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…
Tag: gear
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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Please note that this article is now out of date.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…
The Cape Wrath Trail gear debrief
Please note that I wrote this piece in 2015. It doesn’t necessarily reflect my current opinions on gear for the CWT. In June 2015 I hiked the 241-mile…
The Tarptent Notch backpacking tent — First Impressions
Recently I blogged about how my old Laser Competition was showing signs of wear and tear, and that for my planned hike of the Cape Wrath Trail I…