Chrissie and I are just back from a fantastic trip in Arctic Sweden (see previous post). It was the longest backpack we've ever undertaken; eight nights. Our rucsacs looked huge and felt heavy, packed at home, but, strangely, once out on the trail I was pleased at how well we both coped with such significant loads. nine days of food is a lot, regardless of our reliance on lightweight, dried meals. Chrissie carried eight days last year, but she had all her own independent camping gear. This time we shared tent and kitchen stuff so that eased things a little.
Incidentally, we never once regretted carrying all 3.5kg worth of the Terra Nova Polar Lite 3. It was just so comfortable, giving us respite from midges and rain on different occasions. We'd use it again without hesitation.
As so often happens on our journeys, conversation turned to possible further load refinements, despite our coping so well.
I was very impressed with the way my Osprey Xenith 75 swallowed everything I threw at it, including half of our three person Polar Lite 3 and a massive bag of food, all inside the sac. The tent goes inside the two rear zip pockets (which became one, once I'd removed the unnecessary divider). It managed so well Chrissie began trying to persuade me to buy a smaller sac for my, more usual, one and two night trips. Despite my grumpiness, I am open to ideas which might make backpacking less arduous. We also chatted widely about alternative clothing, which I sometimes overlook in a bid to keep costs down.
All this preamble goes some way to explain our recent spending spree, once back home.
In the past couple of weeks I've purchased the following:
Rab Dryflow 120 long underwear, to replace the Aldi merino wool ones I'd been using. Saving 84g
Thermarest Neoair Xtherm regular, a mummy shaped one, replacing my Xtherm max. I'd felt I needed the wider rectangular one, but tried Chrissie's regular while away and found it suited me AND fitted my chair kit better. Saving 96g.
Exped UL inflatable pillow, to replace the standard one I had. Saving 47g.
Montane Allez Micro Hoodie pullover, replacing the Rohan merino wool one I had. Saving 63g.
Osprey Kestrel 68, to use for shorter trips instead of my Xenith 75. Saving 500g.
So, that little lot has not only lightened my virtual wallet by many pounds sterling, but also my load by 790g.
I've just done a trial pack of my Kestrel and I'm amazed at how easily all the stuff I usually carry for a one nighter has gone in. A zip pocket on one side accommodated our Terra Nova Polar Lite 2 Micro with no difficulty, despite my having already packed the main body of the sac (the pocket, potentially using volume in the main body). This also means our Hilleberg Enan, a smaller, single person, shelter, will go in easily.
As you can see from the photos, it's far from fully loaded. There's plenty of space left under that floating lid.
We're in limbo at the moment. We're waiting for some dog-proof, washable covers to be made for the seat bases in our van and a couple of warranty issues to be sorted. I have a dental check up on 16th September and Chrissie's waiting for the opening date for next year's TGO Challenge. Once all these boxes are ticked we'll be off in the van. We're planning a trip across the north of England, taking in the North York Moors, the Dales and the Lakes. Buoyed with enthusiasm after our Arctic jaunt we're gonna try some short backpacks with Pebbles and Islay. We've never camped with two dogs before. Watch this space. Ample opportunity to try out my new rucsac.
Regular visitors will know I've been on a self-imposed, wild camp every month challenge, started last October. Well, I've failed. I didn't camp in July. Too much seemed to be going on. We were waiting for the new van and faffing with all sorts around the house prior to its arrival. I suppose I could argue I more than made up for it in August. But I failed in the easiest month of the year, smack in the middle of summer. What the heck? I'm quite content that, for the first time in my life, I wild camped right through the winter months, including a very cold trip over the Yorkshire Three Peaks. I'm planning to carry on from here though. Hoping to make wild camping a normal monthly (at least) routine.
Yesterday we booked flights to Lulea in northern Sweden for next August. We've been bitten by the Arctic bug. We're off to Sarek National Park; venue for Chrissie's trip with James in 2015. A different route though. Bring it on!
Life is good.
Smile!
Once a month missing July is a great base line too camp too 😉
ReplyDeleteCheers Peter. Very kind. I'll accept that one. 😀
DeleteSpot on Geoff. As I get older, plus having Parkinson's, there becomes a need to travel as light as possible. However, I am not prepared to go down the ultralight minimalist route. Thus it becomes a matter of careful juggling. Basically I adjust my kit according to the time of the year. In the warmer months I can get by with a 48litre pack and around ten kilo weight, inclusive of food for a week. Winter obviously means more weight.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos, two very contented dogs. By the by, there are some fine areas in the Cheviots, just a suggestion!
Cheers Dawn. I have utmost respect for anyone who makes sensible, considered decisions to suit their own needs. Have done a little in Cheviots but no backpacking... yet.
DeleteRead all 3 blogs Geoff. Some great advice as always. Jean and I are just occasional day walkers when we get the chance, so weight not a real issue for us. I am, however, well aware of the dangers of getting caught out on a day walk badly equipped, so I tend to carry more than I really should.
ReplyDeleteCheers Andy. To be fair, we tend to carry more than we should in our daysacs too but see it as good training for carrying a backpacking sac. And, be aware, should you ever need to call out an MR team, you could easily be waiting for a couple of hours. So, ask yourself, have I got enough to keep reasonably warm and comfortable for that length of time. An emergency shelter is always in my daysac for that reason, as well as spare warm clothing. Sorry for the lecture ;)
DeleteNot at all Geoff. The more info, the better. We carry the bright orange emergency bivvy bags, silver thermal blankets, whistles, first aid kits, maps, compass, spare compass, spare phone battery, head torches with spare batteries, layered breathable clothes, gloves, hats, waterproofs, plenty food and water etc. We also leave our details and route with someone and what time we expect to be back. I also check the MWIS weather forecast. There's other stuff I've probably not mentioned. Been having a nosey at those emergency location beacons too. Feel free to enlighten me with more info.
ReplyDelete