I'm on board with the lightweighters... easier to appreciate good views when your feet are not telling you that you should be dead
I'm on board with the lightweighters... easier to appreciate good views when your feet are not telling you that you should be dead
Brought a Ventile Kesterl smock for damp and wet days, http://www.countryinnovation.com/clo...l-smock-1.html
wanted one for ages so saved up as a bit pricey, but great coat if a little bit warm when walking.
Her indoors hates olive green
Here is my tuppence worth.
From what I have observed on this and other forums, there appears to be a three broad stages of backpack carrying.
Stage 1 - The Heavy Load: Carrying everything bar the kitchen sink, whether needed or not, in a big heavy pack
Stage 2 - The Refined Load: Carrying what you need (perhaps including a collapsible kitchen sink) plus sensible spares often,
but not always, in a smaller, lighter pack
Stage 3 - The Minimal Load: Carrying ultra lightweight gear in a small, feather weight pack, all of which costs a fair bit.
It would be fair to say there are also halfway houses between each stage.
Some 'heavy load' kit will make the cut from stage one to stage two, for practical, economic and sentimental reasons. Some (but not all) refined kit bought during the progression to stage two, will be equally suited to stage three should the carrier wish to progress that far.
Stage two could be said to have been reached when the majority of the kit being carried and (in many, but not all instances) the pack carrying the kit itself, have been replaced. In addition to practicality, economics and sentimentality being factors that determine decision making at stage two, aesthetics also appears to come into play e.g. A Bergen and SM Trangia are as popular 'refined' items as are their lighter weight counterparts.
From what I'm seeing, when most folks arrive at stage two proper, they seem content to remain there, refining their kit as and when the need or desire arises (or when someone says to them 'look at this it is SHINY'). The refinements to kit are often lightweight in nature and easing the strain does appear to be a key motivating factor when such refinements are made, but it does not seem that many stage two-ers are buying lightweight kit, in order to take the next step and fully progress to stage three. The true stage three ultralight minimalists appear to be a rare breed who are few and fair between.
I'm not judging, just making an observation. Each to their own and go with whatever make you happy
For myself, I was definitely carnying a heavy load on my adventures last year and still have one boot planted firmly in stage one, but I'm in the (rather enjoyable) process of refining my kit, so of my rooted boot, I'd say I'm currently lodging in the halfway house between stages one and two and I'll remain a guest there until refine a few more bits of kit including replacing my big, heavy pack.
Anyway, enough rambling off topic...
I popped into one of my favourite shops today POUNDLAND and I bought two of their new waterproof 10L kitbags, a two tone, torch / glowstick (lightsabre) thingymabob and a pack of six ground sheet pegs.
Ansum La
Ansum La
Today I bought a camera/binocular/scope tripod at a car boot fair for just £10!
It's in excellent nick as well.
Been looking to get one for a while, but couldn't quite justify the cost. But at a tenner you can't go wrong!
'What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare' - William Henry Davies
Kestrels:
https://foraknave.wordpress.com/
Thinking:
https://thinkingthink.wordpress.com/
Been putting together a few bits for the RV (mainly things for my made up survival tin) but I did also buy my first 'proper' knife, which cost the princely sum of £2.79, so it is bound to be a cracker and a mad little LED torch cum tripod lamp (£0.99).
Anyone attending the RV will be able to look upon them with awe
Ansum La
I'll be sure to hunt you down for a peek
I got me a tree ident book
When in doubt Brew-Up!
i had to get a new day bag so got this today http://www.heinnie.com/Maxpedition/M...-289-578-2062/ in green looks well smart and not at the price it is now lolol
A friend has one of those and he utterly swears by it. I'd love one myself, but can't justify £90+, when I already have a £10 canvas knapsack thingy.Originally Posted by markal17
Those Versipacks are very good though.
'What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare' - William Henry Davies
Kestrels:
https://foraknave.wordpress.com/
Thinking:
https://thinkingthink.wordpress.com/
Having torn a ruddy great hole in my Karrimor Urban 30, which is my 'heavy' day pack (and potential overnight pack) I've been looking at replacements bags too.
The Maxpedition Versipacks have caught my eye (as have the Highlander Forces 25 and the small (and medium) MOLLE Assault packs) but the main stumbling block for me as far as the versipacks go is the price. However, I have found these sites selling versipacks for under £50, which may also be of interest to you.
Maxpedition Fatboy G.T.G. S-Type
£42.95
http://www.bronzemoonoutdoors.co.uk/...boy-gtg-s-type
Maxpedition Jumbo K.I.S.S
£42.99 - £44.99
http://www.bronzemoonoutdoors.co.uk/...ion-jumbo-kiss
http://husky.uk.com/Maxpedition-Jumbo-KISS-Versipack
DISCLAIMER: I am not associated with either site in any way and I have never purchased anything from them, so other than sharing the competitive prices they are offering, I can offer no recommendations about the quality of the service they provide.
Hope this helps.
Colin
EDIT: Just spotted this while perusing the Bronze Moon site again.
5.11 Tactical Push Pack
£39.99
http://www.bronzemoonoutdoors.co.uk/...ical-push-pack
Looks like a versipack to me.
Last edited by Kernowek Scouser; 03-04-2012 at 06:30 PM. Reason: More Info
Ansum La
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