lightweight walking

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

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

The woods near Branston monochrome

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.

Craghoppers 20L Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack does not fit a Dell XPS 15 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.

Coniston and snowy mountains
Coniston Water
Coniston Water

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.

Lunch and coffee by Coniston Water
Lunch and coffee by Coniston Water
The River Keer again with snow and coffee
Robin
Curious robin
Coniston Water

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.

Pine Lake Resort
The view whilst I ate breakfast
Hot dog and fried egg croissant
Breakfast

The walk

River Keer walk with snow
River Keer walk with snow
Lancashire with snow

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.

Coffee stop by a bridge
Upper Keer Bridge

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.

Lancashire with snow

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.

Alpkit MiTiMug with lid, collapsible 400ml Sea-to-Summit mug, multi-fuel bushcraft stove, coffee bag, Trangia tin for solid fuel tablets.
Lancashire with snow

The River Keer again with snow and coffee Read More »

More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire

Wychnor Park Country Club

Staffordshire
grey squirrel
Wychnor Park Country Club
Wychnor Park Country Club
Staffordshire
Grey squirrel
Grey squirrel
Vietnamese iced coffee with the phin – I use Evaporated milk as it is less sweet than condensed milk
Sunset from the balcony​
Sunset from the balcony
Staffordshire countryside
Sundial
Wychnor Park Country Club

National Forest Way

Footpath through the trees
Bridge over a stream in the wood
Lightweight cookset coffee break
Lightweight cookset
Lightweight cookset
River Trent​
River Trent

The Wychnor Flitch

Swarbourne Meadows

More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire Read More »

National Forest Way to the River Trent

The National Forest Way passes by Wychnor Park Country Club – so before it got too hot this morning I walked out to the River Trent along the path.

Wychnor Park from the path​
Wychnor Park from the path
Spicky plant
Seed pods
Bridge over a stream in the woods

Along the way, I found a suitable spot for to brew a coffee, out in the countryside but definitely in the shade – my bush hat can only keep so much sun off me.

Coffee stop in the shadow of a trer
Lightweight walking kit including a stool
Coffee stop
Alpkit Kraku stove, MSR titanium mug, Alpkit titanium spoon
Lightweight gear for making coffee

River Trent

River Trent
River Trent

The early squirrel

This squirrel came for breakfast.

Grey squirrel on the balcony
Grey squirrel on the tablr

National Forest Way to the River Trent Read More »

More photos from my trip to Devon

The drive down

Gate and country walk
Coach bolts on a wooden gate

Woodford Bridge Country Club

Tropical leaf
Peacock at Woodford Bridge Country Club
Woodford Bridge - Peacock photos​

Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay​
Widemouth Bay
Widemouth Bay
Coffee stop on the way back to the cat

The Strangles and Little Strand

The Strangles beach
The Strangles beach
The Strangles, Little Strand, Samphire Rock and Northern Door rock ​arch
The Strangles, Little Strand, Samphire Rock and Northern Door rock arch
The Strangles, Little Strand, Samphire Rock and Northern Door rock ​arch
The Strangles
Samphire Rock
Samphire Rock
The Strangles
Little Strand and Northern Door rock ​arch
Little Strand and Northern Door rock arch
Little Strand and Northern Door rock ​arch
Little Strand and Northern Door rock arch
Northern Door rock ​arch
Northern Door rock arch
Little Strand
Little Strand beach
Little Strand and Northern Door rock ​arch
The Strangles
The Strangles beach

On the way back up…

Lunch

Keith titanium bottle and nesting titanium mug, Alpkit MiTiMug 400, Sea to Summit packable rucksack, dragon fuel stove used in a mini wood stove
The Strangles, Little Strand, Samphire Rock and Northern Door rock ​arch
The Strangles, Little Strand, Samphire Rock and Northern Door rock arch
The North Cornish Coast
The North Cornish Coast
The North Cornish Coast
Screen shot from my Memory Map app

Just before coming home

Woodford Bridge Country Club peacocks
Woodford Bridge Country Club peacocks

More photos from my trip to Devon Read More »

More photos from my recent trip to Lancashire

Pine Lake

Pine Lake ducks
Pine Lake ducks seat
Pine Lake

Walking to Warton Crag and Quarry

Sheep field
Warton Quarry
Warton Quarry
Warton Quarry
Coffee stop
Lightweight gear for coffee​
Lightweight gear for coffee
Lancashire

Warton

Warton

More at Pine Lake

Sunset at Pine Lake
Pine Lake
Pine Lake
Pine Lake

River Keer Walk

River Keer
River Keer
Lavender

Pine Lake sunrise

Pine Lake
Pine Lake rainbow

More photos from my recent trip to Lancashire Read More »