The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
ecsrobin said:
I worked nationally so possibly different factors. South Wales was the common place for mountain bike injuries. But I can break down what each call will be with some accuracy based on time of day. I suspect with today’s weather at 3pm will be quite a few calls around the country for broken ankles and missing children at beaches. 11pm will be missing walkers, 3am high risk mispers, 10am bendy divers (seemed to be more common to have a heart attack/stroke that resulted in a rapid surface). But I digress.
Getting out doesn’t have to be expensive but some simple quality kit will help in keeping out of difficulty.
I suspect there are regional differences. North Wales is an odd mix of very very easy accessibility and big mountain risks so being ill prepared will make more of a difference than some areas. A friend was TL for one of the North Wales teams. He was in the Barnaby Bear episode so you may know him.Getting out doesn’t have to be expensive but some simple quality kit will help in keeping out of difficulty.
How come you got involved with bent Divers? I'm curious. I'd assumed that would be coastguard.
I agree with your last point, but the outdoors has become another gear race. It permeates MR too to a degree. I've had guys blowing out their arse on the hills becuase they resemble 2 para approaching goose green.
There's a balance to be had.
Interesting debate on kit...
My opinions (for what they are worth): I go with the old British Army saying of 'any fool can be uncomfortable' (note - for clarity - that I'm not calling anyone on this thread a fool).
Yes, you can wear old school kit when you're out and about in the hills. Just like you can use an old Nokia 3310 rather than a smartphone, just like you can choose to live in a house with no central heating (because that's what people used to do) rather than being nice and warm.
But why would you? Modern breathable base layers and waterproofs make your experience nicer and more enjoyable. Try a cotton t shirt and jeans when you're hiking, and then try it again using decent fabrics and you'll soon notice the difference.
WRT footwear: wearing trainers is OK. Until it's not. You may well never have an issue with twisting an ankle, and that great. But wearing boots lessens the risk of ruining your trip, suffering a bit of pain and, most importantly, placing other people at risk to come and rescue you when you're in a sticky situation. Obviously boots don't make you invulnerable, but they will lessen the risk IME.
It's all about balance IMO: if you are planning an easy stroll on a warm day, then clearly you don't need to cart a load of hardcore gear about with you. On the other hand, if you know you're heading into an environment where the weather can be unpredictable (like Snowdon) without the proper kit, then you could be considered feckless at best.
Even in the high summer with no rain forecast, when I'm heading into the hills I always pack a set of waterproofs, something warm to wear (if you do suffer an injury it can get quite cold quite quickly while waiting for help), plenty of water, compass, map, torch, powerbank, walking poles, first aid kit and some extra snacks (small packets of nuts and cereal bars are great for this). My day walk pack weight is about 7kg max which is nothing in the great scheme of things, and I've never yet had to rely on it in a dodgy situation, but I like to know it's there.
To put it another way: I've never had a serious crash in 30 years of driving, but I still wear my seatbelt.
My opinions (for what they are worth): I go with the old British Army saying of 'any fool can be uncomfortable' (note - for clarity - that I'm not calling anyone on this thread a fool).
Yes, you can wear old school kit when you're out and about in the hills. Just like you can use an old Nokia 3310 rather than a smartphone, just like you can choose to live in a house with no central heating (because that's what people used to do) rather than being nice and warm.
But why would you? Modern breathable base layers and waterproofs make your experience nicer and more enjoyable. Try a cotton t shirt and jeans when you're hiking, and then try it again using decent fabrics and you'll soon notice the difference.
WRT footwear: wearing trainers is OK. Until it's not. You may well never have an issue with twisting an ankle, and that great. But wearing boots lessens the risk of ruining your trip, suffering a bit of pain and, most importantly, placing other people at risk to come and rescue you when you're in a sticky situation. Obviously boots don't make you invulnerable, but they will lessen the risk IME.
It's all about balance IMO: if you are planning an easy stroll on a warm day, then clearly you don't need to cart a load of hardcore gear about with you. On the other hand, if you know you're heading into an environment where the weather can be unpredictable (like Snowdon) without the proper kit, then you could be considered feckless at best.
Even in the high summer with no rain forecast, when I'm heading into the hills I always pack a set of waterproofs, something warm to wear (if you do suffer an injury it can get quite cold quite quickly while waiting for help), plenty of water, compass, map, torch, powerbank, walking poles, first aid kit and some extra snacks (small packets of nuts and cereal bars are great for this). My day walk pack weight is about 7kg max which is nothing in the great scheme of things, and I've never yet had to rely on it in a dodgy situation, but I like to know it's there.
To put it another way: I've never had a serious crash in 30 years of driving, but I still wear my seatbelt.
ecsrobin said:
TGCOTF-dewey said:
How come you got involved with bent Divers? I'm curious. I'd assumed that would be coastguard.
Big red and white pieces of kit 
You RAF team then?
Worked with Leeming boys and girls many times.
They were - just - still yellow when I did MR. Swapped over just as I left.
Have a bit of love hate relationship with the things - one time we really would have liked one, everyone bar valley had gone technical and they weren't too keen to fly across the country in High winds and a blizzard. Took us 6 hours to do about 4 miles through thigh deep snow just to get to the cas. A very long night that.
Another time came very close to turning me into a cas as it was tasked do a very low level FLIR search along the a river. So low that down draft blew me over, thankfully the right way otherwise I'd have taken a winter dip.
I did have the 'pleasure' to see some of THE finest flying though in Coire an t-Sneachda. Crag snatch in 3 figure windspeeds. Winchman was ballsy as hell attempting that. Sadly the case died though.
I'd be interesting to hear how the commercial operation is working out as there was a lot of negativity in the teams during the transition.
I bought a 70 quid MTB technical jacket. I still sweated loads and was useless. I guess we are all different but I run hot and sweaty a lot, sone just prefer normal stuff.
I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
mickythefish said:
I bought a 70 quid MTB technical jacket. I still sweated loads and was useless. I guess we are all different but I run hot and sweaty a lot, sone just prefer normal stuff.
I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
That's why a dry base layer to swap into when descending is a must for me. I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
TGCOTF-dewey said:
mickythefish said:
I bought a 70 quid MTB technical jacket. I still sweated loads and was useless. I guess we are all different but I run hot and sweaty a lot, sone just prefer normal stuff.
I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
That's why a dry base layer to swap into when descending is a must for me. I am looking at getting decent shoes for scarfell, only because it gives me more options on the day, will probably keep my trainers they work for me .
Yep.
I've gone right off Merino base layers recently. They do dry quickly but they just seem to give me that horrible cold clammy feeling (similar to cotton).
The Keela ADS tops (about 25 quid each for the long sleeve type) are my main choice at the moment for colder weather. Under Armour Tech 2 t shirts are great for hotter weather.
I’m kit testing most weekends now for my JMT hike later this summer. My main pieces of gear I’m getting familiar with is my XMid 1p tent, Enlightened Equipment quilt and Atom Packs Mo backpack. I have a lot to learn but it’s good fun!
My JMT kit list: https://lighterpack.com/r/rgz308
My JMT kit list: https://lighterpack.com/r/rgz308
Matt.. said:
I’m kit testing most weekends now for my JMT hike later this summer. My main pieces of gear I’m getting familiar with is my XMid 1p tent, Enlightened Equipment quilt and Atom Packs Mo backpack. I have a lot to learn but it’s good fun!
My JMT kit list: https://lighterpack.com/r/rgz308
This hike needs it's own thread please My JMT kit list: https://lighterpack.com/r/rgz308
mickythefish said:
Kinder and Mar Tor done, proper knackered, the shoes stood up well. Looking at Scarfell pike next and a Sweden walking tour.
As this is PH car included. 20km walk
definitely investing in a decent back pack, and shoes
Kinder Scout is one of my favourite walks... about an hour and 20 min drive for me, so I go there fairly often. Normally do a modified 14 mile route including Brown Knoll.As this is PH car included. 20km walk
definitely investing in a decent back pack, and shoes
I do try to avoid Mam Tor though as it gets very busy and I don't like crowds.
If you want some more Peak District walks:
https://peakdistrictwalks.net/win-hill-walk-crook-...
https://peakdistrictwalks.net/hathersage-walk-padl...
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/derb...
