The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
There seems to be a fair few outdoorsy types on PH, so I thought it'd be nice to have a thread where was can discuss kit, adventures, trips, hints, tips and best practice.
Trips: got a couple planned.
An Teallach in October 2022 for a week via Langdale in the lakes for a couple of days. Wild camping (possibly), tramping about the place and a few pints in the evening.
Snowdonia NP in January 2023. More camping and walking.
Normally head up to the Peak District every other weekend for a day walk (with my missus and a mate).
South West Coast Path: I've done a fair few bits of this, but it's been a life long ambition to do this in one go. Tried in 2021 only to trip and injure my knee on day two. I was NOT impressed but I don't like giving up so want to give it another go in 2023. Do I break the trip up into 2 week segments, or say to hell with it and take 6 weeks off work (I have been told provisionally this will be possible) and have another go? Don't mind admitting that the injury did knock my confidence a bit... getting old-ish means you have to learn to pace yourself a bit more (48 next year).
Kit: a Keela Munro in moss green is on the way to me as we speak thanks to advice given on another thread.
Trips: got a couple planned.
An Teallach in October 2022 for a week via Langdale in the lakes for a couple of days. Wild camping (possibly), tramping about the place and a few pints in the evening.
Snowdonia NP in January 2023. More camping and walking.
Normally head up to the Peak District every other weekend for a day walk (with my missus and a mate).
South West Coast Path: I've done a fair few bits of this, but it's been a life long ambition to do this in one go. Tried in 2021 only to trip and injure my knee on day two. I was NOT impressed but I don't like giving up so want to give it another go in 2023. Do I break the trip up into 2 week segments, or say to hell with it and take 6 weeks off work (I have been told provisionally this will be possible) and have another go? Don't mind admitting that the injury did knock my confidence a bit... getting old-ish means you have to learn to pace yourself a bit more (48 next year).
Kit: a Keela Munro in moss green is on the way to me as we speak thanks to advice given on another thread.
VTECMatt said:
I live in the Lakes and done pretty much every fell possible, Langdales are good, you going up Jacks Rake?
I’m working my way through Scotland now. Did An Teallach in May, fabulous hill.
Not sure: never been to either place before so my walking buddy, Jim, is navigating this one. Will update the thread when I have more info.I’m working my way through Scotland now. Did An Teallach in May, fabulous hill.
I'm in 
West of Scotland based. Working my way through the Munros and Lake District fells.
Was down in the Lakes in May, did Blencathra and Bowfell amongst some lower level fells and walking, we've been down every year for the last few years and love it down there.
Interested to get some Peak District recommendations from you.
In terms of gear, nearly bought one of those jackets last winter but opted for a Patagonia Triolet in bright yellow - I'm hard to miss in the snow/low visibility.
West of Scotland based. Working my way through the Munros and Lake District fells.
Was down in the Lakes in May, did Blencathra and Bowfell amongst some lower level fells and walking, we've been down every year for the last few years and love it down there.
Interested to get some Peak District recommendations from you.
In terms of gear, nearly bought one of those jackets last winter but opted for a Patagonia Triolet in bright yellow - I'm hard to miss in the snow/low visibility.
Another keen hiker here, not got any plans as yet having had a decent/varied year of exploring.
Would be very keen on thoughts of serious wet weather gear - I've got the usual off the peg Berghaus stuff which is fine to a point but soon gets overwhelmed in winter rain.
My neighbours are keen sailors and I quite like the look of the stuff they use!
Great thread.
Would be very keen on thoughts of serious wet weather gear - I've got the usual off the peg Berghaus stuff which is fine to a point but soon gets overwhelmed in winter rain.
My neighbours are keen sailors and I quite like the look of the stuff they use!
Great thread.
Walk most weekends in the Chilterns as it's an easy drive. Lately been out to Ross on Wye a few times for walks around there.
During Covid it was the Lakes, the Peaks and Devon, all in the cold and wet, even in the summer
Just spent a week in Kefalonia but no lazing on the beach for us, hot sweaty walks with a lot of ascents and descents. Nothing major as it was very warm but great to be on our own exploring lots of ruined villages from the 1953 earthquake.
