Category Archives: outdoors

outdoors

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…

Other on going morning projects

March 20, 2026Brew kit, ccg/tcg, Cooksets, hiking/backpacking/camping, LCG, life, the universe, and everything, Marvel Champions, netrunner, outdoors, TI, Twilight Imperium 4Darren

As I wait for the final handful of bits for the 3D printed insert that allows me to combine the base game and A Prophecy of Kings into one box. I have also combined the bits from the four codexes that FFG did. They kindly included the cards in the Thunders Edge expansion.

I also sent the pdfs of the codexes off to a printers along with the “latest” rules reference. I splashed out for colour printing.

I’ve also revisited organising my Marvel Champions collection. In reality I need another storage case. There are just way too many cards.

Like TI4 I’ve sent off the pdf of the latest rules reference to be printed in colour. Sadly it wasn’t at the same time but a week later.

Just like Marvel Champions I need a new bigger case to hold my card pool (oh that sounds so pretentious). However I did make sure the runner and corp learning decks were back to the initial state, and the additional cards separate. So they are all ready to go if by any chance I get some one remotely interested in learning Netrunner. I also reset the original FFG core set decks to a different runner and Corp so that they can also be used for beginner games.

Now this next bit of the post is a straight copy and paste of what I shared on the Fire Maple Facebook page this morning. It’s also why this blog hardly gets read. Posts are all over the place.

Morning! Decided to make my first coffee of the day using my Fire Maple Lotus Titanium Solid Fuel Stove and Keith titanium canteen cup.
I usually use and store this stove with my Trangia mini mess tins, it fits perfectly inside that.
The pour over was a MERMOO YILAN Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper Cone off Amazon.
Only draw back of this cone is you can’t see how full the cup underneath is without lifting it.

If I can give Fire Maple some feedback on this stove (which I love by the way) in the UK we can’t legally use the intended solid fuel with it. Ideally I’d love to see those base slots go so we can use the BCB fire dragon blocks with it. Currently I have to use a little foil mod to stop the fire dragon fuel melting out of the slots or use a meths burner of some kind (which I currently do)

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.

This mornings outdoorsy stuff

March 18, 2026#backtothehills, hiking/backpacking/camping, life, the universe, and everything, outdoorsDarren

As I take a small break from painting minis, and transferring the contents of Twilight Imperium 4 and the Prophecy of Kings expansion into a single box using the 3D printed insert Colin has printed for me (still need the final pieces to finish off the transfer, there are rather a lot to print). I continue to do or play around with some outdoors related stuff.

This morning I decided to brew up using two stones from the Pillbottle stones stove and the Keith titanium canteen and cup.

I do like this stove. It’s genius really. Soak the stones in meths. Wait until all has been absorbed. Remove. Stack on top of each other. Light. Balance pot on top.

The simplicity. No spills while cooking. You don’t even need a pot stand. Although I do use these with a Fire Maple Lotus Titanium Solid Fuel Stove.

I also using an altoid style tin (which I can’t remember what came with it) create a char cloth tin. Which is basically putting a small hole in the lid and storing char cloth in it.

I also tested the char cloth (not created by me – that’s a future project) with the BCB ferro rod. Just to check if this char cloth was as advertised. It did indeed take a spark to create an ember.

At some point I’m going to have to go all Ray Mears and buahcrafty and try starting a fire this way.

Which reminds me I do have a flint and steel on the way! And yes I will be playing with that too.

This is the totally utterly last resort for me on starting a fire.

None of that friction bow crap for starting a fire. That’s all well and good when playing at shit hits the fan, I’m super stunt man survivalist.

But in reality it’s not practical in real life situations that most people want a fire.

For me it’s lighter first, matches, ferro rod. If with whatever tinder I have to hand can’t get a fire started with those then the friction stuff isn’t going to make any difference at all.

Enough of my rant. Have a nice day.

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.

LiveFromPeru Part 6

December 31, 2025#littlemonsters, #livefromperu, #the3d’s, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors, rambling, The 3D’s, WalkingDarren

Today Dolly and I introduced Diogo to the fenland landscape.

We went to just out side of Newton in the Isle for a walk I used to do regularly with the wolf pack. This one saw us doing a there and back to the North Level Main Drain. It ended up being about 1.5 miles in total.

This is the furthest Diogo has been on a walk since arriving in the UK.

Although the sun was out there was still a bit of a chill.

While Dolly was off the lead, a trust she has learnt. Diogo has not got to that point yet and was kept on his lead. He did get a bit longer on it than normal because I used Dolly’s lead as an extension.

Although I did my best to avoid other dogs, and the inevitable barking in excitement from Diogo. I wasn’t 100 percent able to avoid that situation though.

But I am trying to get to a point using calming dog treats (I’m very sceptical about these but time will tell). I’ve also contacted a dog trainer but had no reply yet. But then again it is the Christmas period and they could be taking the time off. I’ll give them until middle of next week before looking for another.

In the meantime Dolly and I need to build Diogo up so he can do the longer walks.

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.

There and back twice

November 4, 2025#littlemonsters, #walkingDolly, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors, rambling, WalkingDarren

Dolly and I did try to get a walk in at Shouldham Warren. However that was a blow out. We got there to find that the car park, and the woods were closed. Later at home I was able to find out on a council discussion thread that it has been closed since September, and due to reopen on 5th November. Apparently the Forestry Commission is doing some tree thinning. The public are allowed access after 5pm each day.

Dolly and I will return once Shouldham Warren is reopened.

But that left us needing to find a spot to have a walk.

On our drive back across the fenland landscape we were looking for a suitable spot to stop.

In the end we ended up walking along a section of Middle Level Main Drain.

Our walk was windy, and as we made our way along the drains embankment we started to feel specks of rain as we caught up with a shower moving across the fenland landscape.

On the opposite embankment was a fisherman sheltering under his large fishing umbrella.

Once back at the car the geese we had seen earlier swimming on the drain were now on the opposite embankment.

As an impromptu walk under the circumstances it was ok.

But that walk was a couple of days back.

Today Dolly and I ended up at Sutton Bridge and walking along the sea defences leading towards the RAF target range, and forming part of the King Charles III coastal path.

Some work is going on here but not sure what

It was a windy there and back walk. With the wind mainly behind us as we walked away from the car, and then almost head on as we returned.

As we got closer to the car we were approached by a man asking if we had seen a black dog. His dog had managed to run off whilst walking it. Sadly he was the first person we had seen on our walk. And we had definitely not seen a black dog.

Back at the car we wished him luck finding his dog. On our drive back we went a little slower keeping an eye out over the ploughed fields for any sign of the dog.

I hadn’t done this side of the Wash since the wolf pack days. It was nice to return to this spot.

Dersingham Bog

October 25, 2025#littlemonsters, #walkingDolly, Cooksets, hiking/backpacking/camping, outdoors, rambling, WalkingDarren

Storm Benjamin has been and gone. Once again despite being in the yellow warning zone our eastily location protected us from the worst of Storm Ben.

It was time once more for Dolly and me to stretch our legs on something a bit longer than our usually daily walks.

Our walk today was a return to Dersingham Bog. A walk Dolly and I hadn’t done since earlier in the year when we came here for the charity walks we did.

As you can see from the photos there were blue skies, the sun breaking through the clouds. What the photos can’t show is the wind adding a chill to walk.

“Hurry up and get the jerky out.“,
Forest Fundamentals™ Artisan Fire Mat, 80’s Polish Army Canvas Webbing Bread Bag Satchel

Thanks to the sandy soil, although we didn’t see any deer, we saw signs that they had been there as we walked round. Mainly thanks to their hoof prints still detectable amongst those of walkers, dogs, and horses.

I love spotting the fungi this time of year. There seemed to be a wider variety here than at the woods of Roydon Common.

We did find a brew spot under a tree. However it wasn’t ideal. But then again the side we were walking along of the bog had no real spots that gave any protection from the wind.

This meant lighting the alcohol stove with my lighter was challenging. It meant I had to resort to my fire starting kit and using the wick and bellows to get the stove to ignite.

After boiling water for a brew, I put more water on to make lunch with.

Today was a bit of recipe development for a project I have started. So I’m not going into detail here you’ll find that when the project gets announced. However I was rather pleased how this first attempt at a Japanese inspired/style curry ended up. If I had one critique then it would be that the prawns could have done with slightly longer rehydrating.

I have a couple more recipes I need to work on/try for this project. I’ll be trying these on future walks.

Speedster 30ml Spill Proof Meths/Alcohol Burner Gold, BCB Crusader Cooker Mk1

A part from recipes to try I have a backlog of stoves and pots I want to use on the walks. One of these is the Serotonin Firefly Mini Stove. This is a wood burning stove that packs away to a small size. It’s also most likely to be the one I take out next time.

The Pathfinder cup worked well with the BCB Crusader mk1 cooker, as did the Speedster stove.

This was a chilly but chilled! walk back in nature. Just what the doctor ordered.

Backup

Share this:

Operation A Dog Named Sue! #8

Finally…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: