Category Archives: Camping/hiking gear

Filtering Water

March 27, 2026#backtothehills, Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoorsDarren

I was planning this as a post for the near future. But after a Facebook question on a Kelly Kettle page I am a member of about what people did for water while out and about, and my long reply. I thought I’d expand on that reply here.

We all know that filtering requirements change not only depending on country in, but also location within that country.

This post is UK centric. That’s where I’m based. How I filter is what makes me feel safe to drink the water I source. This works for me! It may not work for you or you prefer some different filter, etc. That’s fine. I repeat This works for me!

I’m not an expert.

In the UK in the decades since a Tory government privatised the water industry, and especially since leaving the European Union. Our water quality of rivers and beaches has gone downhill drastically. The amount of sewage dumped by the water companies into our water ways is criminal. And I won’t even go into the lack of investment, repairs, no new reservoirs, increasing water bills and shareholder profits taking out billions.

The bottom line is our water ways are not the idylic pure sources we picture of old, where you could dip your cup and drink straight from the source. Before we drink the water from whatever source we will need to treat it somehow.

How you treat your water depends on your assessment of the source and the surrounding area. Is it fast flowing? Any dead animals up stream? Is the surrounding land farmland? You get the idea.

Based on my assessment of the source I will adjust my filtering process.

So what makes up my water filtration kit?

I’m going to start with the Forest Fundamentals Millbank bag.

If the water source I’m going to use has debris in it like twigs, dirt particles, bits of leaves. Then this is my way of removing them. It’s not going to remove bacteria, parasites, viruses, or chemicals.

Removing the debris also means that the sawyer squeeze will last longer between back flushes.

Next up is the Cnoc Vecto. I use either a 1 litre or 2 litre capacity. They work for me.

I don’t take both. I select the one based on what I think my needs will be on the trip.

Both are the 28mm thread so they can be used with the Sawyer squeeze.

The Cnoc is only ever used with contaminated water that I collect with it or from the Millbank bag.

I use the Sawyer squeeze filter.

I have modified mine!

The modification is to replace the washer going into the filter with a plumbers washer that has a micro metal filter on it (see the photo below). This stops any debris getting into the filter. Once again prolonging the time between back washes.

The squeeze uses these hollow micro tubes that are “Rated to 0.1 micron absolute filtration, it removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, leptospirosis, cholera and E.coli, , removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium), and it also removes 100% of microplastics.” (Taken off the sawyer website)

Now what about viruses? That’s interesting because in an interview with Dan Becker on YouTube the owner discussed this, and in paraphrasing now. Apparently they can’t get approved for viruses because the test uses dead viruses which they can’t stop. However live viruses attach to stuff that they do stop! Now I do not know how true this is. I have neither the time or the expertise to judge how accurate that statement is. I also don’t know an expert to ask.

So why bring it up? Well you may have seen the interview and being saying “but Darren…”

For me the assumption should be it doesn’t stop them. Best to be on the safe side.

The final step part to my “system” is a Katadyn Active Carbon Water Filter Bottle Adaptor.

The Katadyn reduces chemicals, heavy metals, and improves odour and taste of the water.

Unlike the squeeze this only does about 200 litres before the active carbon needs replacing.

And then you have some adapters and tubing that allow me to jury rig the Katadyn into the process, or attach the squeeze to a water bottle.

Why I like this system is because it allows me to adjust depending on the water source what is used. If I’m high up using streams, I’d probably just use the squeeze. On the other hand if I’m in an area with lots of farmland next to the source I’d use the squeeze and Katadyn.

Yes, as far as I’m concerned this setup doesn’t remove viruses. If that was a major concern for me I have options. The easiest, even cheapest for me is to use a purification tablet. However I could get a filter that uses reverse osmosis or ultraviolet light.

Backup

Naturally things fail for whatever reason. They can even get lost.

So it’s handy to have a backup. Luckily for making water safe to drink the options are not heavy or bulky.

