The hiking gear and adventures thread...

The hiking gear and adventures thread...

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Discussion

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Saturday 9th November 2024
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Tough old 13 miles in the peaks today.

Now at home with beer, log burner is going and pizza is on the way: this is a good day.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 11th November 2024
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mickythefish said:
I love this exotic stuff, but my backyard is the peak district. I've pretty much dove most walks multiple times and you know what, I still love it. I think England is one of the most beautiful places in the the world, just for landscapes, helped by loads of rain.
With you on this... I'd love to go somewhere 'exotic' but budget kind of goes against that for me, and I don't really mind.

The peaks on a winter's day when all the fair weather walkers are not out, solitude, haunting sound of the Curlew, the Grouse making that odd chuckling noise... perfection.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Wednesday 13th November 2024
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mickythefish said:
Watched a video about everest. Got he thinking. Could I do it. Money wise probably not but physicallly I think in a few years I think I could. Do you think someone would sponsor me lol?
You're in luck as a fellow PHer has already done this (epic thread and I take my hat off to the chap: I watch videos of climbing Everest and think fk THAT! ).

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Sunday 17th November 2024
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Love the pics Hoofty... I've not been to the Lakes much over the years, need to pull my finger out and get up there.

Revolution Race trousers: they've been discussed on here before quite a bit. I'm not a fan...far too slim fitting (skinny jeans) and the hems are ridiculously small. My theory is that RR make gear for people who want to look like they spend a lot of time outdoors, but are very much city types. Hiking in tight fitting trousers is not much fun

Others may disagree and fair play to them, but RR are pretty poor IMO.

Buy a pair of Fjallraven trousers. Twice the price but many, many times better IMO.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Sunday 17th November 2024
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Bill said:
I tried a pair of fjallraven trousers in Ambleside once and they were great. Then I saw the price and ran away. biggrin
hehe

Aye, they are not cheap. Loads of sales on at the moment though - basically half price in some places (I picked up a pair of Vidda Pros for 87 quid last Black Friday, reduced from £180).

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 25th November 2024
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OldPal said:
Trying to get back in a bit of hiking and wild camping.

Looking at the msr freelite 2 , does anyone have any experience of it? Probably just use throughout the summer in Scotland.
Not heard great things about MSR tents recently... know a couple of people who returned theirs due to leaks and poor build quality.

I'd be looking at pitch outer first tents... I'll NEVER go back to a pitch inner first. Putting them up in the rain, and then trying to get the flysheet in place in strong winds is not much fun.

Terra Nova are a good bet (missus has a few of these and loves her Pioneer 2).

I really love Hillebergs (I've got a Nallo 2 I bought new and a second hand (only used a couple of times) Allak 2) but they are a 'bit' expensive. That being said, it's still less than the price of a decent holiday abroad, so...

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 25th November 2024
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StoutBench said:
You can pitch the outer first on some of the MSRs, I did that on the TMB when it was raining. Tent held up perfectly.
Every day is a school day...

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Sunday 1st December 2024
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Great pics Micky.

Anyone bagged any decent Black Friday deals?

I've got a Flextail 5.0 airbed pump/light (half price).

Garmin GPSmaps 67 with full OS 1:25k maps (604 quid down from £850 ish). I mentioned getting a GPS a while back on this thread. I decided to go for the official maps rather than the Talky Toaster cheaper ones as I read that they can get a bit pixelated when you zoom in.

Osprey Atmos AG 65 pack (£207 down from £300).

I've been saving up for the past few months anticipating some deals... also had some back pay from work burning a hole in my pocket. hehe

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 2nd December 2024
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mickythefish said:
It was funny really I met this guy had a few beers, he had done Snowdon 100 times, ex para, I was proper struggling took me about 2.45 minutes in pyg, but is was covered in ice.

He said he can do it in 1.5 hours. But better getting out then staying in.

Mountain fitness is definitely the hardest fitness I think.
There is always someone fitter than you: don't let it bother you or get competitive and just go at your own pace. "Hike your own hike" as the saying goes.

You're 100% correct on mountain fitness - I've not been out in the Peaks for 3 weeks due to st weather and a bout of illness. Did an easy 9+ mile route on Saturday (Derwent Edge) and I could tell it'd been a while.

I'm in awe of people who compete in events like the Spine Race (especially the winter race). 56 hours to run the whole Pennine Way? It'd take me about 3 weeks... I wouldn't even dream of having a go at endurance running like that though.

Edited by Faust66 on Monday 2nd December 09:34

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Sunday 8th December 2024
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OldPal said:
Two from Ben A’an today, first in years so really feeling it tonight, pretty tough how steep it was despite it being a short route.




Stunning pics and great to hear other inspiring stories.

We had to bail from a walk today: we (my missus and I) were planning an 11 mile loop around Alport Castles in the peaks... bit of rain is not great hardship, but the wind on Alport Moor was something else. Gusts of well over 60 mph made things a bit dicey. This was noticeably higher than what was forecast to be fair.

I'm a big chap (just under 6ft 5 tall and 17 stone plus a 10kg load in my rucksack) and I was getting blown of my feet - I could hardly hold on to my trekking poles and poor Ms Faust was suffering even more... and we weren't even in the most exposed location yet.

Decided the weather had gone beyond fun and challenging to "this is getting fking dangerous" so we made a strategic withdrawal to a more sheltered location for lunch and heading back to the car (2007 XC70 as this is PH).

Hills will always be there for next time.


On a plus point, Ms Faust was very happy with her new Keela Munro jacket (it's an Xmas present but I let her try it out early). She gives it a 10 out of 10 - this pleased me as I've been banging on for ages about how good they are!

Stay safe out there, people.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 9th December 2024
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thepritch said:
mickythefish said:
Thinking of helvellyn on Saturday for views, but the net app says foggy but mountain weather says sunny and clear.

Anyone recommend the most accurate app for weather and visibility?
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/

It might be what you’re using? I’ll use this as my first port of call. But all weather forecasts on the mountains are a bit , let’s say, changeable. Because that’s what mountains do. I will use three or four forecasts to get a spread and if it’s looking at all dubious or something might roll in, I’ll have a plan b for the day - a change of walk or even another activity.
I use https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-fo... as well as Mountain forcecast mentioned above... I also like:

https://www.windy.com/?54.853,-1.515,5

and:

https://www.accuweather.com/

If all the forecasts vaguely agree then you're probably OK. If they differ you're probably going to get wet.

Actually, thinking about it, you're probably just going to get wet whatever happens.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Tuesday 10th December 2024
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KobayashiMaru86 said:
After some waterproof walking trousers that stay waterproof for at least 2 walks. All the ones I've got over the years leak around the crotch first. Don't mind spending a bit if needed.
Keela Alpine Advance trousers:

https://keelaoutdoors.com/products/alpine-advance-...

They are pretty heavy and baggy. And you wouldn't want to wear them in the summer, but for cold, wet and windy walks you can't go wrong with these.

The Berghaus Paclite trousers are/were great (I've got a couple of pairs) but as with most modern goretex they don't bead water that well due to the PFC free treatment used these days (getting a bit damp is a small price to pay to protect the environment IMO). They are not the best if you're heading out in really bad weather - they certainly didn't really hold up to Kinder Scout last winter.

With that in mind, I also bought a pair of Mountain Equipment 3 layer goretex trousers last year (Makalu) and they are rubbish to be honest: leak and wet through very quickly. I expected better from ME.



As is often the case for me, Keela all the way.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Tuesday 10th December 2024
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ben5575 said:
Those Keela trousers weigh more than my tent biggrin

But you're right, it's great kit for sure.
hehe

Yep, my jacket and trousers come in at just under 2kg ish.. (which ain't that far off the weight of my Hilleberg Nallo 2), they are both XXL to be fair.

Just like tents: a lightweight single layer trekking pole tent (or similar) is fine some conditions and not for others. Sometimes you just need something a bit more sturdy.

The right tool for the right job makes life easier IMO.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Friday 13th December 2024
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ben5575 said:
Maybe not hiking, but possibly some adventure; after a nav test, hill assessment and interview I am officially a fresh faced, very green recruit on my local Mountain Rescue Team.

Likely to be a little quieter than Mothersruin’s excellent thread on his training in the Brecon Beacons, but probs best you all avoid the North Pennines for the foreseeable biggrin
bow

I've never needed to make that call to MR (yet!) but it's good to know they/you are there. Total respect to all the teams out there who risk themselves to help others.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Thursday 19th December 2024
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LordHaveMurci said:
Wild Country Zephyros Compact 2 on offer from Sports Direct for a bargain price of £83.00 delivered.

Got mine on order thumbup
Proper bargain right there.

I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent.

scratchchin

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Thursday 19th December 2024
quotequote all
StoutBench said:
Faust66 said:
LordHaveMurci said:
Wild Country Zephyros Compact 2 on offer from Sports Direct for a bargain price of £83.00 delivered.

Got mine on order thumbup
Proper bargain right there.

I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent. I do not need another tent.

scratchchin
Do you have one with as much internal space, which is as light and or has a door opening in a way that your current fleet doesn't? If yes to any of the aforementioned then yes you do. Thems the rules!
Far, far too sensible!

The correct number of tents is N+1 (N being the number of tents one already owns). No other justification is necessary, apart from the sate of the old bank account. biggrin

I bought a Hilleberg Allak 2 a few months back, so I really shouldn't buy another tent right now. (The Hilleberg Unna on eBay with the 10mm pole upgrade keeps calling me, but I've resisted so far...)

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Friday 20th December 2024
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Mr.Nobody said:
Hello,

I’ve just stumbled across this post. I’m looking to do some hiking etc next year. I’m just after some advice on what would be needed and where some of the best places to go are. I’m North West based.
Welcome!

Starting off hiking is similar to learning to work on your own car: buy the basics and work up from there (no point spending 20 grand on a set of Snap On tools when you're learning how to change a spark plug).

I'd buy a decent set of waterproofs (jackets and trousers) - you don't have to spend a fortune. Rab, Mountain Equipment etc. all sell their own brands of breathable fabrics which are a LOT cheaper than the Gore Tex versions. Alpkit normally have some very good deals on as well.

Footwear: a decent pair of boots is a must. Try to find a local outdoor shop and try a few pairs on and see what fits your feet best. Think about the sort of weather you’re likely to encounter and buy accordingly.

Rucksacks: again, you don't have to splash out 200 hundred quid on an Osprey pack. For day hikes I like at least 35 litres, others manage with a 20-litre pack. It’s all personal preference.

Try to avoid walking in jeans and a cotton t-shirt: jeans are OK when they’re dry, pure misery when they get wet (there are plenty of cheap walking trousers out there: Craghopper Kiwi are very good and cost a lot less than pair of Levis). Cotton t-sts are fine when they are dry, but as soon as you work up a sweat you’ll realise why people don’t wear them anymore… Under Armour t-shirts are good, merino wool base layers (i.e. it goes next to your skin) are also good for the winter. Mountain Warehouse merinos are good value at 25 quid or so for a long sleeve. If you’ve got any gym tops or similar these will be great for walking in.

It’s good to pack a fleece top or packable insulated jacket for when the weather gets colder or you want to stop for lunch. No need to spend a fortune on this.

Those are the basics.

I always recommend a set of walking poles. Great for downhills as they really save your knees from a battering. Poles range from 20 quid a pair to hundreds of £. Try and get a pair with clamps rather than 'twist and lock' as these are more reliable (the clamps are the same as quick release bike wheel or seat mechanisms).

I think it's best to buy a decent water bottle rather than rely on plastic mineral water bottles or similar: cheap plastics are only good for a couple of uses before they can split (wet kit in your bag is not fun, having no water when you're really thirsty is worse). Go for BPA free plastic bottle or an aluminium job. It might seem expensive to pay 20 quid for a water bottle, but you've only got to re-fill it a few times and you're in 'profit'. It's also a lot better for the environment.

Download a decent app for navigation (outdoor active is good, basic and free!). It's always best to have an OS map and compass as well if you're heading out to somewhere more remote. Loads of courses online to tell you how to use maps and compasses if you don't already know. A power bank for your phone is a good idea if you’re relying on it for navigation. At this time of year, it’s a VERY good idea to take at least one torch with you… we all get lost, and staggering around in the dark when you’re lost is, again, not fun. You can get a half decent headtorch for a tenner or so – it’s nice to able to keep your hands free if needed.

Second had gear is a good shout if you know what you’re looking for. Plenty of seller sites on social media for used outdoor kit. Finding a walking group local to you is also a great idea. They’ll also be able to advise on locations etc.


Make yourself some sandwiches, pack your kit and get out there!


Remember: take only pictures and leave only footprints. It really depresses me when you come across litter strewn across the countryside.


Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Monday 23rd December 2024
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thepritch said:
Yup ticks! I only need to look at the garden and I’ll get some!

As the gent a few posts ago was asking for ‘beginners’ hillwalking advice, I think it’s worth pointing out having a tick remover in your kit is essential. You will get some and you shouldn’t rely on tweezers to get them out. A remover will 99% time work perfectly. They’re only a few quid.

And check yourself over when you get back from a walk.

We have a note on our bathroom mirror to remind us to look every day, if we’ve been in the hills or garden they’ll appear. Even at this time of year.
Very good advice!

I had an encounter with a tick a couple of years ago on the SWCP: somehow missed it and the little swine was on me for a couple of days. 14 day course of antibiotics followed to (hopefully) prevent Lyme Disease.

You really, really don't want Lyme Disease. I use a good repellent from March to October, carry a tick removal tool (buy a few and keep one in each rucksack or jacket etc.) and treat my trousers with Permethrin.

Overkill perhaps. But better safe than sorry IMO.

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Sunday 29th December 2024
quotequote all
12 miles in the Peaks yesterday with my missus... some beautiful cloud inversions to start but the heavy fog with strong wind and rain moved in. Pretty tough up on Kinder Scout but we made it OK - had to do the last hour with head torches.

Couple more walks planned just after New Years Day as it looks to be very cold and clear.

Countryfile on BBC1 features the South West Coast Path tonight.









Edited by Faust66 on Sunday 29th December 19:05

Faust66

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

175 months

Friday 3rd January
quotequote all
Mr.Nobody said:
I've got a pair of Leki poles and I love them - they've done thousands of miles with me. They are not the cheapest though...

You could try Alpkit: they are a LOT cheaper than Leki... a mate uses a pair and really rates them. If you're a tall person, make sure you get a pair with a decent length range (I set mine at 135 cm and some poles - like the one in your link - don't extend that far).

https://alpkit.com/collections/walking-poles