Great vid Rob, really informative. It would be really interesting to hear from you on boots or shoes for long distance walking... i just cant make up my mind at the moment!
Morning David, we actually talk about our footwear choices in the last episode next Thursday. Iain opted for flexible fabric waterproof boots, whereas I went with the wet feet in trail runners. Both of us were happy with our contrasting choices. If you go the trail runners route, then I'd try them over a long weekend, I know wet feet isn't everyone's choice.
@@WalkWithWallace - Thanks Rob - I did the Skye Trail in October last year in the pouring rain... in trail runners. Even though i used Sealskinz my feet were soaked all the time, but they survived ok. I think i will use them and embrace the wet!!. Have you done a video on foot care on long trails??
Jeez, even on your day off, after scooting about for supplies you do a kit video 👏 You could maybe get zips added to your shorts depending if there's enough clearance for your hand to still fit through. (I take my wee down jackets to a woman who sews zips in the pockets for me : it stops my hankies falling out when I'm cycling- a must have in the winter! 3 jackets so far and only £4 each time 👍)
Haha, no rest for the wicked. 😁 That's a good shout actually, I've got a seamstress shop just down the road. If it's a similar price then that would be worth it. 🤐
Good to see someone else set up, couple of things you have I have been thinking about a couple items you have sungloves and the notch tarptent - thanks
Wow! 10 kilos, that amazing! I'm in preparation now; staring out on the 7th of July and have only have manage to get my pack weight down to 15K including food for the complete journey, way to go Robin, I will have to take another look at my choices!! Kindest regards, Ant...
I'm not really prepared to spend any more to get it lighter to be honest. 15kg including food isn't bad at all though, I was 13kg when I set off on the first day and Iain was 18kg. N
Last year in Knoydart my pack weight was 32kg! 😀It was gear and food for 3 days. Too many luxuries in it. Just my tent was 4.5kg. It was a North Face Mountain 25 tent.
Awesome. Think the mighty hounds is right about fingers and midges. The carry of the sierra flex is a pack lottery win for me, really enjoying it. Am jelly of yer tarp tent!💯
Aye, I'll pay for the replacement over time with the subscription. 😁 Garmin are not daft, I want to sell it, but the missus likes it for peace of mind.
Great video and breakdown. The nitecore shock cord mod is worth it for a couple of quid, also saves space. I can stuff mine in my little toiletry bag. I guess we are always tweaking!
Anything to save a few grams. It all adds up. I might do the mod on the headtorch actually as the standard strap is quite thick for the size of the torch.
@@WalkWithWallace definitely. I’m one for lightweight but comfort. The strap is crazy for the size of the torch as you say. At 6ft7 though I accept I will never be UL!
I need to catch up on all of these vids 😃I love how disciplined you are with your packing 🤦🏼♀️ why am I so rubbish! I might FaceTime you when I’m packing for my next one so you can be the voice of reason 😂😂😂 erm Kerry you do not need a hair dryer etc Hoping to be back up in Scotland soooooon x
Nice video Robin, once your kit is down to a comfortable weight that you can physically carry then that's great. I don't even bother weighing my rucksack anymore I know I can carry it over any terrain and that's all that matters. :-)
The speedster stoves are great Robin. I've looked at the before but haven't purchased because I a few setups. Heavier granted but I'm alright with that for now. Loving the tread on your shoes. Good load out. Mark
All good gear robin. But with the food it all adds up and water 💦 two . Very interesting stuff mate . Just been trying out my new Trailstar out happy days 👍⛺️ not long to go now
@@WalkWithWallace good stuff robin. Yes got a Oookworks nest and tub for it good set up and a Duomid on the way. I’ll have to get a inner for that when it comes to . Cheers 👍⛺️
Lovin the videos. I walked the CWT last year and this brings back all the wonderful memories. 2 things Iv'e taken from this video - toothpaste tablets - genius. I was also in the market for a new back pack (not loving the Osprey Exos) I looked into the Flex Capacitor .... liked it, bought one yesterday. Great info.
Cheers David, it's a cracking hike isn't it. 😁 Funnily enough I had the Exos, then the Levity and finally settled on the Flex Capacitor. Hope you like the pack too. 👍🏻
@@WalkWithWallace Yeah - the Exos is an odd pack. Don't like the way you can never stand it up right, don't like the detachable lid, nor the way the top closure works, and the foam on the shoulder straps is so flimsy....."sigh"
not to teach you, but repacking food saves some weight, but most importantly lets you downsize pack from 60 to 40-50 at least as it saves tons of volume. Also LNT, carrying back reusable little zips is way easier than mylar bag. my best result had been 2850g of food total for 8 days, 3500-3600kcal daily.
Decent setup Robin. 7.4kg baseweight aint half bad at all :-) Just pulled the trigger on a Stratospire Li which should save me a further 400g and will also serve as a shelter for the wife and I, Love the idea of the toothpaste tablets! 2 lip balms seemed like excess to me but now seems like karma - boy I bet you were glad of it! Nowt much worse than chaffage of the undercarriage! lol ATB Elton.
7.4kg is fine in my book for an LDW. Not UL, but more than manageable. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with a DCF tent mate, I get the pros, but wonder what the cons are and if it's worth the money. 🤔 LOL @ the lip balms, that was a blessing. 😄
A possible change for your channel name. Keeping with the bird theme and the blue attire . WALK WITH BLUE TIT. 😂😂😂 keep going fella enjoying following your CWT.
Some good tips for my next trip to Pentlands haha ;D I quite like this Sierra bag, Im not sure myself what to buy I bought Gregory Baltoro but killed my hip and was sore its not good for me so thinking of Osprey Atmos or Aether maybe but these are not UL for long trips. Just confused. Cheers
The Sierra bag was my third pack and I think I'm settled with it now. Its light, but not UL. Comfort more important imho. Talon 44 another option, but no frame. 🤔
Excellent stuff Robin. Just done the West Island Way with a base weight of 9.3 and was very happy with that, so much so I popped in a little red number for the evening 🍷. Did you label the lip balms? I do like the look of the backpack.. well done again on the successful trail. 🥾🥾⛺😎👍
Thanks for the videos (great stuff!). I'm hoping to go next week (from 15.5 to 22.5) and hoping to make it from Glenfinnan to Kinlochewe or Ullapool if I make good time. A few questions: 1) where on the trail can I get bioethinol or other alcohol fuel for my burner? How much alcohol did you start out with (to save weight)? 2) How bad the midges during this period? Do I need to get Smidge (if its even effective) and if so do they sell it somewhere on the trail? Thanks so much!
Cheers Dano, in answer to your questions: 1) I think you might need to take enough fuel to last you the 7-8 days. I use roughly 60-80ml a day. From memory I took enough fuel to get me to Craig where we met Ian's Dad who came with resupplies. 2) midges will be out, but are not too bad in May, maybe get some Smidge. I never used any on this trip. The craft shop in Kintail may stock Smidge and meths. Maybe give them a phone beforehand.
@@WalkWithWallace Thanks so much. One last question. I am considering leaving my down jacket at home and saving 400 grams. Weather in the valleys are forecasted between 7/8 to 12 C. But maybe the forecasts are not reliable and it might suck to freeze in the late evenings and early mornings. Any thoughts?
Sorry - years after the event and I am sure the answer is buried somewhere in all these videos (which were great!) - but WHEN did you do the trail? The weather looks good (for Scotland) and you don’t mention the midges….
Hi Steve, it was late April / early May and whilst there is no guarantees, in my opinion April/May is the best time to hike in Scotland weather wise and pre midge.
Very informative, giving me some food for thought… I’ve been throwing in too many extras (again), need to work on getting pack weight down a bit and trim the kit. Is that a dyneema peg bag ? Looks the business, got some of the Eastons ordered up , cheers again 👍
Cheers Ruairidh, it's the Gram Counters 3mm mat. Doesn't come in orange any more which is probably a good thing as mine looks a bit mucky now. www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/closed-cell-foam-mats-c137/featherweight-evazote-foam-mat-p13851
I coped really well with the wet feet, wiped them down with anti bac wipes every night, allowed them to dry and put the Montane Booties on. 👣 The draw string bags are the fruit and veg bags out of the supermarket, 30 odd pence each. 😁
Interesting watch Robin. Looks like you did well to keep the weight to a minimum. Were you tempted to try Sealskinz or other waterproof socks to keep the feet dry on really wet days? I’m experimenting with them at the moment and they are much more breathable and comfortable than I expected. I’ve also tried my usual Darn Tough socks and got really wet feet in the Lakes last week with no adverse effects fortunately. Decisions, decisions 🤔
Robin, did you get any feedback from Iain on his Paramo Jacket? I am thinking to use one for a winter jacket then add an ultralight over jacket in big downpours.
Iain has had that for years, I've got the standard Velez too. If you run hot like me then I'd definitely keep it for winter. You shouldn't need an over jacket either, as long as you keep them proofed. Top jackets. 👍🏻
Great video Robin, some useful tips there, I'd love to know what Ian's pack weighed and what he had in there? Does he have a youtube channel? He looks a bit more 'old school' like me!!!
Morning Gordon, Iain doesn't have a YT channel or even a lighter packs website, he is old school. 😁. Anyways his pack was 18kg at its heaviest compared to my 13kg. That was with 5 days worth of food each. When he swapped rucksacks in the last video his pack weight was lighter as the big Lowe Alpine pack he used at the beginning is a heavy beast.
@@WalkWithWallace Crikey! 18KG! Credit to you both, That is a fair long hike with that weight aboard. Really good viewing this. I thing the Cape Wrath is a bit beyond my capabilities but I salute both you gents for completing it and even more grateful to you making and sharing these videos, All the best, GJ
@@tombuidhe932 yeah love it mate, been using it for a few years now and it's still going strong. It's perfect as an active midlayer or for taking the chill off when it's not quite warm enough for a baselayer only.
How did you get that backpack and gear so lite. I thinking on a Osprey Exos 58L. Then trim my gear down. I'm hoping to do the Skye trail this year. I have just had a hernia operation on Saturday so it really depends on the healing of that 🤞. Hoping to do a lot of camping when I'm healed up and fit. Love your videos. Atb Steve 👍
Hi. Thinking of doing the CWT in autumn next year. Thanks for the kit video good suggestions for me to think about. Regarding footwear what were your choice of trail runners? Did they have goretex liners and did you wear sealskinz socks or is it better to go for non goretex trail shoes and socks as this let's the water out easier???? Seen your stuff on walk highlands also . Cheers Tom.
Hi Tom, I totally embraced wet feet and went with mesh trail runners (Saucony Peregrine) I didn’t bother with waterproof socks, I’m not keen on the feel of them. I rotated two pairs of socks around. I would suggest trying the wet foot approach first over a long weekend, as I know some people don’t like having constantly wet feet, but I found it fine once my feet warmed up after 10-15 mins of walking and letting my feet air out in the evening.
@WalkWithWallace thanks for the advice. I will give it some thought. You see what I'm thinking is once a pair of goretex lined runners and sealskinz get inevitably wet the liners on both act as a barrier to water getting out so you end up with waterlogged feet. Only problem I encountered on SUW was walking with wet feet for a few days ended up with my feet and toes getting rubbed and chafed, not blisters as such but raw from the chafing?
@WalkWithWallace well they were goretex lined boots but they were letting in water, the liner was knackered on both boots. The boots in the end were like sponges and my non waterproof bridgedales were soaked and heavy and misshaped in the boots......
Sir...would you ever consider high leather boots over trekking shoes? Is there perhaps more chance of keeping feet drier in a high leather boot? One could either do river crossings in crocs (I know it's extra weight!!!) or if water goes over the boot tops then stop and wring water out of socks and carry on. But yes...takes a while for boots to dry...weather permitting. Or do you feel boots are perhaps just a winter option?? Rgds Imran
Hi Imran, I suppose its down to personal choice. There's no right or wrong. We were pretty lucky in that we only experienced rain on one day, Iain kept his flexible fabric boots dry for the duration of the trail. If it had been raining more often it might have been another story. Must admit I do prefer leather boots for the Munros and Corbetts. But I think I'd go trail runners again on a long distance. What's your thoughts, are you leaning towards boots?
Thanks for your thoughts. I hate cold feet so boots are a must for me in winter...although I find it hard to find a boot with a wide enough foot box. I have yet to try hiking in shoes (which seem to offer a wider selection of wide toe boxes) and just embracing foot-wetness. Soul destroying or liberating? I must give it a go. Thanks for all your hard work.
@@trytheoutdoors have you looked into Altberg boots? They do 5 different widths from extra narrow to extra wide. I've got Hanwag bunion boots for my wide feet. 👍🏻
Better watch you don't put your back out with all that weight Robin! 10kg! XD Joking aside, thanks for this, nice to see everything that you took on the trail. Is there anything that you feel you shouldn't have carried?
Cheers Scotty, I reckon I've dialled everything in now. I did carry a wind shirt that I ditched at Iain's, but then I could have done with it on the second half, and had to use my hardshell jacket instead.
@@WalkWithWallace Excellent, you really can't argue with that kind of weight, especially considering it's a multi-day hike to the next food drop! That's a shame, hopefully you didn't overheat too much with the heavier layer!
@@outlawedlandscapes exactly, would have to spend top dollar to save another 2kg. Not prepared to do that now. Aye, you'll see the weather is a bit more mixed in the next video from last Thursday's vid.
No down jacket? I'm starting the Cape Wrath Trail in July and wondering if I can get away with a 100wt (140gsm) fleece and rain jacket, over long sleeve baselayer..?
Hi Alex, at 5:44 I show a synthetic down jacket. You probably would get away with it, but you can still get cold nights in July, so just be prepared to jump into your sleeping bag earlier if you got a bit cold in the evening.
@@WalkWithWallace Thanks for the quick reply, I totally missed the jacket! Aye I'm umming and ahhing over whether to go light fleece, standard fleece, or just stick to the puffy like always. On the Cape Wrath Trail it looks like a lot of long days and not so much camp time anyway right?
@@oOAlexB321Oo if you're doing the CWT over 14-15 days then soon stop for the day, you'll be setting up camp, making dinner then off to bed after a decent day's hiking. Nice luxury to have though.
Great video Robin, would live to this trail one day myself. I have the scarp 1 but looking for a light weight pole tent for the better weather and longer hikes. Is the notch still good in wind? Atb, michael
I’m not sure tbh. I’d want to know the advantage of opting for DCF over sinylon for that increase in price. I guess it’s the advantage of condensation, no seam seals and water resistance but I’m more than happy with the scarp material and that’s sinylon
Love the trekking pillow from decathlon & the trek 100 down jacket 🤫😉😉
Yeah the Helium pillow is excellent, almost as good as my house pillow. 😆 Heard good things about their down jacket too. 👍🏻
The joy of washing yourself and the bog off your clothes in a freezing loch but then getting dry by a mountain bothy fire 🔥😂😂
Can't beat it mate. 😁
Excellent summary and all useful info. Thanks Robin.
Cheers Gavin. 🏕 👍🏻
Great job. Much appreciated. Subscribed. Look forward to learning more from you.
Thanks Imran. 😁 👍🏻
Great vid Rob, really informative. It would be really interesting to hear from you on boots or shoes for long distance walking... i just cant make up my mind at the moment!
Morning David, we actually talk about our footwear choices in the last episode next Thursday.
Iain opted for flexible fabric waterproof boots, whereas I went with the wet feet in trail runners. Both of us were happy with our contrasting choices. If you go the trail runners route, then I'd try them over a long weekend, I know wet feet isn't everyone's choice.
@@WalkWithWallace - Thanks Rob - I did the Skye Trail in October last year in the pouring rain... in trail runners. Even though i used Sealskinz my feet were soaked all the time, but they survived ok. I think i will use them and embrace the wet!!. Have you done a video on foot care on long trails??
@@davidcressey nice one Dave, shame it was in the rain though. That sounds like Skye. I haven't as yet, but it's something I've thought about.
@@WalkWithWallace - I for one would watch it! 👍
Jeez, even on your day off, after scooting about for supplies you do a kit video 👏
You could maybe get zips added to your shorts depending if there's enough clearance for your hand to still fit through. (I take my wee down jackets to a woman who sews zips in the pockets for me : it stops my hankies falling out when I'm cycling- a must have in the winter! 3 jackets so far and only £4 each time 👍)
Haha, no rest for the wicked. 😁
That's a good shout actually, I've got a seamstress shop just down the road. If it's a similar price then that would be worth it. 🤐
Excellent wee informative video Robin. And as enjoyable as ever.
Thanks Iain. 👣 ⛺ 👍🏻
Good to see someone else set up, couple of things you have I have been thinking about a couple items you have sungloves and the notch tarptent - thanks
Gloves are a good addition and I'm liking the Notch so far. 👍🏻
When you lifted your bag up and held it out with one arm I knew it was going to be a lot lighter than mine 😂
Haha, I was struggling lifting it with one hand when the food went in. 😆
Wow! 10 kilos, that amazing! I'm in preparation now; staring out on the 7th of July and have only have manage to get my pack weight down to 15K including food for the complete journey, way to go Robin, I will have to take another look at my choices!!
Kindest regards,
Ant...
I'm not really prepared to spend any more to get it lighter to be honest. 15kg including food isn't bad at all though, I was 13kg when I set off on the first day and Iain was 18kg. N
Lol when I was in the miltary weapon and ammunition alone weighed more than 10kg
@@derekmcmanus8615 lol, aye the army troops carry some weight like.
Last year in Knoydart my pack weight was 32kg! 😀It was gear and food for 3 days. Too many luxuries in it. Just my tent was 4.5kg. It was a North Face Mountain 25 tent.
@@rayr3137 I bet the tent was bombproof?
Nice mate. Looks like you’ve had a good few days adventure on the Cape Wrath trail. Absolutely beautiful!
Great Monday night's watch, tele is bollo 👌😁
Haha, particularly if you're a Scotland supporter. 🙈
Awesome. Think the mighty hounds is right about fingers and midges. The carry of the sierra flex is a pack lottery win for me, really enjoying it. Am jelly of yer tarp tent!💯
I'll need to dry the fingerless efforts again in the height of midge season. 😁 Good to hear you like the Flex Capacitor too. Cracking packs.
Interesting kit selection
It worked well for this one. 😁
enjoy your rest day : ) nice kit load out always nice to see what other people carry looking forward to the rest of the series atb daz
Cheers Daz, must admit I like a nosey myself with these kind of videos. 😁
Excellent summary Robin. Good range of gear too. Good stuff.
Cheers Tariq, when you next out mate?
@@WalkWithWallace looking into the Great Glen Way. Walk up in Dunkeld with the club in July.
@@benjaminzac_Man_Wi_A_Tan nice one bud. Planning on vlogging it?
@@WalkWithWallace will do but hopefully better than the last one. Also had some surprising news from Doctor. I will message you mate.
@@benjaminzac_Man_Wi_A_Tan Okaydoks.
Need to get you on the weights Robin. That 10kg lift was a struggle son! 💪🏼 Excellent CWT videos. Very enjoyable watch. All the best.
Haha, aye plus my wrists are knackered after a bad football injury. 🙈
Great load out video Rob some nice bits of kit pity about the garman but good of them to send a new one out atvb jimmy 😎😎
Aye, I'll pay for the replacement over time with the subscription. 😁 Garmin are not daft, I want to sell it, but the missus likes it for peace of mind.
Good stuff Robin , thats good they replaced your garmin mate ..cheers Stevie
Just as well eh, they're not cheap mate. 👀
Well done lads! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole series.
Cheers Jen, chuffed you enjoyed the series. 😁 👍🏻
Nice little review of your Cape Wrath trail gear Robin.
Cheers Phil, did you decide on a tent by the way? 🤔
@@WalkWithWallace im going for the wild country helm 1, i think i saw your review some time back.
@@2407ewan good tent, but a bit heavy for big a hike. 🤔 Did you look at the MSR Hubba NX?
@@WalkWithWallace yes looks great lightweight aswell, might wait and buy that.
@@2407ewan I was eying up the Hubba NX, maybe the Tarptent Scarp 1 if they're ever in stock
Great video and breakdown. The nitecore shock cord mod is worth it for a couple of quid, also saves space. I can stuff mine in my little toiletry bag. I guess we are always tweaking!
Anything to save a few grams. It all adds up. I might do the mod on the headtorch actually as the standard strap is quite thick for the size of the torch.
@@WalkWithWallace definitely. I’m one for lightweight but comfort. The strap is crazy for the size of the torch as you say. At 6ft7 though I accept I will never be UL!
@@JamesGrant578 I'm 5'10" and have accepted I won't be UL either. 😆 Got to a weight I'm comfortable with.
Nice to see Garmin replaced your in - reach 👏👏👏
Ha yes. Should think so too, they're certainly not cheap. Plus they wouldn't get any more subscription fees from me if they didn't. 🤔
@@WalkWithWallace and those fees will soon pass the cost of the unit! Love mine though. 😁
@@tayvue1 exactly, although I'm on the flexi plan it's still not cheap when you factor in the early service charge too.
I need to catch up on all of these vids 😃I love how disciplined you are with your packing 🤦🏼♀️ why am I so rubbish! I might FaceTime you when I’m packing for my next one so you can be the voice of reason 😂😂😂 erm Kerry you do not need a hair dryer etc
Hoping to be back up in Scotland soooooon x
Haha, that would probably be a good video. Dump that, take that, what is that you're taking? 😂
What are you doing when you're next up? 😁
Nice video Robin, once your kit is down to a comfortable weight that you can physically carry then that's great. I don't even bother weighing my rucksack anymore I know I can carry it over any terrain and that's all that matters. :-)
Hear, hear mate. We never stop tweaking, but I'm happy with that. Carried it all for 15 days.
The speedster stoves are great Robin. I've looked at the before but haven't purchased because I a few setups. Heavier granted but I'm alright with that for now. Loving the tread on your shoes. Good load out. Mark
I'm a big fan of alcohol burners. Cheap as chips to run and maintain. 🔥
@@WalkWithWallace Yeah, I like em to. They don't make so much noise.
@@WyeExplorer almost too quiet, burn your hand to see if it lit. 😆
@@WalkWithWallace That is true sometimes.
All good gear robin. But with the food it all adds up and water 💦 two . Very interesting stuff mate . Just been trying out my new Trailstar out happy days 👍⛺️ not long to go now
Have you got an inner bug nest for it? I hardly use my Trailstar any more, will need to get out again soon.
@@WalkWithWallace good stuff robin. Yes got a Oookworks nest and tub for it good set up and a Duomid on the way. I’ll have to get a inner for that when it comes to . Cheers 👍⛺️
@@alanguthrie8415 nice. 👌🏼 It's great Ookworks are back in business. 🏕
Lovin the videos. I walked the CWT last year and this brings back all the wonderful memories. 2 things Iv'e taken from this video - toothpaste tablets - genius. I was also in the market for a new back pack (not loving the Osprey Exos) I looked into the Flex Capacitor .... liked it, bought one yesterday. Great info.
Cheers David, it's a cracking hike isn't it. 😁 Funnily enough I had the Exos, then the Levity and finally settled on the Flex Capacitor. Hope you like the pack too. 👍🏻
@@WalkWithWallace Yeah - the Exos is an odd pack. Don't like the way you can never stand it up right, don't like the detachable lid, nor the way the top closure works, and the foam on the shoulder straps is so flimsy....."sigh"
@@davidcalder8912 that was my findings too. I do love the Osprey Talon 33 though for quick overnighters.
not to teach you, but repacking food saves some weight, but most importantly lets you downsize pack from 60 to 40-50 at least as it saves tons of volume. Also LNT, carrying back reusable little zips is way easier than mylar bag. my best result had been 2850g of food total for 8 days, 3500-3600kcal daily.
Cheers mate, some useful information. 👍🏻
Decent setup Robin. 7.4kg baseweight aint half bad at all :-) Just pulled the trigger on a Stratospire Li which should save me a further 400g and will also serve as a shelter for the wife and I, Love the idea of the toothpaste tablets! 2 lip balms seemed like excess to me but now seems like karma - boy I bet you were glad of it! Nowt much worse than chaffage of the undercarriage! lol ATB Elton.
