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There is no such thing as bad weather....
Ok, so this page isn't to review every bit of kit known to the outdoors world, but more to share my experiences with kit I have used along the way and what has standed the test of time or made an adventure so much easier on a solo experience & wild camp. These reviews are based on kit that have suited me as an individual & have made life a whole lot easier (& happier) whilst adventuring. It may not work for everyone.
Scroll down for reviews
Stay Safe on the Hills
Remember to be prepared for all weather conditions and situations when on the hills. Pack right and stay safe and ensure you have all the essentials form warm kit to water, food and head torches. Also, never head out without map and compass, and know how to use them as you just never know what might happen.
A brilliant site, that is full to the rafters of great mountain safety advice & info Mountainsafety.co.uk
It features great articles such as:
Mountain & Hill Walking Safety Summary
Weather
Kit Essentials
Emergency Procedures
And another thing.....make sure you know the number for Mountain Rescue, just in case an emergency takes places.
In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue
Scroll down for reviews
Stay Safe on the Hills
Remember to be prepared for all weather conditions and situations when on the hills. Pack right and stay safe and ensure you have all the essentials form warm kit to water, food and head torches. Also, never head out without map and compass, and know how to use them as you just never know what might happen.
A brilliant site, that is full to the rafters of great mountain safety advice & info Mountainsafety.co.uk
It features great articles such as:
Mountain & Hill Walking Safety Summary
Weather
Kit Essentials
Emergency Procedures
And another thing.....make sure you know the number for Mountain Rescue, just in case an emergency takes places.
In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue
Stay Safe on the Hills - Listen to the Squirrel....
Waterproof Clothing
Fresh out of the Christmas Wrapper, this Bergaus Civetta Waterproof was tested in over New Year in a very wet & windy Lake District. It lists itself as waterproof, windproof & breathable 3 layer waterproof GORE-TEX® Pro fabric and they are not wrong. I stayed dry in the constant rain, felt comfortable whilst the wind battered me and did not feel too restricted or sweaty in the mild temperatures.
The design is great to, a nice fit, high pockets so a harness does not interfere when trying to open them and long at the bottom for added protection. The hood too is designed well so you easily can fit it over a helmet or adjust it to snug fit for good protection.
There is under arm zips to allow for easy access ventilation as well as an inner pocket for valuables - though a tad larger would improve it slightly (I like to have my small camera nestled in this pocket rather than the lower outer ones - but that's just personal preference ).
In terms of technical piece of kit it ticks all the boxes and is a comfortable and effective garment for multipurpose use in the outdoors. The design is just the cherry on the cake as I love this colour. Sometimes Outdoor Clothing Brands lean towards the more femenine colours for womens wear such as pinks, purples and reds which is fine, but having this colour is refreshing as I for one am not a massive pink fan to be honest.
I am looking forward to climbing and higher peak hiking in this to really test it to its full potential.
Tents
Vango Force Ten Helium Superlight 100
Sleep: 1 man
Weight : 980g
A fantastic, lightweight tent ideal for wild camping and longer backpacking expeditions. I've slept in it near coastlines, on windy mountains, in pouring rain, overseas and all over the UK. A great tent that packs light, is effective and does the job just as well as it's larger, heavier tent-mates.
Sleep: 1 man
Weight : 980g
A fantastic, lightweight tent ideal for wild camping and longer backpacking expeditions. I've slept in it near coastlines, on windy mountains, in pouring rain, overseas and all over the UK. A great tent that packs light, is effective and does the job just as well as it's larger, heavier tent-mates.
Blacks Crux Constellation ll series
Sleeps: 2 man
Weight: approx 5.5kg
I've had this for a fair few years now, and though it has been reproofed a few times it is as good as it was when it was brand new. Easy to erect and not as heavy as some other 2 man tent, it is roomy has good ventilation and the constellation light system is the cherry on the cake. Heavier than my one an, it is more ideal for base camp than expeditions (unless sharing). It is a great tent and has done me proud over the years, with the only repair needed being a tent pole.
Weight: approx 5.5kg
I've had this for a fair few years now, and though it has been reproofed a few times it is as good as it was when it was brand new. Easy to erect and not as heavy as some other 2 man tent, it is roomy has good ventilation and the constellation light system is the cherry on the cake. Heavier than my one an, it is more ideal for base camp than expeditions (unless sharing). It is a great tent and has done me proud over the years, with the only repair needed being a tent pole.
Daypacks & Bergens
Berghaus Freeflow 25+5 Ltr Daypack - Womens Specific Fit
Freeflow back ventilation system
Hydration pack friendly
I've always struggled to find a daypack that fits my petite frame, whilst also well designed, but it seems that Berghaus have achieved that for me now. I take this daypack pretty much everywhere as it is great for the hills and allows me to carry weight comfortably, as well as the added benefit of the freeflow ventilation system so no sweaty backs! It allows a hydration pack to fit in nicely and the padded waist band and interlocking clasp are both comfortable and easy to undo with cold hands (there is nothing worse than trying to do up a zip or undo clips when you have no dexterity in your cold fingers!
