Kit Review | Ex-Royal Marines Overnighter | 4 Day UK Winter Trek with Wild Camping
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Bag packing is an essential part of having a successful trek. Join me in reviewing the kit I took on the South Downs winter overnighter.
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Non-exhaustive kit list:
North Face Gloves: geni.us/6nFqAh
Columbia Coat: geni.us/gbyC99
Asolo Avalon Walking Boots: geni.us/OQLz2vd
Gortex Waterproof Camouflage Trousers: geni.us/txDN2Q
Camelbak Water Tube: geni.us/eoknXky
Vango Rucksack Rain Cover: geni.us/BMbZk
Berghaus Roll Mat: geni.us/YtqwK2
Walking Poles: geni.us/tn5A
Pocket Rocket: geni.us/m56oU
Thermos Flask: geni.us/idXg
Klean Kanteen Water Bottle: geni.us/befqVG
Pathfinder School Set: geni.us/JXe11r
Aluminium Tent Pegs: geni.us/7BZseJ8
Fish Spreader: geni.us/9BODRo
Merino Trousers: geni.us/BcOCA
Merino Top: geni.us/d49q
Sleeping Bag: geni.us/VsXfyTj
LifeStraw: geni.us/VUoPmqD
Silva Compass: geni.us/Dxk7
Tasmanian Tiger Backpack: tasmanian-tige...
If you would like to know more details on all the items I took on this trek, check out this video: • Overnighter 4 Day UK W...
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Thanks for the great videos, Nick - really enjoying them. I think I detect a pattern of overloading I've struggled with myself! In my 20's I could chuck on belt kit and a huge bergen, carrying squaddie-proof kit which was great but weighed a ton. In my 40s (and now 50s), I'm horrified by how little I can carry and still stay comfortable. The temptation is to resist this reality, but I think we need to embrace it! One example is I now use trekking poles (weird at first but great for going uphills with way less energy - so get used to it😀) and so my tent (a Tarptent Stratospire) is mega light and doesn't need poles - you just use the trekking poles. In a civvy environment you can normally replen water, so I carry 2 litres max and a filter just in case. My bivi bag is now civvy too - much lighter. Take a look at what Al carries @bushmanandblue - really minimal. Luckily, my eldest son is now carrying more of the shared kit and helping his old man out!
I empathise. Getting older is no fun!
@@davehumpleby3440 true, but the alternative isn't great either! There is one important advantage Dave - hopefully we develop greater judgment and wisdom.... albeit from a low start point in my case!
@@davehumpleby3440 getting old is a privilege not everyone gets. As long as you adapt then getting old is a lot of fun. You just gotta learn to work smarter. You may lose physical strength but you gain wisdom. Wisdom ultimately always wins. So, getting old is good. Also, make sure all that wisdom doesn't go to waste and try to nurture the next generations. Hopefully they will use it to make a better world.
@Mark Jeffries or the alternative to a teenager, an alpaca to carry your gear lol.
“Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”
Nick, ex Army Capt and Expedition leader. I commend you on your honesty and humility which adds significant value to this video for your viewers. A very insightful review of your kit and experience on the South Downs. I can certainly attest to the difference time (years) makes when putting a pack back on and hitting the trail, knowing the kinds of weights we used to carry when serving. For example, when considering the whole 'ultra light' movement and the competition to get the lightest pack possible often disregarding what you actually need to support yourself on a trek, it makes me smile when I think that the rifle alone was 5.5kg, plus ammo, plus radio and batteries, plus helmet, and that's all before even considering all the basics of water, food, cooking kit etc.
One of the common mistakes I see, which you have identified in this video, is excess gear especially fire lighting. A lighter, and one spare as a back up, is about all you need, yet some will have a firelighting kit with half a dozen different methods thinking they need to have it all with them.
Looking forward to hearing what sounds like exciting news in the near future.
Great content as ever. All the very best.
Thank you for your service guys. 🇬🇧👋🏻
@Uther Petersen wow, not judgemental much are you? prick.
Fyi, Dad was raised in a children's home, joined the Army at 16 and did well. As for myself, educated in Army schools, equivalent to state comprehensives, managed to get to Uni and get a degree. Not a Rolls in sight, at least not on the pavement outside my Dad's army married quarter!
As for Ops, I spent about 3.5 years on operations in total and came away with PTSD as a freebie.
So whatever chip you've got on your shoulder, try brushing it off instead of taking to writing unwarranted insulting comments on what is an excellent channel.
Nice review Nick. In addition to my comments you saw on your first video planning the kit, I've got a couple more thoughts for your consideration.
You asked about energy savings with trecking poles. I think I've heard some estimate 20% improvement. I think it depends on the terrain. If there's lots of gradients, I think it could be much higher than that. It's not just energy efficiency that is important though, because you can use your arm and chest muscles for climbing and braking, so the fatigue is spread more evenly across your whole body. Efficiency also depends on the conditions underfoot. As you commented, slippery trails are very energy sapping and potentially dangerous. Poles help enormously with stability not only because they are more points of contact, and points spread further away from your center of gravity, but they are relatively sharp points that don't get clagged with mud. You mentioned the rhythm of using the poles - this is absolutely key. Once you get a good rhythm, you forget they are even there and their use becomes second nature. What you will notice though is how they allow you to flow over and around obstacles on the trail more than the stop-start motion of two feet, and it is this ability to preserve momentum that I really love most about poles. Also the table of shame looks even more humiliating when your arms are hanging out of trecking pole straps ;) Just don't buy heavy poles, because you don't want to do weight-lifting unnecessarily. Fizan make light aluminium poles on a budget, and for those looking to invest more, I would recommend Black Diamond carbon poles, though to be honest there are lots of great options these days.
As you said, your waterproof jacket needs to be replaced urgently. I would advise against buying a "two-layer" membrane jacket again. I had the same disappointing experience as you with a brand new jacket 25 years ago, though I was nowhere near as lucky with the weather - by the half way mark of the Pennine Way it was already leaking. Regardless of the condition it came to you in, two-layer membrane jackets all wear out very quickly if you are doing long distance with a heavy pack - the inner mesh fabric rubs directly against the waterproof-breathable membrane itself and this friction destroys its functionality surprisingly quickly on the shoulders, back and hips. Two-layer jackets may be fine for skiing and walking with light daysacks, but not for the kind of trip you did. Keep an eye out in the sales for a good lightweight three-layer jacket with pit zips, a peaked hood and preferably mesh chest pockets that can also be used as vents. It's a high-volume product so if you aren't fussy about colour and brand you can pick one up for a really good price. It should last at least 15 yrs.
You highlighted that you need to look again at your shelter options. Spraying the flysheet will help the water repellency, but if you test it under a hosepipe and still aren't happy, consider using one of your tarps instead. I'm repeating my earlier thoughts, but you really do not need both a tent and a bivy bag. In the summer, you could carry a light sil-nylon tarp and rig it over the mesh inner tent using your trecking poles to make an elevated A-frame that's off the ground with great ventilation and you can leave the bivvy bag at home. Can you use paracord to suspend the mesh inner-tent (basically a "bug bivvy") under the tarp so you can leave the tent poles at home too? In the winter, you could use the tarp in a V or flying-diamond setup in combination with the bivvy bag (to cut out the cold drafts) and leave the mesh inner tent at home since the mesh is really not giving you any appreciable insulation or wind resistance.
Top tip indeed on the boot sizing. I don't remember seeing anything on socks. Did you also use a merino outer sock and a slippery liner sock to reduce friction and therefore hot-spots/blisters?
It will take a few trips to dial in how much food and water you need to carry each day, and the ability to predict its availability on the trail will come with experience. It's one of the first things to research when planning a route. I recommend openstreetmap.org because the cycle map layer not only shows gradients and paths, but also has water taps, wells, streams, public toilets, churchyard taps, etc marked on by users (it's open source) and its also a really great resource for building your own strip maps if you are planning your own route that is not a recognized trail or if overseas maps are hard to get hold of.
I still don't think you need to carry three different drinking flasks, two of which are metal, but I can see the logic in your winter routine. Personally, I've always just grimmaced, broken the sacred seal and gone outside for waz, because I don't want liquids of any kind anywhere near my down bag. It ain't so bad and I'm asleep again before I know it, but maybe I should look into a system like yours. Not sure I'm the best of shots when I'm half asleep though, so it's deffo a risk!
Looking forward to your next trip and the big announcement. 😀
I do not have any calculation how much energy is saved. But walking sticks are necessity for me in uphill & downhill terrain. Specially for my knees. I have to recommended! No pain after a long walk with heavy backpack.
Thanks Nick.
Always good to know what people carry, what works, what doesn't and what they'd change for next time.
I'm a bugger for overloading.
No matter what adventure I'm on, I always return with stuff that never came out my bag once!
After thousands of trips, you'd think I'd have it down to a fine art, but no.
I'm too much of a prepper!
Looking forward to your big announcements.
attempted the south downs way, solo (starting in Winchester) last year and failed!! started on the hottest day of the year and only just made it just past cheesefoot before i had drunk all of my 3 litres of water and then fell down a rabbit hole! made the same mistake you did with a pack weight of 16 kg! many a valuable lesson learned! going to attempt again once the path is dry'ish and a much lighter pack!
Good luck with your 2022 projects! and would love to come up to hidden valley to refresh my bush-crafting skills!!
Agree about a down jacket in uk weather. That’s why I personally don’t use a down bag. Wet and sweat. Tried a down bag more than once because everyone swears by them but every time I have the same problem they some how get damp in the air. I still prefer my issue bag, yes it’s bulky yes it’s heavy but boy I always get a good nights sleep in one and that’s important for my next days travel and well-being.
The old issued ‘green maggot’ had the same problem :)
Still warm though and it dried quickly
I agree however I did love my old 58 maggot always had a great night's kip even when sleeping in a bog because the bottom was waterproof canvas.
@@moorshound3243 agree but was it true were they cheap chicken feathers 🐣
Dont know how much energy the save as such, but I do know that without them I wouldnt be able to do the hiking I get to do. Living with a really damaged right leg, the sticks make going up and down hills a ton easier then if I didnt use them. They can take a bit of practise, but once sorted they make holding rhythm really easy, and strangely fun.
Hi Nick, in reference to you asking about trekking poles in your video, I tend to push both forward at the same time and propel, bit like skiing. You may next time even use your trekking poles in leu of those tent poles ,to support a basha. These days I take next to nothing other than shelter insulation and cook set (pad bag and pot)
Sundries= half a tooth brush & travel tooth paste, micro fibre towel, specimen jar of dish soap, torch & lighter & rain togs. (Meds pack now much reduced too)
I reverted to trekking logic, Sleep when your tired, eat when hungry, travel light and enjoy the trail. As you probably learned by now, just buy food on route for that particular day, where possible, water is freely available + filter. ATB....bex
Good luck with the TV thing. I don't watch TV much, RUclips is my TV really. Good advise Nick, I think you have to take too much to know what you don't need.
Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍❤️
Hey Nick great channel! Much appreciate your work. Poles save the most wear and tear on the downhills. It’s a bit of physics, Mass x acceleration. The total load of pack and body weight is magnified greatly onto one leg each stride. Redirecting some load into the upper body instead by using poles adds up significantly over multi day trip. I’m no physicist but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night! 😹👍💪🥾
Love the videos keep em coming bud. Hope you and your family are doing great. Stay safe and be well Nick. Strength and Honor...
Brilliant video, very informative 👍
nice one Nick keep up the videos mate
That was a comprehensive and useful de-brief. Thank you.
Glad 2022 is looking good for you - you deserve it.
Good morning brother from Syracuse NY USA brother thank you for sharing your adventures
Excellent video just goes to show the kit that you don't need the weight all mounts up , I use a hammock and tarp for camping I find it's a lot lighter but everyone is different great advice as always thanks for sharing ♠️
Great vid Nick. Thanks! Walking poles - take strain off of knees and hips when going up & down hills, help with balance on slippery/uneven surfaces and something to lean on when taking a break. I couldn't continue with trekking without mine. The last one was through the Gorkha region of Nepal, about 8000m of ascent & descent. I'm 65 in a few weeks and did too much road-running in my misspent youth! I'd say worth persevering with in prep for advancing years!! ;-)
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I agree totally with Trekmate1 - get used to poles now and your knees will thank you later.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Do it! Great mountains & trails, plus the most amazing people once you're out of Kathmandu!
Excellent video !
This was really interesting and useful. Great concept.
As for your question about trekking poles, I am a huge fan of them. However, I only use one and only use it to assist when walking up and down or when my balance is being challenged.
I don't use them when just walking as I find myself tiring much faster when doing so.
Thank you again Nick for your honest review of the products you use. What i really like about your channel are those excellent tips and information you give about the time you served in the military. But also how to use that in everyday outdoor. Not to mention all those cool little gadgets like splash maps.
Not everybody can by alot of stuff. And when people are seeking information and or advice of the things they want to buy. Your channel gives them some nice alternatives and the information you need without alot of fuss.
And i really hope your channel grows even more, as you deserve that!
Another great vid....fully get the overloading thing as that's usually my downfall! However, that's not to say under different circumstances you may have been thankful if that kit!
Looking forward to seeing you go at it again! Always enjoy your videos.
Is your new telly show showing Bear Grylls how it's meant to be done? Exciting stuff dude. Well done.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 close enough though eh haha
Cheers Nick glad you got on ok with the windproof. I dont find mines that warm but when moving its quite good. Be good to see the differenc in weight after your kit ditch.
Thanks Nick. It’s a credit to you that you owned up to some errors with some of your kit choices 👍. It will make it easier for me when I make a pig’s ear with my gear selection 😉😀. But it’s never a mistake to carry donuts 🍩 though is it? I mean, they weigh almost nothing !? 🤣😋
Donuts have many ultra light principles. High calorie to weight ratio.
Don't weigh much.
And like they were designed by a gram counting ultralighter, they have the middle punched out.
Here in Canada we have Timbits which are basically "donut holes" and they are best to carry as logically holes weigh nothing.
@@bushcraftbasics2036 🤣😂😅😆…all very excellent points! So, if I eat the donuts before I leave, and take the Timbits with me, I’m on to a complete winner 🤗.
Thanks so much, I donut think 💭 I can go wrong!
@@h.bsfaithfulservant4136 Glad to help.
Thanks Nick, great to see what did and didn't work :) I think one thing when packing is where you are coming at this from a military, bushcraft and hiking background is you can end up packing a bit from each area? As it's miserable out today I'm going through my gear and honestly there's so much doesn't get used on trips but it's a nice to have. Certainly wouldn't ever wayt to go ultralight though.
Thx for your post hike analysis! Delightful jacket the wind stopper & backpack. Most rain shields for the backpack have disappointed me, by always allowing the contents in my pack to get wet. As I discovered when I was first here on a hike when my sleeping bag was drenched!
Doing that 312mi walk over 13 days I packed dehydrated food - meat, macaroni, 2 veg, mixture of seasonings, fruit, sweets. (My diet was sanctioned by my doctor.) One days ration was 650g. It was a boring existence but it worked with minimal cooking fuss after a long 50km walking day. My training weight for this one was 18kg but when finally packed was 16kg. I’m only 1.7m
Great video Nick. Keep up the awesome work!! Pete from Minnesota.
Great breakdown Nick. Would have been an idea to weigh your ruck before water and food and then weigh out what you would have taken out to see what could have been the difference. I think one of the major issues, and one I struggle with constantly, is what is your mission? Are you trying to cover distance or are you trying to be prepared for it all? To very different load outs.
Nate
Website lighterpack is useful for seeing where your pack-weight is going. Bit nerdy and my wife always wonders why the scales are up in the loft with all my camping bits, but it's worth even just whacking in manufacturers weights.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I saw your kit shelves, don't tell me you ain't nerdy 😂
Hats off though, I doubt I'd do half the first day you two did with the pack-weight you had on. I doubt I could've picked the ruddy thing up.
Hi Nick. Thank you so much for all the information.Can you show the 'toggle elastics in greater detail or did I miss that from a previous video? Stay safe. ATB. Nigel
Love these videos. Especially happy that you take time to break down what kit you bring, why, and where you stow it. Invaluable for amateurs like me to emulate. Also so impressed that you guys decided against pushing on to destruction and made the responsible choice about where to call it a day on the 160k trek. Makes me feel much better about not finishing the West Highland Way in Scotland a few years ago. Brilliant, and more importantly, honest stuff. Please keep it up!
Nice one me duck 👍
I have plenty of friends who don't get that this is the most important part of any hiking/camping/bushcraft trip. Figuring out what works, what didn't, and what you can do better so you do not keep making the same mistakes (and so you don't keep carrying too much weight). Of course, it is also why I keep spending money on new gear and clothing...
Nick, great vid mate 👍 Knowledge learned and shared is what makes any endeavor possible, success is based on putting that knowledge to use and practicing those lessons learned. Thanks Nick.
Hey Nick, I hope you’re doing well! It’s been so good seeing how your trip went and your thoughts on kit. I’ve recently picked up a rucksack and just started getting outside, and your bushcraft videos have been a great source of guidance. I’d love to do a challenge like this, and I think I’m just going to get something planned and go for it. The South Downs Way looks like a beautiful hike and a great challenge, I hope you get to have your cigar and claim victory on the trail soon!!
Hello. Awesome video. Question. If You did the same hike again. Would You use a different pack like the Sabre 45 or would You use the Tasmanian Tiger pack again? If You could only have one pack for hiking, traveling around the world, and deployments. Which one would You choose?
I was having a good chuckle at some of what you took. Been there. Done that etc.
But when you pulled out that Cyalume, I honestly just lost it!
It's curious how things change, and how time and injury take their toll. But it's worth all the effort of re-learning. Not least because you can justify some shiny new kit purchases along the way.
Re - dry bags. Top tip for me was using a permanent marker with a wide tip and writing directly on them. Because weirdly, despite the fact that when I used only black or dpm bags I always knew what went where. Once I switched to civilian life, and bought a heap of brightly coloured options instead, I was constantly forgetting what I had put in each bag.
Great news about the projects ahead. Looking forward to seeing them unfold.
Hi Nick, I was going to comment on the previous video about the issue of blisters!! A product I have used with great success are the Compeed blister patches they are fairly dear at around £6.99 however money worth spending to walk free from pain and whilst it's on the blister heals also. The heel ones are particularly good as they stay stuck on untill you take it off, doesn't get caught on socks and ripped off etc. Thank you for the videos, I Always Learn something.
I used to scoff at the poles until I tried them… in Scotland.
Instant convert. If you can March, you can use poles correctly! No tick tocking! 👍🏻🤣👍🏻
Awesome video per usual. A very honest break down of kit. Don’t expect perfection, seek improvement each time. Take care and stay frosty. 🌲🇨🇦🏕🇬🇧🌲
I'm with Sean r ! a few years ago, My pack raft and supplies. 30 plus kg -slow but doable, now and after thousands of Km on the bicycle. " and even after the DO YOU REAALLLY NEED THIS" I STILL take/took too much, and at 50 ... with a knee that doth protest too much,,,, your 10 kg is looking good!
Im also sorry............ but you can keep your high tech....hahahaha! . Caused nothing but trouble, IMHO ! * and it is only my opinion !* I have ended up using a lot of Russian stuff, and wool merino ( family live in NZ so the obligatory pair of socks etc at Xmas time are always merino! ) I use a gorka 3 Russian outer layer and merino base layer and mid-layer. IF it rains my Plash Planka, is the most waterproof bomb-proof kit so far! , poncho, cape, bed, sleeping bag cover, Tent! . I love the thing! My last trip, I got caught in a typhoon in northern Japan in the mountains,,to say it rained was an understatement,, and it got cold! My "1 tigris poncho liner and me Plash just did the business ! . The 1 tigres poncho-like is a multi-purpose bit of kit , it's a poncho showerproof, poncho liner, hammock under quilt and sleeping bag 1 season. Finally food and water!; 2 litres min always. its the amount I seem to need. cooking, coffee in the morning and enough for any " emergencies" which may require "cleaning" cough cough! The cooking system is a titanium fire box- wood stove and a Coleman dual-fuel gasoline burner stove. ( on the bicycle I always carry spray oil! its amazing how quickly you can get a fire going with "spray oil" ,, cough cough! ( very dry throat today! ) coffee and flour, fruit mix and dried sausage and rolled oats spiced with anything I pick up along the way, tomato sauce packs or veges from locals ! ,,, are my mainstays .. its amazing what you can cook with just that .. Finally ...look into " foot wraps " rather than socks I like them though .. rambling now , pictures would be the way! hahaha ,,,keep up the good work ! love from Japan!
Great debrief Nick. Important to review what went well and not quite so well for continued improvement. As always, great delivery of the content including dance moves with the Gore-Tex duds. 😂😂 Top stuff mate. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers mate. 👍💪🇦🇺
Thanks, for the review. I personally value that whole "what worked, what didn't work" type of review over and above "what am I taking with me?" - not to say that both aren't useful! Must get me some of those softies/warmers but (sadly) with the demise of physical WD Surplus shops (round my patch, at least), it's down to online - and when it comes to finding what fits, online just don't cut it! Mission for Spring/Summer - some random motorcycle ride-outs which (coincidentally) take in some of the remaining physical surplus stores! Any recommendations welcomed!
I was told by a Dr at the hospital in Fort William that walking poles are a significant cause of shoulder injuries. His view was simple: we walk on two legs and not four! A single pole or stick can be used for fording a stream or if an additional stability point is needed but then put it away.
Great Video as always
Turning to the coat, a Paramo coat/jacket. Teamed up with Nikwax they were developed together
Fantastic gear, my Fleece is still functioning well and I’ve had it since 1999
Your point on the footwear is well placed, I've always been an 8M boot with the old issued boots, when Altberg took over the contract I found, to my detriment, that 8M was not my best fit for a 12 mile tab. I was literally in agony from mile 3 to mile 8 when I sacked it! Being an old and bold soldier I try, desperately, to keep up with the youngsters. I now go size 8.5M or 9M in all the issue boots I get. Not had the privilege of walking in AKU's yet, will reserve judgement.
Do you ever consider a Buffalo Shirt? I love mine. I’ve got the Active and Active light versions. I never use/wear anything else when walking. I’ve done 2Coast to Coats in it, plus other multi and single day walks. I think it’s the best outdoor kit you can buy. None of that layering palaver! 😄
Nick, I'm not a pro by any means but a couple of videos that helped me when using tracking poles are as follows:
How to use trekking poles like a pro - 7 tips by ALinsdau, he is a polar explorer among other things.
How to use trekking poles the proper, improper, and... my way by Follow Bigfoot
How to use trekking poles (like a boss ) by Chase Mountains.
None of these are in any particular order but I have found the information consistent and useful for me. The biggest thing you need to do is make sure you have the height adjustment correctly for whether you're hiking level, up, or downhill and of course practice until you're somewhat good. Just like when you first learned how to use a knife, or a rifle, or anything else.
I know you’re an ex bootneck and used to carrying big weights but now you’re out you don’t need to anymore. Many years ago I took some mates camping in Wales. I used my old army bergen, some mess tins, water bottle and some civy stuff, up until then I hadn’t done any wild camping only day walks or car camping. I couldn’t understand why my bergen weighed so much +/- 20kg I didn’t have that much in the way of extra or unnecessary kit I actually thought my mates had hidden bricks in my pack so when I got home I weighed everything individually. It was a revelation: my bergen weighed 2.8 kg empty, my sleeping bag was 1.7kg, my tent was 3.4kg (although split between two) plus all the other little bits and bobs all added up. Since then I have looked at lighter options and whilst I’m not at the cutting all the labels out of clothing, chopping off toothbrush handles to lighten my base weight stage the gear I carry now is a fraction of that original weight. Everything weighs something and if you have the mindset that “this hardly weighs anything so I’ll put it in” pretty soon all those little things that hardly weigh anything all add up to quite a lot. People also pack their fears; fear of being too cold, too hungry, too thirsty and so over compensate with their gear packing. It’s great that you did a review of your kit and assess what worked and what didn’t, a useful exercise is look at what kit wasn’t used and leave it out next time (NOT emergency kit obviously).
Can anyone identify the side pockets used? I know the 10L front pocket is the Tasmanian tiger tac pouch 9. Thanks! 👍
5 litres of water is 11lbs or 4.9kgs that's quiet a heavy lot to carry around.
The main benefits of walking/treking poles is they help, take the load off your knees. Your knees are used to your body weight but adding extra weight on your back doesn't help them. So you they need some help and that's were the poles come into effect. They do take a bit of getting used to, and not everyone gets the hang of them.
When your packing for a long trek layout your kit a couple of days beforehand. And each item think 'Do I really need it'? If the answer is no or maybe don't take it, you have to be ruthless in this. Take items that can double up in useage for example toilet roll, can be used as a pillow. A pair of socks can be used as gloves, if you lose your gloves. I did the Lejog in 2018, by the time I got to Bath i had emptied a 1/3 of my pack. By the time I got to York i had emptied 1/2 my pack. By the time got to Glasgow I was down to the bear essentials.
You can get the normal Harvey Maps, they are all waterproof and biodegradable so if you lose your map it will rot away without trace.
"I had a weapons cleaning pouch for the light machine gun..." Ha, ha, I was listening in audio only and my first thought was "blimey, the South Downs have got a lot rougher since I last visited!"
hi nick. really enjoying the retro's that you have been doing; what worked for you, what didn't; etc. gives a nice perspective on your trips, regardless of outcome.
i would say, generally, we all take too much with us .. with the "what if" attitude... loved the raincover idea (never actually thought about it - lol) atb.
Trekking poles save your joints going downhill more than going up.. I've seen a few videos on RUclips about the most efficient ways to use them.
Waterproofing your flysheet is your job not the manufacturers unless you're using a fabric like dyneema that doesn't absorb water
Great debrief on the kit used for the trip - you guys did well to know when you were spent. Only question is.. what was the victory cigar? Personally enjoy a good Romeo y Julieta.
Walking sticks are my pet hate. I have completed lots of hiking in the Swiss Alps, and the noise of people using them drives me mad. That harsh clacking noise, or people dragging them, ruins an otherwise peaceful quiet environment.
Great vid. Looks like you had enough kit for a fortnight!
Stay well.👍🏾🇬🇧
with regards to the walking poles, I have been told that using them takes about 30 -35% of the pressure off your legs, and knees in particular.
Like the video, I must admit I did cringe at the thought of carrying that much water in the UK .
Like the good , bad, ugly review of kit and the showing of lessons learned with fitness/health etc. I have had to cut weight down due to health limitations and refuse to carry more than 2 litres of water in the UK, 5litres OUCH!
Thank you for the tips,I'm retired Canadian living in foothills of the rockies. I also use a welding pad in my gear.Very comfortable to sit on when in snow covered logs and such and all you need to do is hang it right beside fire for quick drying as its fireproof then using as a warm pad to put in sleeping bag.I got mine on amazon and it is very light weight ,thick ,fireproof and a quick way to keep dry when stopping and having a sit on the trail.
Nick re trekking poles. There’s plenty of vids on RUclips like this one. Enough to geek out a bit and see what works for you. ruclips.net/video/ieEWa4pJcvc/видео.html
Trek pole do save time but they can also slow you down. You need to know when to use them, uphill, downhill, rugged terrain. The idea is to push you forward slightly as if you were skiing. Because your hip flexers can hold that much when you rest slight weight into the pole and arm.
Kind of how you use the elliptical machine at the gym. I have rucked in the military full load and also done civilian backpacking.
Trekking poles save your energy in the long run and delays ur exhaustion by the end of the day.
Coming late to this - but great videos :-) Ex cadet and now in my 50s am a CFAV for a new CCF in my kids' state school. Off on a training camp in a few weeks and got an overnight exercise! In my younger days I wouldn't have worried about peeing, but alas age has crept up and the need to pee is now what wakes me up in the morning 🙈 Would be very glad not to have to get out of a cosy sleeping bag until I absolutely have to! What do you use for your pee bottle?
I think if we are all honest, we all take too much kit with us until we figure out what is or isn't needed.
Good to see what the thoughts of a Royal Marine regarding kit.
Good Luck with whatever is coming your way, as you and all our finest and bravest deserve all the good things in life.
ATB Reeco x
Was out Sat/Sun and the weather did for me on the Saturday and I was hardly in a challenging landscape. Heavy rain followed by cold wind it sapped the warmth from me, bit of a long walk home. Learned from it and it wasn't as bad on the Sunday.
Cheers,and nice one (haven't been around for ages) that, as others have said, you remain honest,and for the beard!! Merci! M8!!
Always interesting to see what does and doesn't work. Thanks Nick. Regards Russ
I have used pop open light reflectors that fold to dinner plate size. How was folding the tent/bivvy up again? Maybe a short video showing that?
I think that hiking sticks are very important for many reasons. I would say after water they are the most important item I carry they reduce my energy consumption 5-10% each time I use them% also very handy to have when I’m going through ice, sideways on slops n for additional support or as a peg or post.
Very good item to have along.
In general, try not to sleep with your phone near you. The radio waves it gives off can be really bad for your health. However, I suppose you were probably trying to keep it from freezing and also trying to keep it handy in the event of an emergency. Cheers!
Poles are amazing nick. I can't remember the amount of weight, and energy they help with. But a lot use them incorrectly, and you can end up looking like a four legged drunk spider. Your hand goes up from under the loop, then down so the loop is between your thumb and index finger. This means the weight goes through the strap, rather than trying to grab the handle really hard, or pushing down onto of the pole. They once used to them are really relaxing to use and do make a difference with practice. 😊
hi friend U need some thin cotton fabrick polypropylene garden cover iron and a few flat boards. put a board on the table then the jacket polypropylene and the cotton fabrick on top iron sloooww on high temp schould repair the membrane Im using that kind of methods for 23 years now and it always worked... heh living chip forces person to repair things a lot...
Awesome breakdown brother. We all think of the RM's as these super heros (which you are ) but its great to see you are human to brother, thanks for the information and inspiration. Kia Kaha brother.
