The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
As we've had a 'bit' of rain recently, who has splurged on a new waterproof?
My trusty old Rab Meridian let me down in the peaks a couple of weeks ago, so I've bought a Mountain Equipment Makala to replace it.
Only worn a few times on easy flat walks but I'm very impressed so far. Really like the visor/peaked hood (essential if you wear glasses) - it seems better than the ME Rupal I bough a while back.
Looking forward to colder conditions when my Keela Munro will be pressed back into service...
My trusty old Rab Meridian let me down in the peaks a couple of weeks ago, so I've bought a Mountain Equipment Makala to replace it.
Only worn a few times on easy flat walks but I'm very impressed so far. Really like the visor/peaked hood (essential if you wear glasses) - it seems better than the ME Rupal I bough a while back.
Looking forward to colder conditions when my Keela Munro will be pressed back into service...
MonkeyBusiness said:
Faust66 said:
Looking forward to colder conditions when my Keela Munro will be pressed back into service...
When I was looking for a jacket the Keela Munro was high on my list. At times I wish I hadn't been so tight and paid the money.Not that it matters because we don't buy for the looks (
) but its a cracking looking jacket too 
You can't wear them if the temperature is much above 13 c as they're pretty warm, but for an old school bombproof jacket to handle bad conditions in the colder months, I don't think you can find much better - especially for the money.
Some reviews are critical of the fit, saying they're like wearing a baggy old army jacket, but I really love that. So much outdoor gear is aimed at the the racing snake types (6ft plus and 11 stone...), it's refreshing to find something that's more accommodating for more, ah, 'powerfully built' people (can't believe I typed that PH cliché!).
I do buy on appearances - guess that makes me shallow - but I've go bit of a 'thing' when I see swarms of people all wearing bright red, blue, orange or whatever kit in the hills.
Personal preference I know, but I prefer to blend in a bit: I normally wear black trousers with a dark green/grey jacket or vice versa. My rucksack has a neon green waterproof cover which I could use if I needed to be seen (if it all went wrong).
LordHaveMurci said:
A bit of a snap purchase so very little research, I bought a Rab Downpour 2 jacket last weekend from Cotswold Outdoor. Even with my 15% discount I overpaid slightly but I needed it the following day (Sunday).
Not really used in anger yet, I hope it’s Ok as I’ve read mixed reviews on Rab waterproofs.
I'll be interested to hear how you get on.Not really used in anger yet, I hope it’s Ok as I’ve read mixed reviews on Rab waterproofs.
I love Rab stuff: I've got a couple of their fleeces, a Microlight infinium and a Batura (LOVE this one) but I was disappointed with the Meridian gore-tex shell from the outset. It kept wetting though on the cuffs and got progressively worse. I sent it off to Rab for a proper wash and re-proof and it didn't get any better. Brilliant hood for glasses wearers though.
I'm planning on contacting Rab to see what they can do about these issues as I expect better from them.
LordHaveMurci said:
I paid £22 in Sports Direct, Karrimor ones which do the job.
I’m sure Leki etc are ‘better’ but I have no intention of finding out!
I’m sure Leki etc are ‘better’ but I have no intention of finding out!
I've got a pair of Leki poles with shaped cork grips - expensive but a birthday present from my missus
. I love them: sturdy, reliable and pleasure to use.My missus has a pair of Trekmates cheap poles she bought on a whim. To be fair they are pretty good.
The main difference seems to be...
Grips: cheaper models tend to have plastic or rubber grips so you tend to get sweaty hands. Not ideal, but not the end of the world. The more expensive poles tend to avoid sweaty hand syndrome. If you're using them for hours on end, this is welcome!
Adjustment: my Lekis have quick release similar to the clamp you get on quick release bikes wheels and seats etc. Cheaper poles tend to have a 'twist' lock and unlock to adjust the length. These don't seem to be as sturdy as the clamp type.
If I was buying for the first time, I'd probably go for some cheap (ish) poles just to see how I got on with them. I'd definitely avoid carbon poles as these tend to shatter when bent too much. Alloy poles can always be bent back into true (not had to do this... yet).
In fairness, walking poles are one of the first bits of kit I recommend to novice or new hikers. I've been troubled with knee issues for years and the poles REALLY do help. Steep downhills are so much easier on the knees with poles.
Case in point: last weekend we (me, my missus and a mate) were walking an 11 mile loop around Kinder Low, Downfall and the Reservoir in the Peaks. We bumped into 3 young lads from Dudley who were well out of their depth (trainers, tracksuits, no map, no waterproofs or warm clothes) and were in a bit of trouble. We got them back to where they were parked in Hayfield and all was well. They were amazed at the difference even one pole made when walking over tough terrain...
Happy end to their story and a call to Mountain Rescue was avoided.
S100HP said:
Do steps still get recorded correctly when using poles?
Good question.I use my phone for step counts (kept in a leg pocket of my trousers) so I'd imagine using walking poles would not affect it.
If you use a smart watch it might mess up your count as the action of using your poles would show more movement.
Personally, I'm not that bothered by step counts so it's not something I place a great deal of interest in as it's almost academic: step counts won't necessarily reflect how tough or steep the terrain is/is not when you're hiking. And as you (well, I do) take much shorter steps when traversing rough ground, step counts are not that much use IMO
That said, you do raise an interesting point...
I'm bored today... was planning a 11 mile route around Standege Edge in the Peaks, but the weather forecast looked pretty bad.
Saw this report on the local news and thought it might be interesting for others to see:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-derbyshir...
Was up in the Peaks as usual last weekend (10 mile circuit around Stanedge Edge and Redmires Reservoir). Very warm for the time of year, but the autumnal colours are starting to creep in...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-derbyshir...
Was up in the Peaks as usual last weekend (10 mile circuit around Stanedge Edge and Redmires Reservoir). Very warm for the time of year, but the autumnal colours are starting to creep in...
sparkythecat said:
Has anybody bought any gear from a company called RevolutionRace?
They sell lots of good looking outdoor gear, but it's all by brands I've never heard of, nor seen anywhere else.
Just wondered if it's as good as it looks?
Revolution Race have been discussed on this thread a few months back....They sell lots of good looking outdoor gear, but it's all by brands I've never heard of, nor seen anywhere else.
Just wondered if it's as good as it looks?
Personally, I'm not a massive fan (bought a pair of their trousers). The quality is good, but the 'fit' is not fit for purpose IMO. The trousers are a very skinny cut and the hems are stupidly narrow. Seriously, you'll struggle to get your feet through them, let alone get them over your boots. Also, the leg pockets are quite small and are situated so they are not much use in the real world (the cargo pockets sit on the front of the legs rather than being offset to the side, so anything you put in them digs into your thighs and feels very uncomfortable).
Not tried the jackets. I don't believe in throwing good money after bad.
I was watching a video about them on YouTube a while back, and RR were described as outdoor gear for people who want to look the part of an outdoorsy person but don't necessarily spend much time outside of cities.
Have to agree with this.
ConnectionError said:
Get them resoled ..https://www.resoles.co.uk
Hmmmm, going to check this firm out (they are not that far from me).I really struggle to get boots re-soled as most places don't or won't repair boots in my size (15). Even Lowa - the boot manufacturer - can't help. It's bloody annoying as I've got many pairs of 200 quid a time boots with perfect uppers that I can't get resoled.
LordHaveMurci said:
Faust66 said:
Hmmmm, going to check this firm out (they are not that far from me).
I really struggle to get boots re-soled as most places don't or won't repair boots in my size (15). Even Lowa - the boot manufacturer - can't help. It's bloody annoying as I've got many pairs of 200 quid a time boots with perfect uppers that I can't get resoled.
Lancashire Sports Repair I think they’re called, worth a look from what I’ve heard. I really struggle to get boots re-soled as most places don't or won't repair boots in my size (15). Even Lowa - the boot manufacturer - can't help. It's bloody annoying as I've got many pairs of 200 quid a time boots with perfect uppers that I can't get resoled.
I've tried most places in the country that advertise re-soling for combat boots. None of them can help.
