I've never thought about taking a kite on a hike in the mountains. But now I really want to.
Any recommendations? I had a quick Google and came across the prism 4D... but that's a bit pricey for now.
Indispensable after nearly 4 years...How you finding the poncho Tom?
Wooah - innernet signal on the caldera rim... connected world
Kite: @Fair Weather Camper - similar story, picked up this basic kite at some shop 12-15 years ago, got flown once or twice and predictably landed in some drawer... Couple of years ago I read Matt Ruff's 'Fool on the Hill' and became enchanted by George's kite flying, dug out this little thing and packed it to fly on passes and summits - more of a soul thing than anything else ... but still going
And the kite looks no worse for wear, just getting a bit tatty on the edges.
So no fancy string winding spool but I started experimenting after going to a kite festival in Yorkshire with the girls this autumn. Difficult to get kites high up without a spool. So any spooling tips welcome... In the Ecrins last year, I twice managed to hike with me kite flying above for a stretch. But mostly its too gusty unless I get the hight.
@MyHatGandhi just get anything small to get started - I just got 2 low wind kites for little kids from the 'bay to experiment (my kite needs a fair breeze to get up).
@Fair Weather Camper - this is the oil
View attachment 15334
IMO works better than tiger balm and less messy, and only needs a few drops. Also works on chest for coughs on trail...
Hmm... yes. I've been watching the "what have you made" thread intently for quite a while now
If you're a complete dork you can take a cuben skirt on a trip instead of your poncho
Indeed - I forgot to mention that cu ponchos are the ultimate fashion statement...
View attachment 15336
@Fair Weather Camper - kites lift spirits on a wet and windy ascend too ...
Is the poncho available in florals ??
And what is this "wet n windy" of which you speak?
IMO the only benefit of Ruta Locura Crampons & Vargo Cleats is the weight, probably 200 - 250g lighter than Kahtoola Microspikes.….What is it that makes the Ruta Locura crampons better than spikes?.....
I get what you're saying, but Tom says at one point in his TR, "I headed up a faint trail with some steep semi-frozen snow to cross for which the Loca Rotura (sic) mini-crampons felt perfectly adequate (I would have hated to do this in micro-spikes or cleats)."IMO the only benefit of Ruta Locura Crampons & Vargo Cleats is the weight, probably 200 - 250g lighter than Kahtoola Microspikes.
Performance wise I say Microspikes are a better all rounder (more widely spaced teeth & firmer attachment), the RLC's & VC's come into there own when you have to carry them for weeks with only occasional sections of low angled neve/ ice (high cols).
A couple of questions when you get the time, @tom.
What is it that makes the Ruta Locura crampons better than spikes?
How's the Yolk solar charger working out. I go back and forth over whether it's worth getting one or whether to stick with power banks.