The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
ben5575 said:
VTECMatt said:
The route from the Langdales is really nice too.
Yep that's my run tomorrow (Blisco/Crinkle/Bowfell/Esk etc). Although coming back via Angle Tarn rather than heading up Scafell to avoid the crowds.Re kids etc, I was up there in Feb with -15 windchill on the top with people using spikes on the ice (somebody else posted recently that they were up around the same time). It was sunny at the bottom, so naturally some of the people I ran past on the way down were heading up in shorts. I was particularly impressed by the group of lads smoking weed in the car park before they started.
8% charge Micky - I hope you had a spare battery pack with you!
just reading about that father and son who died.. They had done Ben Nevis the day before and went off in very bad conditions. That is something I would have no issues doing, turning around and giving yourself time. Like if you want to climb a mountain give a window of a few days to do so.
VTECMatt said:
ben5575 said:
VTECMatt said:
The route from the Langdales is really nice too.
Yep that's my run tomorrow (Blisco/Crinkle/Bowfell/Esk etc). Although coming back via Angle Tarn rather than heading up Scafell to avoid the crowds.Re kids etc, I was up there in Feb with -15 windchill on the top with people using spikes on the ice (somebody else posted recently that they were up around the same time). It was sunny at the bottom, so naturally some of the people I ran past on the way down were heading up in shorts. I was particularly impressed by the group of lads smoking weed in the car park before they started.
8% charge Micky - I hope you had a spare battery pack with you!
Sadly life got in the way of heading over today which is a real shame as it was supposed to be a lot clearer than you had!
mickythefish said:
just reading about that father and son who died.. They had done Ben Nevis the day before and went off in very bad conditions. That is something I would have no issues doing, turning around and giving yourself time. Like if you want to climb a mountain give a window of a few days to do so.
With that recent tragic story in mind and some of the recent conversations on here re specialist kit vs cotton etc etc, this video is maybe a useful watch for those who haven't seen it, to show how quickly things can go wrong (and the importance of not starting/pushing when conditions don't allow as you say)Ben 💯 also having a escape plan if it does and practicing and preparing for it. For me it is an emergency shelter and just sit it out. Really not worth it at end of the day.
Most of what is in in my backpack is emergency stuff, pretty much the first thing I bought. Just something instilled from school days.
Two of essentials as well.
Most of what is in in my backpack is emergency stuff, pretty much the first thing I bought. Just something instilled from school days.
Two of essentials as well.
Edited by mickythefish on Monday 3rd June 08:36
ben5575 said:
With that recent tragic story in mind and some of the recent conversations on here re specialist kit vs cotton etc etc, this video is maybe a useful watch for those who haven't seen it, to show how quickly things can go wrong (and the importance of not starting/pushing when conditions don't allow as you say)
Push-on-itus, I can’t comment on the lad and his dad but it’s quite common, there were some university students a few years ago killed, the weather was forecast crap but you’ve paid for your accommodation, driven up to Scotland for hours so what else are you going to do….Another one was a scout group from Southampton think they were doing silver DofE and despite the amber weather warning went out to Dartmoor fortunately one of the instructors had a spot beacon and had given it to the group (you’d think if you had that you’d be good at knowing when not to send kids out).
For those not familiar with spot beacons when activated the alarm is triggered in America (possibly Houston from memory) they then contact the country the beacon activated in. For the UK that is HM Coastguard as the POC, they will then alert the relevant authority, for land that’s the Police, they contact the local mountain rescue, who will then likely request a helicopter based on location, so a call back to a different department of HM Coastguard, who scramble a helicopter by calling the base.
In this case successfully rescued but be aware that from activation of a spot to people on scene can be a few hours so having a shelter is a great bit of kit to keep you out the elements waiting for that response. They’re also good for having lunch when it’s raining.
I'm fortunate that I'm able to make hike decisions very last minute and I do this primarily because of weather (especially in the UK). I rarely ever commit to a trip or book accommodation more than a couple of days in advance and often on the day. I do similar when travelling abroad and will book flights and a car very last minute and accommodation on the day as it's all so weather dependent.
I also have an InReach and iPhone with sat connection. Really though my main defence against problems is making informed decisions based on the conditions.
I realise I'm not in a common position though. I hike and travel a lot so missing trips, delaying them, or totally changing them really isn't a big issue.
I also have an InReach and iPhone with sat connection. Really though my main defence against problems is making informed decisions based on the conditions.
I realise I'm not in a common position though. I hike and travel a lot so missing trips, delaying them, or totally changing them really isn't a big issue.
In my previous position I was crew on the Police Helicopter, and we used to get regular calls to assist in the search for missing persons on the fells, dales and moors. There's more than one occasion where unfortunately, we happened upon deceased walkers who from gathered information had fallen down steep slopes in poor weather or diminishing light and these may have been taken to try and bail out. I can't begin to commend the MRTs that assisted us over countless searches enough as they're heavily used and in some cases misused by the police. The experiences I had on the unit have certainly made me consider my own mortality when tackling difficult routes or decision making when things aren't going to plan. That video posted above shows how quickly and easily it is for something to go wrong in a split second.
ben5575 said:
mickythefish said:
just reading about that father and son who died.. They had done Ben Nevis the day before and went off in very bad conditions. That is something I would have no issues doing, turning around and giving yourself time. Like if you want to climb a mountain give a window of a few days to do so.
With that recent tragic story in mind and some of the recent conversations on here re specialist kit vs cotton etc etc, this video is maybe a useful watch for those who haven't seen it, to show how quickly things can go wrong (and the importance of not starting/pushing when conditions don't allow as you say)Like many hills it can be nice down at carpark level but very poor visibility at the top (which you can't see from the carpark on this hill) and I found that out the first time I climbed it. Parts of the summit are very rocky so easy to lose track of any path and therefore which direction you are pointing - I had a GPS watch and a map/compass (though I'm far from an expert with either, I am learning) which was essential as there are some very sheer dropoffs.
I don't want to speculate on what happened but having also been up there on a day with clear blue skies from start to finish I wouldn't be surprised if weather played a part - things can get slippy quickly. Having had some sketchy days I'm now probably an over-preparer carrying twice as much as what any normal person would!
Not sure I have mentioned on here before but 5 years ago I had an accident on the Fells, pretty much wrecked the right hand side of my body after a fall from some height, then sliding on scree. I was incredibly lucky, 900 metres up, no mobile signal or even emergency call, could barely move and when I did I slid further down and was rather painful!
It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
If the chaps camping hadn’t got to me, I might not be here now because my wife wouldn’t have followed up until much later in the day and I had no reception. I thought i had the safety aspect covered but maybe a Sat phone might have helped but being so close to the rock face unlikely. I feel guilt sometimes when I hear about others losing their life doing the same, I feel I have led a good life and being in my mid 40s at the time happy with my slot. To hear a young lad losing his life is heart wrenching
You can reduce risk and weather is a biggy, but then I tend to avoid windy or heavy rain days but have been caught out a few times. I think the most important thing is having a companion but even now I don’t all the time.
RIP to the man and son who lost their lives.
Photo from my hike yesterday
was better than the last time out.
It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
If the chaps camping hadn’t got to me, I might not be here now because my wife wouldn’t have followed up until much later in the day and I had no reception. I thought i had the safety aspect covered but maybe a Sat phone might have helped but being so close to the rock face unlikely. I feel guilt sometimes when I hear about others losing their life doing the same, I feel I have led a good life and being in my mid 40s at the time happy with my slot. To hear a young lad losing his life is heart wrenching
You can reduce risk and weather is a biggy, but then I tend to avoid windy or heavy rain days but have been caught out a few times. I think the most important thing is having a companion but even now I don’t all the time.
RIP to the man and son who lost their lives.
Photo from my hike yesterday
was better than the last time out.VTECMatt said:
Not sure I have mentioned on here before but 5 years ago I had an accident on the Fells, pretty much wrecked the right hand side of my body after a fall from some height, then sliding on scree. I was incredibly lucky, 900 metres up, no mobile signal or even emergency call, could barely move and when I did I slid further down and was rather painful!
It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
If the chaps camping hadn’t got to me, I might not be here now because my wife wouldn’t have followed up until much later in the day and I had no reception. I thought i had the safety aspect covered but maybe a Sat phone might have helped but being so close to the rock face unlikely. I feel guilt sometimes when I hear about others losing their life doing the same, I feel I have led a good life and being in my mid 40s at the time happy with my slot. To hear a young lad losing his life is heart wrenching
You can reduce risk and weather is a biggy, but then I tend to avoid windy or heavy rain days but have been caught out a few times. I think the most important thing is having a companion but even now I don’t all the time.
RIP to the man and son who lost their lives.
Photo from my hike yesterday was better than the last time out.
That sounds nasty, glad you made it!It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
If the chaps camping hadn’t got to me, I might not be here now because my wife wouldn’t have followed up until much later in the day and I had no reception. I thought i had the safety aspect covered but maybe a Sat phone might have helped but being so close to the rock face unlikely. I feel guilt sometimes when I hear about others losing their life doing the same, I feel I have led a good life and being in my mid 40s at the time happy with my slot. To hear a young lad losing his life is heart wrenching
You can reduce risk and weather is a biggy, but then I tend to avoid windy or heavy rain days but have been caught out a few times. I think the most important thing is having a companion but even now I don’t all the time.
RIP to the man and son who lost their lives.
Photo from my hike yesterday
was better than the last time out.My wife’s got the latest iPhone, that connects to a satellite when its out of cell coverage which we found out whilst rambling around the Langdales a few weeks ago. Didn’t need to make a call, you just get a satellite icon in the top corner. I’m thinking of upgrading my old iPhone just for this function.
VTECMatt said:
Not sure I have mentioned on here before but 5 years ago I had an accident on the Fells, pretty much wrecked the right hand side of my body after a fall from some height, then sliding on scree. I was incredibly lucky, 900 metres up, no mobile signal or even emergency call, could barely move and when I did I slid further down and was rather painful!
It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
Pretty scary stuff Matt, shows accidents can happen no matter where you are or how experienced you are so it's worth doing a little 'just in case' prep with an extra layer, battery pack, extra food/drink.It took an hour maybe longer before I got anybody to me purely by shouting, was sheer luck, two chaps were camping close by, I could see people on the fell opposite but couldn’t hear me. Then it took an hour before the first helicopter on scene, MR arrived after first helicopter and I was subsequently winched up 30 minutes by the second helicopter.
I always take plenty of plaster’s and bandages with me, I’m experienced, tell people where I am and update each fell as I did on the day. Try using a bandage with broken bones, somehow managed to wrap my skull which was fractured and bleeding a lot. I had an emergency bag, extra layers, provisions etc.
Accidents sometimes just happen, for me the weather was glorious, warm, with plenty sunshine even at 7am the time I fell. Whilst I can’t really remember I was climbing down and I think a rock gave way fell.
ecsrobin said:
sparkythecat said:
Has anyone here tried Bestard boots?
I like the look of them, but can’t seem to find many reviews of them.
Guessing you’re looking at sport pursuit? They look good Spanish company reviews I’ve seen say similar to fit of scarpas but heavier. I like the look of them, but can’t seem to find many reviews of them.
I’m looking for an alternative to Salomons, which seem to have got more expensive and less durable
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/michael-mosley-wife-deva...
Shows how quickly things can go south, even an experienced hiker.
Michael Mosley’s wife ‘devastated’ as she confirms death of TV doctor
Shows how quickly things can go south, even an experienced hiker.
Michael Mosley’s wife ‘devastated’ as she confirms death of TV doctor
just done my third peak, Ben Nevis, 7 hours lol.
Tough going up , enjoyed snow on the top
My favourite has been Snowdon Watkins route. Will go back. Next challenge is 2000m.
I did buy a pole probably get another as really helped. Bought a few winter bits off vinted as well. Great for second hand clothes.
What makes it a achievement is I was on medication and doctors told me I would die if I stopped. The side effects were too much for me. Well 4 months later I've done 3 mountains loads of hills. Just saying anyone can start I think.
Tough going up , enjoyed snow on the top
My favourite has been Snowdon Watkins route. Will go back. Next challenge is 2000m.
I did buy a pole probably get another as really helped. Bought a few winter bits off vinted as well. Great for second hand clothes.
What makes it a achievement is I was on medication and doctors told me I would die if I stopped. The side effects were too much for me. Well 4 months later I've done 3 mountains loads of hills. Just saying anyone can start I think.
Edited by mickythefish on Thursday 13th June 20:27
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