Freeflow back ventilation system
Hydration pack friendly
I've always struggled to find a daypack that fits my petite frame, whilst also well designed, but it seems that Berghaus have achieved that for me now. I take this daypack pretty much everywhere as it is great for the hills and allows me to carry weight comfortably, as well as the added benefit of the freeflow ventilation system so no sweaty backs! It allows a hydration pack to fit in nicely and the padded waist band and interlocking clasp are both comfortable and easy to undo with cold hands (there is nothing worse than trying to do up a zip or undo clips when you have no dexterity in your cold fingers!
Berghaus Bio-flex 60+ 10 Ltr C71 series - Womens
Bio Flex adjustable length for perfect fit to back
Hydration Pack Friendly
For a rucksack that you can pack to the hilt, and that even a petite person can carry comfortably, this is a absolute cracker of a rucksack. With the adjustable length for the back it means that gone are the days of ill fitting rucksacks that become a pain and bad for your back on long expeditions. With deep side pockets, and added pouch on the bottom, strap attachments, and a roomy hood, you can fit in all the kit you need.
At 5'4" I normally struggle to find a pack that fits perfectly, but this ticks all the boxes....i can nearly fit in it too!
Bio Flex adjustable length for perfect fit to back
Hydration Pack Friendly
For a rucksack that you can pack to the hilt, and that even a petite person can carry comfortably, this is a absolute cracker of a rucksack. With the adjustable length for the back it means that gone are the days of ill fitting rucksacks that become a pain and bad for your back on long expeditions. With deep side pockets, and added pouch on the bottom, strap attachments, and a roomy hood, you can fit in all the kit you need.
At 5'4" I normally struggle to find a pack that fits perfectly, but this ticks all the boxes....i can nearly fit in it too!
Warm Kit
North Face Prima Loft Insulated Layer
Lightweight yet so effective. I love this piece of North Face Summit Series warm
kit! A great top for cold, windy summits and it doesn't matter too much if you get
wet as the advanced textiles technology and layered insulation keep you warm.
Lightweight yet so effective. I love this piece of North Face Summit Series warm
kit! A great top for cold, windy summits and it doesn't matter too much if you get
wet as the advanced textiles technology and layered insulation keep you warm.
North Face Insulated Jacket
Maybe not as effective as its goose or duck down friends when it comes to the extreme cold temperatures but still a great bit of kit cold expedition nights and hanging around camp. Though a wee bit bulky, it can compress down fairly small and is always on hand when temperatures drop. Though it may not be as warm as a down jacket, the synthetic insulation means that if it gets wet it is not the end of the world and so it can be machine washed which is great. I don't wear this jacket on the hills as come the colder months I pretty much live in it!duck down friends when it comes to the extreme cold to the extreme cold
Though it may not be as warm as a down jacket, the synthetic insulation means that if it gets wet it is not the end of the world and so it can be machine washed which is great.
I don't just wear this jacket on the hills as come the colder months, I pretty much live in it!
Maybe not as effective as its goose or duck down friends when it comes to the extreme cold temperatures but still a great bit of kit cold expedition nights and hanging around camp. Though a wee bit bulky, it can compress down fairly small and is always on hand when temperatures drop. Though it may not be as warm as a down jacket, the synthetic insulation means that if it gets wet it is not the end of the world and so it can be machine washed which is great. I don't wear this jacket on the hills as come the colder months I pretty much live in it!duck down friends when it comes to the extreme cold to the extreme cold
Though it may not be as warm as a down jacket, the synthetic insulation means that if it gets wet it is not the end of the world and so it can be machine washed which is great.
I don't just wear this jacket on the hills as come the colder months, I pretty much live in it!
North Face zip up layer
I kind of stumbled across this item and I'm glad I did! It has become an essential piece of kit when I am on the hills as it is an effective warm layer (as well as keeping you cool when needed) but also has the added benefit of being able to zip off rather than have to pull over your head. It also features pockets which is a great as it can be worn as outer layer in the warmer months.
It's also a great for a petite frame which is what I love about North Face Women's Range, they are effective, well fitted and come in nice colours (not every thing in the outdoor retail world ahs to be dark green, brown or black!).
I kind of stumbled across this item and I'm glad I did! It has become an essential piece of kit when I am on the hills as it is an effective warm layer (as well as keeping you cool when needed) but also has the added benefit of being able to zip off rather than have to pull over your head. It also features pockets which is a great as it can be worn as outer layer in the warmer months.
It's also a great for a petite frame which is what I love about North Face Women's Range, they are effective, well fitted and come in nice colours (not every thing in the outdoor retail world ahs to be dark green, brown or black!).
Sleeping Bags
Rab Atlas 750 Duck Down Sleeping Bag
4 seasons and Sub zero conditions
Well, what can I say...It's Down! It's the 2nd best sleeping bag I have experienced
and has kept me warm and cosy on expeditions in sub zero conditions overseas
and on the cold summits of the UK. The 'down' side (excuse the pun) is it's a
nightmare if it gets wet, it's bulky so can take up room and it can only be cleaned
by specialist dry cleaning so it can get stinky if you don't use a liner!! Still, I've spent many a warm night in this,
in a bivvie bag under the cold night sky.
