The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
Faust66 said:
Couple of deliveries today...
New Keela Munro jacket (been thinking about one of these for a while: good reports on the Arc'tyrex thread convinced me): looks like a quality bit of kit. Wouldn't want to wear it on a humid summer day, but it looks ideal for winter hill walks.
Carinthia defence 4 sleeping bag: I've been after a winter bag for a while, but I'm really struggling to find one. I'm 6ft 4 and a bit. Tried 'long' bags from Mountain Equipment, Alpkit and Rab (all claim to be suitable for my height... but they really are not). Sadly the Carinthia will have to go back as it's too short for me. I've got a ME Helium 400 xxl which is perfect in length but is more of a 3 season bag (it's okay ish down to freezing), but they no longer make the 800 xxl version which is rated down to -10c or so.
I'm at a bit of a loss now. I know PHD make long bags but they are out of budget for me. Xped are the same.
Guess I'll just have to be cold.
Nemo make some excellent quality long bags. I have one which I’ve been extremely happy with. Especially as they cut them a little different so they are much more comfortable for side sleepers. Also don’t skimp on your mat. A proper mat with a high R value about 4 will make a massive difference to sleeping warmth. New Keela Munro jacket (been thinking about one of these for a while: good reports on the Arc'tyrex thread convinced me): looks like a quality bit of kit. Wouldn't want to wear it on a humid summer day, but it looks ideal for winter hill walks.
Carinthia defence 4 sleeping bag: I've been after a winter bag for a while, but I'm really struggling to find one. I'm 6ft 4 and a bit. Tried 'long' bags from Mountain Equipment, Alpkit and Rab (all claim to be suitable for my height... but they really are not). Sadly the Carinthia will have to go back as it's too short for me. I've got a ME Helium 400 xxl which is perfect in length but is more of a 3 season bag (it's okay ish down to freezing), but they no longer make the 800 xxl version which is rated down to -10c or so.
I'm at a bit of a loss now. I know PHD make long bags but they are out of budget for me. Xped are the same.
Guess I'll just have to be cold.
A very timely thread - me and a few pals are off to do the "SAS" walk in the Brecons at the end of the month. Believe it is called the Fan Dance? Then we're off to the big Zip World up by Anglesey the following day.
I've not done much of this hiking stuff before, but my friends have done Three Peaks and go trail running most weekends. Looking forward to the challenge.
Now, time to engage Google for some suitable attire!
I've not done much of this hiking stuff before, but my friends have done Three Peaks and go trail running most weekends. Looking forward to the challenge.
Now, time to engage Google for some suitable attire!
Done Snowdon 2-3 times, Pen y Fan (nearly 30mls that day), Sugar Loaf, bottled Tryfan North Face 1/2 way up as I really don’t like heights!
Cheddar Gorge, Exmoor, Dartmoor, started the SWCP in sections from the beginning (have done loads of random sections).
Hoping to do a lot more inc. WHW next year with a bit of luck.
Cheddar Gorge, Exmoor, Dartmoor, started the SWCP in sections from the beginning (have done loads of random sections).
Hoping to do a lot more inc. WHW next year with a bit of luck.
I'm from a Lakeland family; great grand parents ran Langdale school, great aunt was headmistress of Keswick school. Although I didn't get to live there was there pretty much every weekend / holiday in my youth. Parents now live in an old family home outside Keswick.
The Lakes now seems to be much busier than I remembered in my youth but can still be nice if you avoid the crowds.
You can even have a tourist-trap like Catbells to yourself if you pick your time. I like going up after dinner and do as much of the Dalehead horseshoe coming down in the dark. As long as you're well dressed rain just makes the place quieter. I've had some of my best walks in or above the clouds on stormy days in the Lakes. I love the romance of it in those conditions. (take a proper compass, paper map as well your electronic stuff)
Catbells at sunset.
Mountains got under my skin and I now live at 1750m in Switzerland, looking onto glaciers and 3000-4000m high local peaks. Compared to the Alps the Lakes are tamer - the mountains are much older, more accessible and you'd have to be daft to get in real trouble. Here many of the climbs I wouldn't go without a guide.
Here the climate is causing real damage. The post on this photo shows where one of the local glaciers went down to in 2015. This was taken just before sunrise on Monday. Enjoy the mountains whilst you can.
The Lakes now seems to be much busier than I remembered in my youth but can still be nice if you avoid the crowds.
You can even have a tourist-trap like Catbells to yourself if you pick your time. I like going up after dinner and do as much of the Dalehead horseshoe coming down in the dark. As long as you're well dressed rain just makes the place quieter. I've had some of my best walks in or above the clouds on stormy days in the Lakes. I love the romance of it in those conditions. (take a proper compass, paper map as well your electronic stuff)
Catbells at sunset.
Mountains got under my skin and I now live at 1750m in Switzerland, looking onto glaciers and 3000-4000m high local peaks. Compared to the Alps the Lakes are tamer - the mountains are much older, more accessible and you'd have to be daft to get in real trouble. Here many of the climbs I wouldn't go without a guide.
Here the climate is causing real damage. The post on this photo shows where one of the local glaciers went down to in 2015. This was taken just before sunrise on Monday. Enjoy the mountains whilst you can.
I hike a huge amount and just finished Alta Via 1 and Tour du Mont Blanc.
I’m looking for harder adventures for next year but definitely enjoy the social side of European Alps hikes with the Refuges.
My current thought is the Haute Route and perhaps GR20. Other ideas would definitely be appreciated though.
I’m looking for harder adventures for next year but definitely enjoy the social side of European Alps hikes with the Refuges.
My current thought is the Haute Route and perhaps GR20. Other ideas would definitely be appreciated though.
Bill said:
The Haute Route is an obvious one, although it's a step up because of the glacier travel.
The GR20 is also on my list, a friend of mine ran it!
I’m a little tempted to fast hike TMB with a running pack. I am sure I could do it much faster than the leisurely 10 days I did this time! Though taking it slow worked really well for the social side of Alps hiking.The GR20 is also on my list, a friend of mine ran it!
Bill said:
I haven't really looked at it due to time/kids etc but I suspect the traffic would be annoying and you'd struggle for huts if you were out of sync.
I doubt it. Huts aren’t that difficult to get availability in for TMB. Obviously that’s dependent on time of year or when the booking is made. TMB has a huge amount of accommodation options.
I just did it and could have started with zero bookings and got most of the good huts by booking as I went. There are a lot of cancellations or tour companies freeing up their reserved spaces.
The bigger issue is probably accidental syncing with big groups!
I found starting early gives very quiet trails. TMB is full of beginner/new hikers and many of those are definitely not early risers and are not skipping breakfast! (TMB refuge breakfasts are not good!).
Thought I'd resurrect this thread...
Off up to the Peaks this Saturday: been told it's nice and snowy up there, so want to see if Kinder Downfall is frozen. -8 windchill and clear conditions forecast!
Knee has been a bit dodgy (f
king AGAIN!) so not done much exciting walking recently and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.
Off up to the Peaks this Saturday: been told it's nice and snowy up there, so want to see if Kinder Downfall is frozen. -8 windchill and clear conditions forecast!
Knee has been a bit dodgy (f
king AGAIN!) so not done much exciting walking recently and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. I really wish I'd started using walking poles earlier in my 'hiking career'.
I blame the descent of Whernside for the final collapse of my knees.
Now a daily dose of glucosamine tablets.
Anyway, loving this cold weather. Have a pic of Brontë Country and the famous Brontë sisters house high above Haworth.
I blame the descent of Whernside for the final collapse of my knees.
Now a daily dose of glucosamine tablets.
Anyway, loving this cold weather. Have a pic of Brontë Country and the famous Brontë sisters house high above Haworth.
Edited by MonkeyBusiness on Friday 16th December 11:13
Bill said:
Have you done your exercises? 
I was in the Black Mountains with a few friends last month walking and car camping. Took my camping gaz stove rather than my petrol whisperlite but hadn't realised the cheapo gas I'd bought was butane so it wouldn't light! FML!!
Yes Dad (I was in the Black Mountains with a few friends last month walking and car camping. Took my camping gaz stove rather than my petrol whisperlite but hadn't realised the cheapo gas I'd bought was butane so it wouldn't light! FML!!
), was doing knee exercises... gonna book some more physio sessions in the new year. Coast Path is calling and I really don't like giving up on things (have done a few sections this year though).Had a similar stove disaster: Trangia leak proof fuel bottle wasn't as leak proof as I'd hoped. Meths all over my sleeping bag and jacket (both down and expensive). Luckily there was no lasting damage, but no hot drink or food after a days hiking in the rain (was solo wild camping and there was nowhere near to buy anything) did NOT put me in the best of moods. Some creative swearing was relied upon to get me though.
Faust66 said:
Some creative swearing was relied upon to get me though.
It's the only way! I once managed to tip a tarp full of water into my rucksack having managed to keep everything dry for three solid days of rain. Lying in a damp bag for the rest of the day trying to dry it out for the night had a similar effect.Walking boots...everyone has their favourites.
I needed some lightweight boots as an alternative to my excellent Altberg Tetheras which after 10 miles or so feel a bit heavy.
I've been marching along in these from Decathlon (who I am rapidly of the opinion their stuff is as good as the Rab, Montane, etc).
Quechua MH500
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-wal...
Not normally one for recommending walking boots as they tend to be a personal thing but these are good, very good.
'*disclaimer - I haven't had these knee deep in bogs or 6 hours of rain unlike the Tetheras.
I needed some lightweight boots as an alternative to my excellent Altberg Tetheras which after 10 miles or so feel a bit heavy.
I've been marching along in these from Decathlon (who I am rapidly of the opinion their stuff is as good as the Rab, Montane, etc).
Quechua MH500
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-wal...
Not normally one for recommending walking boots as they tend to be a personal thing but these are good, very good.
'*disclaimer - I haven't had these knee deep in bogs or 6 hours of rain unlike the Tetheras.
Edited by MonkeyBusiness on Monday 19th December 09:55
Weekend walk didn't go as planned: weather had changed earlier than forecast, so we gave Kinder a miss (steep paths, rain and ice = bad for knee which is still a bit delicate).
Parked up at the Derwent Visitor centre (for those who know the area) and headed up through some woods to Alport castles. Unfortunately, my missus was not feeling well so we all had to turn back. Only did 5 miles or so, but will be heading back over the Xmas break to do the 15 mile circular walk we had planned.
Weather was a bit dodgy (heavy rain and snow) so limited pic opportunities.
Oh, and as this is PH: my P2 XC70 handled the ice and snow covered roads like a dream: a couple of big 4x4s struggled to get up the steep exit from the car park... XC just wafted up with 'smug mode' fully engaged (first time I've had this car out in real winter conditions with my newish cross climate 2s fitted).
Parked up at the Derwent Visitor centre (for those who know the area) and headed up through some woods to Alport castles. Unfortunately, my missus was not feeling well so we all had to turn back. Only did 5 miles or so, but will be heading back over the Xmas break to do the 15 mile circular walk we had planned.
Weather was a bit dodgy (heavy rain and snow) so limited pic opportunities.
Oh, and as this is PH: my P2 XC70 handled the ice and snow covered roads like a dream: a couple of big 4x4s struggled to get up the steep exit from the car park... XC just wafted up with 'smug mode' fully engaged (first time I've had this car out in real winter conditions with my newish cross climate 2s fitted).
Could anyone recommend some waterproof gloves from experience?
Have to be gloves not mitts, preferably nothing bulky, bonus points if they are warm too. Its for a Xmas gift for my good lady.
I've eyed up some of the sealskinz gloves but the reviews are a bit patchy - some say they are great, others that they aren't actually waterproof if youre out for any length of time. I have sealskinz gloves myself which are grand but they don't seem to make them in a ladies version/small enough.
Have to be gloves not mitts, preferably nothing bulky, bonus points if they are warm too. Its for a Xmas gift for my good lady.
I've eyed up some of the sealskinz gloves but the reviews are a bit patchy - some say they are great, others that they aren't actually waterproof if youre out for any length of time. I have sealskinz gloves myself which are grand but they don't seem to make them in a ladies version/small enough.
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