Outdoor Accessories FAQ
Gaitors
Have you ever stepped into a deep boggy puddle and sunk up to your mid calf
in stinking mud, feeling it soak your sock and trickle into your boot? To
prevent this I wear gaiters when on snow or waterlogged muddy ground and
they have saved me the soggy sock syndrome more than once. They are also
excellent for helping to keep ticks off your legs, a big plus! top
of page Walking Poles
Walking poles are an invaluable piece of kit on hill walks or longer treks,
saving your knees to walk another day by aiding ascent and descent. To
sum up their benefits in one sentence; they let you carry a heavier load
for longer with less stress on your legs and back. I never walk without
them. top of page
Daypacks
These smaller packs, 20-35 litres, are perfect for day to day use at school,
college, going to the gym or shopping, as well as shorter day walks where
only a light load is carried. They tend to be lighter and more basic than
the rucksacks in other sections and so are better for general use. top
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Rucksacks
For longer days on the hill when more equipment is required, to occasional
treks of several weeks duration, the rucksacks in this section are perfect.
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Choose the size needed for your activity from the broad range on offer
according to your strength, size and body weight; 35-40 litres or so for
year round hill walking, 65-75 litres for a week long trek is fine for
most people, 85-100 litres for very long expeditions in all weathers.
But remember, you should aim to carry no more than 33% of your body weight,
so choose your equipment carefully!
Women's Rucksacks
Specifically designed for women's anatomy
Specialist Rucksacks
If you carry loads for lengthy periods on a regular basis, or need a sports
specific rucksack with special features such as daisychains, ice axe loops
or bungee mesh on a climbing pack, these specialist rucksacks will give
you the performance you demand. top of page
Tough, lightweight and strong materials plus ergonomic design set these
models apart from the crowd as do features such as the "Dynamic Balance
System" from Craghoppers. This system ensures that the load is centred
with your centre of gravity and lets your body move naturally rather than
struggling against an unbalanced load.
Waterproof Rucksacks
Does exactly what it says - keeps your stuff dry!
Travel Luggage
When I travel, I use the theory of "Less is more". Usually that
means I have less room in the bag than expected and try to fit more into
it! With the luggage in this section a range of requirements are taken
care of.
From 100 litre holdalls that will swallow the kit of even the most generous
packer, to a smart and tough suit carrier for those business trips when
you want to travel light. top of page
Child Carriers
Do you find prams unwieldy, impractical and limiting? Child carriers allow
you to cover rougher ground as well as making the traverse of the High
Street a bit less of an expedition. These carriers have features including
sun and rain protection plus storage space for the myriad of things you
need to carry, from drinks cups to spare nappies, which means a new arrival
doesn't necessarily mean your departure from the great outdoors. top
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For most people traveling in the great outdoors involves a sense of communion
with nature. How many times have you spied a distant shape and wished
you could tell if it was a Buzzard or Eagle, Stag or Hind?
A small, lightweight and powerful set of binoculars can add a whole new
dimension to your walks; they also let you spot the pub from a greater
distance! top of page
Global Positioning System
G.P.S is new and improved! The inbuilt inaccuracy, which caused civilian
units to have a margin of error of up to 100 meters, has been removed
by the U.S Government (who own and run the satellites) and so these units
are now accurate to 10-15 meters. This means these are even more powerful
navigational tools which can be invaluable in poor conditions where you
can find your exact position quickly and accurately even in a whiteout
or complete darkness. top of page
SAFETY NOTE
Although these units are extremely reliable and rugged you should not
rely on them as your sole navigation aid. Carry a map and Compass and
know how to use them whenever you venture out. top of page
Compasses
Still the mainstay of navigation, having and knowing how to use a map
and compass is an essential skill for almost any outdoor pursuit where
you travel in unfamiliar or hazardous terrain. My advice is to buy the
best you can afford and practice, practice and practice some more. There
is a real sense of achievement in successfully navigating to a snug, warm
Bothy through unfamiliar terrain in poor weather and failing light, not
to mention it might save your life. top of page
First Aid Kits
An accident can happen to anyone, but the well prepared can deal with
these situations efficiently and correctly if they carry a first aid kit
and know how to use it. This becomes even more important when you lead
a group or travel further from professional medical help such as on an
expedition or traveling to remote, exotic locations. In value for money
terms these are probably the best items you will ever buy when you consider
what you can save with, or lose without, one. top of page
Flasks & Bottles
That moment of unashamed luxury; sitting on the summit of a hill soaking
in the view and then reaching into your rucksack and pulling out a flask
filled to the brim with piping hot Tomato soup. Heaven! The benefits of
carrying a flask far outweigh the small extra load it represents, whether
you carry soup, tea or coffee it gives you something to look forward to
at the top.
Sigg aluminium bottles have set the standard for many years and have a
large loyal following, across many sports and activities, who will use
nothing else. In some circles an ancient, scratched and battered Sigg
bottle is a status symbol! top of page
Hydration Systems
Regular water intake is vital to peak performance and continuing health
when involved in energetic activities. Unless you have the opportunity
to stop frequently to drink you will quite quickly experience fatigue,
light-headedness, poor concentration and irritability, all symptoms of
dehydration. On the other hand if the water can be easily consumed while
walking, climbing or cycling without having to stop or use your hands
then you can simply sip away, constantly topping up your fluid levels.
That is exactly what Hydration systems do; try one and you'll never go
back! top of page
Knives & Multi-Tools
Swiss Army Knives have been an essential piece of equipment for many years,
and remain, probably the most useful and compact camping multi tool due
to the convenience and ease of having all essential tools in one easy
to use item.
I have one which is 17 years old that travels everywhere with me, whether
on holiday, trekking or hill walking and has been used for a huge range
of purposes. Now, if only I could get it to do the washing up…
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