Rab Neutrino 400 Goose Down Sleeping Bag
Ultra light, ultra effective, ultra awesome!
Hands 'down' (cringe), the best sleeping bag I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Like my other Rab bag, it is warm, cosy but with the added benefit of being ultra light! Weighing in at 820g, it is perfect for long expeds, wild camps and generally any adventure where you want to keep kit weight to a minimum, without comprimising quality. Packs down nice and small too!
It's also an epic place to crawl into an hang out on the sofa, after a crappy day.
Just don't get it wet!
Ultra light, ultra effective, ultra awesome!
Hands 'down' (cringe), the best sleeping bag I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Like my other Rab bag, it is warm, cosy but with the added benefit of being ultra light! Weighing in at 820g, it is perfect for long expeds, wild camps and generally any adventure where you want to keep kit weight to a minimum, without comprimising quality. Packs down nice and small too!
It's also an epic place to crawl into an hang out on the sofa, after a crappy day.
Just don't get it wet!
Vango Horizon Sleeping Bag
2 season - 4-20 degrees
Weight: 1580g
A great, affordable sleeping bag for fair weather camping though I
have used this on a few chilly nights in the Uk countryside.Comfortable,
cosy and fairly light. Synthetic so no dramas with washing!
2 season - 4-20 degrees
Weight: 1580g
A great, affordable sleeping bag for fair weather camping though I
have used this on a few chilly nights in the Uk countryside.Comfortable,
cosy and fairly light. Synthetic so no dramas with washing!
Footwear
Keen Koven WP Womens Walking Shoes (2015)
For full review click here.
Keen Koven WP Womens Walking Shoes (2015)
For full review click here.
Blacks Technicals Walking Shoes
I've had these for a fair few years and they have done a huge amount of miles - hence the state of them! Whether it be on lower ground or across terrain that doesn't need much ankle support these have been ideal. I am sure there are much more effective walking shoes on the market these days but I have to give them a mention as they have done me proud, lasted an age and are still great to wear.
I've had these for a fair few years and they have done a huge amount of miles - hence the state of them! Whether it be on lower ground or across terrain that doesn't need much ankle support these have been ideal. I am sure there are much more effective walking shoes on the market these days but I have to give them a mention as they have done me proud, lasted an age and are still great to wear.
Blacks Technicals Hiking Boots
I used to have a great pair of North Face Gortex walking boots that were amazing and I had spent blood, sweat and tears breaking them in so they fit like a glove. Then one day they got stolen.
After I dried my eyes, I went about looking for a new pair that were lightweight, waterproof, flexible, didn't break the bank (I was a student at the time) and came in a size 5. Not an easy task back then.
Fortunately, I came across these in the sale, at a right bargain and the only pair left was in my size! To be honest I thought it would be too good to be true and that they would fall apart and cause my feet to explode on the hills to the extreme that I would have to call Mountain Rescue! Alas, no! They have been amazing and have crossed borders, walked mountains, explored frontiers unknown and all the time have been comfortable and effective. Unfortunately though they are about to approach retirement and it will be time to go through the faff of finding a new pair, but until then.....we will continue to adventure together! (Anyone else speak about their walking boots like they are lifelong companion?!) NB - I took the picture after I came back from a day away to the hills before cleaning them - hence the state of them!
I used to have a great pair of North Face Gortex walking boots that were amazing and I had spent blood, sweat and tears breaking them in so they fit like a glove. Then one day they got stolen.
After I dried my eyes, I went about looking for a new pair that were lightweight, waterproof, flexible, didn't break the bank (I was a student at the time) and came in a size 5. Not an easy task back then.
Fortunately, I came across these in the sale, at a right bargain and the only pair left was in my size! To be honest I thought it would be too good to be true and that they would fall apart and cause my feet to explode on the hills to the extreme that I would have to call Mountain Rescue! Alas, no! They have been amazing and have crossed borders, walked mountains, explored frontiers unknown and all the time have been comfortable and effective. Unfortunately though they are about to approach retirement and it will be time to go through the faff of finding a new pair, but until then.....we will continue to adventure together! (Anyone else speak about their walking boots like they are lifelong companion?!) NB - I took the picture after I came back from a day away to the hills before cleaning them - hence the state of them!
Salomon Trail Running Shoes
The past year I have got back into trail running again with the aim of running mountains. As Salomon are a leader in trail shoes, I thought I would get involved and try them out. They are great! Lightweight comfortable (they have an orthopedic insole) and have that infamous tie up system which is great if you have cold fingers where tying/untying laces is impossible!
The past year I have got back into trail running again with the aim of running mountains. As Salomon are a leader in trail shoes, I thought I would get involved and try them out. They are great! Lightweight comfortable (they have an orthopedic insole) and have that infamous tie up system which is great if you have cold fingers where tying/untying laces is impossible!