7.4kg is fine in my book for an LDW. Not UL, but more than manageable. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with a DCF tent mate, I get the pros, but wonder what the cons are and if it's worth the money. 🤔
LOL @ the lip balms, that was a blessing. 😄
A possible change for your channel name. Keeping with the bird theme and the blue attire . WALK WITH BLUE TIT. 😂😂😂 keep going fella enjoying following your CWT.
Sorry Billy, for some reason your comment has only appeared now. 😔 Cheeky, but I do have a lot of blue coloured gear. 😂
Some good tips for my next trip to Pentlands haha ;D I quite like this Sierra bag, Im not sure myself what to buy I bought Gregory Baltoro but killed my hip and was sore its not good for me so thinking of Osprey Atmos or Aether maybe but these are not UL for long trips. Just confused.
Cheers
The Sierra bag was my third pack and I think I'm settled with it now. Its light, but not UL. Comfort more important imho. Talon 44 another option, but no frame. 🤔
Excellent stuff Robin. Just done the West Island Way with a base weight of 9.3 and was very happy with that, so much so I popped in a little red number for the evening 🍷. Did you label the lip balms? I do like the look of the backpack.. well done again on the successful trail. 🥾🥾⛺😎👍
Cannae beat a cheeky vino mate. 👌🏼
Different brands of lip balm, so I was sorted. 😅
Hi Wallace I'm looking for walkers to chum from the Central belt. Would you take on a straggler?
Hi Andy, I don't mind meeting new folk but I prefer to build up an online rapport first, usually on Insta or Twitter.
Thanks for the videos (great stuff!). I'm hoping to go next week (from 15.5 to 22.5) and hoping to make it from Glenfinnan to Kinlochewe or Ullapool if I make good time. A few questions: 1) where on the trail can I get bioethinol or other alcohol fuel for my burner? How much alcohol did you start out with (to save weight)? 2) How bad the midges during this period? Do I need to get Smidge (if its even effective) and if so do they sell it somewhere on the trail? Thanks so much!
Cheers Dano, in answer to your questions:
1) I think you might need to take enough fuel to last you the 7-8 days. I use roughly 60-80ml a day. From memory I took enough fuel to get me to Craig where we met Ian's Dad who came with resupplies.
2) midges will be out, but are not too bad in May, maybe get some Smidge. I never used any on this trip. The craft shop in Kintail may stock Smidge and meths. Maybe give them a phone beforehand.
@@WalkWithWallace Thanks so much. One last question. I am considering leaving my down jacket at home and saving 400 grams. Weather in the valleys are forecasted between 7/8 to 12 C. But maybe the forecasts are not reliable and it might suck to freeze in the late evenings and early mornings. Any thoughts?
@@danos5181 I personally would take it. Can still be chilly in the evenings and it's nice to have a warm jacket to wear at the end of the day.
@@WalkWithWallace yeah my hunch is your right. Could have high winds that would be very uncomfortable. Thanks 👍
@@danos5181 that's my thinking, you'd probably get away without but why be miserable.
Sorry - years after the event and I am sure the answer is buried somewhere in all these videos (which were great!) - but WHEN did you do the trail? The weather looks good (for Scotland) and you don’t mention the midges….
Hi Steve, it was late April / early May and whilst there is no guarantees, in my opinion April/May is the best time to hike in Scotland weather wise and pre midge.
Very informative, giving me some food for thought…
I’ve been throwing in too many extras (again), need to work on getting pack weight down a bit and trim the kit.
Is that a dyneema peg bag ? Looks the business, got some of the Eastons ordered up , cheers again 👍
Cheers mate, it is indeed a DCF peg bag. Purchased from Treadlite Gear.
www.treadlitegear.co.uk/
Enjoyed this Cape Wrath series 👍
What is the thickness of the ultralight foam mat, is it 3mm? And where did you get it? Thanks
Cheers Ruairidh, it's the Gram Counters 3mm mat. Doesn't come in orange any more which is probably a good thing as mine looks a bit mucky now.
www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/closed-cell-foam-mats-c137/featherweight-evazote-foam-mat-p13851
Really enjoyed your Cape Wrath videos - fantastic. Also, sorry if I missed you say it, but do you mention what watch/tracker you wear? Cheers!
Cheers Ross and the watch I use is the Garmin Instinct Solar. I was getting about 3 days solid GPS use on one charge which is pretty decent.
@@WalkWithWallace Perfect - cheers mate! I've subscribed and look forward to seeing many more hikes.
@@rossfoley9303 no probs mate, and cheers for sub, appreciate it. 😁
Nice concise video 👍 how did you cope with wet feet most of the time and what are those small draw string bags with food in. thanks 😊
I coped really well with the wet feet, wiped them down with anti bac wipes every night, allowed them to dry and put the Montane Booties on. 👣 The draw string bags are the fruit and veg bags out of the supermarket, 30 odd pence each. 😁
@@WalkWithWallace Did you find the replacement Inreach to be okay, was thinking of getting this but not so sure now.
Interesting watch Robin. Looks like you did well to keep the weight to a minimum. Were you tempted to try Sealskinz or other waterproof socks to keep the feet dry on really wet days? I’m experimenting with them at the moment and they are much more breathable and comfortable than I expected. I’ve also tried my usual Darn Tough socks and got really wet feet in the Lakes last week with no adverse effects fortunately. Decisions, decisions 🤔
I tried Seal Skinz and Dexshell waterproof socks, neither lasted that long and I didn't like the feel of them. So I just embraced the wet feet.
@@WalkWithWallace yes, they do feel a little odd at first compared to normal socks. Embrace the bog is probably the way to go 😆
@@AnthonyJohnson1 I think so. 😁 Aslong as you remember to wash and dry your feet in the evening. 👣
Robin, did you get any feedback from Iain on his Paramo Jacket? I am thinking to use one for a winter jacket then add an ultralight over jacket in big downpours.
Iain has had that for years, I've got the standard Velez too. If you run hot like me then I'd definitely keep it for winter. You shouldn't need an over jacket either, as long as you keep them proofed. Top jackets. 👍🏻
Great video Robin, some useful tips there, I'd love to know what Ian's pack weighed and what he had in there? Does he have a youtube channel? He looks a bit more 'old school' like me!!!
Morning Gordon, Iain doesn't have a YT channel or even a lighter packs website, he is old school. 😁.
Anyways his pack was 18kg at its heaviest compared to my 13kg. That was with 5 days worth of food each. When he swapped rucksacks in the last video his pack weight was lighter as the big Lowe Alpine pack he used at the beginning is a heavy beast.
@@WalkWithWallace Crikey! 18KG! Credit to you both, That is a fair long hike with that weight aboard. Really good viewing this. I thing the Cape Wrath is a bit beyond my capabilities but I salute both you gents for completing it and even more grateful to you making and sharing these videos, All the best, GJ
@@ashropshirelad cheers Gordon, I wouldn't doubt yourself mate. If you're out near enough every weekend, your legs will be used to it.
hi Robin, what is the cooker windshield? really enjoy your videos , keep them coming
Morning John, the windshield with built in stand is from Speedster Stoves:
speedsterstoves.co.uk/
@@WalkWithWallace many thanks Robin
@@johnarmstrong4015 no probs. 👍🏻
Sorry,i wanted to ask abt this tent..is it strong in high winds? Lets say comparing to fjallraven abisko lite 1?
It’s a capable tent, but being a lightweight backpacking tent it’s not going to be as strong as an Abisko.
Hi Robin. What was the name of your Berghaus jacket ?
Hi Tom, I won that jacket a while ago from Tiso and I've searched everywhere for the name and can't find it. Probably discontinued now.
Thanks anyway. Were you happy with it as a mid layer ? There are a couple on the go from Berghaus ATM I'm looking at
@@tombuidhe932 yeah love it mate, been using it for a few years now and it's still going strong. It's perfect as an active midlayer or for taking the chill off when it's not quite warm enough for a baselayer only.
Well done Robin. Great information on equipment but be quiet about your bum that's your business 😂🤣. Really enjoyed watching. Atb Steve 👍
Haha, cheers mucker. 😁 👍🏻
Your welcome 👍
How did you get that backpack and gear so lite. I thinking on a Osprey Exos 58L. Then trim my gear down. I'm hoping to do the Skye trail this year. I have just had a hernia operation on Saturday so it really depends on the healing of that 🤞. Hoping to do a lot of camping when I'm healed up and fit. Love your videos. Atb Steve 👍
Hi. Thinking of doing the CWT in autumn next year. Thanks for the kit video good suggestions for me to think about. Regarding footwear what were your choice of trail runners? Did they have goretex liners and did you wear sealskinz socks or is it better to go for non goretex trail shoes and socks as this let's the water out easier???? Seen your stuff on walk highlands also . Cheers Tom.
Hi Tom, I totally embraced wet feet and went with mesh trail runners (Saucony Peregrine) I didn’t bother with waterproof socks, I’m not keen on the feel of them. I rotated two pairs of socks around. I would suggest trying the wet foot approach first over a long weekend, as I know some people don’t like having constantly wet feet, but I found it fine once my feet warmed up after 10-15 mins of walking and letting my feet air out in the evening.
@WalkWithWallace thanks for the advice. I will give it some thought. You see what I'm thinking is once a pair of goretex lined runners and sealskinz get inevitably wet the liners on both act as a barrier to water getting out so you end up with waterlogged feet. Only problem I encountered on SUW was walking with wet feet for a few days ended up with my feet and toes getting rubbed and chafed, not blisters as such but raw from the chafing?
I didn’t experience that with mesh trail runners paired with Darn Tough socks. Did you have waterproof boots on?
