The Gear
Overnight weekend walks covering about 25 miles are the most frequent feature of my trekking life. The overnight element, whether on a common, in a farmer’s field, woods or a pub garden, obviously requires some stuff, so here’s an overview of what I pack.
Weight and footprint are key factors for my backpacking kit. I’m 5’5 and not overly muscle bound so I don’t want to be carrying a huge load. Stuff also has to stand up to the British climate. If we let hailstones, gales and lashing rain put us off going out, we’d never get any walking done! Buying cheap, at least for the core stuff, is usually a false economy, so I do my research to get the best for my budget.
Weight and footprint are key factors for my backpacking kit. I’m 5’5 and not overly muscle bound so I don’t want to be carrying a huge load. Stuff also has to stand up to the British climate. If we let hailstones, gales and lashing rain put us off going out, we’d never get any walking done! Buying cheap, at least for the core stuff, is usually a false economy, so I do my research to get the best for my budget.
PACK: Osprey Talon II 33
I love, love, love this pack. It feels light as a feather unstuffed, and when packed full is comfortable to wear (even when I overstuff it, which is always). It just fits all my kit in for an overnight trail (would stretch to a few nights), although if I’m honest I do have a little bit of pack envy for Sam’s Osprey Kestrel 38. It has that little bit more capacity which would ease the strain on the seams. But the 33 is small enough for a day pack or to cycle to work with the laptop so is multi-purpose.
It's seen many trails now. Has been put on, taken off and dumped on soggy ground countless times, has been overfilled, squeezed through kissing gates and used as a pillow and, apart from the odd moss stain, shows no sign of wear!
The tent, sleeping bag, mat and pillow go in the main compartment with stove, gas and mug on top, mini personal kit and spare clothes go in the lid, water bottles in the side pockets, and all the bits in the hip belt pockets or stretchy front pocket (phone, tissues, compass, mars bar, camera, gloves, etc!) A place for everything and everything in its place. As I carry the tent, Sam carries the food and extra drinks.
I love, love, love this pack. It feels light as a feather unstuffed, and when packed full is comfortable to wear (even when I overstuff it, which is always). It just fits all my kit in for an overnight trail (would stretch to a few nights), although if I’m honest I do have a little bit of pack envy for Sam’s Osprey Kestrel 38. It has that little bit more capacity which would ease the strain on the seams. But the 33 is small enough for a day pack or to cycle to work with the laptop so is multi-purpose.
It's seen many trails now. Has been put on, taken off and dumped on soggy ground countless times, has been overfilled, squeezed through kissing gates and used as a pillow and, apart from the odd moss stain, shows no sign of wear!
The tent, sleeping bag, mat and pillow go in the main compartment with stove, gas and mug on top, mini personal kit and spare clothes go in the lid, water bottles in the side pockets, and all the bits in the hip belt pockets or stretchy front pocket (phone, tissues, compass, mars bar, camera, gloves, etc!) A place for everything and everything in its place. As I carry the tent, Sam carries the food and extra drinks.
TENT: VauDe Taurus I
A brilliant little backpacking tent for 1 or 2 people. It’s snug for 2, so it’s just as well Sam and I have known each other a long time. We take turns to get changed in it as only one person can really sit up in it at a time. It’s a tent for sleeping, which is all we do in it so it’s fit for purpose. There is enough room for our boots in the porch, but not for much else. Once we’re pitched, our packs are pretty empty so they get stuffed at our feet or used as pillows. You could, if necessary, lie in it and use the stove in the porch.
It’s really quick and easy to erect and take down, even in lashing rain and a raging hoolie. The fact it can be pitched as one saves the inner tent getting soaked which is a godsend in Blighty. This would be a necessary feature in any tent I bought.
A brilliant little backpacking tent for 1 or 2 people. It’s snug for 2, so it’s just as well Sam and I have known each other a long time. We take turns to get changed in it as only one person can really sit up in it at a time. It’s a tent for sleeping, which is all we do in it so it’s fit for purpose. There is enough room for our boots in the porch, but not for much else. Once we’re pitched, our packs are pretty empty so they get stuffed at our feet or used as pillows. You could, if necessary, lie in it and use the stove in the porch.
It’s really quick and easy to erect and take down, even in lashing rain and a raging hoolie. The fact it can be pitched as one saves the inner tent getting soaked which is a godsend in Blighty. This would be a necessary feature in any tent I bought.
SLEEPING: Thermarest ProLite Small & Blue Mountain Solar 200
What can I say? I’d rather have a nice comfy king size bed with a down duvet and pillow, but does anyone really enjoy sleeping on a camping mat? The Thermarest provides enough comfort for a night in the wild, keeps the chill off and packs light, which is the main thing. The self inflating thing is great and the 3 quarter size is adequate for warmth and comfort.
I also use a Blue Mountain Solar 200 3 season sleeping bag which I chose for its weight, packed size and comfort. I’ll admit, when I first started trekking it took me a while to get used to mummy sleeping bags. I’d try and move in them resembling a demented worm, rather than move with them and it used to drive me nuts. Now I have the hang of being in it, and use it properly, it is comfortable and warm in all weathers.
The pillow is a luxury. Sam is more hardcore than me and just uses her pack as a pillow, but I like this creature comfort to stave off neck ache. Mine is just a cheap synthetic pillow which I may change for an inflatable one to save on weight and packed size for future trips. (It takes up space which could be used for foodie treats!)
