Hiking, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering...

Oh.. Forgot about this thread.

Thanks for the help. Norway was fabulous.
I was actually the warmest of the group. All I wore most of the time was

Head: cheap synthetic hat and merino ruff
Top half: My arc'teryx Proton (seriously arc'teryx stuff is expensive but the Proton was amazing totally worth it)
Merino base layer
Bottom half: my Acai altitude leggings (one layer only!)
Footwear: Hoka trail code gtx boots +wool socks

Most of the others couldn't believe I wasn't Cold. But I was fine.

Still need a better pair of gloves. They were warm.. But too clunky for using phone/dslr/faffing with bag contents.

1R6IDOc.jpg


The first day I wore a pair of wind/water proof trousers over a merino base layer and my down 650 jacket. But it was too hot really.

U0SPGvr.jpg


Conditions were 0c to - 4c but with a sharp wind. Real Feel -10ish

Even in a blizzard my proton + acai Leggings were fine. Here is thr blizzard! The guide had to get his GPS out it was a white out

fPWeSG7.jpg
 
Last edited:
ShiWarrior said:
Synthetic mid layers?
Not sure where to look
Looked on Google and cotswold outdoors

I want a full zip mid layer, like a fleece but warmer
Click to expand...

I have a arc'teryx Proton and atom.
I find the Proton was warmer than atom with a very useful chest pocket.
For me (I run warm) Proton is for +10 all Way down to -10.
Atom is more for 0 to 15c.

Most People would probably add 5 to 10c to those minimums.

Really like the atom for casual walks but my Proton is amazing. I can't see needing anything more in UK. If it's colder than that I'd be on my down jacket next.

They are amazing wind breakers.
 
Last edited:
Those pics look pretty impressive. Makes me want to try and do similar trips, but with my stupid foot i never know how it's going to feel from one day to the next, so i'd be a bit nervous i think!
 
Martynt74 said:
Those pics look pretty impressive. Makes me want to try and do similar trips, but with my stupid foot i never know how it's going to feel from one day to the next, so i'd be a bit nervous i think!
Click to expand...

I have issues with my feet and stupidly had never worn those trainer boots before. In fact I've never worn normal Boots because they always ruin my feet.
But these new trainer type boots are amazing. Not sure what issues you have but for me it's been game changing.

One part had ice over the beach. Never seen that before. It was insane.
 
Last edited:
Anyone hiked around Sognefjord? I've got a trip planned for next year but just can't decide which area to explore, it all looks so good!

Plan is to fly into Bergen, take the ferry up the Fjord and then hike & wild camp for the week before taking the ferry back.
 
413x said:
I have issues with my feet and stupidly had never worn those trainer boots before. In fact I've never worn normal Boots because they always ruin my feet.
But these new trainer type boots are amazing. Not sure what issues you have but for me it's been game changing.

One part had ice over the beach. Never seen that before. It was insane.
Click to expand...

Ah, mine is more internal. It's some nerve issues in between the metatarsal bones. So sometimes it can get inflamed and then creates pressure on the nerve causing unbelievable pain. It's mitigated using toe socks and wide toe box shoes like Altras but if it flares up then i'd not be able to do more than a mile :(
 
413x said:
I have a arc'teryx Proton and atom.
I find the Proton was warmer than atom with a very useful chest pocket.
For me (I run warm) Proton is for +10 all Way down to -10.
Atom is more for 0 to 15c.

Most People would probably add 5 to 10c to those minimums.

Really like the atom for casual walks but my Proton is amazing. I can't see needing anything more in UK. If it's colder than that I'd be on my down jacket next.

They are amazing wind breakers.
Click to expand...

out of those two, i think the proton i will take off my list, as i want no hood
the Atom can be either , and i also noticed they do a heavy weight version
 
ShiWarrior said:
out of those two, i think the proton i will take off my list, as i want no hood
the Atom can be either , and i also noticed they do a heavy weight version
Click to expand...

Ah my atom has a hood. Do they not all have one?
Ive heard the sl is a bit naff. Or whatever the light one is called now.
 