Our walks tend to be only 6 to 10 miles but I did want to see if I could do two days of long walks back to back.
A month or so ago I got a train to Dorking and walked back to Kingston then despite something really aggravating my leg (walking boots on lots of pavement to blame) the next day I trained it to Staines and walked along the Thames back home.
Both days 17 miles but being on my own I put my head down and probably just went too fast with no stopping.
I repeated the Thames walk with a friend a week later and wore running shoes.
We ambled, stopped so she could take pics and talk to people, plus a long leisurely drink or three at a Riverside pub.
No problem with 17 miles that day
Got a nice collection of good kit for our changeable weather.
During Covid it was the Lakes, the Peaks and Devon, all in the cold and wet, even in the summer
Just spent a week in Kefalonia but no lazing on the beach for us, hot sweaty walks with a lot of ascents and descents. Nothing major as it was very warm but great to be on our own exploring lots of ruined villages from the 1953 earthquake.
Our walks tend to be only 6 to 10 miles but I did want to see if I could do two days of long walks back to back.
A month or so ago I got a train to Dorking and walked back to Kingston then despite something really aggravating my leg (walking boots on lots of pavement to blame) the next day I trained it to Staines and walked along the Thames back home.
Both days 17 miles but being on my own I put my head down and probably just went too fast with no stopping.
I repeated the Thames walk with a friend a week later and wore running shoes.
We ambled, stopped so she could take pics and talk to people, plus a long leisurely drink or three at a Riverside pub.
No problem with 17 miles that day
Got a nice collection of good kit for our changeable weather.
yellowbentines said:
I'm in
West of Scotland based. Working my way through the Munros and Lake District fells.
Was down in the Lakes in May, did Blencathra and Bowfell amongst some lower level fells and walking, we've been down every year for the last few years and love it down there.
Interested to get some Peak District recommendations from you.
In terms of gear, nearly bought one of those jackets last winter but opted for a Patagonia Triolet in bright yellow - I'm hard to miss in the snow/low visibility.
The Peaks (like the Lakes) can get busy on the more popular routes. Edale>Kinder Scout>Grinslow>Vale of Edale is good, but avoid at sunny weekends if possible. Mam Tor>Loose Hill>Black Tor around Castleton is the same. They are pretty spectacular though.West of Scotland based. Working my way through the Munros and Lake District fells.
Was down in the Lakes in May, did Blencathra and Bowfell amongst some lower level fells and walking, we've been down every year for the last few years and love it down there.
Interested to get some Peak District recommendations from you.
In terms of gear, nearly bought one of those jackets last winter but opted for a Patagonia Triolet in bright yellow - I'm hard to miss in the snow/low visibility.
Alport Castles is a good one and not too busy: https://www.discoveringbritain.org/activities/east...
Recently found a walk off the Snake Pass via Snake Woods which was deserted... which is what we like. It was about 32c though so only walked for 7 miles or so as it was just too hot to enjoy it.
We tend to Google 'Peak District Walks' or consult a book of Peak District pub walks and make a decision based on that.... or let my mate Jim decide on where to go as he knows the area well.
Venisonpie said:
Would be very keen on thoughts of serious wet weather gear - I've got the usual off the peg Berghaus stuff which is fine to a point but soon gets overwhelmed in winter rain.
My Patagonia Triolet as above has been tested in some torrential rain and hasn't let a drop through, even through the zips which seal up. I looked at alternatives and as well as the good reviews I read somewhere (on PH probably) that a group of guys who work at Gore who manufacture Gore Tex recommend Patagonia as some of the best Gore Tex jackets so that was enough recommendation for me.I have sealskinz gloves and a beanie hat which as well as being waterproof is the warmest hat in the world (though it's waterproof internally so the outer wool will still soak up the water). For boots it's Scarpa Manta Tech GTX for winter/heavier stuff and Mammut Ducan High GTX for summer - both Gore Tex lined but also spray them with NikWax spray now and again and they are dry as a bone inside.
Trousers I use NikWax wash-in protector with Montane trousers then have some cheap Berghaus waterproof overtrousers in the rucksack as the walking trousers still always seem to let in on the thighs, especially where there's stitching.
We get a lot of rain up here - I like to keep it out
Faust66 said:
Lots of good peak district stuff...
Thanks - we keep going back to the Lakes when heading South but the Peaks appeal.Edited by yellowbentines on Thursday 8th September 17:13
Now live in the Lakes so out daily (3 dogs... kinda have to).
Before moving we spent a lot of time around the Langdales, Wastewater, Yorkshire Dales etc when holidays allowed.
Now we are more northern, our daily walks are around Loweswater / Cogra Moss / Ennerdale etc but do like to get out and about exploring when we can.
I'm crap at remembering the names of routes & hills but have done quite a few.
These are all quite recent.
Before moving we spent a lot of time around the Langdales, Wastewater, Yorkshire Dales etc when holidays allowed.
Now we are more northern, our daily walks are around Loweswater / Cogra Moss / Ennerdale etc but do like to get out and about exploring when we can.
I'm crap at remembering the names of routes & hills but have done quite a few.
These are all quite recent.
I'm in! Do a bit of climbing as well as walking. We were in the lakes for a family holiday at Easter and did the Old Man of Coniston and Scafell from Seathwaite via the corridor route (in fog, natch...).
Coniston lovely...
Scafell not so much...
Was climbing in Chamonix for a weekend in June.
And just been in the Alps and Jura for a couple of weeks for another family holiday and did various walks and a couple of via ferratas.
Including Sixt Fer a Cheval, which was spectacular!
Coniston lovely...
Scafell not so much...
Was climbing in Chamonix for a weekend in June.
And just been in the Alps and Jura for a couple of weeks for another family holiday and did various walks and a couple of via ferratas.
Including Sixt Fer a Cheval, which was spectacular!
i4got said:
Sounds a great idea for a thread so I'm in. I've done a few national trails and long distance paths. Finished Beacons Way a couple of weeks ago mainly camping, and a Lands End to John O Groats walk earlier in the year which took in a few other paths.
Loved your LEJOG thread: inspirational stuff.Some excellent pics have also been posted on this sad day - keep them coming!
yellowbentines said:
Venisonpie said:
Would be very keen on thoughts of serious wet weather gear - I've got the usual off the peg Berghaus stuff which is fine to a point but soon gets overwhelmed in winter rain.
My Patagonia Triolet as above has been tested in some torrential rain and hasn't let a drop through, even through the zips which seal up. I looked at alternatives and as well as the good reviews I read somewhere (on PH probably) that a group of guys who work at Gore who manufacture Gore Tex recommend Patagonia as some of the best Gore Tex jackets so that was enough recommendation for me.I have sealskinz gloves and a beanie hat which as well as being waterproof is the warmest hat in the world (though it's waterproof internally so the outer wool will still soak up the water). For boots it's Scarpa Manta Tech GTX for winter/heavier stuff and Mammut Ducan High GTX for summer - both Gore Tex lined but also spray them with NikWax spray now and again and they are dry as a bone inside.
Trousers I use NikWax wash-in protector with Montane trousers then have some cheap Berghaus waterproof overtrousers in the rucksack as the walking trousers still always seem to let in on the thighs, especially where there's stitching.
We get a lot of rain up here - I like to keep it out
Faust66 said:
Lots of good peak district stuff...
Thanks - we keep going back to the Lakes when heading South but the Peaks appeal.Edited by yellowbentines on Thursday 8th September 17:13
Enjoying a beer after an up and down of my favourite hill in the UK (so far), Buachaille Etive Mor at Glencoe.
In terms of gear, whilst you can undoubtedly spend fortunes and it does make things easier, a decent pair of boots and a jacket can get you far in the UK. The first time we went to the lake district my wife and I stopped at Glenridding, wondered 'whats up there'. and a couple of hours later we were clambering over striding edge to the summit of Hellvellyn, with not much more than a bottle of water each and her handbag slung over her shoulder
In terms of gear, whilst you can undoubtedly spend fortunes and it does make things easier, a decent pair of boots and a jacket can get you far in the UK. The first time we went to the lake district my wife and I stopped at Glenridding, wondered 'whats up there'. and a couple of hours later we were clambering over striding edge to the summit of Hellvellyn, with not much more than a bottle of water each and her handbag slung over her shoulder
Edited by yellowbentines on Friday 9th September 12:24
yellowbentines said:
In terms of gear, whilst you can undoubtedly spend fortunes and it does make things easier, a decent pair of boots and a jacket can get you far in the UK. The first time we went to the lake district my wife and I stopped at Glenridding, wondered 'whats up there'. and a couple of hours later we were clambering over striding edge to the summit of Hellvellyn, with not much more than a bottle of water each and her handbag slung over her shoulder
Blow that, I'll sit over at Nethermost Pike having a snack, watching and listening to the shouting from Striding Edge.Edited by yellowbentines on Friday 9th September 12:24
Vertigo.
MonkeyBusiness said:
Good thread. The Yorkshire Dales is my playground spending all the time I can seeking out waterfalls, old mines, and tarns.
Currently spending my Saturday next plotting my next move.
I attract mist & clag so if you are thinking of heading to the Malham area tomorrow, give it a miss
My experience is Malham attracts that all by itself! Last time I walked to the tarn from Settle the wind was blowing the rain up hill, under my hood and into my face. It was mid Feb and I was freezing on the return leg, I admit to accepting a lift from a postie for the last mile back into town.Currently spending my Saturday next plotting my next move.
I attract mist & clag so if you are thinking of heading to the Malham area tomorrow, give it a miss
Couple of deliveries today...
New Keela Munro jacket (been thinking about one of these for a while: good reports on the Arc'tyrex thread convinced me): looks like a quality bit of kit. Wouldn't want to wear it on a humid summer day, but it looks ideal for winter hill walks.
Carinthia defence 4 sleeping bag: I've been after a winter bag for a while, but I'm really struggling to find one. I'm 6ft 4 and a bit. Tried 'long' bags from Mountain Equipment, Alpkit and Rab (all claim to be suitable for my height... but they really are not). Sadly the Carinthia will have to go back as it's too short for me. I've got a ME Helium 400 xxl which is perfect in length but is more of a 3 season bag (it's okay ish down to freezing), but they no longer make the 800 xxl version which is rated down to -10c or so.
I'm at a bit of a loss now. I know PHD make long bags but they are out of budget for me. Xped are the same.
Guess I'll just have to be cold.
New Keela Munro jacket (been thinking about one of these for a while: good reports on the Arc'tyrex thread convinced me): looks like a quality bit of kit. Wouldn't want to wear it on a humid summer day, but it looks ideal for winter hill walks.
Carinthia defence 4 sleeping bag: I've been after a winter bag for a while, but I'm really struggling to find one. I'm 6ft 4 and a bit. Tried 'long' bags from Mountain Equipment, Alpkit and Rab (all claim to be suitable for my height... but they really are not). Sadly the Carinthia will have to go back as it's too short for me. I've got a ME Helium 400 xxl which is perfect in length but is more of a 3 season bag (it's okay ish down to freezing), but they no longer make the 800 xxl version which is rated down to -10c or so.
I'm at a bit of a loss now. I know PHD make long bags but they are out of budget for me. Xped are the same.
Guess I'll just have to be cold.
I’ve done many of the highest hills, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowden etc.
Been camping in December in Langdale. A good pair of boots a waterproof/ breathable jacket and a warm sleeping bag will get you far. In late 70’s there wasn’t anywhere near the equipment available. I made a factory visit to Mountain Equipment in Glossop and got a decent sleeping bag and a Karrimat insulated the ground.
I’m more low level now, South Downs, Cotswolds etc.
Been camping in December in Langdale. A good pair of boots a waterproof/ breathable jacket and a warm sleeping bag will get you far. In late 70’s there wasn’t anywhere near the equipment available. I made a factory visit to Mountain Equipment in Glossop and got a decent sleeping bag and a Karrimat insulated the ground.
I’m more low level now, South Downs, Cotswolds etc.
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