Intro
It is getting closer to the start of the 2013 TGO Challenge.
I don't write up every trip that I do nowadays - especially my training trips to Cannock Chase or the wilds of Edale and Kinder.
However, what I've been musing on is the way my gear works for me and how it gets me across Scotland - in all conditions - in comfort.
OK, nothing new here, but, a few bits on tried and tested stuff that works.
Clothing
One of the problems that people find when they go backpacking is that they get too hot.
My solution to this is to cut down what I wear to the basics:
Base layer is a long sleeved merino zipped top - my favourite is my Arcteryx which I've had for years.
This is comfortable to wear even if it is hot. The sleeves roll up easily too.
Mid layer is a Marmot Dri-clime vest.
A lot of folk go for a long sleeved mid layer, but I find that as long as I keep my core body warm and cut out the wind from my arms, I can be comfortable in temperatures that get down below zero.
Windshirt is one of a number. The Montane Litespeed is very good. My current choice is my PHD Drishell which is a basic smock with a hood.
No pockets. It is a good size for a large and will easily fit over my PHD Ultra Down pullover. More on this later.
Waterproof is my PHD Alpamayo smock.
Mine's the original version - in black. The main difference is the the new version has fully waterproof zips and weighs 425 grms. It is also more expensive than the original. Both use the same HS3 material which is excellent. At 435 grms it is a full 4 season waterproof and will fit a tall person, ie me, properly. No scrimping of the length to reduce the weight. It is the best waterproof I've ever had.
Legware is less of an issue to me. I love my old TNF trousers and my even older Lowe Alpine trousers. I also have Montane Terra pants and some limited edition Montanes. I currently favour my Lowe Alpine trousers, if only because they are off white instead of black.
Waterproof legware is my old Berghaus Paclites. These have lasted me well and are well up to the job.
Mix and Match.
For warm days or freezing cold days I have found that a mix and match combination of these four (upper body) items will keep me comfortable. I have been in whiteouts and I've been in heatwaves - in Scotland! and have never been found wishing for any different tops.
The missing piece? ..........is a belay top.
Here there are two ways to deal with having a break ............ and ensuring that I keep warm.
Firstly, if it is freezing and raining I will not stop. No cooling down and no need for a belay top.
Secondly, if it is freezing and dry I have the option of pulling on my PHD Ultra down pullover.
This is essential for warmth around camp, but, in practice, I rarely use it for rest breaks when otherwise on the move.
Head/Hands/Feet. On the move I have a Montane featherlite cap. My hands are looked after by a pair of Extremities fleece gloves and a pair of Extremities Tuff Bags. My footware varies, but I always have wool socks, eg Smartwool, and I wear Integral Designs short gaiters to keep bits out of my foot wear.
My prefered footware for last year on the TGO was my Keen Targee IIs, and they are ready to do their bit this year. But, I have just bought a pair of La Sportiva Wildcat IIs and if these prove comfortable, they will be worn this year. If so, I will ditch the Crocs that would otherwise be in my pack. A move to trail shoes for me will be a big change.
Sleeping
The stuff I use for sleeping in has remained stable for many years, now.
The base layer by day is sleepware by night: Arcteryx long sleeved merino top. If it is really warm I do have an Icebreaker light merino short sleeved top.
If it is cold then other stuff goes on before I enter my sleeping bag.
This will be a mix and match set of gear.
Headwear is a Black Rock down hat.
Legware is a pair of PHD Minimus down trousers.
Footware is a pair of PHD Down socks.
These are super cosy and I wear them with a pair of liner socks.
The PHD Ultra down Pullover ensures that I can be wrapped in down from head to feet - and warm and comfortable. Even with a 300 fill sleeping bag!
Sleeping Bag is a PHD Minim 300. Long with no zip, it weighs 700 grms. I got this some years ago and it was only available in the PHD sale, which is usually twice a year. It has become my mainstay sleeping bag ever since. I rarely have the hood up over my head, but, in the long version, this is possible - especially if it gets very cold. PHD have got a 250 fill sleeping bag in their latest sale and this would be my choice, if I didn't already have the Minim 300 (and a ME Helium 250).
Bivy Bag is a Titanium Goat Ptarmigan which I've had for years.
It has a built in headnet. I prefer to sleep with my head outside either my sleeping bag or the bivy bag, but, the cover does cut any draughts and adds a few degrees to the bag rating.
I've been down to well below minus 5c with this set of sleeping gear.
Here's my Trailstar after a cold night: coverd in frost - inside and outside.
Groundcover is Wickes secondary glazing.
Insulation is something I've arrived at by trial and error. I still have an old, self inflating, Thermorest which has never let me down. It weighs a ton!
I tried Neo-air when it first came out. It was one that did stay up, but I couldn't trust it. To me, all gear must work and be trustworthy and comfortable. I could not be comfortable with the Neo-air. I went back to an old Ridgerest and found that I could sleep comfortably on it. It just needed cutting down to size.
So, my insulation is an old piece of cut down Ridgerest which weighs in at 200 grms. This works for me - on my upper body.
I used to use bits of old thin solid foam mats for my lower body (legs). Now I use a piece of radiator insulation. It weighs very little and it works.
Outro
So, nothing new, but a few bits of musing on wearing and sleeping and what works for me.
I guess I'm getting excited about TGO 2013. 37 days and counting .................
Gear lists are personal.
Years ago I had a Karrimor Jaguar 65 backpack, a synthetic sleeping bag, leather boots, a 2.2 k tent etc.
The gear I carried got me over the Coast to Coast - three times, up the Pennine Way - twice, and from one end of the UK to the other. And on other trips.
So lightweight gear is not essential.
But, MY gear has changed over the years.
In the USA, gear lists on eg Backpackinglight.com are plentiful.
I got many ideas from them over the years.
In this country, gear lists are harder (to me) to come by.
When I did my first TGO Challenge I was so curious as to what other people were carrying. Seeing what they were using, on that first Challenge, also gave me ideas.
For what it's worth, this is my gear list for the TGOC - 2013.
If it gives any ideas to anyone - fine. If it seems bonkers - fine. I enjoyed putting it together.
No two lists of gear that people prefer will be the same
My simple approach to backpacking is to carry what is necessary to ensure that I will be comfortable in all the conditions that I can anticipate.
Now that I've completed 3 TGO Challenges - the last 2 being particularly weather-full - I have honed down my gear to that which will work - for me.
This is the gear I plan to take on the 2013 TGO Challenge
Shelter
Grms
MLD Trailstar 550
Oookworks door 30
MSR Groudhogs + pins 190
Wickes secondary glazing film 90
Ti-Goat bivy bag - with head net 200
Cut down Ridgerest 200
Radiator insulation 45
PHD Minim 300 - long 700
Various dry bags 200
Total shelter 2205
Wearing
Lowe Alpine trousers 400
Integral Designs short gaiters 60
Rohan pants 50
Smartwool socks 60
Keen Targee 11 Mids 1050 (La Sportiva Wildcat II 800)
Marmot Dri-clime vest 190
Arcteryx LS merino zip base 320
Total worn 2130 (1880)
Carrying
Terra Nova Quasar 45 pack 600
Extremities fleece gloves 50
Extremities Tuff Bags 90
Black Rock down hat 15
PHD Alpamayo smock 435
Berghaus Paclites 220
Waterproof Cap 80
Bed socks (liner socks) 15
PHD Drishell windshirt 120
PHD Ultra pullover 290
PHD Minim down trousers 250
SS Merino base 160
Spare Rohan pants 50
Spare Smartwool socks 60
Crocs 410 (No Crocs 0)
PHD down socks 110
Compass 15
Maps (cut down) 150
MSR Blizzard stake toilet trowel 20
Kitchen roll - as toilet paper 20
Tissues 20
Petzl e-lite 35
Pen and paper 50
Camera 200
Tool card 10
Bank/Credit cards 10
Reading glasses in case 90
Ist aid kit - homemade 60
Pama charger + leads + plug + mobile 370
Toothbrush 15
Dr Bronners soap 50
Small towel 15
Black Diamond poles 495
GPS - Garmin E-Trex 150
Evernew DX Stove + stand in Myti-mug 280
Kitchen roll 20
Windshield 10
Pouch to keep food warm 15
Fuel bottles x 3 300
Platypus 2l bottle 10
Total carried
Shelter and sleeping 2205 (2205)
All else in the pack 5365 (4955)
Total carried 7570 (7160)
Total weight worn 2130 (1880)
Total weight worn and carried 9700 (9040)
So, there is what I'll be taking.
Food and water are extra. Water is Nirvana's finest - until nearer the lower ground in the East.
The oldest stuff is the Lowe Alpine trousers - at least 14 years old.
The newest is the TN Quasar 45 pack. ( 17/04/13 - Anyone who is sharp eyed will spot that I reduced the weight of the Quasar. Previous weigh-ins were with stuff still inside the inner hydration pocket!! .......and I've taken off the pole attachment bits)
The MLD Trailstar has proved itself on two TGO Challenges and many other trips. It spent a long time under the radar, but, is currently flavour of the month. Deservedly!
The Keen Targee 11 Mids started to have bits hanging off soon after I bought them. But, I glued these down and they've proved very comfortable and remained durable. They are not waterproof, but dry quickly.
(24/04/13 - After taking me for a couple of proper walks, I've decided to go with trail shoes for the first time. The Crocs are not necessary, so the weights - in brackets above - are reduced. Moi, counting grams? Sacre bler!!)
The stuff for sleeping in is a mix and match system that can be added to or subracted from depending on conditions. I have been comfortably down to minus 5C with these items.
With the mix and match combination of base + vest + windshirt + waterproof and the head and hands taken care of, I have not yet been cold when on the move.
The MSR Blizzard stake toilet trowel also can be used for the most-in-to-the-wind-anchor point for the Trailstar
This is personal.
It is my choice which I find works.
I've done this because I like looking at other people's gear lists and thought I'd share mine too.
The man from Seattle and the man from Blanefield says yes!
This year the weather will be superb.
My route takes me to the wilds of Torridon where I start off my little stroll across to Stonehaven.
If all goes to plan, I will celebrate my 200th Munro on route. But, if my last 3 pathetic crossings are anything to go by, then I will not.
Friday 10: over to Pollan Buidhe via Beinn Liath Mhor.
Saturday 11: over Sgurr Choinnich, Sgurr a Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh.
Sunday 12: over Sgurr Fhuar-thuill, Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais, Carn nan Gobhar (where dehydrated champagne will be rehydrated and drunk!!) and then Sgurr na Ruaidhe
Monday 13: to Cannich
Tuesday 14: to Drumnadrochit
Wednesday 15: to Dalbeg
Thursday 16: to Aviemore
Friday 17: to Loch Avon via Bynach More
Saturday 18: to Cock Bridge
Sunday 19: to Ballater
Monday 20: to Gannoch
Tuesday 21: to Feughside
Wednesday 22: to Stonehaven.
And, if all goes to plan, I'll be on top of the World.
Much of my gear will be the same as before although I have invested in a Terra Nova Quasar 45 backpack.
I'll do a full gear list nearer the date.
I can recommend the TGO re-union at the Snake Pass Inn - March 8-10 - for anyone who enjoys a great meal in really good company!
Ok, I'll be there too - but don't let this put you off!
Oh, and the beer's good too.
This is not me! But, how cool is that!
Happy planning and vetting to all who are doing the 2013 TGOC.
I love backpacking
The TGO Challenge is an event that never entered my mind to do until May 2008, when I was in the Dalwhinnie Hotel.
I knew about it but didn't think ordinary backpackers could enter.
In the hotel, I got talking to some fit and eager people who were breezing across on the 2008 TGO. They intrigued me with tails of derring do on the Challenge.
When I queried how to enter, I was surprised to learn that it wasn't some event only open to a select few - anyone can enter.
That was also a great year to be doing the TGOC - as the weather was superb.
I had done a fair few long distance walks including: the Ridgeway - my most exhausting trip to date (all the wrong gear); The Coast to Coast (x 3); the Pennine Way (x2) and LEJOG which wrapped up the North side of the SWCP and various links up to JOG including most of the Pennine Way - again!
All my backpacking was by myself.
Of course, as you do I did get talking to people - and, I am a reasonably sociable person.
So I applied to enter the 2009 TGOC.
I entered, as always, as a solo walker. But, of course, the great aspect of the TGO is the social element - either walking along with others for a while, or, having a pint and a chat with folk at one of the bottlenecks, or, saying hello to folk camped in the middle of nowhere.
I love the TGO Challenge
So I did the 2009 TGO Challenge and applied to enter the 2010 event.
I was 113 on the standby list in 2010.
But, I had to get up to Knoydart, backpacking, in May 2010 - and coincidently met the snake of 2010 TGO people wending their way from Inverie to Sourlies - and the East coast. Some I knew and had a chat with.
So I applied for the 2011 and 2012 and 2013 TGO's. - despite the really good weather and complete lack of anything to tax me, or, fellow Challenge folk - especially in the last two years.
So, I guess I like the way the TGO gets you across Nirvana and gets you to meet new people, old people - as in people I know - and gives you a fantastic unpredictable experience.
What's Over the Hill?
In the same way that I didn't know much about the TGO in 2008, I knew of the Over the Hill Club but didn't know who was in it ,or, how it operated.
So, as I walked from Garve Bridge to Newtonmore, via Laggan last May, I had the pleasure of chatting to John Hutchinson aka Big John. He explained the way the Club operated and suggested I may want to come along to a meeting to see if I'd like it. And, coincidently, Big John was the person who my e-mail would reach when I followed up on our chat.
This was in May.
For various reasons I could not make a couple of meetings that John advised me of. However, I did get to the AGM held over this last weekend in Dufton.
The Club was founded off the back of the Ultimate Challenge - as then was.
The Patron of the Club is Hamish Brown and without his creation of the, now, TGO Challenge, the Over the Hill Club would not exist.
Further information on the Over the Hill Club can be found by Googling in - Over The Hill Club.
I found myself on a superb weekend - where I knew a number of people from the Challenge.
I also met a lot of others who together had a world of experience in the Mountains - not just in Scotland, but all over the World. The company was great and the weekend gave me a really good feel for how the club operated, the people in it, and the many activites that take place throughout the year.
I joined the walk organised for Saturday:
A new Club Member
I joined the Over The Hill Club.
If you, like me, enjoy meeting folk on the TGO, but, would like to meet up with them and do interesting trips at other times - then the Over The Hill Club may be of interest.
I'm not a typical club person, but, the Over The Hill Club is just the sort of club that I know I will enjoy - as I do the TGO Challenge.
