TGO 2014 MY Planned Gear

Last year I posted: TGO 2013 MY Planned Gear.

More people have read this post than any other I've written.

So, this year I'm following that post on gear for TGO 2013 with this, my planned gear for TGO 2014.

I'll start by stating the same as last year: gear lists are personal. 

Any choice of gear is determined by a number of factors: planned use, experience, safety, cost, wants and needs.

What some want, may not be what others need and vica versa.

What some want may be too expensive.

 Compromise is important.

Much of what I have has been built up over years of trial and error.

This will be my 5th TGO Challenge.

I've had some foul weather and some more foul weather...........and some not so foul.

But, it is Scotland and it is a superb land to walk across.

So, here is the gear: much will be  a repeat of last year - I'll put a "X" by something new.

Shelter and sleeping

MLD Trailstar - just a classic shelter, more than capable with coping in strormy weather.
Oookworks door - just gives some privacy and stops wind blown rain getting on bivy.
Clamcleat Tornadoes - X - and Ti pins better than MSR Groundhogs IMO.
Wickes secondary glazing film - cheap, tough, light ground cover
Borah Gear Side zip bivy - X - easier to get in and out of. Custom finish to netting.
PHD Minim 300 - No zip, long, 700 grms my go to bag winter or summer
Cut down Thermorest - I find this comfy, others may not. It's puncture proof too.
Radiator Insulation - cheap, light and, surprisingly, it really does work.
Dry bags -  for the sleeping bag and down gear.

Wearing

Montane trousers - X - special edition, light and they take a good bit of rain.
Integral Designs Short Gaiters - keeps stones out of footwear.
Rohan Pants - had these years, light, quick drying, comfy.
Smartwool socks - classic footware.
La Sportiva Raptors - X - my other La Sportivas fell apart eventually.
Marmot Dri-clime Vest -  a favourite because it keeps core warm and I rarely overheat.
Arcteryx LS Merino base - had this years. Its so comfy. Only need this one base layer.

Carrying

Terra Nova Quasar 45 Pack - light and comfortable, worth the cost IMO.
Pack Liner - X - extra protection from rain. Adds reassurance
Extremities Tuff Bags - these work well and stuff inside smock sleeves
Extremities Fleece Gloves - combined with Tuff Bags hands rarely get soaked.
PHD Alpamayo Smock - original, with storm flap. I love it. Best waterproof I've ever had.
Berghaus Paclites - another classic they've lasted years and work well.
OMM Beanie - X - 30grms; in preference to waterproof cap. Keeps head warm.
Smartwool Socks - spare pair.
Bed socks - a pair of sock liners.
PHD Drishell Windsmock - this works very well and will cope with light showers.
PHD Ultra Pullover - light warm around camp and in sleeping bag. Love it.
PHD Minim Down Trousers - light warm around camp and in sleeping bag.
SS Merino Base - if it gets too hot. Rarely worn.
Spare Rohan pants - for wash and change. A bit of a luxury, but, it is a holiday.
Hi Tec Zuuks - X - not neccessary,  but so light and comfy they are worth carrying/wearing.
PHD Down Socks - work their weight in saffron. Really add warmth in sleeping bag.
Compass - Silva Type 4. A classic.
Maps - cut down and thrown once used.
MSR Blizzard Stake - toilet trowel and can be used as a stake too
Kitchen Roll - toilet paper; toilet paper goes mushy, kitchen roll doesn't.
Tissues
Petzl E-Lite - all thats required as it stay light until very late.
Pen  - for any notes. I use the Route Sheets for notes.
Route Sheets - to remind me where I go to get lost.
Camera - Ixus 220HS in a light case which goes round my neck.
Tool Card - a handy little gadget.
Credit cards and Rail Pass - just 1 debit and 1 credit card. rail pass for over 60's
Reading Glasses & Case - to enable me to read. I can read maps outside without them.
First Aid kit - essential stuff
Pama Charger + Lead + Plug - holds two recharges of phone.
Phone - HTC One + Lead + Plug + Headphones. Music and communications in HTC One.
Toothbrush
Dr Bronners liquid soap - a small amount; wash and toothpaste and does pants too.
Small Towel - very small, but I've had a shower and used just this to dry off.
Black Diamond Poles - essential for Trailstar and poking off inquisative cows, or, Haggis.
ETrex GPS - for when the map doesn't know where I am. Rarely used.
Sunscreen - optimistic inclusion; very little.
Rail tickets - for return journey.
Money - for spending.
PHD Down hat - X - I used a Black Rock one last year, but now PHD head to toes!

Kitchen

Evernew DX Stove and Stand and trivet - my favourite. Works well; never let me down.
Tibetan 900 Pot - holds DX and matches.
Matches and lighter - a couple in case of failure by one.
Kitchen Roll - to wipe out pot. Can be used as loo paper too. Only after wiping out pot.
Meths bottles and Meths - 100cc bottles; max 3 carried. The rest posted on.
Platypus 2L  - water pouch
Spoon - plastic

So, there it is.

I am not posting weights this time. Suffice to say it's pretty light.

29 April - weight   Well, I had to do it! Pack with 3 days fuel but,no food/whisky is 8k
.
Food and drink is extra.

This is personal.

24 April - an update.

1) I've broken my "take nothing that will let you down" approach by getting a Neoair Xlite which will replace the cut down Ridgerest and radiator insulation. My original Neoair was suspect, but, I've read such good reviews on the Neoair Xlite that I decided to take a leap of faith.

2) I love my Arc'teryx merino top, but, I've come across an innovative Spanish Company, As Tucas (well worth a look) and have a Cabietos Hoody on order. I'll wear this on the TGO instead.

3) My Rab Boreas combined with my Driclime Vest was a surprise hit on a recent trip and I will now take this instead of my PHD windshirt. With the Boreas/Driclime set up - I was so comfortable wearing them all day, every day. No on/off with a windshirt.

4) ......... and 2 minor omissions: Nalgene Cantene pee bottle (cut the plastic top retainer off or it gets .... messy ....and wet) and a Lifesystems Headnet

5) I took my Osprey Tallon 44 on my last trip. With all my gear and 4 days food/fuel etc it had plenty of room. The fit is definately better than the Terra Nova Quasar 45 so this gets the call instead of the Quasar.

That's it folks.

Have a fantastic TGO 2014 ; if you're on it.