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The Poncho: practical and versatile
The understated Poncho is an ideal choice to carry on your adventures whether hiking, camping, fishing or braving a music festival. I favour the Highlander Adventure Hooded Poncho it’s extremely versatile, simply pull it out of your pack and protect yourself against heavy rain. It’s a tough, lightweight, waterproof poncho that can be used again and again. Not only is it a poncho but also doubles up as an emergency shelter. With its built in eyelets, it can be pegged down or fixed between trees to provide a short term shelter. Being loose-fitting it offers good ventilation; which is important when you’re exploring hot-humid, rainy climates. On cold and wet days…
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A good quality, versatile rucksack is a must have for any trek
I am a supporter of Aiguille‘s reliable products; ranging from Rucksacks that are crafted to accommodate from a day’s hiking to gear that can withstand the rigours of long expeditions into the wilderness A good quality, versatile rucksack is a must have for any trek- short, medium or an adventure in both the Summer or Winter. The main requirements > Comfortable : Capacity for your Essentials : Showerproof : Bomb-proof Whatever Adventurer you are going on, your durable rucksack’s capacity must be sufficient to carry a day’s worth of gear, food & water. To be comfortable your rucksack needs to be stable; a padded waist & shoulder straps and supportive back. Handy sized bottle pockets and…
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Common range of Knife Blade Shapes and what tasks they are best suited…
Drop-point : good compromise between strength and utility Sheepsfoot : no-nonsense utility knife – slicing, whittling & ideal to cut rope Lambsfoot : popular with farmers, amongst its many uses is the trimming of lambs’ hooves! Wharncliffe : ideal for slicing, minimizing an accidental puncture with the tip Clip-point : for more delicate and precision work Straight Back : sturdy, ideal for cutting and chopping Tanto Blade : strong, handy for pushing cuts and piercing Needle-point & Spear-point : fighting and stabbing (illegal in many places). Gut Hook : skinning and field dressing wild game Trailing-Point : filleting, skinning and camp food prepping Spey : favored by hunters and trappers…
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Boxers, Thongs or Briefs?
Boxer shorts are breathable, with plenty of ball room, but rather lacking in support, best for casual wear. Thongs, also known as ‘cheese cutters’, may look good on some, some of the time: they may look good on others all of the time, but they never look good on me at any time. Practically speaking, they are not designed to keep the ‘bad boy and his two chums’ properly tucked in. They mercilessly chafe and ruffle where they touch, or so I’ve been told. I wore my lucky, merino wool, snug-fitting boxer briefs every day, for the whole of my 25-day polar plod. They always kept the crown jewels warm…
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Footwear…Socks
Footwear is the most important item on your kit list… Socks The essential but often ignored Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet …
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FOOD… is Fuel
An average person can survive up to 3 Weeks without Food Our body and brain require a steady supply of food and nutrients: without the body’s many systems will begin to deteriorate. The effects may include you feeling tired, weak, cognitive changes and ultimately organ failure. When on an Adventure – I recommend freeze dried meals for your health, enjoyment and survival. I have eaten freeze dried meals on many adventures including trekking to the North Pole , climbing Mountains and rowing the Atlantic; they are quick and easy to prepare, high in energy, carbohydrates, protein and other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Adventure Nutrition has the largest choice of High Energy freeze dried, lightweight and compact,’ tasty’…
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Footwear is the most important item on your kit list… Socks
The essential but often ignored Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet · Check your feet regularly · Wash your feet every day, and…
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Adventure Starts Here…Finding your way – always carry a Compass and a Map as a backup
It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness. My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world…. Fast globally balanced needle with jewel bearing 20 degrees tilt margin for easier readings Adjustable declination correction Liquid filled capsule for stable operation Mirror for…
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Acclimatising in the Mountains My ‘not so’ secret Tips to help…
Training helps to increase your VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) Climb at a pace that’s comfortable for you. (poli, poli / slowly, slowly..) it’s a marathon not a race Climb high, 300-400 meters a day and descend to a lower altitude to sleep. Never ascend to sleep at a higher elevation when experiencing symptoms of altitude illness. Difficulty sleeping, feeling short of breath? Propping yourself up will help with your breathing. Get enough sleep and take opportunities to rest whenever you can Stay well hydrated, drink lots of water 4-5 litres per day Take regular sips of water during your climb. Carb-loading – Cut back on foods high in fat.…
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“If you get lost”
My, not so secret, simple but basic advice Firstly – get your head in the right place Face your fears: challenge your fears Do not panic, stay calm S.T.O.P. (Stop- Think – Observe – Plan) Stay put. … Don’t wander!!! Take a good look around, pinpoint your location, identify landmarks Shout, blow your Acme survival whistle Flash your mirror to attract attention Look and listen for signs of people Your 3 immediate Priorities for survival are Shelter, Water and Fire. Find and /or build Shelter (shade or insulated) Find clean water Build a Fire Tips on Shade Shelter …. Protection from Heat • Dig or rake the surface too uncovered cooler ground and build a…
