The hiking gear and adventures thread...

[craig1912]

MonkeyBusiness said:

Anyone got any Revolution Race gear? I thought at first they were 'just another brand' but seeing their kit more and more.

Don't like they are online only but the stuff looks decent. Is the sizing true?

Edited by MonkeyBusiness on Friday 20th January 17:59

I’ve got a ski jacket. Good quality and value.

[craig1912]

Matt.. said:

They send free gear to a huge number of people on social media platforms. It’s their advertising strategy and it completely puts me off ever considering them. It’s become a bit of a joke, especially on Instagram.

Edited by Matt.. on Friday 20th January 22:48

Why a joke?

It’s a relatively cheap and effective method to establish new brands.

If you aren’t on Social Media it’s unlikely you will be successful.

[ATG]

Venisonpie said:

gareth h said:

If you want a good value goretex jacket, take a look at these
https://www.onlyarmysurplus.co.uk/French-Army-Wate...
I’ve had one for a couple of years, really well made (as you’d expect for military kit) and cheap as chips!

Crikey, they are good value!

And for walking their less "technical" cut is a bonus. If you are going to be doing real climbing in crap conditions, then you do want a "technical" fit so you can swing your arms around and your clothing doesn't get tangled up with your harness. Problem is everyone wants to have the "cool" gear, so brands make everything "technical" and walkers end up in snug fitting jackets that only come to the waist with hoods that can accommodate a helmet, but never ever do. And cost hundreds. In fact what you really want for walking is something that hangs well down your bum and is relatively generously cut, just like these military jackets. They're 10% the price of a "technical" jacket and often a more appropriate garment for what people are actually doing in them. But you do look like action man.

[ATG]

I moved to Wales to be closer to the hills. Our local range are the Berwyns, Welsh mountains in miniature. One big corrie and some crags, but not that high. So the look and feel of bigger hills, but super-accessible for kids and inexperienced hill walkers. Plus there's a spectacular waterfall and cafe at one end of the ridge (see Pistyll Rhaerdr). 45 mins to the Arans (under-appreciated, but don't tell anyone). Just under an hour to Cadair Idris or the Arenigs. And an hour and a half into the heart of Snowdonia.

Anyone in the Shrewsbury area who's interested in walking or climbing (or mountain biking or kayaking) might want to try the Shrewsbury Mountaineering Club (motto: "friends in high places"). Loads of hillwalking, rock climbing, scrambles, trips to the Highlands and Alps, plus a club hut in Snowdonia. With questionable plumbing. If you want to explore the Shropshire hills and see the seasons change, there's a 7:30pm Tuesday night walk every week through the year.

Finally, kit. For me, Scarpa M3s and then heavy base layers from Rab and ME, north face windblocker fleece jacket, ancient Berghaus goretex jacket and over-trousers, sealskin baseball cap (and I too wouldn't bother with their gloves). Rab gaiters. Various gloves, from thin running gloves to full winter goretex things bought in the Alps years ago. Got some goretex shell mittens to put over non waterproof gloves, and find this works well. For full on winter conditions, goretex salopettes made by I can't remember. That does me fine for skiing, walking, scrambling. I don't have any brand loyalty, but these days, if I'm thinking about replacing kit, I'd always look at what Mountain Equipment have to offer. They seem to be less gimmicky. Firms like Berghaus used to make purely practical gear, but it seems to be a lot more fashion-oriented now. I'm probably being unfair; getting older and grumpier.

[Matt..]

craig1912 said:

Why a joke?

It’s a relatively cheap and effective method to establish new brands.

If you aren’t on Social Media it’s unlikely you will be successful.

For me I just don’t like the way they are so blatant about sending free gear to so many people. If you find someone wearing RR on Instagram the chances are you can scroll back in their feed and find their ad post!

I’d rather buy gear from other companies and not one that is well known purely because they give out free gear and get so many people on Instagram to advertise for them for free.

Personally I mostly use Arcteryx, Rab, Solomon and Mountain Equipment. I am tall (190cm), slim and with a long torso. Finding outdoor clothing that fits can be very difficult. Finding backpacks that fit is a big challenge as well!

Edited by Matt.. on Saturday 21st January 19:38

[MonkeyBusiness]

ATG said:

Finally, kit. For me, Scarpa M3s and then heavy base layers from Rab and ME, north face windblocker fleece jacket, ancient Berghaus goretex jacket and over-trousers, sealskin baseball cap (and I too wouldn't bother with their gloves). Rab gaiters. Various gloves, from thin running gloves to full winter goretex things bought in the Alps years ago. Got some goretex shell mittens to put over non waterproof gloves, and find this works well. For full on winter conditions, goretex salopettes made by I can't remember. That does me fine for skiing, walking, scrambling. I don't have any brand loyalty, but these days, if I'm thinking about replacing kit, I'd always look at what Mountain Equipment have to offer. They seem to be less gimmicky. Firms like Berghaus used to make purely practical gear, but it seems to be a lot more fashion-oriented now. I'm probably being unfair; getting older and grumpier.

That's really useful. Thanks.

Jackets - years ago I bought a Regatta Outdoors jacket. Still have it. Never bettered. Don't use it much now as I have other supposedly better jackets but I still mutter to myself how good that jacket is as an all rounder.

[MonkeyBusiness]

Anyone recommend me a head torch?

I am a keen hiker, dog walker, and wild camper so need something that lights up the way but can also be turned down to be discreet (such as a red light).

I know Petzl are pretty good. Any other under the radar bargains?

[Truckosaurus]

I've got an entry level Petzl and it wasn't much more expensive than a no-name version. Has 2 brightnesses and a red light.

(The cheapest Petzl on SportsDirect is £17).

[boyse7en]

Matt.. said:

For me I just don’t like the way they are so blatant about sending free gear to so many people. If you find someone wearing RR on Instagram the chances are you can scroll back in their feed and find their ad post!

I’d rather buy gear from other companies and not one that is well known purely because they give out free gear and get so many people on Instagram to advertise for them for free.

Personally I mostly use Arcteryx, Rab, Solomon and Mountain Equipment. I am tall (190cm), slim and with a long torso. Finding outdoor clothing that fits can be very difficult. Finding backpacks that fit is a big challenge as well!

Edited by Matt.. on Saturday 21st January 19:38

Hate to tell you, but Solomon definitely send out free gear. Friend of mine is a triathlete and she gets free shoes/accessories in exchange for promotion on her socials and providing feedback on the designs.

[Muppet007]

MonkeyBusiness said:

Anyone recommend me a head torch?

I am a keen hiker, dog walker, and wild camper so need something that lights up the way but can also be turned down to be discreet (such as a red light).

I know Petzl are pretty good. Any other under the radar bargains?

Dog walker and hiker here. So I use my torch about 2-3 hours a day at the moment.

I have a both Petzl and Black diamond.
I'm current new one is a Petzl Actik Core. I'm not a fan. I don't like the light throw on it (quite a wide beam, like a flood light) so normally run it on max power, which lasts about 90 mins.

I much prefer the throw on my old BD (more like a spot light) and battery lasted longer (4 hours + on medium).
My wife has a new BD and I much prefer it, but I'm being cheap as the Petzl cost my 70 quid....

As for model, depends on features and brightness you want, as I use my a lot, rechargeable batteries are a must.

Edit to fix my fat thumbs not working on my phone....

Edited by Muppet007 on Friday 3rd February 10:19

[mikeiow]

Truckosaurus said:

I've got an entry level Petzl and it wasn't much more expensive than a no-name version. Has 2 brightnesses and a red light.

(The cheapest Petzl on SportsDirect is £17).

Alpkit always did well priced head torches. Perhaps not petzl standard, but decent enough….one of them had a red rear light with the batteries in.

[Matt..]

boyse7en said:

Hate to tell you, but Solomon definitely send out free gear. Friend of mine is a triathlete and she gets free shoes/accessories in exchange for promotion on her socials and providing feedback on the designs.