Of topic but would u ever a a vid about identifying different trees and their useike birch taping or best for making mallets etc.
Brill vid as always
also the sticks help U keep the correct posture while walking with a backpack and helps a lot in slippery condition like clay path after rain... proper ''nordic walking'' requires a training and right high sticks
No idea how much energy poles save but I wouldn’t go without them. They save my knees simply by virtue of my upper body taking a significant proportion of the weight. Yes there’s a rhythm to their use and they are a pain when stopping to do things however still worth it by a huge margin.
Try an Alton Goods light weight tarp. They're pretty good.
Thanks for the vid 👍
I love your down to earth / old school Approach! Thank you from a old lady solo explorer of the Amazon . love your work 🤗🤗 hugs
I have been waiting for this with anticipation. But will wait until I can savour it over a nice brew 👍. I have already liked as I know I will.
What is the best waterproof tent to cover? Hopefully you don't use your pee as a heater for your sleeping bag,I heard those bags leak.
Great review Nick, you asked about walking poles, I use these all the time and they really do help, pushing up hills, steadying you down hill and taking a lot of strain off the knees, can’t give u a % of how much only I notice the effort required if I’m not using them. I’m going to do a short video at some point on how to use poles but there’s also a shed load of vids on this subject too…. Loved the sheep noises and might get the team doing this on the next exped……. If you get chance have a look at our channel Hoo Hikers as your tips and comments could be very helpful. Keep up the great work 😎👍🏻
Heya from Australia mate, I have a tip, don't use a thermos overnight, use an uninsulated flask and fill it with hot water, place it down near your feet when you get into your bag and it will keep your feet toasty warm until you need to drink it, when you do drink it, it should still be at or above body temperature.
In regards to walking poles, there's mixed opinions about their benefits. For example, some ultrarunners use them in big mountain races, but many elite runners don't, as there's little science consensus on the benefits of poles, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you do want to use them then it is said they require a good deal of practice in order to use effectively.
Hi, I didn't find it clear whether or not you liked and would continue to use the carom tent. I know you weren't happy with the rain fly but would you buy again if you had to each and use regularly?
Thanks so much for the AAR on what you used and did not use. So I'm rearranging my bag again. Need to find the night time pee bag Will use the Kelly Kettle this trip. The gortex,coated,plastic gear I have is all gone now due to breaking,flaking off, and un-gluing of the seams. Trick: use antiperspirant on your dry feet before the socks. Works great with rubber boots. Great info on your trip, where to next ? Ben Nevis, Highlands of Scotland , Wales. Enjoy
Excellent vid as always 👍 - although at 15:49 you sure that’s your toothbrush? 😉🤔🤣
Always a balance between the walking comfort of a light pack Vs having what you need when/if you need it. Great video Nick!
What did it all way? Looks heavy. Poles are totally needed but some practice would have been good before
Nick your in civvy street now bud so setting long distance targets with time lines is not necessary, be realistic and give yourself more time to enjoy the walk and it's surroundings, a long distance walk isn't supposed to be a race against time, no need to beat yourself up mate your not on Ops anymore. Walking sticks are designed to help in ascending and descending hill's/mountain's, there not needed on flat surfaces. All the best to you and your family for 2022.
What about putting on Kahtoola spikes on to your boots for traction in mud? Pretty small and light to carry.
That was a real wake up call video. It’s like having a come to Jesus moment with your pack. I get it, I over pack every time and pay dearly for it.
Very good review. Lots learned from this. ATB
What's the name/brand of that fleece-lined windstopper if you don't mind
Hiking poles... Never made sense to me until a good mate gave me a proper lesson in how to use them. When your left leg steps forward the right hand pole moves in tandem with it, lifting and landing at the same time as your foot does, same with the other leg on the next stride. The pole should land in line with the heel of the opposite foot, no further forward than that. When you get it right it feels almost as if you're dragging the poles along behind you. The length of the poles should be set to have your elbow at a 90 degree angle when holding them.
Really enjoying the channel
Ex SADF never had to operate in the cold Now living in Ireland
Great info on here for me to get into the different environment here
Top vid mate, I do the same with the water overkill as I'm a bit of a sweat monster so I need to train myself not to be setting off like I'm in competition with the water board. Respect from one veteran to another. 👍
A friend taught me that regarding packs, ounces grow to pounds and pounds equal pain over distance.