TGO 24 list so far....
- Thread starter Rob Mac
- Start date
On my Challenges I used the old maxim of “plan for the worst and hope for the best”. Everyone has different comfort/weight trade offs. The things I considered were:
1. how would I manage several cold, wet days in a row?
2. how would I manage hot sunny days (don’t forget sun screen and a hat!)?
3. how would I manage river crossings (footwear, trekking poles)?
4. would my tent stand up to high winds/rain (I used a Scarp 1 on three Challenges and a Tramplite on one)?
5. I took an extra set of clothes for hotels and so I could wash my clothes in civilisation.
6. did I have enough pairs of socks to rotate and wash?
7. it’s a holiday!
You will probably have different trade offs to me, but that’s your decision. I used a Mariposa on all my Challenges and found it ideal. If you are restocking with food from small supermarkets you often end up with more bulk than normal so having a bit of spare capacity can be useful.
1. how would I manage several cold, wet days in a row?
2. how would I manage hot sunny days (don’t forget sun screen and a hat!)?
3. how would I manage river crossings (footwear, trekking poles)?
4. would my tent stand up to high winds/rain (I used a Scarp 1 on three Challenges and a Tramplite on one)?
5. I took an extra set of clothes for hotels and so I could wash my clothes in civilisation.
6. did I have enough pairs of socks to rotate and wash?
7. it’s a holiday!
You will probably have different trade offs to me, but that’s your decision. I used a Mariposa on all my Challenges and found it ideal. If you are restocking with food from small supermarkets you often end up with more bulk than normal so having a bit of spare capacity can be useful.
Rob Mac
Summit Camper
Great questions and a sensible way to plan what is in the bag. Most of the above is taken into account with what I have but the all important weather forecast will help me decide on tent (Scarp or Duplex) and therefore pad (swap in the Exped if Duplex).
With shorts and a fleece I am ok for washing the rest of the kit plus can sit in a pub wearing anything and I find the longer I sit the less self conscious I get!!
Yep - definitely a holiday and for me the route planning, food parcel planning (am resupplying my self) and kit planning is all part of it. However, I do appreciate that if you don't take the correct kit you open yourself up to a cold and miserable time!
This thread has helped immensely and I will continue to tweak! Thanks again.
With shorts and a fleece I am ok for washing the rest of the kit plus can sit in a pub wearing anything and I find the longer I sit the less self conscious I get!!
Yep - definitely a holiday and for me the route planning, food parcel planning (am resupplying my self) and kit planning is all part of it. However, I do appreciate that if you don't take the correct kit you open yourself up to a cold and miserable time!
This thread has helped immensely and I will continue to tweak! Thanks again.
Why not?
I pretty much take the same stuff all the time, or pretty near, it depends on what you need to be comfortable; mountain weather forecasts are not reliable.
Deviations from this are for hard routes (infrequent at the mo) when I try and cut weight to the bone - and that is normally in terrain and climes where I know what to expect.
Rob Mac
Summit Camper
HI - Yes, I appreciate the changing weather conditions and although will use long range weather forecast, I also appreciate weather is always changeable!
I am only planning so far out because I enjoy it- such as planning an Iceland Trek (will probably be in 2025) and The Beacons Way (January) - all part of the trekking / long distance walking hobby! No doubt it will all change. If I remember I will post the kit list again just before I leave and see what the changes have been.
cathyjc
Thru Hiker
i have a partner who likes to plan holidays/travel years in advance - a whole string of them from next year to forever.
His ideas change frequently so I can never remember any of it - drives me bonkers - so now I just demure with a "yes dear" ......
Hi Rob
I managed with a 42l bag this year though I think that only works if you’ve plenty of room in external pockets and 2-3 resupplies. I was right on the limit (for me) of using a frameless bag when full but it was fine when part of the food had been eaten!
The alternative to a spare pair of crocs is something like bread bag type plastic bags to wear with your dry socks in wet shoes.
I took a WM astralite quilt this year and I was a bit cold on a couple of nights (despite it being warm during the day I had a couple of frosty nights). I think like most things I would tailor my gear depending on route and weather forecast. No experience of EE but when I was reading up about quilts there didn’t seem to be much love/trust for their temperature ratings. I’d probably have gone for a Cumulus quilt if I’d not found the WM quilt. My quilt was used with a short Neoair xlite plus a trimmed 3mm piece of evazote (more to prevent slipping than for warmth).
Fuel - did you use all 480g? I took around that much but by the time that I’d eaten in cafes/pubs etc en route I didn’t need as I much I expected so I tried to be pretty ruthless about chucking excess fuel. The alternative I’m going to look at is taking a smaller amount and either re supply from a shop or switching to solid fuel tablets and posting those with resupply parcels.
I think conditions will dictate what I take next year plus how high I want to camp.
cheers Mike
I managed with a 42l bag this year though I think that only works if you’ve plenty of room in external pockets and 2-3 resupplies. I was right on the limit (for me) of using a frameless bag when full but it was fine when part of the food had been eaten!
The alternative to a spare pair of crocs is something like bread bag type plastic bags to wear with your dry socks in wet shoes.
I took a WM astralite quilt this year and I was a bit cold on a couple of nights (despite it being warm during the day I had a couple of frosty nights). I think like most things I would tailor my gear depending on route and weather forecast. No experience of EE but when I was reading up about quilts there didn’t seem to be much love/trust for their temperature ratings. I’d probably have gone for a Cumulus quilt if I’d not found the WM quilt. My quilt was used with a short Neoair xlite plus a trimmed 3mm piece of evazote (more to prevent slipping than for warmth).
Fuel - did you use all 480g? I took around that much but by the time that I’d eaten in cafes/pubs etc en route I didn’t need as I much I expected so I tried to be pretty ruthless about chucking excess fuel. The alternative I’m going to look at is taking a smaller amount and either re supply from a shop or switching to solid fuel tablets and posting those with resupply parcels.
I think conditions will dictate what I take next year plus how high I want to camp.
cheers Mike
I spent a few weeks in Scotland this May with my R 3 pad (s2s UL insulated) and cumulus 350 quilt and was cold several nights. I'm a cold sleeper. I'd want a higher R pad next time.
I use decathlon wp mittens for wind and rain protection.
My pack is an atompacks RE40 frameless and I can carry up to 10kg comfortably - but that's helped by me wearing it for weeks, giving my shoulders time to strengthen.
I don't bother with a cooker but that's partly to save volume. I don't miss it. Pubs and cafes do hot food and there are quite a few of them about.
I don't bother with camp shoes.
I've not done the TGO but I'm very tempted - have a great trip.
I use decathlon wp mittens for wind and rain protection.
My pack is an atompacks RE40 frameless and I can carry up to 10kg comfortably - but that's helped by me wearing it for weeks, giving my shoulders time to strengthen.
I don't bother with a cooker but that's partly to save volume. I don't miss it. Pubs and cafes do hot food and there are quite a few of them about.
I don't bother with camp shoes.
I've not done the TGO but I'm very tempted - have a great trip.
Mole
Thru Hiker
I used the Cumulus 350 and a Thermarest Xlite (Rvalue 3.5?) For the TGO, and was warm enough this year. Wore warm jacket n trousers in bed once or twice. I think I'm becoming a colder sleeper since I hit my 50's
.You might sleep warmer with hot drink or food inside you once encamped? My cook kit is a 570ml pot with everything inside it apart from fuel. Not much volume really?
Apart from the last few days of each crossing, my TGOs have generally had 3 days walking between each cafe/bar meal, so a hot meal in camp is something to look forward to at the end of each day.
Ha ha - yep I know I'm a cold sleeper! My feet are the main issue for cold - even with down socks. Also just into the 50'sI used the Cumulus 350 and a Thermarest Xlite (Rvalue 3.5?) For the TGO, and was warm enough this year. Wore warm jacket n trousers in bed once or twice. I think I'm becoming a colder sleeper since I hit my 50's
You might sleep warmer with hot drink or food inside you once encamped? My cook kit is a 570ml pot with everything inside it apart from fuel. Not much volume really?
Apart from the last few days of each crossing, my TGOs have generally had 3 days walking between each cafe/bar meal, so a hot meal in camp is something to look forward to at the end of each day.
I guess I've just got used to no hot drinks/meals.
Rob Mac
Summit Camper
I agree with all the comments above - sadly also about being over 50..... I have also heard of a magical drink that will provide some temporary warmth pre turning in. I also believe it is found as frequently as the cafes and pubs in Scotland.Ha ha - yep I know I'm a cold sleeper! My feet are the main issue for cold - even with down socks. Also just into the 50's
I guess I've just got used to no hot drinks/meals.
I also actually enjoy the soup and food prep process as it soon becomes part of the routine and something to look forward to at the end of the day.
