Hiking, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering...

[Street]

Norway is a much drier climate than the UK so the cold feels completely different and despite being a lot colder, is much more manageable. I've climbed in Norway and been out on the artic plateau in winter down to nearly -30C with most days being about -15 to -20 and I've been colder and worn more layers on the north face of the Ben in winter over here!

I didn't have anything particularly special gear wise and certainly nothing that I haven't used in the UK. Most days, if I was moving I was just in a merino baselayer, R1 fleece with my Atom LT over over the top and maybe a wind shell if needed. I used normal softshell trousers and had Powerstretch leggings on underneath. I wore my insulated B3 boots and Smartwool Mountaineering socks and had a down jacket for when I'd stopped. I just used my usual winter gloves most of the time but carried a pair of Dachstein mitts as well which were nice to have sometimes.

If you're heading out onto a glacier, a decent pair of sunglasses is a must and don't forget SPF lip and face protection!

 

[413x]

Norway is a much drier climate than the UK so the cold feels completely different and despite being a lot colder, is much more manageable. I've climbed in Norway and been out on the artic plateau in winter down to nearly -30C with most days being about -15 to -20 and I've been colder and worn more layers on the north face of the Ben in winter over here!

I didn't have anything particularly special gear wise and certainly nothing that I haven't used in the UK. Most days, if I was moving I was just in a merino baselayer, R1 fleece with my Atom LT over over the top and maybe a wind shell if needed. I used normal softshell trousers and had Powerstretch leggings on underneath. I wore my insulated B3 boots and Smartwool Mountaineering socks and had a down jacket for when I'd stopped. I just used my usual winter gloves most of the time but carried a pair of Dachstein mitts as well which were nice to have sometimes.

If you're heading out onto a glacier, a decent pair of sunglasses is a must and don't forget SPF lip and face protection!

It may be a bit wetter where I'm going. Well. I certainly need to be prepared for it.

Lofoten is an archipelago in the west coast of Norway. So it may be as bad as UK but colder. No glaciers. But will be mountain hikes.

It does sound like I have nearly everything. I shall. Probably need a layer over my leggings. But in the UK. My legs do not get cold with my leggings on.


Again. It's my gloves I need to change. As even on top of pen-y-fan they were giving up. But Id ideally avoid mittens.
Gloves is a hard one as I do want to take some pics. Especially if we get to see the aurora.

Atom.. Is that the arc'teryx one? I have a thin midlayer that I do really like. But it's my only item from them.

 

[Jonnybmac]

It may be a bit wetter where I'm going. Well. I certainly need to be prepared for it.

Lofoten is an archipelago in the west coast of Norway. So it may be as bad as UK but colder. No glaciers. But will be mountain hikes.

It does sound like I have nearly everything. I shall. Probably need a layer over my leggings. But in the UK. My legs do not get cold with my leggings on.


Again. It's my gloves I need to change. As even on top of pen-y-fan they were giving up. But Id ideally avoid mittens.
Gloves is a hard one as I do want to take some pics. Especially if we get to see the aurora.

Atom.. Is that the arc'teryx one? I have a thin midlayer that I do really like. But it's my only item from them.

I have a Rab Neutrino Pro that does me. If I got another I'd probably go a little more fill power. I spoke to Rab before I bought it and they advised that any of above it would be too hot for UK weather, but stood about watching the son play football I can still be cold and I use a hoodie or softshell underneath. You can never have a thick enough coat really for winter.

I have about 20 coats of all types, and although not an atom I have several of the same design/weight and wouldn't really recommend it down to those temps you want a proper down and not a synthetic in my opinion, especially in winter where it's more cold and not wet you don't benefit as much from synthetic pro's and wont pack down as well.

I took merino wool and synthetic base layers with me on high altitude but my legs tend not to get that cold it's my feet. Depends if you have double-skinned boots, but liner socks are also good under thick socks. I like Icebreaker socks.

A good hardshell to break the wind is also good but pit zips to dump the heat if it gets too hot (depends on how slow you move).

Hot hands or the reusables to stick in your sleeping bag and/or pocket and one or two pairs of liner gloves to rotate. I like the Rab Power Stretch liner gloves they're decent even when wet and I use them as normal gloves on above-freezing days, andthe contact ones you can operate touch screen with and the fabric lasts a while if not scrambling rocks with them. I agree its a pig to remove gloves on and off to take photos. YOu could set your phone up to take voice commands or get used to operating the camera with the side buttons as opposed to the screen, or get a Bluetooth button so you can press that to take a photo. mitts are the best bet or cold as all your fingers are in the same place and keep each other warm.

 

[jpaul]

andthe contact ones you can operate touch screen with and the fabric lasts a while if not scrambling rocks with them.

funny that had some power stretch contacts delivered from LD mountain yesterday - haven't tried them with a phone but even though I bought large the fingers are pretty narrow.
previously returned some Extremities Men's Waterproof Sticky Powerliner Glove - which were too bulky/insensitive

this was to replace some terra nova (sticky) extremities in in windstopper I've used for cycling for 6 odd years - why do they kill decent products

 

[Begbie]

*Slight Thread Resurrection*

I know it's probably personal preference but what's the go to shoe for general city walking / light spot of hiking? I've got some cheapo Reebok Ridgeriders but it doesn't feel like they have any sole support and my feet hurt after 10k steps just walking round the city. Looking for something that gives as much comfort as possible, happy to spend up to £200 if they'll stand up to hiking too and keep my feet as pain-free as possible.

I've never had anything as comfy as my altra trail runners, even did 3 days through snowdonia in them (not waterproof though).

I bought some altra boots after this for winterish hikes.

 

[Jonnybmac]

So I went to Peru in November to tour a bit of the Amazon Jungle. I was in Peru the year before climbing mountains, where me and our camera lady who was with the guides we hired took a liking to each other and maintained contact once I was back home.

One of the places that stood out in a selection of photos she shared with me about the Amazon when we discussed it was Gocta Waterfall. Only discovered in 2006 it is supposedly the third-highest waterfall in the world (I do think having more than one drop is cheating those statistics though).
I did a bit of research and we made this the place for my second visit where we could meet up again, and what a meet up it was.

I thought this place was next level but from here the whole trip just ramped up and up. Including flights it cost me 2-2.5k, and that's including her not spending a penny (she broke her phone with water damage at Gocta Waterfall and I made the call that I could afford this trip solo and she should use her money to buy a new phone once the trip was over). That's also including probably £200 of tipping as I couldn't understand how they even made any money and felt sorry for a lot of their situations. I think it helped that I had a Peruvian with me so I didn't get scammed and her presence likely saved me more than it cost to buy her meals (Most of the places I stayed were cheaper than premier inns in the UK)

We got picked up from our previous hotel early and dropped off at the start of the trail high up a road with lots of maintenance going on. it put us quite high up so our walk was pretty flat to the top section of the falls, where we only needed to drop down to the second part and then walk to our hotel from there which was more elevation than I expected. My GPS went crazy but I estimate about 30km.

As soon as we got to the top section of the falls we got our first taste of being in a rain forest. We huddled in an open shelter about 10 minutes walk from the falls we had stopped at prior, hoping the rain would pass with the same intention, but over an hour in and already a little wet I was beginning to get cold, so made the call that we should just accept we're going to get wet and keep moving. I stupidly left all my waterproofs in my main bag to be delivered at our hotel as it was about 30 degrees and sunny on the morning (rookie error), but once moving I soon warmed up as the temperature wasn't that bad, and we had spells of dryness but overall it wasn't that big of a deal to walk in the rain as it wasn't cold if moving and added to the atmosphere.

Gocta Lodge was one of my most expensive stops. We had a 2-course meal each, on the night and the next day dinner, and with drinks where I felt smashed it cost around £160/£170, then a further £50 on taxis which you could do a lot cheaper but it was very reasonable and convenient for the times were picked up. Can't fault the price and with it being out of season we had the place to ourselves.

Here are a couple of videos of Gocta. I'll add more if anyone is interested in other stop-offs along the way. The 2-day jungle trip we went on was probably one of the best experiences I've ever had.

 

[mid_gen]

Hi everyone.

After a bit of advice.

I'm off to lofoten in mid feb (artic circle, I Norway) and obviously it's going to be cold as Ice! And I'll be kayaking, camping and hiking.
Then in summer, Greenland.

Although I'm quite outdoorsy I've always lived in south of the UK. So it gets to 0c to -5 max.
I've never been cold in this weather with the right layers.

I'm expecting down to -15c or maybe more. I doubt if it's that cold we will be wild camping. But anyway.

What I'm after is what kit may I need that I don't forsee?

I absolutely know I need better gloves.
I think I have enough layers. Sub thermal, midlayer, down jacket, waterproof on top.
But possibly not on legs. (I usually wear thermal leggings, but only ever one layer.. Again. Fine for - 5c.


So any help would be appreciated. Bear in mind I'm flying so keeping luggage to a minimum would be ideal!

If you're active, then merino base layer. Maybe a grid fleece if it's very cold, then a warm softshells will do you reet.

The Mountain Equipment Kinesis jacket and trousers are ace. Breathe really well, which is the most important thing because being cold isn't a problem, being cold and wet is.

If you're out hiking in those temperatures you absolutely need to have the means to stay warm if you get incapacitated. Don't skimp on the down jacket, and have an emergency shelter. I use a ME Citadel which is super warm but it's designed for filthy wet Scottish weather, in Norway you can go for real down as it's too cold for rain!

Just planning my trip to Rjukan for February as it happens...

 

[Jonnybmac]

funny that had some power stretch contacts delivered from LD mountain yesterday - haven't tried them with a phone but even though I bought large the fingers are pretty narrow.
previously returned some Extremities Men's Waterproof Sticky Powerliner Glove - which were too bulky/insensitive

this was to replace some terra nova (sticky) extremities in in windstopper I've used for cycling for 6 odd years - why do they kill decent products

They do stretch a bit to be fair but I'm a bit fan of polartec fabric I've had a few jackets over the years and they perform well in wind and rain. They do have a limit with freezing temps and wet you certainly feel your fingers, but I have a few pairs and rotate. I often just use them without hardshell gloves but I do get hot hands and hardshell gloves just make them feel like they're in a furnace.

Mine arent like those and full hand they're just the tips that have the plastic on

 

[jpaul]

but I'm a bit fan of polartec fabric I've had a few jackets over the years and they perform well in wind and rain.

I bought my first helly hansen stuff last year - polartec 100 - what they call daybreaker fleece and am very impressed - didn't fancy rab powerstretch which are more legging/running style,

temperatures not low enough to abandon shorts for running though/Cambs, as it became last year.

 

[Jonnybmac]

I bought my first helly hansen stuff last year - polartec 100 - what they call daybreaker fleece and am very impressed - didn't fancy rab powerstretch which are more legging/running style,

temperatures not low enough to abandon shorts for running though/Cambs, as it became last year.

I have the HH lifa stripe base layers I rate a lot. Not great for low temps on their own but I use them for sleeping in or if it's not absolutely baltic.

On freezing days in the UK, I usually run in shorts and some Aldi special synthetic bottoms

 

[413x]

I have a Rab Neutrino Pro that does me. If I got another I'd probably go a little more fill power. I spoke to Rab before I bought it and they advised that any of above it would be too hot for UK weather, but stood about watching the son play football I can still be cold and I use a hoodie or softshell underneath. You can never have a thick enough coat really for winter.

I have about 20 coats of all types, and although not an atom I have several of the same design/weight and wouldn't really recommend it down to those temps you want a proper down and not a synthetic in my opinion, especially in winter where it's more cold and not wet you don't benefit as much from synthetic pro's and wont pack down as well.

I took merino wool and synthetic base layers with me on high altitude but my legs tend not to get that cold it's my feet. Depends if you have double-skinned boots, but liner socks are also good under thick socks. I like Icebreaker socks.

A good hardshell to break the wind is also good but pit zips to dump the heat if it gets too hot (depends on how slow you move).

Hot hands or the reusables to stick in your sleeping bag and/or pocket and one or two pairs of liner gloves to rotate. I like the Rab Power Stretch liner gloves they're decent even when wet and I use them as normal gloves on above-freezing days, andthe contact ones you can operate touch screen with and the fabric lasts a while if not scrambling rocks with them. I agree its a pig to remove gloves on and off to take photos. YOu could set your phone up to take voice commands or get used to operating the camera with the side buttons as opposed to the screen, or get a Bluetooth button so you can press that to take a photo. mitts are the best bet or cold as all your fingers are in the same place and keep each other warm.

If you're active, then merino base layer. Maybe a grid fleece if it's very cold, then a warm softshells will do you reet.

The Mountain Equipment Kinesis jacket and trousers are ace. Breathe really well, which is the most important thing because being cold isn't a problem, being cold and wet is.

If you're out hiking in those temperatures you absolutely need to have the means to stay warm if you get incapacitated. Don't skimp on the down jacket, and have an emergency shelter. I use a ME Citadel which is super warm but it's designed for filthy wet Scottish weather, in Norway you can go for real down as it's too cold for rain!

Just planning my trip to Rjukan for February as it happens...

Thanks both.
Looks like main thing I need is the merino base layers and socks.
And a decent pair of of gloves.

My senja jacket may be OK? It's 700 down. And I think 200g? It's been fine in the UK down to zero.

I'm not sure exactly what to get for lower half. As not sure leggings alone is enough. Probably need some sort of shell on top?

And yes. I find the worst feeling Is getting hot and thus damp in a sealed system.. Trying to avoid that.. Not just in Norway. But UK too!


Senja info.

Fill: 700 fill 90-10 Duck Down (220g Size Large)

 

[mid_gen]

Thanks both.
Looks like main thing I need is the merino base layers and socks.
And a decent pair of of gloves.

My senja jacket may be OK? It's 700 down. And I think 200g? It's been fine in the UK down to zero.

I'm not sure exactly what to get for lower half. As not sure leggings alone is enough. Probably need some sort of shell on top?

And yes. I find the worst feeling Is getting hot and thus damp in a sealed system.. Trying to avoid that.. Not just in Norway. But UK too!


Senja info.

Fill: 700 fill 90-10 Duck Down (220g Size Large)

Bottom half :

Kinesis Men's Pant | Synthetic Insulation | Mountain Equipment

With wind and water resistant HeliumAP outer fabric and a specially developed Octayarn Warp-knit lining the Kinesis Pants are both supremely functional and exceptionally comfortable. They’re equally practical worn alone or under a shell.

www.mountain-equipment.co.uk

I use these for everything cold. Chilly spring/autumn scrambling, winter mixed climbing, ice climbing, and I'll be wearing em this weekend bouldering in the peak district. Can't recommend em enough. Light, warm, comfy, breathable, tough.

 

[jpaul]

whilst merino base level might be good/insulating for a one off activity,
I can't believe they would withstand the once a week hand wash I apply to the three patagaonia midweight base levels I use daily for running&cycling,
these thing are 15 years old, initially purchased for ski randonee , hill walking ....
these dry easily overnight , with the just occasional overnight soak in dettol cleanser

 

[mid_gen]

whilst merino base level might be good/insulating for a one off activity,
I can't believe they would withstand the once a week hand wash I apply to the three patagaonia midweight base levels I use daily for running&cycling,
these thing are 15 years old, initially purchased for ski randonee , hill walking ....
these dry easily overnight , with the just occasional overnight soak in dettol cleanser

Merino has the major advantage over any synthetics in that it doesn't smell so doesn't need washing very often.

 

[Jonnybmac]

Thanks both.
Looks like main thing I need is the merino base layers and socks.
And a decent pair of of gloves.

My senja jacket may be OK? It's 700 down. And I think 200g? It's been fine in the UK down to zero.

I'm not sure exactly what to get for lower half. As not sure leggings alone is enough. Probably need some sort of shell on top?

And yes. I find the worst feeling Is getting hot and thus damp in a sealed system.. Trying to avoid that.. Not just in Norway. But UK too!


Senja info.

Fill: 700 fill 90-10 Duck Down (220g Size Large)

I wear softshell pants and waterproof trousers to block the wind, then base layer if it's really cold otherwise I just end up with sweaty nads

 

[mid_gen]

Didn't have Welsh ice climbing on my todo list this year, but took advantage of the freeze to nip over to Ogwen yesterday. Got up Cleft Gully (V 6) on Clogwyn Du in Cwn Cneifion.

Some proper good ice, even got some 19cm screws in

 

[413x]

Didn't have Welsh ice climbing on my todo list this year, but took advantage of the freeze to nip over to Ogwen yesterday. Got up Cleft Gully (V 6) on Clogwyn Du in Cwn Cneifion.

Some proper good ice, even got some 19cm screws in

That is awesome. I'm proper jealous. I am terrible at climbing!

 

[mid_gen]

That is awesome. I'm proper jealous. I am terrible at climbing!

Anyone watching would have said the same about me Been ages since I've swung an axe and I was proper rusty, pretty much hauled myself up by my axes, absolute shambles display of footwork, but got up it!

 

[413x]

Anyone watching would have said the same about me Been ages since I've swung an axe and I was proper rusty, pretty much hauled myself up by my axes, absolute shambles display of footwork, but got up it!

Its one of my bogie activities. Did a course (indoor) ages ago. Was easy until (I can't remember what grade) then impossible. Just couldn't get past that wall. I

 

[neoboy]

Anyone has a Naturehike tent, any good for the price?