Category Archives: #backtothehills

Too hot to handle

#backtothehills, cooking/recipes!, outdoors

Last Thursday was a day off.

So I took the opportunity to go out and play with my Goshawk OP-100, with an Alcohol Stove Cross Stand, a generic clone Ultralight Titanium Windscreen. And using the SOTO Thermolite cook set to make my noodles.

It was also an excuse to play with my drone too.

Naturally seeing as the plan was to cook lunch, and fly the drone I chose an old wolf pack walking spot that I thought would be suitable.

It was hot last Thursday, so like all mad dogs and Englishmen I was out in the midday sun. Wisely I did not take the two attack chihuahuas Nico and Loki with me. Being out in such heat would not have been fair on them. Guess who forgot suntan lotion?

After I parked the car I walked the half kilometre or so to my lunch spot.

It was an emotional walk because this was the first time I’d been to this spot since Strider joined Bud and Barney. I’ve avoided the old haunts since their passing.

I loved those dogs so much. I still miss them, and it does still get emotional when I talk about them passing away. But I have nothing but great memories of them and the places we shared together.

It’s time to remember them as I return to old haunts, and not avoid the pain and loss (yes even after all this time it still feels fresh). I hope Nathan will join me on some of these future walks, and share our memories of them.

After spreading out ready to do some cooking, I had to move everything to one side as a couple of horse riders wanted to pass. Yeah the drawbacks of being on a bridle way. I had hoped being a work day that I’d avoid something like this. But considering these were the only people and animals I saw whilst there. The plan was nearly perfect.

I’d only just started cooking my lunch when they returned. Which meant once again clearing a path for them and apologising for not having enough to share.

Before getting some more flying practice in I cooked lunch (as you might have gathered from above.

Home made pot noodle?

Lunch was a pack of three minute noodles. I was using the cheapest ones Tesco sold. There’s really no difference between the cheap ones and the expensive ones. So I see no point in spending extra on them.

So as the water started to heat up I added the following ingredients to the water:

  • Freeze dried garden peas
  • Dried shiitake mushrooms
  • Chopped up Sun dried tomatoes

These ingredients needed a little extra time to rehydrate.

I then added the noodles along with its chicken flavour packet.

Next some rehydrated soy sauce powder was added, along with a chopped up polish pork stick (can’t remember the brand but it was one that didn’t needed storing in a fridge). I finally seasoned with salt and pepper.

Even if I say so myself this was very tasty. And washing it down with a can of Coke Zero finished off the experience.

After lunch it was time for flight school!

I’ve included short highlights below. Sadly I forgot to record the tracking/follow me stuff I did. Next time.

The bright sun of mid day did make it difficult seeing the RC controllers screen.

I kept my flight short when it became obvious that I had upset/disturbed a pair of swifts (I think they were). I want to be a responsible drone pilot. So grounding my drone was the right thing to do.

It felt weird doing this Thursday. This sort of thing is something I did all the time with the wolf pack. Finding that quiet spot. Getting the stove out. Brewing up (or cooking the odd time). And just chillin.

I had a great couple of hours, even if my arch enemy the sun was doing its best to cook me. It was very relaxing. I did catch the sun on my arms but luckily not badly.

Now to find a spot with trees to play with the hammock.

False Dawn

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors

Well that’s the shortest return ever!

I was minutes from my destination. The phone signal had almost disappeared. So I decided to call Mum to let her know I was virtually there.

That’s when things changed.

I was going to have to turn back.

But before I did I stopped at a parking spot I had spotted on the drive in for a break and something to eat.

After having driven for so long I needed this before repeating the journey.

After a coffee, and a rehydrated 6 Bean chilli I made my way back home.

Yes I’m very disappointed that the plans did not go as intended. But as Jack Reacher says “Plans go to hell as soon as the first shot is fired.”

At least I knew that the food side was working.

Boiling water, rehydrating my home made dehydrated chilli in the Ziplock Aluminium Foil Bag, and using the pot cozy worked well. I liked using the UCO Collapsible Cup. Using my old sea to summit folding bowl to eat the chilli from. Ok I used the bowl because I had some tortillas chips, grated cheese and squeezy sour cream on top. Not easy to do if eating from the bag.

I also started the over night oats. Which by this morning were “perfect”. I might add a little bit more milk powder in future.

I had intelligence about where I had planned to leave the car. It’s a totally viable spot. It’s hard to judge the suitability of a spot when all the map shows is the letter P. So it’s good to know that this is a great spot to leave the car.

My adjusted plans for my week off will see me spend time playing with kit whilst doing this son carer thing.

Back to the hills – last minute stuff

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping

Back in the day I had a weakness when it came to stoves. Hence the stove talk videos and ending up with over thirty stoves of one type or other.

Well whatever the exact number is it’s now increased by one.

After watching an Eric Hanson YouTube video about the Jetboil and cheaper alternatives that would meet most folks needs. I caved and bought what apparently is the darling of the lightweight backers a BRS Stove 3000T.

The BRS is a gas stove made from titanium alloy, copper, and stainless steel. It weighs in at 25g apparently. So uber light.

One thing that allows the stove to be so light say compared to the Peak Ignition is that there is no piezo ignition. So an alternate means of ignition is needed such as a lighter or matches.

The BRS comes with a small storage bag, and an o ring that I’m not sure yet if it is a spare or something I need to fit. I’m sure a quick Google will provide me with an answer.

I don’t know why but I decided to give the Peak Ignition another go to see if its piezo ignition would work. When I had used it at the Travelodge during the UKGE I found that the piezo ignition didn’t work. I had to resort to using a lighter.

But this time as I pushed the button to try and make a spark, it did indeed spark. I was more than pleasantly surprised. I pressed again a couple of more times. Creating more little blue arcs. I grabbed a gas canister. Clumsily I attached the Peak Ignition to it. Turned its regulator to hear the hiss of gas escaping. And then pressed the button on the piezo ignition. It clicked, sparked, and the stove roared into life. It’s alive!

I hadn’t decided what stove I’d take with me tomorrow. But now I’m decided I’m going with the Peak Ignition. I’ll play with the BRS on a day hike over the Summer.

I did buy a vacuum sealer and I need to get to grips with that today as I bag my overnight oats, and powdered egg.

Anyway as you read this I’m most likely on route to North Wales. I still have last minute things to do. So I better cut this short. Catch you after the return.

Back to the hills – the big destination reveal

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping

After a lot of procrastinating I could no longer put off the decision any longer. I needed to decide where I would be going for my return to the hills.

I’m going to South Snowdonia. Narrowing it down a bit more. I’m going to be wandering around Rhinog Fawr.

I’ve never been to this bit of North Wales. Although I have done Cadair Idris with Kate, Nathan, and the wolf pack if memory doesn’t fail me.

The inspiration for this decision was this YouTube video by Claire aka Wild Beare.

This screen shot from the video shows the route that Claire took for this trip.

Wild Beare’s Route

I’m not planning to do massive mileage for this first excursion. My fitness levels aren’t what they used to be. I’ve had 14 years or so of “good living” since my last hike.

What I like about this area Claire chose is the options available to me on the day. If I’m feeling it I can take in a peak, camp near lakes, pitch up in some woods.

I’m going to be using the Snowdonia South (British Mountain Map) from the BMC. These are 1:40k scale maps that is “printed on polyethylene this map is durable, tearproof and 100% waterproof”.

I do like this map series a lot. It saves me having to carry a map case for starters. I like the scale and seems a good compromise between using a 1:25k and 1:50k map.

So there we have it destination Rhinogs.

Back to the hills – some more prep

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping

One thing I discovered on a camping/walking trip to Snowdonia with Kate back in the day was how my body doesn’t react well to midge bites.

As Kate and I were setting up our tent, I got bitten to death by swarms of them at the campsite. Every exposed inch of flesh was bitten and covered in itchy red blobs where they had fed on me.

Sprays sold by the campsite shop to ease the itching just did not provide any relief at all. The fact I had been bitten so many times all over meant just to cover the bites I needed multiple sprays! They weren’t cheap.

We eventually cut our weekend short with a visit to a local welsh doctors surgery where I was put on a course of steroids.

So you can imagine I started putting in measures to avoid this happening again. Such as getting a headnet, or buying clothes with built in insect repellent.

Now as I get ready to return to the hills I’ve been using Lifesystems Ex4 Anti Mosquito Clothing, Footwear And Outdoor Gear Treatment Spray to treat my clothing, shemagh, polar buffs, regular buffs, groundsheet, and tarp.

This has worked for me in the past and proved effective.

Whilst on the TGOC even with a tarp I wasn’t bothered by ticks. I put that down to my clothing, groundsheet, etc being treated with a fabric friendly bug treatment. Along with the use of bug spray/wipes.

The DD Hammocks DD Superlight tarp I have comes with four pegs, and some thin guy ropes. The guy ropes are perfect for me to make some loops with. That that can on the day when needed be used to make a prusik knot.

I’ve also made some smaller bungee cord loops to use on the attachment points of the tarp. I’ll attach these when needed using a larks head knot to give me a little give and take a bit of pressure of the attachment points in high winds.

The last thing I want to be thinking off in bad weather conditions is having to create these loops first. I want to be able to grab one and use it, getting the tarp up as quick as possible.

After watching one of the yank outdoors YouTubers I ordered an UCO Collapsible Cup for Hiking. I don’t know why? I liked the look of it. It does not collapse nearly as flat as the sea to summit collapsible mug I have (and can’t find at the current time). Mainly due to the hard plastic ring which is about half the height of the mug uncollapsed. How ever it’s more sturdy which I like.

I’m starting to feel more prepared for next weeks adventure.

Back to the hills – some things are in the post

#backtothehills, outdoors

With little gaming going on at the moment and the impending holiday and return to the hills. It does seem like this blog has shifted focus for the time being as I prepare for said return.

I do have some more bits on the way for the trip or future plans!

Having inspected my 15 year old plus Leki trekking poles that had been living against the front door of Nans for most of that time. The tips of the poles were not in good condition, one was missing and the other very loose (unable to be tightened, they had seen better times) I decided to get new poles.

I settled on the Alpkit Carbon long Backpacker Twins XL Trekking Poles. These extend to a length of 150cm. Which when using with a tarp that extra 15cm or so gives important extra headroom. Yes you can buy dedicated tarp poles that are longer. However that’s extra weight. I use trekking poles so they are the natural things to use with a tarp.

I like Alpkit. I remember when they first hit the outdoors scene in the UK (they are a British company). They were very popular and whatever they produced sold out very quickly. Which wasn’t surprising because they offered great products that were affordable. Yes often they weren’t the lightest but the price more than made up for that.

Obviously since then they have grown, expanded their range. It’s good to see them still around and being successful. A real success story.

There are a couple of items coming for my “outdoors” kitchen. The first is the MSR Dish Scraper. All these titanium pots, and the odd non-stick frying pan need cleaning, sometimes you need to scrape off bits. And I don’t want to damage these not cheap items.

Next I have the MSR Alpine Spatula and Joseph Duo Locking Kitchen Food Tongs on the way. These join my Tala Silicone Mini Spatula to complete my cooking implements. There will be no whisk. These will be great with the frying pan or if I use one of the wood burners as a mini bbq!

Which reminds me all these outdoor YouTubers whether they are hikers or bush crafters. Who the feck carries raw meet in their rucksack all day to cook in the evening? I do think they are being a bit disingenuous with their videos and hiding a cool bag.

I have midge head nets (two I think). But I wanted an option to work with the tarp that I could sleep in more easily. After a bit of research I ended up tracking down a US Military mosquito bug net that was designed to be used with a pup tent (an old US army tent). What sold me on this was the shape. It would work better with an A-frame tarp setup. Which is probably the tarp configuration I’d be using the most in good weather and also the most likely time insects would be an issue. So one of these is on its way.

Finally I have a British Mountain map on its way too. Yes I have finally decided on an area to go to. But this will be the subject of another post. The only drawback is this is not an official OS map so no free download of the map data.

Laters.

Back to the hills – destination unknown!

#backtothehills, outdoors

My return to the hills is fastly approaching and I have no idea where I’m going!

I just can’t make my mind up.

One thing I am certain of is going north of the border is out of the question.

With the time I have for doing this the amount of travel required to get there and back rules it out.

Which is a shame I love Scotland. It is such a a beautiful place to visit and explore on foot.

The same distance travel time handicap rules out Dartmoor as well.

Areas pushing the limits of this self imposed restriction such as the New Forest or Brecon Beacons are tempting. Especially the later which has a lot of fond memories.

I’m left with North Wales, Peak District, Lake District, and Yorkshire Moors. Although my gut is telling me the Lakes might also be stretching it.

One benefit for me no matter which area I finally end up exploring is I will be going midweek. So hopefully I will be avoiding those weekend crowds.

My current thoughts or I should say where my heart is being pulled is North Wales. But which part?

I need to look at maps and see what grabs me. The usual honey spots don’t grab me. I can do them some other time.

I need to think more on this.

Back to the hills – ‘water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink’

#backtothehills, outdoors

This posts title is a famous quote from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’.

Let’s face it when we are backpacking we tend to carry the bare minimum water because the plan is to fill up along the way as and when we need it.

The problem is how safe is our water to drink?

Definitely the water quality in the UK has gotten worse over the last decade or so, especially in the low lands. Our water companies can it seems pump literal shit into our rivers with impunity. Farmers being allowed to spray ever more toxic chemicals on crops, micro plastic pellets. The list of possible contaminants goes on. Even the fastest flowing stream far from the polluting grasp of our water companies might be contaminated.

Like my sleeping system I’ve refreshed my options for clean water whilst out on the hill. Besides can I really trust a filter that has remained unused for over a decade?

First up I have a 500ml Pure Clear Collapsible Filter bottle. This will be used throughout the day to stay hydrated by drinking from convient water sources on route.

The next addition is the Sawyer Squeeze SP129 Waterfilter. This will be my main filter for filtering in the evening at camp.

I’m not going to use the bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze. They don’t have a great reputation online, from ease of filling to how sturdy they are. It would appear that a popular replacement for them is a CNOC Vecto water container of some capacity. I went with the one litre version.

The washer in the Squeeze where it attaches to the water container apparently can fall out when back washing the filter if not careful. So I have some replacement ones in a general mini repair kit.

I also have a SP150 Coupling that allows you to attach bottles etc to the Squeeze.

I’ve also hacked my Squeeze by replacing the sports lid with one from a water bottle. I’m not a fan of the sports lid and its pull to drink. I am much more comfortable and find them easier to use with the flip cover to drink lid.

Another hack I’ve adopted is one to protect the filter end when stowed away.

Now to extend the life of the Squeeze, and increase the time between having to back wash the filter (ie clean it) I intend to pre-filter the water to remove large particles from the water. This should stop the filter becoming clogged as much.

To do this pre-filter I’ve borrowed from the military once more by adding a Millbank bag water filtration bag to the kit. If I’m using this then the water must really be bad.

A hack to the Squeeze itself is to replace the washer I mentioned above with a Danco 80070 Hose Washer with Screen. So I’ve done that too. Yes there is a spare in the repair kit.

This last hack may make the Millbank bag redundant with the Squeeze.

Well that’s my clean water taken care of. But where am I going to be using this setup? I’ll cover that in the next post.

Back to the hills – my planned shelter

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors

My wild camping in the past has never been with a conventional tent. I’ve used a Trailstar, a Golite Hex 3, and a tarp. I have some great memories using them. Heck the later two I used on two TGOCs.

My shelter of choice for my return sees me returning to using a tarp by using a DD Hammocks – DD SuperLight Tarp. This is a 3 metre by 2.9 metre tarp. Don’t ask me why it’s not 3 by 3 exactly. I’m sure there is a good reason for this. It’s just that I’ve not been that interested to dig into what it is.

It comes with four pegs and guy lines. But these will be taken out and replaced with 550 para cord. I’m also using 5mm bungee cord that will be added to the tarps attachment points as small loops to attach to. The thinking is this will provide a little give in strong winds and take some of the strain off the attachment points.

I have bought some generic brand tent pegs that are aluminium. But I’ll also be using my titanium ones too.

I think a combo of these should cater for most ground types. And yes you do detect a very small ultra light weight tent peg used to pull the titanium ones out of the ground. I really should attach some cord.

Obviously I’ll be using my trekking poles with the tarp.

I’ve also got a DD Hammocks – DD Magic Carpet – XL to use as a groundsheet. This is a 2.2 metre by 1.4 metre waterproof groundsheet.

In my controversial post on my proposed sleep system I mention the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) that could be used as part of it. However it should also be thought of as part of my planned shelter.

There is the obvious use of just using the bivy bag with no tarp erected. My first ever wild camp was in a borrowed bivy bag on the side of a Welsh mountain in the Brecon Beacons the night before picking Strider up.

But the main use will be with the tarp to add that extra layer of protection to the rest of the sleep system from the elements.

Using a tarp isn’t for everyone. I get it. But I love using one. I love the flexibility they give. Tarps can be erected in a multitude of ways depending on weather, location, or just how you feel.

I love how they bring you closer to nature. I certainly feel more connected when using a tarp.

I think it’s this last point especially that I want to recapture when I do my first trip that is approaching fast.

So that’s my sleep system, and shelter covered. Water next?

Back to the hills – a new sleep system for me!

#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors

This could be my most controversial blog post ever!

Before I had to stop going to the hills I had made the jump to using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag.

My quilt of choice was the Ray Jardine quilt which I used with a Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner, and a self inflating Sea to Summit sleeping mat (can’t remember which one), plus a Sea to Summit blowup pillow. I had a bivy bag too but it never got used with the quilt.

I really liked using the quilt instead of a sleeping bag. It worked for me.

Now that’s all about to change.

I’ve moved to a more “modular” system that I hope will handle a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. And for sure it’s not lighter!

The Ray Jardine quilt is staying. And when I initially wrote the first draft of this post I meant it. I really did. But somehow a Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt is in my rucksack!

The Cinder is a summer quilt. But in use with the other parts of this modular system could be used in spring or autumn I think. But don’t quote me on that!

The first part of this new sleep system is the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS). I did have to hunt around for this because I didn’t want the whole MSS. So hard to find some-one selling just the bivy. But eventually I managed to find one.

Why this specific bivy?

It’s a combination of things. Firstly it’s goretex and bombproof (bloody well better be considering). Secondly it has a 3/4 length side zip. A lot of the hiking specific bivy bags do not have this zip. It’s a heavier bivy than I’ve used in the past. But more rugged, more waterproof, and better as my emergency shelter if needed that way. And yes it replaces my emergency shelter.

Next is the sleeping mat. I’ve gone with the Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, Ultralight. I needed a new mat, the old one got damaged beyond repair whilst in storage. So needed replacing. Its R value is 1.3 iirc so not a winter mat. I’d need one with a R value of 4 plus if I’ve understood this rating system correctly. It would be a push using it in spring and autumn too. But the use of a suitable foam mat might allow its use in those two seasons. Plus at the moment I have no plans to go winter camping.

Flextailgear Zero Pump, Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, Ultralight, Light AF non-slip camping mat, woobie or poncho liner, Geezy Go Easy Camping Mat, “Original German Army Surplus Wool Blanket”
Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt, MSS bivy bag, Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow

To inflate the Klymit I’ve got a gadget that never existed on the market 14 years ago, a Flextailgear Zero Pump. This is a portable air pump for blowing up sleep pads. Back in my day (that makes me sound sooo old) we had to blow these sort of pads up with our breath. That was the attraction of the self inflating mats. A couple of puffs was all that was required. Don’t underestimate how tired you are after hiking all day and then setting up camp. The effort required to blow up a sleep pad is quite a lot. This is a godsend invention.

To give the Klymit a bit of protection I have the Light AF non-slip camping mat. This is a very thin mat that should cut down the chances of the Klymit getting damaged, and stop it sliding all over the place.

For winter/freezing conditions I will add a thicker foam sleeping mat. Which is to be decided. Less pressure on sorting this out. I have one already. I like the look of the British Army Four Seasom foam mat. Bomb proof and can be picked up for about a tenner! But my egg box one should be fine for what I want. I have got a Mountain Warehouse Trek Mat which has a reflective layer which I want to try. But I still like the look of the British Army mat.

I did previously use a silk sleeping bag liner even with a sleeping bag. Obviously it gives another layer and a bit more warmth. Plus keeps your bag cleaner, so it needs less cleaning inside.

The sleeping bag liner I’m now using is a Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner. I’ve had to settle with a left sided zip. Ideally wanted a right sided one but wasn’t able to find one. Not even sure they do a right sided version.

I’m then adding another bit of US military kit the woobie or poncho liner as it is also known. This adds another layer to the sleep system as needed.

The final layer if needed will be a wool blanket! Just like the foam sleeping mat this will remain at home/in the car unless I’m expecting temperatures to drop. I have an “Original German Army Surplus Wool Blanket” it wasn’t expensive. The plan is to see how I get on with this, and if it works out invest in an expensive merino wool one at some point. That will be lighter and warmer.

Not a layer in the sleep system, however just as vital as the rest is the addition of the Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow. I need a good pillow. We’ll see how this works out.

Obviously as I write this I’ve not tested this system in anger. Nor even have a clue what temperature range this system can potentially handle. Yes it is considerably heavier too. But I think its flexibility counters that.

When you think the base combination will be the following:

  • Light AF non-slip camping mat + Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad + Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner + Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow

Then depending on conditions/expected weather could be any of the following combinations for example:

  • Base + poncho liner
  • Base + quilt
  • Base + quilt + poncho liner
  • Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket
  • Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket + thicker foam mat

To any of these the bivy can be used giving an extra layer, protection from the elements, etc.

I know I’ve not listed the base + wool blanket as an option or base + wool blanket + poncho liner as one either. And they are options I could use. I’m just not sure I would. Although I might at some point for scientific reasons.

Another thing I like about this system is that it can be used like its inspiration of the cowboy bedroll! So I could if I’m expecting shit weather have the sleeping mat, sleeping bag liner, quilt/poncho liner inside the bivy bag for protection and just unroll it when needed at night in camp. How practical that is I don’t know. But it’s an option.

Have you tried a similar sleep system? Or do you think I’m barking mad?