413x said:
Ah my atom has a hood. Do they not all have one?
Ive heard the sl is a bit naff. Or whatever the light one is called now.
Click to expand...
arcteryx.com

Atom Jacket Men's

Light, versatile synthetic insulated jacket works as a midlayer and standalone. Atom Series: Synthetic insulated midlayers. *The Atom Jacket was previously the Atom LT Jacket.
arcteryx.com
arcteryx.com

Atom Heavyweight Jacket Men's

Warm, synthetic insulation jacket performs as a standalone or midlayer for a range of mountain activities. Atom Series: Synthetic insulated midlayers. *The Atom Heavyweight Jacket was previously the Atom AR Jacket.
arcteryx.com


arcteryx.com

Proton Hybrid Hoody Men's

Insulation balancing warmth, airflow, and protection on backcountry tours.
arcteryx.com
arcteryx.com

Proton Heavyweight Hoody Men's

Warmth and durability combine in a hoody for high output in cold conditions.
arcteryx.com
 
VincentHanna said:
Need some advice on walking boots.

I have some Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Men's Boots

It took me awhile to find some walking boots that I found quite comfortable, to the point where I can where them for a long time with no real aches.

Those boots are great for comfort, and I was happy until today.

I was walking my dog over a largeish country park and it drizzled a bit and the grass was very wet and my right foot got absolutely soaked.

I've only had these boots since early July! Now to be fair I do wear them most days and do about 4-5 miles a day on dog walks, but surely I shouldn't expect a gore Tex boot to be letting in water.

Hoping they are covered under warranty but are those not a decent brand?
Click to expand...

So....quoting myself from 3 years ago, I ended up getting the same boots again (Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX) and they lasted about a year before they were letting in water again

Maybe I am expecting them to last too long? I regularly walk 8 miles a day.

I need some more ASAP as Glastonbury is coming up so I only have 2 weeks to break them in. I tried on some Scarpa boots at Go Outdoors this weekend, but even though the sales person said they were wider, it felt like my big toe on my right foot was rubbing against the side :(

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Scarpa Men's Rush Trk GORE-TEX® Hiking Boot | GO Outdoors

£215.00 | Made for serious adventures, the Scarpa delivers optimum...
www.gooutdoors.co.uk www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Anyone tried Zamberlan? They are rated highly.
 
VincentHanna said:
So....quoting myself from 3 years ago, I ended up getting the same boots again (Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX) and they lasted about a year before they were letting in water again

Maybe I am expecting them to last too long? I regularly walk 8 miles a day.

I need some more ASAP as Glastonbury is coming up so I only have 2 weeks to break them in. I tried on some Scarpa boots at Go Outdoors this weekend, but even though the sales person said they were wider, it felt like my big toe on my right foot was rubbing against the side :(

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Scarpa Men's Rush Trk GORE-TEX® Hiking Boot | GO Outdoors

£215.00 | Made for serious adventures, the Scarpa delivers optimum...
www.gooutdoors.co.uk www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Anyone tried Zamberlan? They are rated highly.
Click to expand...

8 mile walks is quite heavy use over a year though, I walk 4 miles at a time and it starts to get tedious so I think your walks are quite long
 
VincentHanna said:
So....quoting myself from 3 years ago, I ended up getting the same boots again (Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX) and they lasted about a year before they were letting in water again

Maybe I am expecting them to last too long? I regularly walk 8 miles a day.

I need some more ASAP as Glastonbury is coming up so I only have 2 weeks to break them in. I tried on some Scarpa boots at Go Outdoors this weekend, but even though the sales person said they were wider, it felt like my big toe on my right foot was rubbing against the side :(

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Scarpa Men's Rush Trk GORE-TEX® Hiking Boot | GO Outdoors

£215.00 | Made for serious adventures, the Scarpa delivers optimum...
www.gooutdoors.co.uk www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Anyone tried Zamberlan? They are rated highly.
Click to expand...

Can't help as you walk much further than me.

I go through footwear quite quickly as I walk a moderate amount but wear highly cushioned footwear. So invariably they get destroyed fairly quickly.
 
I'm looking for a tent mostly for motorcycle or car camping and would appreciate people's opinions on these ones. Or please add any suggestions for others I should look at.

Requirements
  • A mix of car and motorcycle camping but if I really enjoy it I could start hiking with it too. So pack size and weight are important for motorcycle or hiking.
  • I expect it will only be me camping. But I think a two man tent would be good for the space as I would mostly be in a car or on a motorcycle so doesn't have to be ultralight.
  • Because I expect to motorcycle camp with it I need at least one vestibule to put panniers inside.
  • Side entrance preferred.
  • Must be big enough to sit up in (I'm 5' 8").
  • Two vestibules would be nice but not essential for the right tent, simply due to the amount of bags and equipment to store.
  • I expect to be mostly a 2 to 3 season camper. I can't imagine I would camp in winter. But I do get cold so a warmer tent wouild be nice.
  • Budget £200 to £300, possibly pushing to £350 for the right tent.


Possible tents that I've found in my googling

Alpkit Jaran 2 (£250 but on sale at £215)
(2 doors, 2 vestibules, but pitch inner first)
alpkit.com

Jaran 2 Ultralight backpacking tent

2-person, 3-season backpacking tent with twin porches striking a balance between weight, space and durability. Free delivery. Free returns.
alpkit.com alpkit.com

Helm 1 Compact (£250)
(only a 1 man tent but seems spacious, 1 door, 1 vestibule and a sort of garage area at the back)
www.terra-nova.co.uk

Helm Compact 1 | 1 Person Dome Tent | Wild Country

The Helm Compact 1 is a well-proportioned, 1-person dome tent that's free-standing. Designed for someone looking for a compact shelter.
www.terra-nova.co.uk www.terra-nova.co.uk

Helm 2 Compact (£300)
(2 doors, 2 vestibules)
www.terra-nova.co.uk

Helm Compact 2 | 2 Person Dome Tent | Wild Country

Winner of the Trail Magazine Best Value Award, the Helm Compact 2 is a 2 person dome tent that's ideal for medium-duration backpacking trips.
www.terra-nova.co.uk www.terra-nova.co.uk

Terra Nova Pioneer 2 (perpesually on sale at £350)
(2 doors, 1 vestibule, but looks a great tent. Discounted but it always seems to be discounted so probably it's real price)
www.terra-nova.co.uk

Pioneer 2 Tent and Footprint | 2 Person Tents | Terra Nova Equipment

The Pioneer 2 tent is designed to take you wherever you want to go. The Pioneer is an ideal 2 person tent, for 3/4 season backpacking.
www.terra-nova.co.uk www.terra-nova.co.uk

MSR Elixir 2 (£290)
(2 doors, 2 vestibules, but pitch inner first)

Elixir 2 Backpacking Tent with Footprint (Green)

Updated Version: The MSR® Elixir 2 tent is an extremely liveable performance camping and backpacking tent and an ideal option for adventurers seeking an easy-to-assemble tent at a great value. Unlike many tents in this class, the free-standing tent design offers true-to-size capacity for two and...
www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk



I am leaning towards the Pioneer 2 but that may be overkill and maybe the Jaran 2 would be more than sufficient. Thank you for any opinions.
 
Last edited:
If you'll be doing be doing a mix of car / motorbike and hiking, perhaps consider two tents down the line.
A larger more roomy tent when on the bike or in the car and a compact tent if hiking and got to carry in a rucksack.

I have the Helm 1 for wild camping and like it. Enough space inside with me being 6"1 and compact and light enough to carry easily in the rucksack. Tough for windy and rainy conditions.
Was £140 3 years ago so perhaps shop around for a bit, unless that £250 is the norm now?

Got a Vango Nova 300 as well when it's been me and the Mrs, that's been a decent roomy tent for general 2-3 season camping, having used it in the Lake District and Dartmoor etc. in naff weather.
Vango are reasonably priced as well.
 
gort said:
If you'll be doing be doing a mix of car / motorbike and hiking, perhaps consider two tents down the line.
A larger more roomy tent when on the bike or in the car and a compact tent if hiking and got to carry in a rucksack.

I have the Helm 1 for wild camping and like it. Enough space inside with me being 6"1 and compact and light enough to carry easily in the rucksack. Tough for windy and rainy conditions.
Was £140 3 years ago so perhaps shop around for a bit, unless that £250 is the norm now?

Got a Vango Nova 300 as well when it's been me and the Mrs, that's been a decent roomy tent for general 2-3 season camping, having used it in the Lake District and Dartmoor etc. in naff weather.
Vango are reasonably priced as well.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I appreciate the input.

EDIT: The Helm 1 is 1.99kg and 35cm x 17cm when packed. The Pioneer 2 is 2.02kg and 35cm x 15cm when packed. So I guess between those two the extra money goes on the materials to reduce weight. If I can get the Helm 1 for closer to the price you paid then it would definitely be worth it.
 
Last edited:
Since weather been so good washed out goretex / fleeces / other big stuff in the bath at dawn.
just applied Grangers repel a lot more liberally than last time to hopefully improve water resistant coating, video showed use of 303 fabric guard may try next time.

Glastonbury attire - seems it will be similarly good weather so sandals - unless other people would be trampling you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom