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Thread: Backpacking kit recommendations

  1. #1
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Backpacking kit recommendations

    Did a search and the usual brands came up.

    I'm doing a 4 day hike over the Pyrenees in July, got to take my own kit, etc.

    Totally new to all this so looking for kit recommendations, starting with a backpack.

    Looks like the osprey aether 65 fits the bill but there are so many on the market

    https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb...aether-65-2021

    Secondly I need a tent and at 6'1 and 15.5 stone the little coffin ones make me anxious so thinking a Vango banshee 300

    https://www.blacks.co.uk/16140579/va...tent-16140579/

    I'll need a stove, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and anything else you can think of!

    In terms of clothing, I do some hill walking around Yorkshire so fairly well kitted out, it's more the camping element I'm not sure on.

  2. #2
    Master
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    Hi

    I've been using a Coleman Fyrelite stove for years. Weighs nothing ands fits in my mess tins with my KFS and other bits and pieces. The latest titanium stuff is probably lighter but I like the mess tins. One for cooking and one to boil water.
    Last edited by johny; 5th April 2022 at 17:04.

  3. #3
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    Osprey packs are good, it’s also worth keeping an eye on the second life packs they have, good savings can be made, although nothing showing at the moment.

    The banshee 300 is a cracking tent mines about 8 years old now and still going strong, used it all around Europe in all sorts of conditions.

    I bought a Trekology self inflating mattress last year to replace an old Alpkit one, it packs smaller and provides more comfort, so I’m happy.

  4. #4
    Master
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    That tent at 2.8kg seems heavy if you are carrying it all day.

    I have one of these which is less than 1kg ... not as big but room enough although as you are bigger than me maybe worth considering the 2 person version.

    1 man
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/te...-D1214026.html

    2 man 1.27kgs
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/te...html?colour=98

    Rab sleeping bags are excellent and pack small. Pick the warmth you think you need.

    Sleeping mat I have one of these; packs down the size of a coke can and is just 340g
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/th...BoC328QAvD_BwE

    If you are wild camping please get one of these ...
    https://alpkit.com/products/arlo-folding-trowel

    If you are not wanting to lash out on an expensive tent the alpkit ones are very good: https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-2
    Last edited by Montello; 5th April 2022 at 18:25.

  5. #5
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    This is exactly why this forum is so good. Such a wealth of knowledge. Cheers guys

  6. #6
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    Lots of good advice here. When you've got your stuff sorted out, chuck half of it out.

  7. #7
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    That tent at 2.8kg seems heavy if you are carrying it all day.

    I have one of these which is less than 1kg ... not as big but room enough although as you are bigger than me maybe worth considering the 2 person version.

    1 man
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/te...-D1214026.html

    2 man 1.27kgs
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/te...html?colour=98

    Rab sleeping bags are excellent and pack small. Pick the warmth you think you need.

    Sleeping mat I have one of these; packs down the size of a coke can and is just 340g
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/th...BoC328QAvD_BwE

    If you are wild camping please get one of these ...
    https://alpkit.com/products/arlo-folding-trowel

    If you are not wanting to lash out on an expensive tent the alpkit ones are very good: https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-2
    If money was no object the 2 man suggested would be great, and I'm sure I'll be cursing the 1kg on day 4 but I can't stretch to that. Vango do a slightly smaller one so I'll have another look.

    The alpkit one looks good but if there is a chance the centre pole will pop at the top of the Pyrenees it'll happen to me so that's out.

    I'll be looking at the bag and mat, thanks again

  8. #8
    Master daveyw's Avatar
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    Terra Nova tents are great, there are others but you get what you pay for and if it breaks, you’re in trouble. The rest of your gear is should be chosen on weight and flexibility. sleeping bag- I use synthetic fill as slightly cheaper and I don’t worry too much if it gets a bit wet. Inflatable mattress- try a thicker but 3/4 length one.
    Pyjamas or light tracksuit to stuff inside your bag and always have dry kit to change into at night and sleep in (I use fleecy tracksuit bottoms and lightweight fleece)
    I know some people love them but I can’t be doing with mess tins anymore- lightweight non-stick pot set is the way to go.
    Have a great trip

  9. #9
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by r.dawson View Post
    If money was no object the 2 man suggested would be great, and I'm sure I'll be cursing the 1kg on day 4 but I can't stretch to that. Vango do a slightly smaller one so I'll have another look.

    The alpkit one looks good but if there is a chance the centre pole will pop at the top of the Pyrenees it'll happen to me so that's out.

    I'll be looking at the bag and mat, thanks again
    I think alpkit do ones with poles rather than infallible poles. On balance I think the alpkit stuff is probably the best value for money brand in this space. A number of my mates use their kit and are well please.

    The Terra Nova tents are undoubtedly expensive but you get what you pay for.

    I wonder how much you’d pay on the morning of day 3 to lighten your pack by 1kg?

  10. #10
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    Paul Messner does some decent reviews of kit and this one is probably apt for your query.

