an overnight business trip. It easily held the clothes, wash kit, paperwork, iPad, charger, cables, small toolkit and portable hard drive I needed for the job. I added to that a bottle of water and a snack or two for the journey.
With the mat slipped in the back it was comfortable to carry and easy to store on the train as well as being smart enough to turn up with at a client’s office.
For me the Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack is a great day pack and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light, strong day pack. But remember it is a simple no fuss design, no extra pockets or straps and if you use a hydration bladder the crinkling tube has to come out through the zipper. Because of it’s packed away size and weight it is especially useful to carry as an extra bag when travelling – if needed I add it to my backpacking equipment to be used as a shopping bag.
The minus points have to be mentioned:
If (when) I ruin this bag I will buy another.
Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack Read More »
Rather than drive anywhere today I walked out to Warton Crag from the Pine Lake complex.
I traveled light today, carrying some water and a small first aid/emergency kit in my walking vest – the rest of my kit went into my coat pockets. For lunch I took some breakfast biscuits, some cold chicken from last night’s dinner and my small brew kit. I only carried my titanium mug with lid and a couple of solid fuel tablets and made a small fire place out of some stones to heat the water for my tea.
I also carried a small heavy duty plastic sheet to sit on and my hat and gloves.
Walking Today – Warton Crag Read More »