Outdoorrama
Trekker
After using Sealskinz for 2 years, I'm working my way up to Crocs via https://www.decathlon.de/p/badelatschen-herren-slap-100-basic/_/R-p-149116 this year
Robert P
Thru Hiker
I have those - light and compactAfter using Sealskinz for 2 years, I'm working my way up to Crocs via https://www.decathlon.de/p/badelatschen-herren-slap-100-basic/_/R-p-149116 this year
tom
Thru Hiker
Just to share my 5 cents worth of 'wisdom'. As a former mariposa and current atom owner - the atom+ carries so much more comfortable compared to my mariposa IMO (at similar weights thru-hikes).I suggest you consider using the Mariposa & avoid the additional expense of a new pack....
I have both the Mariposa & Atom+ (yes, I have too much gear...)
The Mariposa main body is only a few litres larger than the Atom+ 40 (the additional Mariposa capacity is in the pockets).....
I find the Atom+ very comfortable up to 10kg. I suspect that the carbon hoop frame does nothing (it's quite flexible) though haven't experimented without it. IMO the comfort comes from the padded back panel and decent shoulder straps and hip belt.
The extra weight of the Mariposa is mostly in the suspension system & I definitely find it even more comfortble than the Atom+.
Some of that weight is in the hip belt - it would be a very easy mod to replace the Mariposa hip belt with an Atom+ hipbelt (£25, saving 120g).
Further weight savings could then be gained by removing the Mariposa's alu frame and experimenting with different foam back panel options - at minimal cost & possibly saving a further 100g.
These simple mods would bring the weight of the Mariposa quite close to the Atom+ whilst likely still carrying similar weights a little better than the Atom+ (the Mariposa has better shoulder straps).
Finally, I suspect you will end up having to cram your gear in to the Atom+ 40 - the Mariposa gives a little more flexibility with the additional space in those pockets (unless you want to cut them off...
Whats comfortable to one person may be different for the next and I'd recommend to try for yourself...
tom
Thru Hiker
At least in part the shape - I like my packs narrower at the bottom and widening at the top. I also carry the weight of multiday packs almost entirely on the hips with shoulderstraps at least 3" loose most of the time to keep my back well aired (they only go tight climbing, scrambling or fast decents). My mariposa just didn't carry well from the hip and felt more like a lump on my back. The atom fits like a glove in comparison - for me anyway...
Patrick
Ultralighter
Camp shoes are an endless debate, aren't they? Needed / not needed / what type etc etc... Having been in the "not needed - wear bare feet or put shoes back on" camp, I now routinely carry a pair of Skinners - mainly because I actually like the "barefoot but not quite" feel of them as a change from wearing shoes or boots. But its just one more option in the mix, its clearly a very individual preference.
TinTin
Thru Hiker
@Rob Mac I guess that I'm less experienced than you but have looked at your list from the point of view of "would I be happy with that".
I used, in 2022, Exped Lightning 60L in 2022 which was more than big enough. I'll be using my Exos 48L this year.
I'm taking heavier puffy this year. I'd have been cold if I put on all of your layers in 2022 some nights when in camp and outside the pub in Braemar. I also have an OMM Rotor vest that I take to wear as a day layer when it is really cold and wet.
I carry a 2mm foil faced bit of ccf about 700mm x 2m (from memory) Weighs less than 100g, protects my groundsheet and adds a fair bit of insulation to sleeping mat.
I carried Crocs in 2022. I'm seriously considering replacing them with lightweight road trainers for about 50g each more. I'm wearing boots again, this time Oboz Bridger and reckon light road shoes would be useful for bits of road walking, river crossing, in camp and going to the pub for similar weight as Crocs. Still undecided though. Mrs Tin has some really lightweight racing shoes that I think she will take.
I've used spirit stove, similar to yours but home-made, and Soto Windmaster. I'm planning to take the Soto this time.
I have Cumulus Quilt 350 (long and wide) and that is coming with me again this year. If it drops to well below freezing I'll be wearing my Rab Zero-G jacket under it.
What you have for food and hot drinks weight wise would be bare bones for me. I usually end up buying a pie, bagels and some fruit in small shops on the way. That boosts weight quite high but most of it is consumed the first night.
I used, in 2022, Exped Lightning 60L in 2022 which was more than big enough. I'll be using my Exos 48L this year.
I'm taking heavier puffy this year. I'd have been cold if I put on all of your layers in 2022 some nights when in camp and outside the pub in Braemar. I also have an OMM Rotor vest that I take to wear as a day layer when it is really cold and wet.
I carry a 2mm foil faced bit of ccf about 700mm x 2m (from memory) Weighs less than 100g, protects my groundsheet and adds a fair bit of insulation to sleeping mat.
