Hiking, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering...

RossG said:
Has anyone got any suggestions for a few decent pairs of walking/hiking socks? Just got myself a new pair of walking boots but all my socks are quite thin. I'm pretty hard on them so the tougher the better.
Click to expand...

Really can't go wrong with Bridgedale socks, absolutely brilliant and have a sock for every occasion from thinner summer socks to thicker winter ones. Only downside is price, £10 to £16 a pair but hardwearing so will last.
 
for the love of god os maps is so so so much better than last year.
still got a fair few suggestions already. but its a massive improvement.
 
Off to Ben Nevis over the early may bank holiday weekend, doing the CMD arete route up. Been a few years since I've been so I'm looking forward to it despite the certain rain and cold :D
 
Glaucus said:
Thanks, I did not know that, I already use osmaps and trail Zilla.
It stilt stands though. In this day and age, why can't routes snap to paths like driving navigation. Also click on two points on a route and it gives you the mileage. Major well published routes already loaded in.
Hiking is a relatively big sport, certainly more so in other countries, but yet modern resources aren't great. Wish I was good at programming, I feel it's a very untapped market, with half arsed efforts by a few companies, but all feels disjointed.
Click to expand...

The whole point of Dartmoor is you don't need to follow the paths. Sometimes they are useful (don't end up wading through a bog) but there are so many unmarked paths you can just choose two points and wander between them, following paths or going through grass. There are pretty much no "dangerous" areas/cliffs so other than the occasional bog there is nothing to stop you from going as the crow flies.

Burnsy2023 said:
Yes, you can camp anywhere in the open access boundary in Dartmoor for 1-2 nights except for certain areas, such as Cadover, Haytor, Holne Moor, Roborough and Spitchwick Common which are prohibited at all times, as are Dartmoor’s military ranges when in use.

Exmoor is similar in that generally you can wildcamp for a single night in the open access land.
Click to expand...

Apparently not any more if that map on the Dartmoor website is correct.
 
neoboy said:
Really can't go wrong with Bridgedale socks, absolutely brilliant and have a sock for every occasion from thinner summer socks to thicker winter ones. Only downside is price, £10 to £16 a pair but hardwearing so will last.
Click to expand...

Always hated bridgedales. They are really rough and gave me blisters. Wigwam or Smartwool are my go too socks. A bit more expensive but much nicer IMO.

Picked up some essential supplies yesterday for our bike ride last night (and for any hikes this summer)...

IMG_2384.jpg
 
Hey everyone, had a good read of this thread and some cool posts about peoples travels etc.

I'm looking to do a trip in August for a week and looking for a destination that will suit us. Looking at a destination with mountains/lakes/rivers that we can wild camp at. We are not really head down 10/15miles a day hikers and usually move at donkey pace as we like to take in the views stop for pictures etc.

Anywhere in Europe would be nice but looked at the Mont Blanc region but not sure if there are other trails apart from the big 11 day one.

Kit wise we are ready with backpacks/tents/sleeping/cooking etc, spent time wild camping on the Brecon Beacons and walking in Snowdon and Norway so will not be going into it as a complete novice.
 
look at heading upto Scotland, stunning place. several long distance routes, sensible alws on wild camping. east side is meant to be far less midgefied.


well been going back and forth since I got back from west highland way on which new bag, finally decided to get the osprey atmos 50 ag.

and looks like I found the mango cakes I loved and couldn't find again, seems like they are just standard british military, assuming they're the same when they turn upto.
still no luck finding Orifo which supplies Danish army, well found one place but 30euro postage.
 
Any recommendations for a gas stove? It's me & my wife in the lake district for a week, car camping & under £100. It's the last bit of kit I need to buy! Cheers:D

Edit: I think I've found my solution:

Cadac Safari Chef 2 LP
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Well having a coffee in Dartmoor, and still phone reception which is insane, unfortunately due to. Work changing stuff only had today and first thing tomorrow. About another hour or so and then should.start looking for a nice.tent spot.
 
Has anyone been hiking in Iceland and have recommendations for a solo / lightweight two man tent? I'm planning to do the Laugavegur trail in mid August. I've been fortunate enough to be able to share tents when camping in the UK, but this won't be an option this time around. I was initially looking at some of the single pole tents (Wild Country Zephryos, Laser Competition etc.), but there seems to be some conflicting opinion on walking forums about whether a 3 or four season tent is needed (mostly down to the wind). Does anyone here have any direct experience?
 
Never been to iceland


However there's many combinations you can do and depends on weight and cost.
I have a sixmoon lunar solo (meant to be three season), about 900grams with some titanium pegs.
And it does let the wind through.
And I was cold on dartmoor, not stupidly cold though. That was paired with just a http://www.2gosystems.com/products/trifecta?variant=5897656453 which I used as a sleeping bag.
Think i'll keep such a tent (would like it bigger though) and when it's not full on summer take a small sleeping bag I can put inside the trifecta.

Really need to find a nice pillow substitute, now I've gone so light weight can't stuff clothes into a bag, like I used to.


But you can get extremely warm sleeping bags.
Imo lighter the better as it makes hiking so much more comfortable. Then it's a balance of where you spend the money and where you sacrifice weight. I did have an extremely lightweight bag, and have now gone to a normal bag and despite over a kilo heavier it's worth it. Just have to cut weight off other places now.
Obviously the more money you have the better your options and there are 4season light weight tents.


2w6diwy.jpg

beao9l.jpg

20j1h7k.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks Glaucus - nice lightweight set-up you have there! I definitely want to keep the weight down if I can - a lighter load does definitely make the whole experience more enjoyable.

I've been looking at the TarpTent Scarp 1 - looks like a pretty decent compromise on weight and strength, although the downside is that it can only be bought / imported from the US (which adds ~£80 to the price) and is probably at my limit budget wise.

https://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html

I don't suppose any OCUKers have one? Or recommend any other lightweight 4 season / sturdy three season tents?
 
Last edited:
does anyone sleep in an estate?
and if going to a campsite, do they allow it, do they count it as caravan or a tent pitch with car.

getting very annoyed with getting to places and how much accommodation costs. an estate, blow up matters in the back, and some sort of small heater seems like it could be a nice solution.
 
Sounds awesome ^

I'm planning an overnighter in the Carneddau later in the year - Walking from Abergwyngregyn to Rowen via Dulyn for those familiar - 12/13 miles. Not sure if it's a stupid idea to do it solo though.. Don't see why not? I'm sensible, will have all the correct gear (and extras) and obviously wouldn't be taking anything close to what would be called "risks". Not like it's a million miles from civilisation and weather at worst will be blowing a hoolie and ****ing it down :p


3rd time up Snowdon on Saturday. Praying for good weather at the top as the last 2 times it's been thick fog with zero visibility :(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom