How long does lightweight footware last? That's a question I've pondered over many times. It's such an important consideration when route planning that I now keep track of the millage I get from all my footwear.
Monday 13 February 2012
Inov-8 Terroc 330 - how long does lightweight footware last?
How long does lightweight footware last? That's a question I've pondered over many times. It's such an important consideration when route planning that I now keep track of the millage I get from all my footwear.
Sunday 12 February 2012
Generic gear list
I'm regularly asked what gear I carry when out hiking. I tell them that every trip is different and that I rarely carry the same gear list twice. The list here is my generic starting point when choosing gear for my 2012 hikes. It's a good basic list that allows me to cope with most conditions in the UK and around the world. From this I will mix and match depending on the location, time of year, and my knowledge of that area.
What I ALWAYS try and do is keep my baseweight below 4kg for any long hikes. If its over, even by 1g, then I consider that a failure! Occasionally, certain sections of a hike might need specialised equipment such as crampons, ice axe or even an umbrella for the desert, so it's ok to go over the limit for that brief period. To some 4 kg will seem quite high and if you're hiking in a familiar location or over a shorter period then it's easy to go lower. On shorter hikes my baseweight would be nearer 2kg. when thru-hiking it's much harder, you will need kit that can cope with more varied weather and often hikes will be in unfamiliar environments. Comfort is also much more important and a good nights sleep should not be underestimated! Add to that extras like chargers, spare batteries, shaving kit, guide books etc and the weight really starts to add up.
Monday 6 February 2012
Terra Nova Ultra 1 review (2011)
In May 2011 I was lucky enough to get my hands on the most exciting tent from a mainstream kit producer for many years. Read my review over on Andy Howell's blog.
MLD Trailstar review (2010)
Early 2010 few had heard of the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar so I posted a review for Andy Howell over on his site.
Two years later the Trailstar is now widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweight, but stormproof, shelters ever made. Still my favourite bad weather shelter and a true classic.
Lightweight protection for gadgets (2009)
A project from 2009 published on Andy Howell's blog
A great lightweight case that could easily be modified to take any gadget.
Ultra-light trowel (2009)
Another piece I produced for Andy Howell in 2009. This has proven to be very popular! I've since moved on to a lighter titanium trowel (15g) but to be honest this works better on tough ground.
Ultra-light Trowel
TGO gear review (2008)
After my second TGO Challenge in 2008 I was interviewed by Andy Howell about the lightweight kit I used.
MYOG water-bag (2009)
In 2009 I was looking for a lightweight alternative to the Platypus bladder water carrying system. I wanted something with greater capacity and carrying handles. Of course it had to be lighter!
Water bag
I don't use these much nowadays as it would be unlikely to last a 5 month hike. But for additional capacity and weekend hikes its perfect.
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