Summit and Valley

Amazing:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Watch this amazing video and then the one at LFTO. Some people push the limits beyond what has gone before. Dean Potter is one such person. Not backpacking and kit I know but still amazing.

Outdoor thoughts:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:53:00 +0000

I enjoy the early nights this time of year. The sun sets early and great shows of colour light up the sky with the setting of the sun. The moon comes out early, unlike summer where it is late before you get a view. I watched it tonight and wondered when I will get a chance to camp in the hills and moors and enjoy this wonderful time we call Autumn in the wild places. To see the stars clearly without light pollution from street lamps and house lights ?

It’s been a week where I have had little time to blog about backpacking and the kit we use, but have had email requests about kit and information on it.

Stef from the very good BG asked if I knew anything about the Scarp 2 from Tarp Tent - and if it would be updated like the Scarp 1. No idea was the reply but I pointed him to Henry who told him this:

‘Hi Stef,

Thanks for your interest. I think it's likely that the Scarp 2 will undergo a revision but I don't have a timeline. We have to get through the Scarp 1 production and then see what we can do for the Scarp 2. Feel free to check back in 6 weeks or so.Thanks very much.

Henry Shires’

So if you are looking for a great, light two-person tent, be patient. There might be a new version of the Scarp 2 on its way. As for me I am busy with work and the like and enjoying my job lots. I have many blog posts on the back burner at the moment and will catch up with them soon.

Rain again:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Lakes 23 & 24th October 2009. Photos here

I didn't decide to go to the Lakes as Keith who works with me decided the destination. He is getting into backpacking and the trip was hopefully going to give him some experience from which to build his knowledge on, and see what kit works and fails when the weather turns bad. The forecast was poor and we decided to have options that allowed for low level walking if needed.

Glaramara is my favourite Lakeland mountain and should have provided some nice views. It unfortunately was cloaked in mist and the rain was already setting in. The ridge up via Thorythwaite Fell sets you up normally with fine views. Today all we had was one fine show of a rainbow, and light shining between the clouds illuminating Castle Crag.

The ridge path leads you to a fine rock band that you can bypass - but if climbed makes a great finish to the summit. The whole ridge has little sections of rock that you scramble up, and this final section is the best.

From there the summit cairn is easily reached and a short way from it is another cairn. Views were short in supply due to the rain and mist.

From there we went past High House Tarn and onto Allen Crags. In good weather the views are amazing. Today it was not, but still it tests the wet weather gear and polishes up your navigation skills.

With the rain getting worse we opted to drop into the Langdale valley to head to Chaple Stile where we planned to go up to Dow Bank to have a wildcamp. The Old Hotel bar was visited on the way and then we pitched up on the campsite. Hot showers and food led to the bar being visited again, talking to a Dutch backpacker whose name I can’t spell. Hardy wildcamping backpackers - we were not.

The morning brought more rain and after reading the news it seems we chose well to stay low. The Cumbria Way took us to Chaple Stile and over to Grasmere walking through woods paved in golden leaves and streams overflowing with fresh rainfall. Miles walked: not a lot. Ascent done: not a lot. Fun and experience gained: lots.

Scarp venting photos:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Here are some more photos of the Scarp 1 showing the venting options, porch and other improvements Henry has made.

Scarp 1 news:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:46:00 +0000

Henry Shires from Tarp Tent contacted me, and sent some updated photos of the Scarp 1 flysheet. Looks superb and the tension of the flysheet was something Henry really wanted to improve, but to be honest it is very good as it is. So the improvement is fantastic. He is trying to get it finished and into production at the end of November. Until then you will have to be patient. The photos show the changes and potential of this tent. Truly versatile - and useable in the UK all year round.

The end vent will be a bonus to venting in the damp and wet UK. Useful and no modding needed to this tent. The control of airflow to reduce condensation is essential to a effective tent in the hills and the design here is born from a company that listens and updates its design to meet the needs of its customers.