Altberg are a possibility but they didn't seem to keen (spun me a line about how they couldn't confirm what sole unit would be fitted and how there was no guarantee that the re-sole would be any good etc. Got the distinct impression they were not interested).
Also thought it was a very small treadmill
I use these:
Boot Bananas
Good for the environment and very effective. There is a major issue though: every time I use the damn things I get a song going through me head... 'Gimme Hope Jo’anna' by Eddy Grant.
Only the lyrics go "Give me boot banana, boot banana, hope before the morning come"... for hours and hours
. Still, helps keep the spirits up on a rainy hike.
I use these:
Boot Bananas
Good for the environment and very effective. There is a major issue though: every time I use the damn things I get a song going through me head... 'Gimme Hope Jo’anna' by Eddy Grant.
Only the lyrics go "Give me boot banana, boot banana, hope before the morning come"... for hours and hours
. Still, helps keep the spirits up on a rainy hike. ben5575 said:
Looking for a cold weather wind/waterproof(ish) soft shell jacket that I can chuck on as my 'go to' outer with a simple merino base layer. I tend to run hot when moving.
I'm thinking Mountain Equipment Vulcan jacket which is well reviewed, but I'm a little concerned that it won't be heavy/warm enough - is it just a mid layer with a hood or is it heavier/warmer? Does anybody have any experience of it? Or an alternative that they really rate?
https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/products/vulc...
If it's properly cold/wet I'll throw a down/hardshell over it, but the Vulcan seems like sufficiently wind/water resistant for 0-5degrees with drizzle/wind e.g. winter.
Also winter warm trousers wind/waterproof(ish) for when my regular (Fjallraven Keb) trousers are too cold?
Montane Terra XT seem to well thought of and have ventilation zips as well. Any experience or alternative recommendations please?
https://montane.com/collections/mens-all-legwear/p...
ETA links
I also find Kebs a bit cold... Vidda Pro or Vidda Pro ventilated is the answer for me. If it's really cold, I wear a pair of icebreaker merino leggings underneath. This is rare though as I also run hot (last used this set up in the peaks a couple of weeks back. It was -6c at 09:30 and probably -11c with the windchill).I'm thinking Mountain Equipment Vulcan jacket which is well reviewed, but I'm a little concerned that it won't be heavy/warm enough - is it just a mid layer with a hood or is it heavier/warmer? Does anybody have any experience of it? Or an alternative that they really rate?
https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/products/vulc...
If it's properly cold/wet I'll throw a down/hardshell over it, but the Vulcan seems like sufficiently wind/water resistant for 0-5degrees with drizzle/wind e.g. winter.
Also winter warm trousers wind/waterproof(ish) for when my regular (Fjallraven Keb) trousers are too cold?
Montane Terra XT seem to well thought of and have ventilation zips as well. Any experience or alternative recommendations please?
https://montane.com/collections/mens-all-legwear/p...
ETA links
Edited by ben5575 on Thursday 21st December 22:54
I like Montane stuff but it's cut a bit 'racing snake' and I'm not built like that. Mate has a pair of Terra XTs though and he really rates them.
LordHaveMurci said:
Guys
Any suggestions on a warm isg pair of wsterproof gloves for a sufferer of raynauds, budget about £50 preferably.
Trekmates Taktil Dry currently the favourite without trying any on.
I've got big hands and struggle to find gloves that fit well. The following have all been tested in pretty foul conditions in the peak district (any of them would be perfect for more 'sensible' weather).Any suggestions on a warm isg pair of wsterproof gloves for a sufferer of raynauds, budget about £50 preferably.
Trekmates Taktil Dry currently the favourite without trying any on.
Montane Prism dry line: very warm, very light and packable, waterproof ish for a couple of hours (they soak through in heavy rain or snow eventually)...
Trekmates Trion 3 in 1: very warm. They come with a goretex infinium liner glove and an outer fleece lined glove. Warm and waterproof but a bit bulky.
My favourite glove at the moment for cold and wet?
Keela Extreme: very warm and waterproof. They are a bit bulky but not as bad as the Trekmates.
If you shop around, you should be able to pick up any of the above for about 50 quid.