@WalkWithWallace well they were goretex lined boots but they were letting in water, the liner was knackered on both boots. The boots in the end were like sponges and my non waterproof bridgedales were soaked and heavy and misshaped in the boots......
I personally wouldn’t hesitate doing it again in mesh trail runners. There’s an FB page for the CWT, get some sound advice on there too.
Sir...would you ever consider high leather boots over trekking shoes? Is there perhaps more chance of keeping feet drier in a high leather boot? One could either do river crossings in crocs (I know it's extra weight!!!) or if water goes over the boot tops then stop and wring water out of socks and carry on. But yes...takes a while for boots to dry...weather permitting.
Or do you feel boots are perhaps just a winter option??
Rgds
Imran
Hi Imran, I suppose its down to personal choice. There's no right or wrong. We were pretty lucky in that we only experienced rain on one day, Iain kept his flexible fabric boots dry for the duration of the trail. If it had been raining more often it might have been another story. Must admit I do prefer leather boots for the Munros and Corbetts. But I think I'd go trail runners again on a long distance. What's your thoughts, are you leaning towards boots?
Thanks for your thoughts. I hate cold feet so boots are a must for me in winter...although I find it hard to find a boot with a wide enough foot box. I have yet to try hiking in shoes (which seem to offer a wider selection of wide toe boxes) and just embracing foot-wetness. Soul destroying or liberating? I must give it a go. Thanks for all your hard work.
@@trytheoutdoors have you looked into Altberg boots? They do 5 different widths from extra narrow to extra wide. I've got Hanwag bunion boots for my wide feet. 👍🏻
That's mince about the Garmin. How long had you had it before it packed in?
Bought it in March 2020, thinking I was doing the CWT last year. So 15 months with light usage. 👀
Better watch you don't put your back out with all that weight Robin! 10kg! XD
Joking aside, thanks for this, nice to see everything that you took on the trail. Is there anything that you feel you shouldn't have carried?
Cheers Scotty, I reckon I've dialled everything in now. I did carry a wind shirt that I ditched at Iain's, but then I could have done with it on the second half, and had to use my hardshell jacket instead.
@@WalkWithWallace Excellent, you really can't argue with that kind of weight, especially considering it's a multi-day hike to the next food drop!
That's a shame, hopefully you didn't overheat too much with the heavier layer!
@@outlawedlandscapes exactly, would have to spend top dollar to save another 2kg. Not prepared to do that now.
Aye, you'll see the weather is a bit more mixed in the next video from last Thursday's vid.
Goat any gear gadgie...Getting yur gear doon Mr Lightweight. 😉 Hiya 🐓🐓🐓🐔
Mon the gear. ⛺ 👣 😁
Do you use a trowel to Bury the barries? If so which one.
I've got the wee Duece of Spades effort mate. 💩
No down jacket? I'm starting the Cape Wrath Trail in July and wondering if I can get away with a 100wt (140gsm) fleece and rain jacket, over long sleeve baselayer..?
Hi Alex, at 5:44 I show a synthetic down jacket. You probably would get away with it, but you can still get cold nights in July, so just be prepared to jump into your sleeping bag earlier if you got a bit cold in the evening.
@@WalkWithWallace Thanks for the quick reply, I totally missed the jacket! Aye I'm umming and ahhing over whether to go light fleece, standard fleece, or just stick to the puffy like always. On the Cape Wrath Trail it looks like a lot of long days and not so much camp time anyway right?
@@oOAlexB321Oo if you're doing the CWT over 14-15 days then soon stop for the day, you'll be setting up camp, making dinner then off to bed after a decent day's hiking. Nice luxury to have though.
Great video Robin, would live to this trail one day myself. I have the scarp 1 but looking for a light weight pole tent for the better weather and longer hikes. Is the notch still good in wind? Atb, michael
Cheers Michael, the Notch is never going to be as strong as the Scarp in wind but it's still a capable tent imho. 🏕
That’s good to know, I love the features and I have a scarp 1 for gnarlier hikes but not sure whether to pay for the notch li as it’s a steep cost.
@@williammay6879 would you go silnylon or DCF?
I’m not sure tbh. I’d want to know the advantage of opting for DCF over sinylon for that increase in price. I guess it’s the advantage of condensation, no seam seals and water resistance but I’m more than happy with the scarp material and that’s sinylon
@@williammay6879 there's pros and cons to both, but like you I'm happy with my silnylon tents.
how many days to finish the trail??
15 days, plus 1 rest day.
What tent did you say it was?
It's The Tarptent Notch in silnylon.
@@WalkWithWallace thankyou so much and ubder a kilogram amazing
£15.00 from Costco, well that just says it all for me.
Ha, no much different to the £55 efforts. 👀
Hello, I love your videos very much! I sent you an email, please check. - Cindy
Hi Cindy, thanks for getting in touch. I'm not currently looking to do any gear reviews etc at the moment.