Website updates
Today I have added a page for this year’s backpacking gear to the site. It includes the good, the bad and the ugly of last year’s gear, and the changes to the kit for 2014… so far! See the page here.
Camping
Christmas Backpacking Gear Update
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 »
Website updates – Backpacking Brew Kit
With the winter here it is time to start sorting through my backpacking equipment and updating the website to my current kit.
I have made some changes and additions to my backpacking brew kit.
Website updates – Backpacking Brew Kit Read More »
Walking
Having set the alarm early enough today to go out and photograph a sunrise, it was overcast.
I found a good place to stop for breakfast by the River Witham.
Pop Tarts
When looking online to see what other people do for backpacking gear and food, I see many US backpackers eating “Pop Tarts” for breakfast – when I was in Tesco on Friday they had them for sale in their “American section”, so I ought I would try them out.
First thing to get over was the price – £3.50 for eight Pop Tarts. They are invidually packed in twos which makes them ideal for portion control. On the packaging it says they should be cooked in a toaster or microwave, I am sure none of the lightweight backpacker I have seen using them, carries either of these items so I assumed they could be eaten cold – however I ate one at home yesterday to check.
Pop Tarts are a soft pastry with a soft sweet filling.
I had the other this morning with some tea and it was fine, more filling than the breakfast biscuits I have been recently using when backpacking. They are however very sweet and probably not nutritionally great, but I am not planning to eat them continuously – some dried or fresh fruit would help with this. Another issue for some people is that ithey may contain genetically engineered soya.
The packaging makes this a good backpacking food for me, two pastries in a a sealed plastic wrapper, but because Pop Tarts are soft I will have to take care not to crush them in my backpack. Even though they are relatively expensive compared to breakfast biscuits I think I will be using them for variety in my menus.
New backpacking kit
It was my birthday last week and I got a couple of new pieces of lightweight backpacking equipment.
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.
New backpacking kit Read More »
