How light is too light?

How lightweight are you prepared to go?There is a new British blog out there called minimalgear here's what he has to say about himself.

"I've accumulated a fair bit of gear over the years, I've not walked as far as I would have like, but I've got a fair bit under my belt. From the beginning I've been a walker and a wild camper and my gear reflects this. More recently I've been slightly obsessed with reducing the weight of my gear. I'm not big, I'm not strong and I've had way too much time sat at a computer. Clearly the British weather has influenced my choices, but I've picked up a reasonable amount of American gear, that doesn't really seem to get talked about in Britain much. I've also been heavily influenced by other blogs and websites and maybe now it's time to 'give a little bit back'. I'll concentrate on reviewing the kit I've got, my own path towards the light and trips I've taken."

He's not wearing Paramo so how he can be comfortable I don't know ;-) but I will look forward to following his progress over the coming months.

The new season is almost upon us

As the leaves start to turn golden in colour my thoughts are turning towards backpacking again.
Autumn is almost here and as I live on the South Coast of England the local footpaths can get busy during the summer,even more so this year with people looking to take their holidays at home.
I live in north Bournemouth close to the River Stour (hence the name stourvale walker) just inside the county of Dorset,which is said to have more footpaths than any other county in England.And to the west just over the River Avon lies the New Forest one of the newest National Parks and home to the largest lowland heathland in Europe.
A very pleasant place to live you might say and you would be right.
But we always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence don't we.I am always looking towards more mountainous areas and forgeting what lies on my doorstep.
I have a week available towards the end of October and a plan forming in my head,a backpacking trip starting from home and over my River Stour but which way then? well you will have to wait and see.

Chris Moyles Parody - Waterproofs

New hat

After reading Eddy Mechan's article "The Burning Question" in the July issue of TGO magazine I felt the time had come to buy my first Tilley hat.

But which one? so many choices, which size brim? which colour? what material? After careful comparison I decided on the Stone coloured LT5B which is made from nylon and only weighs 95g

Info from Tilley

"The lightweight LT5B hat is made with 93% nylon, 7% spandex with a durable weather and stain repellant finish. It is tightly woven for high abrasion resistance, better shape retention, high breathability and superior comfort. A moisture wicking sweatband made with TRANSPOR® DRY LAYER offers superior moisture control technology.The wind cord is made of nylon and is reflective. It has Matt black grommets and eyelets, double plated to ensure it will not chip-off.The LT5B Breathable Nylon Hat is styled with the same medium, semi-sloping brim size as the Tilley LTM5 and T5 Cotton duck models."

I brought my hat from Whalley Warm and Dry for £43.35 which is 15% off the list price and they also offer free next day delivery.

LEJOG Communication problems

Both the Land's End to John O'Groats bloggers that I'm following at the moment are having trouble with the devices used to update their blogs.So this means I have less to read at bedtime.The blogs are Geoff Gafford's Ultra-Lightweight Hiking And Backpacking and Brendan Bolger's Brendan's Little Legs.
I hope that their problems can be sorted out and I can continue to follow their progress northwards over the coming weeks.
Geoff's blog contains lots of useful infomation and Brendon's is very honest regarding the personal struggles of a long distance hiker.If you have the time they are well worth a look. 

Purple Traveller

Purple Traveller demonstrates his 50 year old Poncho which he used to wear on his bicycle when he was a lad many moons ago! I will be happy if my Paramo 3rd Element Jacket lasts half as long.

Puncknowle

I have arrived at Puncknowle tent up time for Pub I think!