I carried Crocs in 2022. I'm seriously considering replacing them with lightweight road trainers for about 50g each more. I'm wearing boots again, this time Oboz Bridger and reckon light road shoes would be useful for bits of road walking, river crossing, in camp and going to the pub for similar weight as Crocs. Still undecided though. Mrs Tin has some really lightweight racing shoes that I think she will take.
I've used spirit stove, similar to yours but home-made, and Soto Windmaster. I'm planning to take the Soto this time.
I have Cumulus Quilt 350 (long and wide) and that is coming with me again this year. If it drops to well below freezing I'll be wearing my Rab Zero-G jacket under it.
What you have for food and hot drinks weight wise would be bare bones for me. I usually end up buying a pie, bagels and some fruit in small shops on the way. That boosts weight quite high but most of it is consumed the first night.
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MattK
Section Hiker
I'll probably be taking Crocs. They're bulkier than what I usually use (a pair of cheap water shoes from Decathlon), but they just seem to work better for me. I'll either be taking my Mo 60 or my Mariposa. My sleep system will be Thermarest Xlite paired with either my Cumulus Quantum 350 (if it's looking colder) or my Valley & Peak quilt (if looking a bit less cold).
I usually take an alcohol stove on the Challenge, but I often also pack a gas stove (yes, I know not very UL). But it's paid off more than once when I've arrived in Braemar to find the only alcohol available is for internal consumption only. This time I'll probably just take my Soto Windmaster, knowing that I'll have a few chances to resupply with gas if one doesn't have any. I will be carrying a lot of tea, as I tend to stop and brew up a couple of times during the walk each day on the Challenge. It's unlikely that one 200g gas canister will see me across.
The last time I didn't actually take a puffy, figuring that my daytime warm layer coupled with my sleeping bag would be good enough, and it worked pretty well. I almost never take a puffy outside of autumn/winter now as a result.
Clothing will be a decision at the last minute based on how conditions are looking, but is essentially just a decision on upper body layering - my lower half is pretty fixed since I don't really feel the cold below the waist.
I shall probably (90%+) be taking my Pioulou XL again, after it performed so well on TGOC 2022. That is unless something else manages to trump it on my warm up walk of the Southern Upland Way.
I usually take an alcohol stove on the Challenge, but I often also pack a gas stove (yes, I know not very UL). But it's paid off more than once when I've arrived in Braemar to find the only alcohol available is for internal consumption only. This time I'll probably just take my Soto Windmaster, knowing that I'll have a few chances to resupply with gas if one doesn't have any. I will be carrying a lot of tea, as I tend to stop and brew up a couple of times during the walk each day on the Challenge. It's unlikely that one 200g gas canister will see me across.
The last time I didn't actually take a puffy, figuring that my daytime warm layer coupled with my sleeping bag would be good enough, and it worked pretty well. I almost never take a puffy outside of autumn/winter now as a result.
Clothing will be a decision at the last minute based on how conditions are looking, but is essentially just a decision on upper body layering - my lower half is pretty fixed since I don't really feel the cold below the waist.
I shall probably (90%+) be taking my Pioulou XL again, after it performed so well on TGOC 2022. That is unless something else manages to trump it on my warm up walk of the Southern Upland Way.
Odd Man
Thru Hiker
Your new trailname is Hot Pants.
Seriously, it's very interesting to see these topics discussed. I've learned so much here and hopefully make less mistakes personally.
MattK
Section Hiker
I've been called worse!Your new trailname is Hot Pants.
Seriously, it's very interesting to see these topics discussed. I've learned so much here and hopefully make less mistakes personally.
TinTin
Thru Hiker
What weight are those @Outdoorrama ?After using Sealskinz for 2 years, I'm working my way up to Crocs via https://www.decathlon.de/p/badelatschen-herren-slap-100-basic/_/R-p-149116 this year
TinTin
Thru Hiker
That's the sleeping mat I use but I still add the 2mm foil faced ccf mat under it and the groundsheet. It doubles as a sit mat and protects the groundsheet.
Waterproof Thermal Foil Foam Backed Camping Picnic Blanket Sleep Mattress Mat | eBay UK
Aluminum foil outer layer to help trap body heat, so you stay warm. Keep you always stay dry & protected while you sleep. 1 Piece Camping Mat. Material: Aluminum Foil, PVC. Double-side, dustproof, waterproof and no-wash, eco friendly.
www.ebay.co.uk
Odd Man
Thru Hiker
What have you bought?
Having just got home with a sopping wet tent, I'm reminded that one of the joys of cuben is how quickly it dries. And how little it wets?:thumbsup:
www.trek-lite.com