One bit of advice would be if you're going to do Scafell Pike, pay close attention to the weather forecast and the route you plan to take. Being on the west coast it's unpredictable, the temperature can drop away and it's one of the wettest places in the country. Add to that there is one 'easy' route up, but when you reach the summit, it's pretty flat and in the cloud each route can look the same unless you have a compass the help you choose. There are some big falls available if you're careless.
Seems daft saying it in the UK for something only 1000m tall, but enough people get caught to make it worth repeating.
If you can go with someone who knows it reasonably well, that's always a help.
Seems daft saying it in the UK for something only 1000m tall, but enough people get caught to make it worth repeating.
If you can go with someone who knows it reasonably well, that's always a help.
mickythefish said:
Kinder and Mar Tor done, proper knackered, the shoes stood up well. Looking at Scarfell pike next and a Sweden walking tour.
As this is PH car included. 20km walk
definitely investing in a decent back pack, and shoes
Bloody hell mate you're really going for it.As this is PH car included. 20km walk
definitely investing in a decent back pack, and shoes
Great photos and nice car.
Cheers , going through a few issues and just thought f it. Only thing stopping me in costs but just deciding to push myself.
Yes mam tor is very busy and didn't like that. Climbing up from Edale was great fun even had a chat with another hiker who recommended gear to get. Just need money as it gets very expensive as hobbies do.
Scarfell pike I will take a lot of kit and also stay a few days incase. Just want to do two mountains that's my target.
So far I've done Rosemary Toppings, the roaches , dove cloud all in last 8 weeks. As I say hope my experiences motivate others to at least start.
Yes mam tor is very busy and didn't like that. Climbing up from Edale was great fun even had a chat with another hiker who recommended gear to get. Just need money as it gets very expensive as hobbies do.
Scarfell pike I will take a lot of kit and also stay a few days incase. Just want to do two mountains that's my target.
So far I've done Rosemary Toppings, the roaches , dove cloud all in last 8 weeks. As I say hope my experiences motivate others to at least start.
Edited by mickythefish on Monday 13th May 05:59
As this hiking gear this is my current wish list
adidas Terrex Men's Swift R2 Shoes
Jetboil Flash Camping
Deuter Unisex Futura 26 Hiking Backpack -like this one for ventilation on the back and looks good quality. Noticed the other hiker had it
Katadyn Water Filter's BeFree 1 Liter - As was looking at a bladder system but think this is better as most places always have running water, and saves weight.
Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug for hot drinks
I've thought about things I want from hiking and these all fit my priority list now. I have a sleeping bag, tent already.
adidas Terrex Men's Swift R2 Shoes
Jetboil Flash Camping
Deuter Unisex Futura 26 Hiking Backpack -like this one for ventilation on the back and looks good quality. Noticed the other hiker had it
Katadyn Water Filter's BeFree 1 Liter - As was looking at a bladder system but think this is better as most places always have running water, and saves weight.
Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug for hot drinks
I've thought about things I want from hiking and these all fit my priority list now. I have a sleeping bag, tent already.
mickythefish said:
Katadyn Water Filter's BeFree 1 Liter - As was looking at a bladder system but think this is better as most places always have running water, and saves weight.
I use a Katadyn filter or Salomon filter for multi-day hikes. The Salomon filter is the Katadyn filter with a bite valve instead of a flip top. For day hikes I use soft bottles if I have my fast packing pack, or the bottles you get buying water in a shop (these are good for saving weight as they're ~35g each for the big bottles). I gave up using water bladders long ago. I don't use my Katadyn filter a lot here in Wales as there are so many sheep around (definitely right now) that it makes me a little nervous taking water from rivers/lakes!Yeah the small filters aren’t great if there’s serious stuff in the water. For that I have a multi-stage ceramic filter pump and disinfectant tablets but that’s quite a bit heavier and much less convenient. Plus the tablets make the water horrid.
Meanwhile I bought some stupidly expensive but absolutely awesome arc’teryx approach shoes - the vertex alpine grx and they are great. Initially a bit stiff but super grippy and comfortable. The colour-matched vibram sole is quite clever too.
Meanwhile I bought some stupidly expensive but absolutely awesome arc’teryx approach shoes - the vertex alpine grx and they are great. Initially a bit stiff but super grippy and comfortable. The colour-matched vibram sole is quite clever too.
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