I'm very aware that most brands send out free gear! Come on, no on is that disconnected from reality to believe that doesn't happen. RR just do it at a level far in excess of other brands, and will send it to basically anyone with an account on Insta with a small following.

[ATG]

My club does a Tuesday night walk at 7:30pm every week of the year, so we spend a lot of time marching around Shropshire's hills in the dark. A lot of us use the Petzl Actik Core. Its dimmest setting is perfect if you're walking in a group or over easy terrain on your own. Its medium setting is good for steeper descents or rough walking on your own. And its brightest mode is great if you want to light up an area to see +100m around you to find a path or whatever. It's a very neat, simple design that comes with a really good rechargeable battery that can be swapped out for three triple As if need be. Weighs nothing and lasts for ages. It's become my go to touch for absolutely everything, e.g. trips to the woodshed, DIY around the house or under the car. For walking or climbing, I think it is excellent. If you want a super bright, narrow beam with massive throw, then you'd be better off getting something specifically designed to do that.

[Faust66]

ATG said:

My club does a Tuesday night walk at 7:30pm every week of the year, so we spend a lot of time marching around Shropshire's hills in the dark. A lot of us use the Petzl Actik Core. Its dimmest setting is perfect if you're walking in a group or over easy terrain on your own. Its medium setting is good for steeper descents or rough walking on your own. And its brightest mode is great if you want to light up an area to see +100m around you to find a path or whatever. It's a very neat, simple design that comes with a really good rechargeable battery that can be swapped out for three triple As if need be. Weighs nothing and lasts for ages. It's become my go to touch for absolutely everything, e.g. trips to the woodshed, DIY around the house or under the car. For walking or climbing, I think it is excellent. If you want a super bright, narrow beam with massive throw, then you'd be better off getting something specifically designed to do that.

Think I'm gonna get one of these...

Was out for a walk in the peaks on Sunday which ran a bit late so we were walking in the dark. My cheapo headtorch had turned itself on in my pack so the battery was flat. Had a hand held torch so it wasn't that bad, but the terrain was the "oh st, I'd better be careful here" type so needed both hands free.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[Bill]

I managed to get one on Amazon for not much more than the non-rechargeable version so worth having a bit of a search. (Should have bought two!)

ETA I've just checked the buy again link and it was £40 but it's out of stock.

Edited by Bill on Tuesday 7th February 10:39

[MonkeyBusiness]

Faust66 said:

Thanks for the recommendation.

Yes thanks. If I find it any cheaper I'll post up.

[Matt..]

Is anyone else booking hiking trips for the year?

My list is short, but I'm really looking forward to it!
- Madeira
- Kungsleden section (probably 150-200km over 7 days)
- Haute Route (220km route over 12 days. Starting one week after finishing Kungsleden)

I'm also looking at Lofoten or Faroe Islands for a trip, but that will be photography/hiking.

I also have a couple of distance events booked in the UK.
- 42km Brecon Beacons
- 65km/4,500m/24hr Brecon Beacons

I'm very tempted to apply for the Wonderland Trail lottery as an alternative to Kungsleden. The odds aren't exactly good for winning!

[TGCOTF-dewey]

Do you mountain bike - madeira is spectacular for mtb and some of the more amazing views are on mtb trails.

The levada walks are fun though.

[Matt..]

TGCOTF-dewey said:

Do you mountain bike ...

I do not. I am partially going to Madeira to use up some annual leave by a specific date, and it's cheap. I will probably hike up all the biggest/hardest hikes I can find!

[TGCOTF-dewey]

Matt.. said:

TGCOTF-dewey said:

Do you mountain bike ...

I do not. I am partially going to Madeira to use up some annual leave by a specific date, and it's cheap. I will probably hike up all the biggest/hardest hikes I can find!

Shame, but it's a spectacular place and very friendly. Been many times - in fact considered emigrating out there at one point. Not been since covid though sadly.

If you're a foody, worth a trip to the restaurant in the design museum on the port jetty.