Note – 2025-06-20 12:56
We had some river crossings to deal with during our recent trip to the Pyrenees mountains. This is where we found another use for our Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes. Yes, apart from being a lightweight...
Tag: gear
Note – 2025-05-31 14:11
@jds we are taking lightweight boots, a cross between an approach shoe and a full boot. Quite stiff soled boots so should allow us to tackle steeper and icier terrain than otherwise
Note – 2025-05-31 10:36
@Ali For simple stuff ie ascending simple snow slopes 10 point are fine. I've had aluminum crampons before and as long as you keep off rock/moraines and stick to snow they are good. Get trashed quickl...
Note – 2025-05-31 10:13
It's a week before we head off to the Pyrenees for a week long trek. Seems there is more snow than normal for June so will have to take crampons and ice axes to cross the high passes and maybe summit...
Note – 2025-05-28 14:37
Don't normally do selfies but does show you my new super duper "Ranger" camera bag from https://www.leichtmut.de/product/the-ranger-ultralight-camera-bag/ Can be worn on chest but I prefer as a waist...
Note – 2025-05-17 06:49
Just ordered a new thru hiking tent from Durston - a X-Mid-2. My first purchase from them. 3 season, good reviews, only 880 grams (31oz) and very reasonably priced. Hoping it arrives from Canada in ti...
Note – 2025-03-19 12:37
I can't quite believe how little this BRS 3000T backpacking stove weighs. Just 26 grams (0.9 ounces)! Generally excellent reviews too although not for simmering. If you just want boiling water it's se...
Note – 2025-03-05 11:46
I do use online/offline mapping systems all the time on my GPS, phone and other tech related gadgets. But, I have to say, there is nothing quite like getting a paper map arriving in the post. I'm like...
Note – 2025-03-03 13:42
Testing my sub €20 Lixada Solar Panel 7.8w. Charging up a Nitecore NB10000 quite quickly. Its a bit flimsy but at only 127 grams for the panel this is maybe to be expected. Hoping to use it on a multi...
Note – 2025-02-26 10:54
Macpac Men's Nitro Fleece Pullover & the OMM Core Hoody Tested these garments for the past 6 months. Now, I don't leave home without one or the other in my pack. Similar style of material. Macpac uses...
Note – 2025-02-17 15:01
My new boots have arrived & I'm like a little kid with a new toy! I wanted a lightweight boot for late spring, early summer multi day treks. Had to be stiff enough to take a C1 crampon as I didn't wan...
Note – 2025-01-09 17:31
I've always been interested in navigation. From reading wonderfully detailed paper maps by a winter fireside to micro navigating my way out difficult mountain terrain in a blizzard. Navigation has bee...
Note – 2024-12-02 19:04
@plactagonic I agree. I use OsmAnd for most things, perfectly well. I pay subscription to Garmin for the InReach Mini 2 for the odd times I am far from a trailhwad and without signal. Just do difficul...
Note – 2024-12-02 16:24
I find the Garmin Explore website incredibly slow and buggy. Seems like it hasn't improved in years. For a company that has some of the best backpacking/hiking aids when on the trail, this isn't good...
Note – 2024-11-11 07:07
@jds it would be nice to think that they got charged for the rescue. Here in Spain, you get charged if blatant incompetence and negligence. For instance, head up into the snow and ice without crampons...
Note – 2024-10-04 12:21
Seems a little crazy to be putting a post about snow/blizzards am & pm telling you about how my Sun Umbrella from Six Moon Designs functioned! 🙂 Coming down to low levels in 30C heat yesterday afterno...
Note – 2024-09-02 12:45
Packing for a two day trip to climb the mighty Alcazaba (3350m) starting tomorrow. The finest peak in the Sierra Nevada. Bivouac at Laguna Altera (Siete Lagunas). Will be able to travel lightweight, n...
Note – 2024-07-03 07:32
We start the long distance trek Alta Via 2 in the Italian Dolomites soon. Conflicting reports over whether its necessary to take Via Ferrata gear which weighs nearly 1kg (helmet, harness, lanyard). De...
Note – 2024-06-17 14:07
All packed up & ready for tomorrow's jaunt up the 15km Rio Lanjaron valley & reaching the Laguna de Lanjaron at 3000m tomorrow pm. Returning following day via the Verea Corta & lagunas at Bolanos, Cua...