Soldato
I make sure i carry the salt powered lantern, 5 litres of water and a bottle of table salt just in case I cant find any of the resources.. Or alternatively an amazing head torch and 2 sets of spare AAAs
Hiking, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering...
- Thread starter Col_M
- Start date
Associate
Apparently 250 hours per soaking the battery in salt water, correct me if i am wrong.
Soldato
I'm sure you're not wrong. But I dont need 250 hours of light so I'm not going to bother carrying the extra bulk.
Associate
Understandable that it is too big for you, for me i like the way it has a usb power to charge your phone.
I think it doesn't use that much water for 250 hours, you just soak the battery for 15 seconds, ether way this product is hot and competitive i think.
I deem it worth it i.e. the bulk size of it, i think it is worth the bulk.
Regarding bulk they do these > http://www.hydralight.net/flashlights/
edit from their facebook page
Q. Where can I buy these products?
A. The products are not yet available on the market. They are now in final production and will be available online and in retail stores in the coming months.
Q. Will these be available in my Country?
A. We have distributors set up across the globe, however initial availability will depend largely on your location until we expand our network.
Q. How long does one cell last?
A. One cell will give you roughly 200+ hours of power. That means 200+ hours of turned on light time.
Q. How many times can you dip one cell?
A. You can dip the cell as many times as required. If you wanted to use the cell for one hour each week, you could dip the cell once a week for 200+ weeks. The number of immersions in water does not shorten the life expectancy of the cell.
Q. Does the cell have to be dipped in salt water?
A. The answer is ultimately yes. However, the first 4-5 dips can be in fresh water. After this time you need to switch to salt water. This can be ocean water or table salt in tap water (5% solution). This is approximately 5gms of salt in 95mls of water. Or roughly 50gms of salt and 950mls of water will make 1L of 5% solution.
Q. Is there any harmful chemical residue?
A. No, the residue from the HydraCell is entirely biodegradable.
Q. How much will they cost?
A. Our suggested retail pricing for the product range will vary from roughly $8US to $150US, depending on the product and options selected.
Q. Can you buy spare cells?
A. Yes, you can buy spare cells. They will be available to consumers in both single and double blister packs. You will also have the option to be more environmentally friendly and refurbish a cell, rather than throw it away. This is available with the option of an exchange cartridge.
Q. How long does the product last?
A. From new, the products have an unlimited shelf life if they remain stored clean and dry.
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Soldato
Yep. I'm better with a map and compass than Google Maps. I can't get eastings and northings from Google map (lat and long is default). Maybe I'm too old.
Soldato
I dont think it "uses" any water? The water only activates the internal battery?
It reminds me of the Biolite charger/stove - they both work but are too big and impractical for hikers/bikepackers and there's much better solutions for people who just drive to campsites carrying tonnes of kit. I dont see who the target market is for either product.
Associate
I think it is some ion exchange going on with the lantern i think.
That bio lite looks good.
Associate
Starting a fire with a lemon (battery)
Whats a good pair of waterproof trousers to be worn on their own. I have made do with over-trousers for ages but i'm fed up of needing to carry them and putting them on over big boots, plus i always end up getting too hot in them.
Currently got my eyes on the Sprayway All Day Rainpant.
Or a better pair of over-trousers, something breathable.
Currently got my eyes on the Sprayway All Day Rainpant.
Or a better pair of over-trousers, something breathable.
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Haven't done much hiking for a while, but my work arranged a weekend to North Wales and thought why not.
Staying in a bunk house in Bewts-y-Coed, which worked out fine although I'm not used to sharing a room and it ended up being with another random group.
The place we stayed has individual rooms too, recommended: http://www.bcbunkhouse.co.uk/
On Saturday we did this walk: http://www.mudandroutes.com/sarn-helen-walk-from-capel-curig/
Further than I've ever hiked before, but it was great, even with the changeable weather and it wouldn't be a hike (or North Wales as I'm told) if I didn't get soaked and get my feet wet in a boggy puddle.
A few pictures: https://imgur.com/a/Mt18P
Took just about 7hours all in, with two small stops for a coffe and a snack. Great hike without being too hardcore for a novice like me. We were all pretty shattered by the evening so a few beers and food at http://www.stables-bistro.co.uk/ and an early night.
Today we decided to head back to Milton Keynes area, but we stopped and walked The Wrekin, which after all the walking yesterday was a bit tough as it is a all up hill from the carpark to the top (some thing I struggle with anyway). Getting back was much nicer, deciding not to return the way we went up but the alternative (less used) route. Plenty of people doing this on a nice Sunday.
Here is a panorama from near the summit.
A great weekend, I think I need to invest in some better footwear - proper boots are in order 'Approach shoes' don't really get you through a hardcore days hiking properly. And a breathable waterproof. I just have a regular rain jacket which I didn't bother to wear as I'd be too hot (at least I didn't need my new wool hat!).
I'm also off to the Lake District to stay in Keswick next week for a few days, so that should lead to another few interesting walks.
Staying in a bunk house in Bewts-y-Coed, which worked out fine although I'm not used to sharing a room and it ended up being with another random group.
The place we stayed has individual rooms too, recommended: http://www.bcbunkhouse.co.uk/
On Saturday we did this walk: http://www.mudandroutes.com/sarn-helen-walk-from-capel-curig/
Further than I've ever hiked before, but it was great, even with the changeable weather and it wouldn't be a hike (or North Wales as I'm told) if I didn't get soaked and get my feet wet in a boggy puddle.
A few pictures: https://imgur.com/a/Mt18P
Took just about 7hours all in, with two small stops for a coffe and a snack. Great hike without being too hardcore for a novice like me. We were all pretty shattered by the evening so a few beers and food at http://www.stables-bistro.co.uk/ and an early night.
Today we decided to head back to Milton Keynes area, but we stopped and walked The Wrekin, which after all the walking yesterday was a bit tough as it is a all up hill from the carpark to the top (some thing I struggle with anyway). Getting back was much nicer, deciding not to return the way we went up but the alternative (less used) route. Plenty of people doing this on a nice Sunday.
Here is a panorama from near the summit.
A great weekend, I think I need to invest in some better footwear - proper boots are in order 'Approach shoes' don't really get you through a hardcore days hiking properly. And a breathable waterproof. I just have a regular rain jacket which I didn't bother to wear as I'd be too hot (at least I didn't need my new wool hat!).
I'm also off to the Lake District to stay in Keswick next week for a few days, so that should lead to another few interesting walks.
I've got a pair of lightweight Marmot waterproof trousers that have full zips, makes them a lot easier to get on over boots and crampons etc. Unfortunately like all hard shells though they aren't very breathable! For winter I've got a pair of ME softshell trousers with a membrane that are very water resistant but more breathable, but they're still too hot for summer use.
This is my issue, even in winter i use the same thin pants i don't like warm legs it doesn't help my knees them overheating as well. I might just waterproof a pair of my walking pants see how that goes, should see me through the usual rain.
Has anyone done the Ullswater Way. I'm fancying giving it ago before Christmas. Probably start at Glenridding and go anticlockwise. There doesn't appear to be much information about doing the whole thing in one day, just breaking it up into small walks.
Previous long walks i have done Blencathra, Bowscale Fell and Skiddaw and back via Threlkeld, that was about 21 miles.
Previous long walks i have done Blencathra, Bowscale Fell and Skiddaw and back via Threlkeld, that was about 21 miles.
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Associate
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I got back yesterday after the second attempt at Tryfan, not this time either! We checked the route and checked the weather that promised a balmy 17 degrees and no rain after 9am. Carnedd Llewelyn was going to be the backup plan but with fine weather forecast like this we would't need it.
It howled it down most of the day with some really strong winds. We got to somewhere around south peak before heading back, I kept slipping on the wet rock and didn't like the idea of being blown off the mountain that day
It was great fun though, we stayed down the road at the Ogwen Valley bunkhouse for £15 a night.
It howled it down most of the day with some really strong winds. We got to somewhere around south peak before heading back, I kept slipping on the wet rock and didn't like the idea of being blown off the mountain that day
It was great fun though, we stayed down the road at the Ogwen Valley bunkhouse for £15 a night.
Associate
Folks
I'm climbing Scarfell Pike with my wife next Saturday. Going up with a paid guide as it was very cheap and better than getting lost. We did Snowdon several weeks ago but it was a warm sunny bank holiday weekend with plenty of people to follow. Not sure it will be the same next weekend!
I understand it may rain and be cold at the top. What do you recommend clothes wise? We got away with shorts and teshirt with a hoodie at the top last time. Not sure that's suitable this time as it's colder and may rain.
I'm climbing Scarfell Pike with my wife next Saturday. Going up with a paid guide as it was very cheap and better than getting lost. We did Snowdon several weeks ago but it was a warm sunny bank holiday weekend with plenty of people to follow. Not sure it will be the same next weekend!
I understand it may rain and be cold at the top. What do you recommend clothes wise? We got away with shorts and teshirt with a hoodie at the top last time. Not sure that's suitable this time as it's colder and may rain.
I have a pair of Montane alpine pro over trousers which I wear over some thinish merino wool leggings. For hard shell trousers they are pretty breathable and being made of Gore Tex Pro means waterproofing isn't an issue. Pricey but by far the best waterproof trousers I've worn-really comfy and generally forgot you're wearing them. try before buying though as Montane sizing runs on the small side.
Yeh, it was a bit miserable out there yesterday.. We were over on Carnedd Llewelyn climbing Amphitheatre Buttress getting hammered by rain all day! Luckily the aspect of the route sheltered us from the wind until we topped out but it was still pretty grim.
Not exactly very breathable but I've got a pair of Baleno Oslo full zip - light, take up very little space and can be put on in seconds without having to try and fit over boots, etc. and so far work well in the very small number of times I've used them.
Underboss
Went out for a walk today, with a jacket that i bought specifically to block the wind, and i was rather cold !
all i had was a H/H Lifa Base Layer, Jack Wolfskin 200 fleece and my Marmot Shield Soft Shell(Polartec) Jacket
I wish I had gloves on as my hands went white and a beanie as my forehead was cold !
I thought Polartec was one of the best fabrics you can buy ? or is this a simple dressing incorrectly ?
all i had was a H/H Lifa Base Layer, Jack Wolfskin 200 fleece and my Marmot Shield Soft Shell(Polartec) Jacket
I wish I had gloves on as my hands went white and a beanie as my forehead was cold !
I thought Polartec was one of the best fabrics you can buy ? or is this a simple dressing incorrectly ?