  11. #11
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Backpacking kit recommendations

    Be careful as nights can be really cold even in July. The contrast will hit you hard.
    Also, thunderstorms can be violent. I mean that.
    How much are you going to walk every day (distance and altitude)?
    How are the others considering food? Each to their own or cook for all 4?
    If the former consider a jetboil and boil in the bag.
    A ketadyn filter is lighter than carrying water if you are going for spring water. If you go through villages you may not need one.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  12. #12
    Master
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    What do you plan to eat? I take a jetboil and boil in the bag stuff. That way you warm your food and make a brew at the same time. What have they suggested tent wise? Weight is your enemy, if your just sleeping a single man lightweight will be a godsend, i might even be tempted to slum it in a bivibag. I use an exped down mat and a lightweight sleeping bag, if I’m cold I’ll just put on my thermals I always take in case of emergencies. EBay’s a good option to get stuff, if you’ve big pockets Hilliberg are worth a look. Remember that on the tops it can get really cold at nights even though it’s glorious during the day.


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  13. #13
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    Be careful as nights can be really cold even in July. The contrast will hit you hard.
    Also, thunderstorms can be violent. I mean that.
    How much are you going to walk every day (distance and altitude)?
    How are the others considering food? Each to their own or cook for all 4?
    If the former consider a jetboil and boil in the bag.
    A ketadyn filter is lighter than carrying water if you are going for spring water. If you go through villages you may not need one.
    Snippet from the organisers:

    The average distance per day is 8.5 miles and the average height gain per day is approximately
    3500 feet.

    It's the high Pyrenees freedom trail

  14. #14
    Master
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    Some great gear being highlighted on here!
    Uttings have the Terra Nova at a great price
    https://www.uttings.co.uk/p131169-te...-tent-43lcpt2/

  15. #15
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by aa388 View Post
    What do you plan to eat? I take a jetboil and boil in the bag stuff. That way you warm your food and make a brew at the same time. What have they suggested tent wise? Weight is your enemy, if your just sleeping a single man lightweight will be a godsend, i might even be tempted to slum it in a bivibag. I use an exped down mat and a lightweight sleeping bag, if I’m cold I’ll just put on my thermals I always take in case of emergencies. EBay’s a good option to get stuff, if you’ve big pockets Hilliberg are worth a look. Remember that on the tops it can get really cold at nights even though it’s glorious during the day.


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    Being gluten and caffeine intolerant makes things slightly more difficult but I've seen these which look ok.

    https://www.proadventure.co.uk/food-...on/gluten-free

    I doubt anyone else on the trip will have the same problems so I'll be eating for 1 all meals

  16. #16
    Journeyman goz211's Avatar
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    Go as light as you can and don’t overpack. I speak from experience!
    A lightweight tent will help, but it’s easy to pack too much clothing and food. For a 4-day trip with the distance and elevation you’ll experience, you should aim for a total backpack weight under 15kg without water.
    For clothing, no cotton. Go for synthetic and wool. Ex-officio makes great stuff including underwear, take two pair max. Convertible pants where the legs zip off for daily wear. A thin wool or synthetic base layer, plus a long sleeve synthetic shirt, fleece jacket plus a lightweight rain jacket. You should be able to stay warm and comfortable with the layers, and easily adjust to hot weather by shedding layers. Wool dries quickly, keeps you warm when wet, and doesn’t stink like synthetics when it’s not washed, so I prefer it as a base layer and for socks. If rain is a possibility, don’t forget a rain cover for your backpack and rain pants for you.
    If you are backpacking with a group, share your stove/cooking kits and water filters, otherwise Jetboil is lightweight and boils water in under 5 minutes. My water filter is a simple Sawyer Squeeze and is very lightweight.
    You and your knees will thank you if you invest in some quality adjustable tracking poles. You can collapse them and strap to your backpack when not needed.

    Sounds like an amazing adventure. Hopefully, you’ll update the thread with pictures after your trip.

  17. #17
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by goz211 View Post
    Go as light as you can and don’t overpack. I speak from experience!
    A lightweight tent will help, but it’s easy to pack too much clothing and food. For a 4-day trip with the distance and elevation you’ll experience, you should aim for a total backpack weight under 15kg without water.
    For clothing, no cotton. Go for synthetic and wool. Ex-officio makes great stuff including underwear, take two pair max. Convertible pants where the legs zip off for daily wear. A thin wool or synthetic base layer, plus a long sleeve synthetic shirt, fleece jacket plus a lightweight rain jacket. You should be able to stay warm and comfortable with the layers, and easily adjust to hot weather by shedding layers. Wool dries quickly, keeps you warm when wet, and doesn’t stink like synthetics when it’s not washed, so I prefer it as a base layer and for socks. If rain is a possibility, don’t forget a rain cover for your backpack and rain pants for you.
    If you are backpacking with a group, share your stove/cooking kits and water filters, otherwise Jetboil is lightweight and boils water in under 5 minutes. My water filter is a simple Sawyer Squeeze and is very lightweight.
    You and your knees will thank you if you invest in some quality adjustable tracking poles. You can collapse them and strap to your backpack when not needed.

    Sounds like an amazing adventure. Hopefully, you’ll update the thread with pictures after your trip.
    Great advice on total backpack weight to aim for.

    I do a bit of hill walking so clothing isn't so much of a problem. I don't like wool so all my gear is synthetic. I've got Montane dart baselayers and will be investing in a Montane fleece before I leave. I've got brasher socks and a north face dryzzle future light jacket which has been fantastic and zamberlan boots.

    https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/...to-jacket-4ahm

    https://montane.com/products/montane...t-t-shirt-aw21

    Good shout on the pants and shirt. Will add them to the list.

    Write up and pics will be posted!

  18. #18
    Master
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    The organisers should give you a recommended list of things to take even down to clothing. Just remember a bit of hill walking in the U.K. is a tad different to the high Pyrenees. The route will take you to nearly twice the height of Ben Nevis so the right clothing to keep you warm and dry if it gets wet will be crucial. I always plan for a 3c drop in temperature for every 1000 ft high so the temp range at the height the routes will take will be 24c colder than the bottom so prepare properly !


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  19. #19
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by aa388 View Post
    The organisers should give you a recommended list of things to take even down to clothing. Just remember a bit of hill walking in the U.K. is a tad different to the high Pyrenees. The route will take you to nearly twice the height of Ben Nevis so the right clothing to keep you warm and dry if it gets wet will be crucial. I always plan for a 3c drop in temperature for every 1000 ft high so the temp range at the height the routes will take will be 24c colder than the bottom so prepare properly !


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    Totally agree, doing lots of prep and reading and going in with my eyes open.

    Kit list from organisers requested but there's always insider tips you can only get from collective experience and they won't recommend down to brand or product level.

    And whilst there is a massive difference in this and hill walking, I assume the layering principal is the same. Base layer - insulation layer - waterproof layer

  20. #20
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    I’ve been caught in 30-40mph winds and snow at 2700m in August. Be prepared.

    See the end of this short video.

    https://youtu.be/YgbBUDi7WLU
    Last edited by Montello; 6th April 2022 at 08:50.

  21. #21

  22. #22
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    I think you'd definitely want the additional warm layer - it's surprising how cold you can get with a damp base layer when you stop moving, especially at height and especially when you're tired. Take a spare t-shirt and put it on (dry) religiously when you get to camp in the evening.

    Osprey are good bags, but as above I'd say do all you can to minimise weight. There aren't any extra points for having a heavy bag! Alpkit is a great value compromise. Also take a look at this site which sorts products by real world weight - excellent for planning. https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

    Personally I'd want my bag around the 12kg. The height gain over a whole day isn't too horrific, but the descent with a heavy load will be the hard bit - you should definitely invest in some lightweight trekking poles.

    Good quality lightweight tents are very expensive. If I was only going for 4 days I'd hire one, e.g: https://www.expeditionkithire.co.uk/...tent-hire.html

    Don't skimp on sleeping bag/ mat either - 3 nights can feel very long if you're too cold or can't get comfortable!

    I find jetboils are often quite heavy in real terms. An MSR Pocket Rocket with (ideally) a titanium pot will be all you need.

    It sounds like an awesome trip - enjoy!

  23. #23
    Master subseastu's Avatar
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    https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/

    Is a site I've used a bit to set myself up with gear.

    Osprey rucksacks are great and tend to be my go to these days.

    Base layer stuff I have a a long and short sleeve of this

    https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...-t-shirt-p7572

    Stove is
    https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...-2-stove-p6483

    Sleeping mat. I'm 16 stone, 6'3" and a side sleeper and have no problem with this.
    https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...ping-mat-p3202

    Compression sacks
    https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...drysacks-p4927

    Consider a quilt. I find sleeping bags too restrictive. I've got the one below and camped out in below freezing conditions with no issues at all
    https://www.astucas.com/en-gb/products/sestrals-quilt/

    Pants are important, I suffer with chaffage and found these to be good
    Separatec Mens Basic Solid Ultra... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079KCHR...p_mob_ap_share

    Other stuff you can get from go outdoors. Some bargains to be had in their sales.


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  24. #24
    Master subseastu's Avatar
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    Should add while walking I tend to use a baselayer, if I get cold then it's insulated jacket followed by a waterproof. I do get hot though. Walk in shorts as much as you can, legs dry faster than trousers. I just use the £15 addidas ones out of sports direct. An inflatable pillow is a must, I've never got on with a stuff sack full of clothes.

    A nice little extra is a inflatable seat like this
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sea-Summit-...00970072&psc=1

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  25. #25
    Grand Master jwg663's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    ...infallible poles...
    You'll be looking for some Karol Woytla 'JP2' kit, then
    ______

    ​Jim.

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