Husband and I (and the dog!) are slowly transitioning from full on car campers who pack all sorts of ‘equipment’ to becoming proper backpackers. We’ve seen the error of our ways and we’re gradually taking less and less on our car camping trips. Next year we’d love to do a 3-4 day hike in Wales or maybe Scotland, and just camp along the way. No car. I’ve upgraded my little Osprey Nebula daysack to a 46L Osprey Kyte (I’m only 4’11”). A small, lightweight sleeping bag is next on the list as I currently have a beast of a thing from Canada which weighs as much as I do!
I’m just here to say hello but would love to hear some UK backpacking adventures, especially any amusing lessons you more experienced folk have learnt along the way!?
Hope you enjoy it! I've loved backpacking for more than 40 years but have had a lay-off for last 12 months with a few more to go before I'm back on the hill due to foot & ankle surgery. I'll be posting my trips soon hopefully. Lessons? I always burn my toilet paper where it's safe to do so. Pack it out in zip-lock bags when it isn't.
Aren't those sites more use if you want to live like Ray Mears but no more than 100m from your car because lugging all that firewood, axes, cast iron pots, various knifes, steaks & gallons of ale is heavy work?
Quote: Originally posted by spiritburner on 20/9/2019
Aren't those sites more use if you want to live like Ray Mears but no more than 100m from your car because lugging all that firewood, axes, cast iron pots, various knifes, steaks & gallons of ale is heavy work?
I would suggest try and keep all your gear weight Minimal ,as Lightweight as you Can ,that is also user friendly .
You have made a good start with a comfortable Osprey Kyte rucksack .
Sleeping bags so much choice ,Depends on How much you can afford......
Remember the Lower the weight of the Items Especially in Gram's the More costly It will be
So try for a good Down Hydrophobic sleeping Bag 800g for Instance .
Sleeping mat 500/600g Exped,Thermarest.
Have good Insulation from the cold .
Msr Microrocket stove approx 75g and Gas Canister 200g also Aluminum cooking pot 100g .
These are Just some of the Kit you need for your Backpacking expeditions .
2 Person tent , there are loads of choices .
Look at Vango ,Wild Country tents for good value for money .
And Most Important .
Don't Scrimp on Walking Boots .
Again there are lots on the Market .
Read Reviews ,and try them out in
The shops .
Good luck with your Quest
Get as lightweight as you can but don't get obsessed with it. Remember that your rucksack also counts to weight and your boots do too. I usually have a change of clothes for sleeping and underwear is wear one, wash one and carry one. Water also weighs so a good filter is a must to avoid those kilos.
I love backpacking and do more backpacking than car camping now.
------------- Hypercamp Alaska
Vango Force 10 mk3
Vango F10 Helium 1
Coleman Cobra Pro 3
Coleman Cobra 2
Naturehike Star River 2
Eureka! Solitaire
Dutch army goretex bivvy bag
Quote: Originally posted by ZIZAG on 22/9/2019
I would suggest try and keep all your gear weight Minimal ,as Lightweight as you Can ,that is also user friendly .
You have made a good start with a comfortable Osprey Kyte rucksack .
Sleeping bags so much choice ,Depends on How much you can afford......
Remember the Lower the weight of the Items Especially in Gram's the More costly It will be
So try for a good Down Hydrophobic sleeping Bag 800g for Instance .
Sleeping mat 500/600g Exped,Thermarest.
Have good Insulation from the cold .
Msr Microrocket stove approx 75g and Gas Canister 200g also Aluminum cooking pot 100g .
These are Just some of the Kit you need for your Backpacking expeditions .
2 Person tent , there are loads of choices .
Look at Vango ,Wild Country tents for good value for money .
And Most Important .
Don't Scrimp on Walking Boots .
Again there are lots on the Market .
Read Reviews ,and try them out in
The shops .
Good luck with your Quest
Thanks for the tips! Yes I love my Osprey bag - even packed full it feels pretty weightless at times. Yes the sleeping bag is a toughie - I’m small so I’d ideally like a junior one but haven’t found a very lightweight one. The search continues!!
Quote: Originally posted by Ewen c on 22/9/2019
Get as lightweight as you can but don't get obsessed with it. Remember that your rucksack also counts to weight and your boots do too. I usually have a change of clothes for sleeping and underwear is wear one, wash one and carry one. Water also weighs so a good filter is a must to avoid those kilos.
I love backpacking and do more backpacking than car camping now.
Yes there’s only so far I’ll be able to go with getting lightweight as we’ll have our German Shepherd with us so we have her food and water too. Trying to get her used to carrying some of her own stuff but so far she prefers us acting as her lowly assistants! Re filters I’ve been looking at Sawyer as water is easily our heaviest weight. Any thoughts on it? It seems to get pretty solid reviews.
Here is a couple of reasonable price Down sleeping bags to look at .
Decathlon Forclaz 900 .
It's Duck down .
Rated at Zero rating price from £110.
Also from Alpkit .Good reputed company
The Skyhigh 500 Duck down Hydrophobic rated -4 .
Price around £140
There are many more lots to checkout .
And Importantly Review before buying .
Quote: Originally posted by ZIZAG on 22/9/2019
Here is a couple of reasonable price Down sleeping bags to look at .
Decathlon Forclaz 900 .
It's Duck down .
Rated at Zero rating price from £110.
Also from Alpkit .Good reputed company
The Skyhigh 500 Duck down Hydrophobic rated -4 .
Price around £140
There are many more lots to checkout .
And Importantly Review before buying .
I now use a sawyer. It is light and does the job. Better than the msr I had.
I managed to get a Kelty cosmic 20 hydrophobic sleeping bag cheap on amazon. It has a -7 comfort limit but I managed to sleep in it at -10 albeit with down jacket, hat, gloves and my trousers and thermals on.
Oh yeah, if you go for a blow up mat, get one with insulation inside. Saves you having to carry another karrimat.
------------- Hypercamp Alaska
Vango Force 10 mk3
Vango F10 Helium 1
Coleman Cobra Pro 3
Coleman Cobra 2
Naturehike Star River 2
Eureka! Solitaire
Dutch army goretex bivvy bag