All photos on this post are property of Tarp Tent and used with permission. Do not use with out Tarp Tents express permission in the first instance from them

Not gone away:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

My laptop is broken and lots of my files and photos are unavailable at the present time. So I am off-line unless the wife lets me use her PC, like now as I write this. Annoying till I get it fixed. You don’t realise how annoying it is until it happens. I can’t get on with some projects I want to work on. The good part is I am reading lots of books and I am off next week for a three-day backpack.

My mate from work is tagging along and he chose the destination, which is the Lakes - I wanted to go to Wales. My last backpacking trip of the year after this hopefully will take me up to Hadrian’s Wall and then I will have to wait for the new year before heading to Wales.

Enjoy England:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

I was asked by JAM to contribute a blog post on ‘three things you do to enjoy England’ This is linked with the Guardian Enjoy-England. This really appealed to me as an Englishman. We should enjoy England and celebrate all the wonderful things we have in this country. England is still a green and pleasant place. It has a wonderful and varied landscape which we need to get out into and enjoy.

“This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.” Shakespeare

Parks

If I am not away walking, I like to walk near home. I am lucky that near my home is a large park. Catton Park has 70 acres of open space, woodland and many paths with which to wander around it. At this time of year I walk and watch the sunset, admire the autumn colours in the trees and listen to a moment’s silence. Parks in our cites offer a place to step away from the bricks and mortar. The hustle of our modern life. Enjoying a country walk in England does not have to be out in the countryside.

Walking in a National park

My favourite way to enjoy England is to visit and walk in our varied and beautiful National Parks. We have scenery in England that equals anything in the rest of the UK. On a cold morning in the Lake District I have seen views where I have stood in sheer amazement at this wonderful country. There is an undiscovered England awaiting any who will rise early and walk up upon its high places. The ever changing light and shadow cast upon the hills bring new views on each visit. There is nothing better than a walk in the English National Parks.

Wildcamping

After a day’s walking, another way I enjoy England is to stay up high in the wild landscape of our National Parks. There is a peace that is hard to describe found by camping high and alone. The joy of being alone watching the sunset over the high moors of Dartmoor or Lakeland fells is something that brings a satisfaction words fail to describe. The joy is even better when you rise before dawn and await the sunrise - looking down on the world, just taking in the views. England has so much to offer if you are prepared to go seek out the views and adventure. What do you do to enjoy England?

Outdoors indoors:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

This week, living far from any hills or mountains, I decided to enjoy the outdoors, indoors - online. Here are three things from the week that I found about the outdoors that I wanted to share.

Ryan Jordon, the head of Backpacking Light made a wonderful video. I won’t embed it here as you should go see it on his blog. It is a 24Hr hike with his dog. His blog is stunning anyway and worth a visit. He also is testing a very nice prototype backpack that BPL are designing. See the video at Simplifatico. That rucksack does look good.

The bridge at Carnachuin in Glen Feshie got washed away I found out - this happened on the 3rd of September. I have used that bridge many times. Big river there and in some ways I hope they don't replace it. On a safety issue, there is a bridge still further down the glen. My view is it is a wild and wonderful spot and big river crossings seem to add to the adventure. Near Carnachuin is a memorial to the Commandoes who trained in the mountains there in WW2. The harsh landscape there was suitable training for Norway. Look for it if you’re going that way on the Challenge.

The last thing really wowed me. The lady whose name I still have not worked (sorry) out - did her first solo wildcamp. The photos and write-up are just stunning. I really liked reading her blog Blethering Blonde, and it is one to look out for if you have not seen it yet.

I will get to writing up some kit stuff and hopefully some more walks soon. Thanks for calling by.

Stress relief:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Edale 19th September 2009. Photos.

Mike on the phone had mentioned he has had a stressful time of late. A walk was in order to wind down. Edale was the last place we walked from. Why not on a nice day go there again, and have a different route and enjoy the high moors of the Peak District.

Wisps of mist still clung to the hills as we headed up Grindslow Knoll. The weather promised much and the humidity of the morning meant we took a leisurely pace up. The views up top are ones I have seen many times and still enjoy. Today they were very good.

The morning soon got warm as we reached the summit and then walked the path along the edge to Crowden Tower and onto Edale Cross. Mike and myself enjoyed walking over the large rocks and weathered stones found on this edge.

The weather was good and hills just looked fantastic. The walk was a joy and I can’t think of any better way of de-stressing. We headed round the valley head over by Brown Knoll. The conditions under foot were dry and the boggy bits posed no difficulties. I actually got to enjoy laying out on the hillside with the sun warming my face for a change. That lasted about twenty minutes before dark clouds rolled in. That brought new light conditions and the sun would shine through gaps in the cloud illuminating parts of hill, making for fantastic views.

Rushup Edge was soon reached and what seemed an endless procession of mountain bikers came along dressed in fancy dress? We waited and waited for them to pass.

The path is wide and the walking is easy here. We went onto Mam Tor looking at the rampart remains of the Iron Age hill fort that was once there. Mike recalled the last time we had walked there was one winter’s day in the snow out of Castleton many years ago. Ice covered the path that day and we met no one. Today large crowds sat on the summit and we did not linger. We went down to Hollins Cross and from there, a path led back to Edale. The obligatory visit to the cafe finished a good walk.

Along a Lake:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:49:00 +0000

It rained most of the week on and off with some respite during my family holiday. Normal UK holiday to be honest. I had a chance to get another walk and opted for a solo walk along the shore of Ullswater.

Askham provided the start point for my afternoon walk with a good track leading from it up to Askham fell for a view of distant Ullswater. The path goes between large plantations and the rain waited for me to make the top and then set in with heavy downpours for the rest of the walk. I went along the path, dropping down by Barton Park and following the wide and enjoyable track to HowTown. The path was a stream for large sections of it, but the views were fantastic.

The low level path around Hallin fell was flooded as the lake was bursting its bank from the recent heavy rain fall. A short detour up the road picked up another path to go round to walk along overlooking the lake. Water falls were displaying their full splendour and I delighted in the changing views of the fells as clouds blew in and out over them.

The path twists and turns around the rocks and trees. Wet rocks needed care walking on. Tantalising views were seen between gaps in the foliage. The path goes through Sandwick, and from there below Birk Fell.

I encountered two other walkers on this section. It was turning into five well spent hours. I phoned to tell Helen to meet me the other side of the lake in a hour or so and moved on. More fine views were to be enjoyed.

Rain showers still poured in and had caused more flooding. The first road at the lake’s head was flooded and I had to go along to the public road to cross to Patterdale. From there the road side path led to Glenridding and my waiting lift. Time well spent.

DuoMid:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:08:00 +0000

It was a week or so later after placing my order for the Mountain Laurel Design DuoMid that I was reading Andy Howell’s write up on his cuben fibre version. I had been thinking of getting one for a light overnight shelter to give me something different in my choice of shelters. I always liked the way Bob had turned the GoLite Shangri-La 3 into a cavernous one man shelter with his half sized groundsheet. The one thing I did not like was the weight of the Shangri-La and the extra weight of the pole for it.

The DuoMid appealed with its low weight at 439.41 grams for the Silnylon version - which I opted for. It is classed as a pyramid shelter but it does not have a base (floor) so is not truly a pyramid. I had a go at pitching it and need a few more goes to master it before using it in anger. Seems stable and the space inside is huge. Like TarpTent the build quality is exceptional and has a level of craftsmanship that comes from a passion for the product, as Ron, like Henry Shires, is a passionate backpacker.

With its multiple tie-out points it is easy to keep out the wind and reviews I have read point to stability in strong winds. Before some ask, it is not a tarp, and is in fact a floorless single skin shelter. You won’t find it under tarps on the MLD website. In addition I got the Superlight Bivy which in the large size is 205g. For times when the bugs are going to be out in summer I also got the SOLO inner net.

The bivy bag was all I would need for the odd night, and maybe a half sized floor area lightweight groundsheet if I wanted to use it for several nights. To be honest, on week long walks I will use the Scarp 1 and in winter it is my number one shelter. The DuoMid is for other trips where I think it would be suitable and reduce my pack weight.

Pitching the DuoMid is easy and I am using the pole extender MLD provided along with my Pacer Poles. It seems 54 inches is the optimum height to set them to get the pitch tight and the profile of it set to shed the wind well. The extra bonus with this shelter is it has the midpoint tie-out points which other pyramid shelters lack. That and the fact it sleeps two makes it just great. Super light and something different for me to use. As we go out into the outdoors I find I change and my experience grows. So I want to try new ways of wildcamping and experience the joy of the wild places I travel through.

Raven Crag:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

I had to go and do Raven Crag. I have done it years before, but in March I went with my wife to go and do it again. Events that day got in the way and the day is best not remembered. I had to go again for me. It is a small hill and the climb up through the woods is not that special. The views are worth it. The climb up was a leisurely stroll with the wife taking lots of breaks. There is nearby Castle Crag, with its iron-age settlement remains. I enjoyed the views. Last time it was snowing up on the tops.

The rain lashed me today making photos hard to take without rain spots marring the lens. I enjoyed the views by the cliff edge. Helen waited for me on the summit with the usual “Be careful”. Careful was far from my mind. I wanted to go on and enjoy a long walk. Thing was, I was on a family holiday. Big walks will have to wait.

Back from my holiday:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:53:00 +0000

I had a time away with the wife, children and their friends. Centre Parcs up in the Lakes. Better than the one near home, as I could go for a short walk. I had hoped to wildcamp one night but the weather was awful and I was on a family holiday. It was a fun place. The boy kicked me in the head a few times on the the water slides. You are meant to go down them on your own – we did not and had a few runs on them saying sorry and look out as we crashed into each other. I would say it is a good short break destination. The children would say a week plus is good. I also managed to visit all the great outdoor shops up there, and got some new kit. I took the wife, children and their friends for a tour of the scenery - all in all a nice time. I will post the photos of my two short walks later. The water slides, boat trips, and coffee shops are not for this blog – keep it all sane and focused.

Holidays, Scarp talk and a night on a hill hopefully:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Exploring Scarps further - Henry emailed me some more info on the Scarp 1 flysheet changes. Key points he talked about are:

“I did some fly tension optimization too and it seem noticeably more taut now too”

"I can certainly guarantee you that it will be much warmer when need be and also continue to vent"

He also talked about how some companies use seamless flysheets on their tents, and how that leaves, as he put it:

“inherent "slop" in the fabric tension - there's just no way to tighten up unsupported fabric spans that turn corners without building in curved seams”

The Laser Competition and Akto have this issue. I often see photos of both tents with sag in the flysheet and the rattling of the Laser Competition fly is a complaint I have read about. I can get the Laser Competition pitched tight, but some seem to struggle. The Scarp 1 is very easy to get pitched well. I like the point Henry has made here.

So my Scarp 1 is packed and new guylines added - weather permitting I will get it pitched high up on a hillside next week. Planning done, training not done and my legs will die most likely. I need to remember to put in some training between trips as I have been a bit lazy of late. The most important component for backpacking is yourself. I will respond to comments as and when I get access to the web.

Greed:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:33:00 +0000

I got a letter from Parcel Force today, along the lines of: We are holding your paid for goods. You have paid already to have them transported to the depot. We still want more money. Why? Well, we have to give the government (does the Vat man check they get it?) the VAT for the goods. That costs money on top of the shipping costs for us to administer (licence to rake it in more like). What annoys me is I paid UPS to deliver, not Parcel Force. Rip off UK. I don’t mind paying the tax but not the non-negotiable fee imposed by a courier I did not pay the shipping fee to. Bit of a rant but I feel better now. Got a nice top and very interesting book, so worth it in the end. The photo is nothing to do with the point of the post.

Yawn:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Here we go again with the Munro game all set to change. Seems the Munro Society have had lots of surveys done of late. In September according to the link here they will announce their results to an expectant world. I actually find it irrelevant. I have done a few of them including some in the East Highlands that were to be honest, not very exciting. Maybe some good ones will be demoted and hence less busy when you go to visit. If you bag them good luck, and if you don't like me - just enjoy them as good hills along with the others of less height. Why chase a ever changing list. Just go and enjoy the hills and have fine walks. Does it matter if it is a 3000ft mountain ? Many of the Munro’s are fantastic and I do want to climb them, but not because they are over 3000ft, but because they are fantastic hills along with many of less height. All this changing and updating lists in my view is pointless. Leave it as it was.

News from Henry Shires:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:53:00 +0000

I have had a few e-maile’s from Henry about some related backpacking discussions. He also informed me that he has put a photo of mine on his website which is great. The big news from him is a comment on the Scarp flysheet story I have on the blog. It is the official news on the flysheet.

Hi All,
Yes, it's official that the next iteration of the Scarp 1 will have a lower cut fly but retain the ability to slide up the pole as desired for ventilation. The canopy tension will be improved and I'll try to make the vents a bit easier to close up as well. It will be a month or two before it comes out the other end of the pipeline.
-H

Good news indeed and sounds like a big leap forward in its performance. Best start saving up for one now.

Look What We Found:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:34:00 +0000

It is not hard to notice a company called Look What We Found in the outdoor magazines and on the blogs of late. TGO reviewed their products this month and liked them a lot - and Darren is off to visit their factory soon (questions will be coming Darren).

Food is something that as a backpacker I need to pay more attention to. I like Wayfayrer for overnights as I am not a big fan of the usual freeze-dried offerings in the shops. On my Cairngorm walk in May, I used Travel Lunch meals to save weight and regretted it due to the stodginess and unpalatable taste. In the past I have used Pack’ n ‘Go when Snow and Rock used to sell them in day ration packs. I did not mind them – but still prefer food that does not need rehydration.

I noticed in the TGO review of Look What We Found the comment on portion size and needing other food like rice to go with it. No different than Wayfayrer then. Baz on his blog liked the fact that it is gluten free and has no preservatives in it at all. In fact it is all healthy, natural food – which is good for you.

This week Look What We Found sent me some samples to test. I am quite excited about this product as it is something different to Wayfarer.

I had them delivered to work and showed them to the chef, who said straight away that he liked the simple layout detailing the content. It tells you clearly the total energy, protein, sodium and the like per pack, and the total weight including the packaging in a very simple and readable way. Makes planning simple, information like that.

I like the fact that:

It has one sealed pouch containing the meal without an outer package, unlike Wayfarer meals. Saving on packaging is good for the environment. The sealed pouch is not recyclable but Look We Found are planning to change that.
They work in a fair way with local farmers and source their ingredients from them. Good to see, as the small independents offer something unique in my view.
There are no added colours, flavours, preservatives and the like in their food.
Their chefs make up good dishes and not just the usual hotpot and beans and sausages.
They put the ingredients of the meal in the pouch uncooked and then pressure cook them, sealing in the aromatic flavours and goodness.
The unit cost is much less than comparable alternatives that most outdoor shops stock.

I will test the food on the hill backpacking. I am using it on my next overnight trip at the start of September and at the end into early October on a multi day walk in Scotland or maybe Wales. That way I can tell if it is filling, easy to reheat in a tent in a storm and the like. I will do the full review after that.

Local:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Thetford is a big forest. Miles of single track to ride the mountain bike on and then go back and do it all the next day. There are large areas of heathland to explore as well as ancient track ways. It is my local walking ground thirty minutes from home. I went with the wife today. Suffolk side and near the Kingswood. I got to carry all the kit and water, she got to walk care free and pack free.

It was a short walk. We parked at the car park near the Icknield Way Path. It is a good track to walk and takes you into the forest. Good weather, good walking. The wife led the way. I looked for deer tracks and soon spotted one running along. We left the track following forest roads and trails. You can wander for hours. Better to link trails up and have a sense of purpose to the walk. The forest is a easy place for the novice navigator to get lost in once you leave the forest roads and broad tracks. Deep in the forest you come across homes and small settlements. It seems an ideal place to live to me far from any crowds or noise.

Half way round we explored side paths and looked at the butterflies and plants we spotted. It made for a fine afternoon out. The tree canopies allowed rays of light through and then the clearings gave big views. We planned a circular walk and picked up narrower trails to take us back to the car. The forest area we walked is quiet and we encountered few people. It makes for a ideal place to walk and reflect, and simply get away on your own if needed. It reminded me that I don't need to always go to the hills to have a good time outdoors. I am guilty of ignoring the forests and coastline that my home county has to offer. At the end I walked past a clearing. Rays of light shone down through the cloud and a fine view of a big forest opened out before me and my wife. Norfolk and Suffolk have some good walking. I just need to go and find more of it. I have done many fine walks in Norfolk and Suffolk, but could do more in between big walks. It will keep me busy as well.

Talking Scarps:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Henry Shires, the design master behind Tarp Tent emailed me a while back and I have had a discussion with him about the Scarp flysheet and its performance in the UK. I hinted that Henry is listening and reflecting. He wrote this: “I understand the desire/need for a lower fly in UK wind” – that is interesting in that Henry had said he was targeting the European market with the Scarp once. What is good is the R&D is done by Henry and design updates and input appear to me to be quickly updated compared to other manufactures. So the news I have is not new now as Dave Hollin in his excitement followed my hints up and contacted Henry - who has told him the plan to update the flysheet design. So the news is out.

I must admit I am impressed with the build quality of Tarp Tents with the Scarp. If I was to backpack say in some parts of the warmer states in the USA, or say the Pyrenees in summer I would definitely get one of their single wall shelters. I at this time only hike in the UK, and the only single skin shelter that appeals to me in UK conditions is the pyramid design shelters like the Mountain laurel Duomid. For the UK the Scarp does offer a good choice with the only caveat being the high cut flysheet in my view at the moment. If that is not an issue to you and you’re in the market for a tent, give the Scarp 1 serious consideration right now. Don’t forget that the current model has been used successfully in the UK on the TGO Challenge and other locations.

Inspirational:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Sometimes you watch something that just inspires you to want to go visit and experience a mountain range. Anything about Alaska seems to have that effect on me of late. The video is from the Roman Dials blog. He is a well know adventure racer and outdoor person living in Alaska. Watch it and be amazed at how little kit the participants used on their trip. Roman once wrote on a forum to me in response to some question on kit and safety this:

Glad to help Martin.

Be secure in the fact that God and natural selection have built us out of very good stuff. We are resilient and tough, in spite of ourselves. You'll be surprised at what you can do without.

Have fun, be careful, and look!

Roman

Inspirational person is Roman to be honest. His blog is a journey into the wilderness he lives in. Well worth a read and the links on it make for further great reading.

Scarp 1 update:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:26:00 +0000

I have a dilemma in that I have two tents. I only need one, to be honest. An ultralight shelter for overnight wildcamps would be good as well. Flexibility and a neat, tidy kit box at home. The Laser Competition is great but the Scarp1 despite its flaws from my point of view, and despite my recent moans on BPL.com, still gets my attention. I have been thinking hard about what I want to do with it. I said recently I would take the Laser Competition on any long walks. But now am not so sure.

It is the huge inner and good head room on the Scarp1. The fast pitch and stability. The way it packs away so easily. It is rather good, but flawed. The guyline slipping issue is solved thanks to Andy Howell. He noticed that thin guylines don't work on the same sort of adjuster he has on his Duomid tent (very nice kit that). So I will re-do the guylines with 2mm dyneema and that problem is gone. Just one problem, and one niggle. Niggle is the porch depth which is only a minor niggle based on the preferences I have for big porches, and is offset with the Scarp’s two porches. The problem is the high cut flysheet. I will have to put up with it. I am going to stick with the Scarp as the more I use it the more I like it.

Good points:

Fast to pitch
Packs away and rolls up into its stuff sack with ease
Very stable once pitched short end into the wind
Large inner is superb with excellent head room and high bathtub floor as well is a bonus
Build quality is superb
Cross over poles adds extra stability and performance if bad weather is expected on a trip
Good customer backup from Tarp Tent
Good ventilation with top vents allowing airflow
The carbon fibre poles used on the ends are designed brilliantly and make for a very rigid design, resisting the wind at this point - brilliant to be honest and better in design than my old Akto or the Laser Competition.
Two porches allows airflow if not raining and is a useful design feature.
Good weight with the crossover poles at 1.5kg which is the same as an Akto with more performance potential

Bad points:

High cut flysheet allows wind to gust through and makes a cold tent
High cut flysheet would allow snow to blow into the porch in strong winds
The top vents when closed down do allow wind driven rain in, but not a lot so is not a big issue
The porch depth is narrow and the inner needs to be pegged back for safe cooking with meths stoves like a Caldera Stove in poor weather

I can’t find any other faults and can live with the worse one for now. The Scarp gets my recommendation but if you get one be prepared to put up with needing to close the inner to keep warm most of the time when the wind blows. My dilemma might end up with a Laser Competition going on eBay soon. Might….we will see. The lesson here is not to get fixed on one flaw in a tent design to the cost of its good points. The Scarp 1 has a lot of good points.

Twiddling my thumbs:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:21:00 +0000

I am struggling to find a weekend where I can get away backpacking. I live, like many people, far from the hills. I have other commitments and the summer is here, passing me by, despite it being a wet one more than a sunny one. I reckon lots of the people who buy the TGO and Trail magazines are like me. Live far from the places they most want to visit. I hope to get a trip to the Peak District at least. It was meant to be this weekend but did not happen. I have a family holiday soon and will be hoping to get some mountain walks in then.

I must be patient and plan. Hopefully late September will see me walking high in the mountains for a week and sleeping out in the hills. Patience is not my best virtue. I long for the wild places of the UK and hopefully beyond. The photo is of a place long ago visited and I am hoping to go back to. Planning is the bit that keeps me focused till the next trip. The waiting is the bit I hate.

spOt:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:58:00 +0000

My wife keeps asking me to get a satellite tracking device so she can be reassured and know I could raise help if needed when I am solo walking. I keep thinking about getting a satellite tracking device for my own safety anyway. I asked PTC about his experience with one. “Peace of mind for the wife at home.” Sounds good to be honest. Problem is the one system that works in the UK is the spOt but it has mixed reviews.

Backpacking Light tested it in two hemispheres with mixed results. Then there are the additional costs of subscribing for the tracking option and live map updates. The principle is simple in that it uses GPS technology to transmit your location to your spOt account every 10 minutes.

When this ping (check-in signal) is sent the person you wish to keep up to date on your progress receives a text message or e-mail and can track you on Google Maps (at a cost). The other great part is the ability to press the help button,, which alerts the GEOS International Emergency Response Centre, who alert the mountain rescue teams of your location, and contact your named contact about the emergency request. I like that, but not the mixed responses to the reliability and the comments I have read about the layout. Also, why can’t it have a dual role and be a GPS unit as well?

But I came across an article telling about the new, to be released, updated spOt. Smaller and hopefully, reliable. Darren today wrote about it and I got home from work to find my write-up out of date in light of his excellent post, which has lots of info on the new model. The key bits on the new improved spOt for me are:

It is 30% smaller and lighter in comparison to the current model.
The improved satellite antenna will be better while walking in forests and covered areas. The current one was used by PTC on the West Highland Way which has sections which has good foliage cover and he had good results so an improved antenna is impressive. He only missed one ping in 100 miles on the current model. Reliability in adverse conditions is the key. No signal = no good.
Improved function button layout with customable message options.

Colour and looks mean nothing to me as what it does matters more. The cost for all the tracking and message service is expensive over a year but worth it for peace of mind for loved ones. To those that criticise this, I would say it has been linked to saving lives and guiding rescue teams to those in desperate situations. Hard to fault something that does that.

Would you?:

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Rye) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:14:00 +0000

“Would you ?” was the question to a work mate last week. “No” was the answer. The question was about an order I had made to the Climbers Shop.

I ordered one Haglofs Treble vest and one Kaza pullover wind shirt. The vest is fantastic; the Kaza has a hood and is made of Gore-Tex Paclite.

They had sent a Oz Pullover instead of the Kaza, costing a lot more by mistake. I asked my mate if he would have told the shop of their mistake?.

I am of the honest variety and phoned them. “Thanks for being honest, and sorry” was the reply. The Kaza was posted to me and I have to return the Oz. It is a nice bit of kit. I like it and am tempted to buy it. Thing is I don’t need any more waterproofs. But it is very nice.

So what would you have done if you spent £50.00 and got sent a £170 waterproof?.