gear
Preparations for hiking the Jotunheimstien
I’m in the final stages of planning my next long-distance trail, which begins on the 18th of July 2017. Here I’d like to share a few notes on my route and the gear I’ve selected for this trip. Once again, plans have changed. I originally intended to
Hands-on: Trailpix ultralight tripod
Important update: please read my follow-up review. Lightweight backpackers who are serious about photography face a dilemma: tripods are heavy. I’ve tried various solutions over the last couple of years, but I think with the Trailpix I may be on to a winner. The problem There’s no getting
Are trail shoes durable enough?
Like many backpackers, I have made the switch to lightweight, breathable, non-waterproof footwear. It’s an approach with many benefits, but I’ve come to discover one significant disadvantage: durability. I first used the original 5.10 Guide Tennies as lightweight approach shoes in the mountains – that is, footwear capable
Haute Route Pyrenees gear list
It’s my last day at my desk before heading out to France to begin my section hike of the Haute Route Pyrenees. In this short piece I’d like to talk about the gear I’ve selected to take with me. I’ve never visited the Pyrenees before, but
Gear review: Speedster 30ml meths/alcohol backpacking stove
Is this the best ultralight alcohol burner for summer backpacking use? After testing it on my recent 280-mile hike in the Scottish Highlands, I think it just might be. First, some context. You can read about my journey from alcohol burners to canister gas and back again in my article
Review: Grisport Peaklander hiking boots
I’ve had a pair of Grisport Peaklander leather walking boots on test for the last few weeks. I recorded my first impressions back in early October, but I’m now ready to share my full review. Read on for the details! Basic facts * Weight: 1.12kg per pair (size
Lightening the winter load: ice axe and crampons for lightweight backpacking
For years, I’ve used heavy and relatively technical winter mountaineering equipment. But my needs are different now, and I’ve succeeded in reducing the weight of my ice axe and crampons by almost 900g. Here’s how I did it. What I’ve used before I’ve used a
First look: Grisport Peaklander boots
For summer walking and backpacking, I’m a trail shoe sort of person. But what about the cooler months, when thicker socks aren’t enough to keep your feet warm and you might encounter snow and ice? Grisport UK sent me a pair of their Peaklander traditional leather walking boots
The Tour of Monte Rosa gear debrief
In September 2015 I hiked the Tour of Monte Rosa, a 100-mile backpacking route in the Alps. In this article I’d like to discuss how my equipment performed. Here’s my initial gear list. I made a few last-minute changes before I left, but generally it’s what I
Electronics on the trail – what works for me
Please note that this article is now out of date. Here’s an updated version. “Nothing that uses a battery can be relied upon in the wild.” This is something we hear from time to time, but how true is it? What level of electronic gadgetry is necessary or appropriate