I've heard good things about the Mountain Equipment guide glove, but their XXL is a bit small for me. Oh, and AVOID Sealskin gloves... they are complete crap (NOT waterproof despite what the manufacturer claims).
Got a couple of pairs of the Craghoppers Kiwi: excellent light weight trousers for the summer but wouldn't wear them for winter walks (Fjallraven all the way for spring, autumn and winter... and quite a lot of the summer unless it's 25c + ).
Also got a pair of the Kiwi fleece lined version - great for sitting outside when it's cold.
If you're tall there is an issue with the Craghoppers though... their long leg length is only 33 inches (I'm just over a 34 inch inside leg) so they do look a bit odd perched on top of your boots. Not the end of the world, but I thought it was worth a mention.
).Also got a pair of the Kiwi fleece lined version - great for sitting outside when it's cold.
If you're tall there is an issue with the Craghoppers though... their long leg length is only 33 inches (I'm just over a 34 inch inside leg) so they do look a bit odd perched on top of your boots. Not the end of the world, but I thought it was worth a mention.
Edited by Faust66 on Wednesday 3rd January 14:56
Sounds like an epic trip Simbu - best of luck to you.
Agree with Bill: trying to do the 3 Peaks in 24 hours sounds like a bit too much (I must be getting old).
I'm toying with the idea of doing the Pennine Way this year... always been on my list but after my disappointment on the South west Coast Path a couple of years back (bloody knees), I feel ready for another multi-day trip.
Already got all the kit, got loads of leave banked at work, I spend a fair bit off time walking in the Peaks as it is, so why not go for it? Best of all, I won't get lost (as is traditional) on day 1 as I know the area around Kinder Scout > Crowden pretty well.
Agree with Bill: trying to do the 3 Peaks in 24 hours sounds like a bit too much (I must be getting old).
I'm toying with the idea of doing the Pennine Way this year... always been on my list but after my disappointment on the South west Coast Path a couple of years back (bloody knees), I feel ready for another multi-day trip.
Already got all the kit, got loads of leave banked at work, I spend a fair bit off time walking in the Peaks as it is, so why not go for it? Best of all, I won't get lost (as is traditional) on day 1 as I know the area around Kinder Scout > Crowden pretty well.
I quite like the idea of the ultralight movement in theory as carting loads of heavy kit about that you're not going to use is never a good idea and a lighter pack is sometimes a better pack, but on the other hand, if you take it too far you can end up with lightweight stuff that might not be fit for purpose. Perhaps it’s not so bad in this country (Cairngorms in the winter etc. excepted) but it does worry me when you see people who head out in properly extreme environments on YouTube etc. with what is in effect a 2 season/summer tent.
Example: I was talking to an ultralight person a couple of years back in Darkest Devon. We were wild camping in an exposed spot on some cliffs and she'd had a miserable night in a trekking pole tent that looked best placed for a sunny afternoon for the kids to play in (IMO)... "but it only weighs 900 grams". Her sleeping bag was soaked, all her gear was wet through… not a nice experience on a multi-day hike.
She did look quite jealous of my 2.4 kilo tent (Hilleberg Nallo 2) as my reaction to the 'extreme' wind and rain was "WHAT wind and rain?"
It was the same with footwear: after a few miles of wet hiking using Trail Runners or similar, her feet looked like she’d spent a couple of hours in the bath. My leather combat boots with a goretex lining meant my feet were basically perfect (they might weigh a about kilo each, but they get the job done for me).
Point is: ultralight can be good, but get the right tool for the job.
All just my opinion of course. I’m 6ft 5 ish and weigh about 16.5 stone. Saving the odd gram here and there is not going to make much difference to me. XXL clothes and size 15 boots (plus a tent and sleeping bag I can actually fit in!) are always going to weight a lot more than the equivalent for a smaller person. As I've said, I do like the ultralight ethos, but you won't find me snapping a toothbrush in half to save weight!
Oh, and that ultralight kit woman? She had bloody great 2 camera tripods she was lugging around in a kind of chest rig to enable her to get good photos!
Each to their own.