I normally have water purification tablets on me (with my water canteen and lid of my rucksack). I use the ones from the British Army ration packs.

I like them because they come in handy little packets of four. Which makes them easy to carry and put with other stuff, not taking up much room.

And a major bonus is they can be picked up relatively cheaply. And I do mean cheap. Often from these Army Surplus retailers you can pick up British Army ration pack accessory packets for less than 50p (I think I’ve picked them up for 20p each in the past).

These accessory packs come with plastic sporks, wipes, tissue, tea, coffee, water purification tablets, etc. You get a lot of useful stuff on top of them water purification tablets that you want.

I did the maths and it works out much cheaper than buying just the tablets for similar quantities. Plus you are getting other stuff you can use.

The final backup for getting drinking water is boiling it.

Obviously the major drawback with this method is if you want a cold drink you have to wait for the water to cool down.

Both of the above will not remove debris from the water so having a shemagh, also known as a keffiyeh or ghutra, or even a bandana is handy for doing that. Before treating your water with the water purification tablet or boiling it, using something like a bandana or shemagh to filter out the debris is a must.

Boiling and using the water purification tablets will kill bacteria or parasites, even viruses. They do not remove dissolved chemicals or remove micro plastics.

I hope this has helped.

The most boring post title ever

March 22, 2026#littlemonsters, Brew kit, Camping/hiking gear, Cooksets, hiking/backpacking/camping, life, the universe, and everything, outdoorsDarren

Operation A Dog Named Sue! #8

I thought I’d start this post with the latest photos of Ace at a recent vets appointment.

I’ve also update the previous post with a new photo of his paw healing. That post will be the one stop place documenting his recovery.

Yesterday was another lovely warm spring day.

So I used my Firebox Nano with the Trangia burner to make a cuppa of British Army tea. This was the ideal opportunity to try out the brand new Firebox titanium box pot.

Trying the new titanium box pot from Firebox

I don’t remember seeing pots this shape before. It kinda works. Pouring water is much easier using one of the corners. There is even an oven stone for it. But I’m sure I’ll talk more about this in a future post along with the 5” Firebox stove that came with it in the post.

Naturally I like to give the little monsters the chance to chill in the “garden” and enjoy being outside.

So I dug out my camp chair and sat outside with them. Tarp hat on of course to protect me from the harsh sun.

This time next month that shed will be gone.

Finally…

A chill time enjoying the spring sun

March 19, 2026Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, life, the universe, and everything, outdoors, still aliveDarren

It’s a really nice spring day here in the fens. Sun out, any hint of the mild chill of a couple of days ago gone.

To give Diogo a little chill time in the “garden” which he loves I decided to brew up outside.

While they were chillin in the sun I was making a coffee on my Nano with the firebox wood flame gas burner and Keith titanium cup. Then used a pajak flat v60 pour over with my kupilka 21 cup to make the coffee.

Firebox Nano g2 with the firebox wood flame gas burner and Keith titanium cup

pajak flat v60 pour over with my kupilka 21 cup

The Pajak is new and something I’m trying out. But more on that in a future post.

Now onto the afternoons chores.

Barista on the trail!

March 17, 2026Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, life, the universe, and everything, newsDarren

I’m becoming abit of a Fire Maple fanboy.

Today Fire Maple launched a Petrel pour over kettle.

We all know I like my coffee. I like pour over coffee. It allows a consistent great coffee to be brewed. So this is the perfect walk accessory for me.

According to the blurb this kettle has a 350ml capacity, and there are measurements inside to allow accurate measuring of the water used.

Looking at the photo this pour over kettle fits inside the G2. The spout and handle fit inside the kettle itself.

I do like the heat exchange technology they use. It really does work.

Currently until the end of the month if you order from Fire Maple you get 10% off. Here is the link.

Making my own fire starters

March 17, 2026#backtothehills, Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, life, the universe, and everything, outdoorsDarren

This morning decided to try making my own fire starters using the guidance of Coalcracker Bushcraft via their YouTube video on the subject.

Basically using a 1:1 ratio of wax to lighter fluid and 100% cotton, cotton pads. I spent a relaxing few minutes melting wax, mixing in lighter fluid, and then dunking the cotton pads.

I used a recycled baked bean tin to melt the wax in. And a pot gripper to lift the tin on and off the stove, and to pour the melted wax. The actual dunking was done in a recycled soft cheese container.

I did test them once dry by tearing one to open it up, and using a ferro got it to light first time.

A fun little project with practical uses.

Back garden brew

March 6, 2026Brew kit, Camping/hiking gear, CooksetsDarren

Yesterday morning while waiting for some homemade sausage rolls to cook I decided to play with a brew kit I put together and make a coffee.

For early February it was rather pleasant with the sun out, and barely a breeze.

The brew kit I had put together uses a Camping Moon pear shaped canvas mini bag (purchased off that AliExpress place) to hold everything. Well almost the mug (in this case a Kupilka 21 classic cup) is external.

Inside is a Trangia 27 aluminium kettle, which is 600ml capacity if I remember correctly.

Trangia with a preheater attached, and a cross stand. Trangia Aluminium Kettle 27.

Inside the kettle is the Trangia stove itself and a preheater attached to it. Plus some sachets of coffee, whitener, and sugar.

In the bottom of the case is stored a Trangia Triangle and an official pan stand plus a cross stand.

This is a nice relatively compact brew kit, granted the cup is external, and it needs a folding spork/spoon adding. Which will easily fit inside. Plus fuel not in the Trangia is also stored external. Which I prefer.

I used my ferro rod to ignite the Trangia. Typical it was at this moment that a slight breeze decided to make itself known. Although the meths ignited the breeze however slight was enough to blow out the flame.

After four attempts with the same result I was beginning to regret using the cross stand over the triangle. But fifth time the charm.

The breeze had disappeared.

Even though this wasn’t the peace and quiet of the middle of nowhere or a woods. It still had a restful affect. The change of pace. The break from routine. The waiting for the water to boil.

Sometimes you just need to slow down.

Back to Whitehills Wood

November 8, 2025#littlemonsters, #walkingDolly, Camping/hiking gear, Cooksets, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors, rambling, WalkingDarren

The annoying thing about walking at Whitehills Wood is getting into the car park.

There is no signage to indicate where you turn in.

You are literally right on top of the entrance before you see it.

Which means you are breaking hard.

I always feel like I’m a fighter pilot landing on an aircraft carrier pulling into this car park.

And the entrance itself is rather bumpy if I’m being generous. So a bumpy landing so to speak.

After a spell of colder weather, the last day or two had been quite mild. Today was no different continuing the weather trend.

I’m not a weather forecaster, but personal experience tells me after the weekend we will get a few days of damper weather. Saturday will see a few fireworks going off. And that usually affects the weather. It’s all the sulphur or whatever they put in the fireworks entering the atmosphere.

We had barely started our walk when I saw a muntjac wander into the path ahead, notice us, and return the way they’d come.

It wasn’t long into our walk that I was removing my shemagh because I was getting too hot.

I loved the contrast between the deciduous trees of this wood and the coniferous trees at this time of year as we made our way round the walk. The autumnal shades of browns, fading greens. At one point leaves were falling like a light shower.

We found a quiet spot not far from the main path to have our brew and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Today’s brew was made using the titanium version of the G2 Firebox Nano. I’d bought it with the X-Case kit, flame guard, leather case, and grill (not pictured).

I’d bought the Nano with the X-Case kit because it provides more stability for the Nano, and acts as an ash tray. Whilst also providing a cool storage case for the stove.

Yes I have to admit having the stove in a rather cool, luxurious leather case does undo the weight advantage of having the titanium version of the stove.

The carbon felt pad that comes with the X-Case is intended to be used as a windshield. However there was no breeze today. But I don’t think I’d use it that way. I have my foil windscreen in my cook kit that I’d use instead. I’m more likely to use the felt pad to help insulate the X-Case and stove from the ground to stop any heat transfer, and leaving any nasty marks on the ground. It’s why I have the high temperature soldering mat in the bag. This soldering mat is a perfect size for this stove or the next mystery stove I will be using. Or even meths stoves like the Trangia.

I also have a Forest Fundamentals Artisan Fire Mat with me. Which too can be used to protect the ground from a stove. But it can also be used for sitting or kneeling on, bushcrafty stuff, starting fires. I just need to find a way to attach it to the Polish Army Bread Bag so it’s not flapping around.

The stove is lightning fast to set up. And it should be because it’s a folding stove. No having to assemble the stove before use. It pops open. Literally. It took me longer to get into the X-Case. Which by the way I find a bit stiff to open.

Today I used a bic lighter to start the fire with birch bark.

I was taken aback by just how little wood I used to boil my water for a brew.

The flame guard was amazing. I was able to lift the nesting cup from the stove without using my leather glove. It worked as advertised. It also provides a bit of wind protection if needed.

Feeding in wood via the two holes at the bottom of the stove was pretty cool. It allowed me to use the longer lengths of “processed” kindling I had with me.

Once the flames were out, and I had emptied the ash on to the X-Case the stove cooled down pretty fast.

Being a proponent of leave no trace I left no scorch marks, carried my ash and waste out with me.

The stove in the X-Case packs down quite small. Would easily fit in a pocket. Obviously the leather case (not needed) does make it a bit bulkier. But it’s so cool.

I really like this stove. I’ve yet to try it with the Trangia. Maybe next time. I want to get the Wood Flame Gas Burner & Ti Ember Glow Diffuser to try with it. I didn’t get the solid fuel plate for it. I should for completeness. However it’s not a fuel type I’d plan to use with it. I think meths or gas would be it.

Has this stove replaced the Bushbuddy for me? I’m thinking it just might have!

After our brew stop we continued our circular walk making our way back to the car.

Although there seemed to be much more up than we had done down.

This had been a wonderful autumn walk.

A chill walk

May 19, 2025#backtothehills, #walkingDolly, Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors, WalkingDarren

Day one of rare back to back days off.

When Dolly and I left for our walk it was cool.

I decided to return to Roydon Common and the upper field.

I wanted something easy on my legs (I’m still trying to rest them as much as possible) whilst giving Dolly a bit longer walk wise.

I thought also the benefit of doing this route was the horse trough on the planned route as a water stop for Dolly.

However when we reached the water stop spot the horse trough was gone! All that remained was the outline in the grass of where it once was.

We walked on to find a suitable spot to chill and have lunch.

BRS 3000T, Fire-Maple Gas Canister Stand, BRS-3000T Special Stainless Steel Windproof Ring, Pathfinder Stainless Steel Nesting Cup.

My brew kit for today was the ultra light hikers favourite BRS 3000T, which I used with a BRS-3000T Special Stainless Steel Windproof Ring (from AlieExpress), a Fire-Maple Gas Canister Stand, plus the Pathfinder Stainless Steel Nesting Cup that goes with my Pathfinder canteen.

I also used my brew kit staples of a UCO Collapsible Cup, MERMOO YILAN Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper, and Fire-Maple Dandelion Buddy Camping Table.

Before making lunch I made a brew, and gave Dolly much needed water.

My lunch was inspired by Chef Corso and his “pad thai” recipe (YouTube video here). But I’d forgotten a couple of ingredients (the powdered coconut milk, garlic and ginger powder). Instead my flavouring were packets of soy sauce, English mustard, sweet chilli sauce, plus two packets of peanut butter. I call this pad thai adjacent! Plus some sliced up cured meat (forget what it was specifically) thrown in. It was pretty tasty but left a messy pot.

So yes I did wash up before packing away.

The BRS and windshield did ok in the gentle breeze. It wouldn’t hold up in a stronger breeze or wind. But with the SOTO 750ml Thermolite pot, everything (stove, 100g gas canister, pot grabber, windshield) but the canister stand fits nicely inside the pot, and the canister stand tucks on top in the included bag. It’s a nice light weight cook system.

While we were chilling the day was starting to warm up.

Once packed up (leaving no trace we had been there) we did the final bit of our walk back to the car.

Dolly is really good off the lead. Stays very close, doesn’t go off chasing wild life. And is the same when we stop for a brew. She is very much like the wolf pack were when we were out and about and stopped for a brew.

All in all this was just what Dolly and I needed.

Road to UKGE #7

May 11, 2025Camping/hiking gear, hiking/backpacking/camping, UKGEDarren

We are well into May now.

It’s now the third week or more of good weather.

The country is getting its Summer early this year.

Which means only one thing.

By the time the expo arrives we will be in the midst of a rainy spell.

Which will be about right for my first camping experience at the expo.

I have to admit I’m getting pretty excited about going to the expo this year. In recent years I’ve not really felt that excited about going. Don’t get me wrong I’ve enjoyed myself whilst there. But I’ve not felt excited in the run up. No anticipation.

I think this newly found excitement is due to the fact I’m camping this year.

The final bits of gear have arrived. I have a solution for when I take Dolly camping (yet to order it).

So what bits of gear arrived?

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp stove is finally officially available in the UK. Despite having the Naturehike folding twin burner stove I did purchase the Genesis Basecamp. Plus a Firemaple griddle.

Using a very generous Amazon gift voucher from my aunt for my birthday plus some of my own money I bought a 20 litre portable fridge/freezer for camping. Which is currently acting as an over flow freezer!

I also have an electric hook up cable. Which solves my charging issues for my phone etc.

The tarp pole from Alpkit has also just arrived. This is used with the Tarpstar 1 (or 2).

So apart from deciding what I’m going to eat. I think I’m ready.

Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

March 26, 2025Camping/hiking gearDarren

I recently bought the Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit. Which is basically the Pathfinder 39oz or 1.153 litre wide mouth stainless steel canteen, and 25oz or 739 ml stainless steel nesting cup (with bat wing handles).

This is primarily something to take on the longer walks with Dolly.

The just over a litre capacity is better for Dolly and me than the nato/osprey canteen. Which is a litre. That 153ml is massive! Ok maybe not. But having that little bit more water is handy. I am finding a litre tight for the two of us.

I could have bought it with the canteen stove and canteen cup lid.

To be totally honest I forgot about the lid which would have been handy to have. So I have ordered one separately.

However I’m not a big fan of the canteen stove. The Boundless Voyage Titanium Cookware Set has a similar stove, which is fine as a pot stand and windshield for a stove like a Trangia. But I’ve seen YouTubers use twig fires with this. Which it’s clearly designed for. But not a way I’d want to use it. There is nothing to stop the fire damaging the ground and leaving a scar.

Now this trail set does fit nicely in the BCB Mk2 Crusader cooker which I just so happen to have.

The Mk2 Crusader cooker obviously has one or two advantages over the Mk1 (which I do like, a lot).

The main one being it’s better suited for use with a Trangia.

I think it’s also a better option for use with this trail set than its intended stove.

The options for fuel to cook with are greater.

I actually used just the canteen during a two day training course. I can’t believe how much I drank. Nearly three litres in total. Which is very unusual for me. Naturally it was not plain ol’ water I was drinking. I need a bit of flavour so I was using Crystal Light on the go packets. Which are basically powdered squash. I’ve used them a lot in the past on backpacking trips.

Look I’m not a bushcrafter. So this single walled canteen being able to use boil water on a heat source of some description is not a major selling point for me. A “useful” feature. But for sure not something I think I’ll be doing.

The wide mouth is more important to me. It makes filling the canteen from a water source much easier.

Yes it’s heavier than a Nalgene bottle, or a plastic water bottle. But it’s robust, and for me the weight is not an issue.

Backup

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Operation A Dog Named Sue! #8

Finally…

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