What can I say? I’d rather have a nice comfy king size bed with a down duvet and pillow, but does anyone really enjoy sleeping on a camping mat? The Thermarest provides enough comfort for a night in the wild, keeps the chill off and packs light, which is the main thing. The self inflating thing is great and the 3 quarter size is adequate for warmth and comfort.
I also use a Blue Mountain Solar 200 3 season sleeping bag which I chose for its weight, packed size and comfort. I’ll admit, when I first started trekking it took me a while to get used to mummy sleeping bags. I’d try and move in them resembling a demented worm, rather than move with them and it used to drive me nuts. Now I have the hang of being in it, and use it properly, it is comfortable and warm in all weathers.
The pillow is a luxury. Sam is more hardcore than me and just uses her pack as a pillow, but I like this creature comfort to stave off neck ache. Mine is just a cheap synthetic pillow which I may change for an inflatable one to save on weight and packed size for future trips. (It takes up space which could be used for foodie treats!)
COOKING: Snow Peak GigaPower Stove
I bought this from the little camping store in Sedona several years back one family holiday there, and it has served us well ever since. Besides boiling water for tea and coffee on the various trails Sam and I have walked, it traveled around the world with Andy, me and the kids on our family adventure. It boiled water for countless cups of al fresco coffee on road trips, cooked beautiful hand caught mussels in garlic and wine in New Zealand, not to mention numerous one pot suppers whilst camping and (on the sly) in hotels, motels and cabins. It’s a trooper. It’s easy to ignite, works quickly and packs away in your pocket. It’s not the most stable when holding a larger pot or in a gust, but I love it. I take just one 100g gas can on overnight treks, and the same one will last 3 or 4 weekend trips.
I have a titanium mug with lid which boils faster, doubles as a pan or a bowl and weighs next to nothing; and a titanium knife, fork and spoon. Apart from the fact titanium is the superior material for lightweight kit, these items are just really cool!
I bought this from the little camping store in Sedona several years back one family holiday there, and it has served us well ever since. Besides boiling water for tea and coffee on the various trails Sam and I have walked, it traveled around the world with Andy, me and the kids on our family adventure. It boiled water for countless cups of al fresco coffee on road trips, cooked beautiful hand caught mussels in garlic and wine in New Zealand, not to mention numerous one pot suppers whilst camping and (on the sly) in hotels, motels and cabins. It’s a trooper. It’s easy to ignite, works quickly and packs away in your pocket. It’s not the most stable when holding a larger pot or in a gust, but I love it. I take just one 100g gas can on overnight treks, and the same one will last 3 or 4 weekend trips.
I have a titanium mug with lid which boils faster, doubles as a pan or a bowl and weighs next to nothing; and a titanium knife, fork and spoon. Apart from the fact titanium is the superior material for lightweight kit, these items are just really cool!
BOOTS: Meindl Burma Lady Pro GTX Boot
Amazing boots! I have wide feet apparently, which ruled out a few brands, but these fit amazingly well and were comfortable from the first wear (which was a weekend trekking on The Ridgeway). I was concerned they’d be stiff, as I’m not keen on boots covering my ankle, but I needn’t have worried. Having spent 5 years and god knows how many miles in a £30 pair of Peter Storm walking boots, these proper big boys are a revelation! They’ll last me forever so I didn’t mind the investment.
Amazing boots! I have wide feet apparently, which ruled out a few brands, but these fit amazingly well and were comfortable from the first wear (which was a weekend trekking on The Ridgeway). I was concerned they’d be stiff, as I’m not keen on boots covering my ankle, but I needn’t have worried. Having spent 5 years and god knows how many miles in a £30 pair of Peter Storm walking boots, these proper big boys are a revelation! They’ll last me forever so I didn’t mind the investment.
Miscellaneous: Waterproof stuff sacks (better to organise stuff and keep it dry, rather than a rain cover which can get blown off) / Compass / Whistle / Fire starter / Petzl head torch / Map / Camera / Phone / Food
Personal Items: Thermal base layer (top and leggings) – for cold weather and as PJs / Spare underwear / Spare top / Waterproof jacket, gloves, hat / Fleece / Toothbrush & paste / Deodorant / Face wipes, Tissues / Moisturiser, Lip Balm / Plasters, Paracetamol
Personal Items: Thermal base layer (top and leggings) – for cold weather and as PJs / Spare underwear / Spare top / Waterproof jacket, gloves, hat / Fleece / Toothbrush & paste / Deodorant / Face wipes, Tissues / Moisturiser, Lip Balm / Plasters, Paracetamol
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Item
Pack Tent Sleeping Bag Bed Mat Pillow Stove Gas Miscellaneous |
Brand & Model
Osprey Talon II 33 Vaude Taurus I Blue Mountain Solar 200 (3 season) Thermarest (3 season) Kelty Camp Pillow Snow Peak Giga Power Primus Gas Clothes, food, etc |
Dimensions / Capacity
33 litres 150 x 19cm packed 36 x 21cm packed 19 x 51cm packed 24 x 14cm packed 4.5 x 3.5 x 9cm |
Weight
930g 2.57kg 1.3kg 310g 250g 110g 100g 500g est. Total Pack Weight c.6kg |