Example: I was talking to an ultralight person a couple of years back in Darkest Devon. We were wild camping in an exposed spot on some cliffs and she'd had a miserable night in a trekking pole tent that looked best placed for a sunny afternoon for the kids to play in (IMO)... "but it only weighs 900 grams". Her sleeping bag was soaked, all her gear was wet through… not a nice experience on a multi-day hike.
She did look quite jealous of my 2.4 kilo tent (Hilleberg Nallo 2) as my reaction to the 'extreme' wind and rain was "WHAT wind and rain?"
It was the same with footwear: after a few miles of wet hiking using Trail Runners or similar, her feet looked like she’d spent a couple of hours in the bath. My leather combat boots with a goretex lining meant my feet were basically perfect (they might weigh a about kilo each, but they get the job done for me).
Point is: ultralight can be good, but get the right tool for the job.
All just my opinion of course. I’m 6ft 5 ish and weigh about 16.5 stone. Saving the odd gram here and there is not going to make much difference to me. XXL clothes and size 15 boots (plus a tent and sleeping bag I can actually fit in!) are always going to weight a lot more than the equivalent for a smaller person. As I've said, I do like the ultralight ethos, but you won't find me snapping a toothbrush in half to save weight!
Oh, and that ultralight kit woman? She had bloody great 2 camera tripods she was lugging around in a kind of chest rig to enable her to get good photos!
Each to their own.
Loften does look spectacular... I really must get a passport and some finance sorted and start exploring some of these places rather than 'just' hiking in the UK.
Mind you, I don't help myself when I keep buying loads of kit: got a good deal on a Fjallraven Kaipak jacket the other day: it's just arrived and I love it (wearing it as I type this ).
I've been doing a lot of hiking in the peaks recently... bit of training for the Pennine Way. But as the weather is so damp at the moment I've put the PW on hold for a bit. Getting soaked occasionally when on a multi day hike is one thing, but when it's just constant rain and all your kit is damp or soaked, it's not just that much fun. I'll see what the weather is doing in May and make a decision.
Weather does look ok (ish) for the weekend, so another 18 mile or so day hike is in order.
Knee report for Bill: all is well at the moment!
Mind you, I don't help myself when I keep buying loads of kit: got a good deal on a Fjallraven Kaipak jacket the other day: it's just arrived and I love it (wearing it as I type this
).I've been doing a lot of hiking in the peaks recently... bit of training for the Pennine Way. But as the weather is so damp at the moment I've put the PW on hold for a bit. Getting soaked occasionally when on a multi day hike is one thing, but when it's just constant rain and all your kit is damp or soaked, it's not just that much fun. I'll see what the weather is doing in May and make a decision.
Weather does look ok (ish) for the weekend, so another 18 mile or so day hike is in order.
Knee report for Bill: all is well at the moment!
w1bbles said:
TheThing said:
My biggest worry is exposure as I am not good with heights.
In which case, best to give the CMD arete a body swerve. It's not particularly dangerous but there are some bits when you need a bit of a head for heights and take the ridge rather than the (IMO) more dangerous bypass routes, where being lower is not being safer. One slip on those and you're falling a long way down a very steep slope. If you stick to the ridge you feel more exposed but it's much more secure underfoot.I'm not too bad with heights if the footing is firm and there is only a drop on one side (if that makes sense) but the thought of ridges makes me feel ill. I struggle to even watch videos of people walking along Striding Edge etc as I start feeling nervous and a bit nauseous.
I think that knowing your limits and not putting yourself or others in danger is probably a good idea.
I use an Osprey Kestrel 38 litre pack for day walks.
Really comfortable, plenty of space, great options for stowing walking poles and water bottles... I'd recommend one.
https://www.osprey.com/eu/osprey-kestrel-38-s23#co...
You can get them a lot cheaper if you shop around (think I paid £140 for mine).
Really comfortable, plenty of space, great options for stowing walking poles and water bottles... I'd recommend one.
https://www.osprey.com/eu/osprey-kestrel-38-s23#co...
You can get them a lot cheaper if you shop around (think I paid £140 for mine).
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.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff