Thursday, February 11
Duct Tape
Got some in your kit yet?
Whyever not.
Strong and semi waterproof repair.
Plenty of uses in the first aid kit.
Labels: Gear
Wednesday, August 25
The Speed of Change - Ripple No 2
For those following the debate (here & here) Andy over on Must Be This Way has added a few thoughts on the subject.
Meanwhile here are a few (tongue in cheek) tips of my own.
- Unbreakable mobile phone unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show
- Phone in my pocket - its so handy
- Oops - I didn't mean to do that
- Dr Dr Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssssssseeeeeee!
Oh I do so like to help out.
(Ahem)Labels: Gear
Ringwood - A Tale of Two Shops
Local news for those in the Dorset\Hampshire\NewForest area
I discovered a few days ago that my local (and very independent) outdoor shop Barkers of Ringwood, recently relocated premises a short distance away in Ringwood.
So I popped in earlier to sniff out the story behind the move. Was there a sordid tale to tell maybe? Was this to be a revenge against the High Priestly Purveyor of Paramo Pantaloons?
Nothing so torrid it turned out. As I walked in through the door I was hit by the obvious increase in floor space & an amazing amount of natural daylight lighting up the whole place, courtesy of some very sensible conversion work.
Mr B, smiling broadly in his new abode, was remaining tight lipped about quite what plans he has for the enlarged premises. But meanwhile his personal approach to service, especially where boot fitting is concerned, and zeal for Paramo etc continues unbridled for those who've come to trust his advice.
He's gained quite a reputation over the last couple of years as The Man Who Knows How to Fit Boots. A rare enough service these days.
Now if this all sounds like I've been bought off, perish the thought. Barkers, as an independent is still in business because of the attention to detail for each customer who walks through the door.
And that is a story that deserves to be told.
Ah but that's not the whole tale. It gets better.
Those visiting Barker's old premises (still with me here I hope?) will find they are now the home of Rough Gear, previously an on-line outdoor retailer, and a new name to me.
Well I had to didn’t I?
Go take a look I mean.
Not that I get any pleasure from visiting two gear shops in the same day.
No. Not me. I don’t do kit.
And I find that Rough Gear are another independent company with just this one shop, having made the leap into the physical world after setting out on-line.
There's little actual overlap between the two competitor's products with Rough Gearstocking climbing, camping (Lightweight - Hurrah) kit along with a small range of clothing and waterproofs, especially Montaine.
And once again it’s a shop staffed by people who know what they are talking about.
So that’s TWO independent outdoor shops in a small market town on the edge of the New Forest. A location that Millets disappeared from some considerable time ago because they couldn’t make a go of an outdoor business here.
Between theses two there is now a wide range of many specialist brand names that can prove quite difficult to track down in some of their much larger High Street competitors. Which is good for those of us who know the sort of gear that we like.
Well it seemed churlish to go in two shops without returning with something to show for it all.
Ever seen one of these X-Bowl contraptions?
Well me neither. But it is very durable construction and at a sensible price.
In times of all this economic doom & gloom its heartening to see successes like these two entrepreneurs based on some very old and durable values to us, the outdoor customer.
Big Retailers take note.
Customers that are happy with the advice, service & goods make for repeat business through the door.
Support your local indie outdoor shop!
Labels: Gear
Sunday, August 22
The Speed of Change - Ripple
My recent comment as to the likely demise of the GPS unit as a individual piece of kit item has prompted some lengthy thought from Ebothy.
It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.
There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.
Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.
Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.
And that's just the phone itself.
I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.
Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.
Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further? Labels: Gear
Saturday, August 21
The Speed of Change
It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.Labels: Gear
Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Got some in your kit yet?
Whyever not.
Strong and semi waterproof repair.
Plenty of uses in the first aid kit.
Labels: Gear
The Speed of Change - Ripple No 2
For those following the debate (here & here) Andy over on Must Be This Way has added a few thoughts on the subject.
Meanwhile here are a few (tongue in cheek) tips of my own.
- Unbreakable mobile phone unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show
- Phone in my pocket - its so handy
- Oops - I didn't mean to do that
- Dr Dr Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssssssseeeeeee!
Oh I do so like to help out.
(Ahem)Labels: Gear
Ringwood - A Tale of Two Shops
Local news for those in the Dorset\Hampshire\NewForest area
I discovered a few days ago that my local (and very independent) outdoor shop Barkers of Ringwood, recently relocated premises a short distance away in Ringwood.
So I popped in earlier to sniff out the story behind the move. Was there a sordid tale to tell maybe? Was this to be a revenge against the High Priestly Purveyor of Paramo Pantaloons?
Nothing so torrid it turned out. As I walked in through the door I was hit by the obvious increase in floor space & an amazing amount of natural daylight lighting up the whole place, courtesy of some very sensible conversion work.
Mr B, smiling broadly in his new abode, was remaining tight lipped about quite what plans he has for the enlarged premises. But meanwhile his personal approach to service, especially where boot fitting is concerned, and zeal for Paramo etc continues unbridled for those who've come to trust his advice.
He's gained quite a reputation over the last couple of years as The Man Who Knows How to Fit Boots. A rare enough service these days.
Now if this all sounds like I've been bought off, perish the thought. Barkers, as an independent is still in business because of the attention to detail for each customer who walks through the door.
And that is a story that deserves to be told.
Ah but that's not the whole tale. It gets better.
Those visiting Barker's old premises (still with me here I hope?) will find they are now the home of Rough Gear, previously an on-line outdoor retailer, and a new name to me.
Well I had to didn’t I?
Go take a look I mean.
Not that I get any pleasure from visiting two gear shops in the same day.
No. Not me. I don’t do kit.
And I find that Rough Gear are another independent company with just this one shop, having made the leap into the physical world after setting out on-line.
There's little actual overlap between the two competitor's products with Rough Gearstocking climbing, camping (Lightweight - Hurrah) kit along with a small range of clothing and waterproofs, especially Montaine.
And once again it’s a shop staffed by people who know what they are talking about.
So that’s TWO independent outdoor shops in a small market town on the edge of the New Forest. A location that Millets disappeared from some considerable time ago because they couldn’t make a go of an outdoor business here.
Between theses two there is now a wide range of many specialist brand names that can prove quite difficult to track down in some of their much larger High Street competitors. Which is good for those of us who know the sort of gear that we like.
Well it seemed churlish to go in two shops without returning with something to show for it all.
Ever seen one of these X-Bowl contraptions?
Well me neither. But it is very durable construction and at a sensible price.
In times of all this economic doom & gloom its heartening to see successes like these two entrepreneurs based on some very old and durable values to us, the outdoor customer.
Big Retailers take note.
Customers that are happy with the advice, service & goods make for repeat business through the door.
Support your local indie outdoor shop!
Labels: Gear
Sunday, August 22
The Speed of Change - Ripple
My recent comment as to the likely demise of the GPS unit as a individual piece of kit item has prompted some lengthy thought from Ebothy.
It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.
There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.
Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.
Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.
And that's just the phone itself.
I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.
Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.
Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further? Labels: Gear
Saturday, August 21
The Speed of Change
It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.Labels: Gear
Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Meanwhile here are a few (tongue in cheek) tips of my own.
- Unbreakable mobile phone unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show
- Phone in my pocket - its so handy
- Oops - I didn't mean to do that
- Dr Dr Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssssssseeeeeee!
(Ahem)
Labels: Gear
Ringwood - A Tale of Two Shops
Local news for those in the Dorset\Hampshire\NewForest area
I discovered a few days ago that my local (and very independent) outdoor shop Barkers of Ringwood, recently relocated premises a short distance away in Ringwood.
So I popped in earlier to sniff out the story behind the move. Was there a sordid tale to tell maybe? Was this to be a revenge against the High Priestly Purveyor of Paramo Pantaloons?
Nothing so torrid it turned out. As I walked in through the door I was hit by the obvious increase in floor space & an amazing amount of natural daylight lighting up the whole place, courtesy of some very sensible conversion work.
Mr B, smiling broadly in his new abode, was remaining tight lipped about quite what plans he has for the enlarged premises. But meanwhile his personal approach to service, especially where boot fitting is concerned, and zeal for Paramo etc continues unbridled for those who've come to trust his advice.
He's gained quite a reputation over the last couple of years as The Man Who Knows How to Fit Boots. A rare enough service these days.
Now if this all sounds like I've been bought off, perish the thought. Barkers, as an independent is still in business because of the attention to detail for each customer who walks through the door.
And that is a story that deserves to be told.
Ah but that's not the whole tale. It gets better.
Those visiting Barker's old premises (still with me here I hope?) will find they are now the home of Rough Gear, previously an on-line outdoor retailer, and a new name to me.
Well I had to didn’t I?
Go take a look I mean.
Not that I get any pleasure from visiting two gear shops in the same day.
No. Not me. I don’t do kit.
And I find that Rough Gear are another independent company with just this one shop, having made the leap into the physical world after setting out on-line.
There's little actual overlap between the two competitor's products with Rough Gearstocking climbing, camping (Lightweight - Hurrah) kit along with a small range of clothing and waterproofs, especially Montaine.
And once again it’s a shop staffed by people who know what they are talking about.
So that’s TWO independent outdoor shops in a small market town on the edge of the New Forest. A location that Millets disappeared from some considerable time ago because they couldn’t make a go of an outdoor business here.
Between theses two there is now a wide range of many specialist brand names that can prove quite difficult to track down in some of their much larger High Street competitors. Which is good for those of us who know the sort of gear that we like.
Well it seemed churlish to go in two shops without returning with something to show for it all.
Ever seen one of these X-Bowl contraptions?
Well me neither. But it is very durable construction and at a sensible price.
In times of all this economic doom & gloom its heartening to see successes like these two entrepreneurs based on some very old and durable values to us, the outdoor customer.
Big Retailers take note.
Customers that are happy with the advice, service & goods make for repeat business through the door.
Support your local indie outdoor shop!
Labels: Gear
Sunday, August 22
The Speed of Change - Ripple
My recent comment as to the likely demise of the GPS unit as a individual piece of kit item has prompted some lengthy thought from Ebothy.
It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.
There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.
Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.
Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.
And that's just the phone itself.
I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.
Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.
Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further? Labels: Gear
Saturday, August 21
The Speed of Change
It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.Labels: Gear
Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I discovered a few days ago that my local (and very independent) outdoor shop Barkers of Ringwood, recently relocated premises a short distance away in Ringwood.
So I popped in earlier to sniff out the story behind the move. Was there a sordid tale to tell maybe? Was this to be a revenge against the High Priestly Purveyor of Paramo Pantaloons?
Nothing so torrid it turned out. As I walked in through the door I was hit by the obvious increase in floor space & an amazing amount of natural daylight lighting up the whole place, courtesy of some very sensible conversion work.
Mr B, smiling broadly in his new abode, was remaining tight lipped about quite what plans he has for the enlarged premises. But meanwhile his personal approach to service, especially where boot fitting is concerned, and zeal for Paramo etc continues unbridled for those who've come to trust his advice.
He's gained quite a reputation over the last couple of years as The Man Who Knows How to Fit Boots. A rare enough service these days.
Now if this all sounds like I've been bought off, perish the thought. Barkers, as an independent is still in business because of the attention to detail for each customer who walks through the door.
And that is a story that deserves to be told.
Ah but that's not the whole tale. It gets better.
Those visiting Barker's old premises (still with me here I hope?) will find they are now the home of Rough Gear, previously an on-line outdoor retailer, and a new name to me.
Well I had to didn’t I?
Go take a look I mean.
Not that I get any pleasure from visiting two gear shops in the same day.
No. Not me. I don’t do kit.
And I find that Rough Gear are another independent company with just this one shop, having made the leap into the physical world after setting out on-line.
There's little actual overlap between the two competitor's products with Rough Gearstocking climbing, camping (Lightweight - Hurrah) kit along with a small range of clothing and waterproofs, especially Montaine.
And once again it’s a shop staffed by people who know what they are talking about.
So that’s TWO independent outdoor shops in a small market town on the edge of the New Forest. A location that Millets disappeared from some considerable time ago because they couldn’t make a go of an outdoor business here.
Between theses two there is now a wide range of many specialist brand names that can prove quite difficult to track down in some of their much larger High Street competitors. Which is good for those of us who know the sort of gear that we like.
Well it seemed churlish to go in two shops without returning with something to show for it all.
Ever seen one of these X-Bowl contraptions?
Well me neither. But it is very durable construction and at a sensible price.
In times of all this economic doom & gloom its heartening to see successes like these two entrepreneurs based on some very old and durable values to us, the outdoor customer.
Big Retailers take note.
Customers that are happy with the advice, service & goods make for repeat business through the door.
Support your local indie outdoor shop!
Labels: Gear
The Speed of Change - Ripple
My recent comment as to the likely demise of the GPS unit as a individual piece of kit item has prompted some lengthy thought from Ebothy.
It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.
There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.
Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.
Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.
And that's just the phone itself.
I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.
Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.
Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further? Labels: Gear
Saturday, August 21
The Speed of Change
It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.Labels: Gear
Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.
There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.
Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.
Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.
And that's just the phone itself.
I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.
Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.
Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further?
Labels: Gear
The Speed of Change
It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.Labels: Gear
Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.
Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.
Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.
But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.
Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.
My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.
As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.
But all this may be due to alter.
My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.
"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'
As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.
After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?
So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.
And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.
More fashion & greed.
Labels: Gear
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Thursday, June 10
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)
Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending
Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 1
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Yes I know - don't all yell at once!
I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.
The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.
So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.
More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)
Labels: Gear
Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)
Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Monday, April 5
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.
As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.
Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.
As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.
Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.
These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.
So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........
No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.
Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:
"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"
And as for the price!
Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)
For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.
"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"
A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.
Remember folks - you read it here first.
Oh and one thing ............
......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?
TeeHee.
Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land
Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Sunday, April 4
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"
Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)
You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.
Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.
My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.
Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.
Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?
Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources
Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Tuesday, March 30
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.
Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.
Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?
For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.
I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)
Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)
Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.
Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update
Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!Labels: Gear
Thursday, March 11
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:
1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)
[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]
Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............
2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.
I do. But if you haven't then ............
3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]
4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.
5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.
6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.
All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)
I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!
Labels: Gear
Garmin Geko 201 Problems
As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The RegisterLabels: Gear
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"
More here - courtesy of The Register
Labels: Gear
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Saturday, September 5
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Kit Attack! Argos Pro Action solo tent
It has always been a basic belief of mine that if a purchase of goods or services meet my expectation then I will advertise the fact widely & positively. And I have a similar approach for those items that don't match up, with an adverse opinion.
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!Labels: Gear
Monday, August 10
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
[OK Johnny boy. Whatever happened to the smart-arsed pithy lead-in to this piece then? Where did that old-man solipsism come from? And whilst we're on the subject, what the hell is solipsism. More worryingly why pick this particular moment in my personal space time continuum to suddenly decide to yank the word out of the ether & tether it to that sentence for eternity? Or until the Internet melts. Hmm. Strange days indeed. Quick, back on topic before anyone notices]
Stick with it folks - this could be a meandering path today.
This morning saw an unscheduled annual trip to replace the electric kettle following the early morning greeting of a water pool slowly spreading across the kitchen worktop. Rather than a hot brew to start the day the kettle had sprung a leak.
Due to limescale levels in local water with a resultant tendency to knacker a kettle's water retaining ability the term "3 year extended warranty" and "electrical kettle" make for dubious bedfellows in these parts.
On impulse I wandered into the local Argos store, partly through duty to replace said tea-brewing implement, but more from curiosity at the sight of large stacks of catalogue slowly being built to a level where they were starting to obscure the shop front windows. Weighing in at 2.6kg, and over 2" thick, stacking these things on the public street is a major Health & Safety issue these days. But their appearance reminded me of Argos's main claim to fame as far as we outdoor folk are concerned - the excellent Pro-Action 1 man backpacking tent.
In early 2008 I posted some pictures of this tent following queries on outdoor forums as to just how to erect the damned things. Luckily I'd some digital snaps from 2006 when I regularly used my Pro-Action 1 man tent, prior to my conversion to the Church of the Hilleberg Akto. An inevitable progression for Hairy Chested Outdoor Man of A Reputation To Maintain.
But without that experience of the PA tent, at a cost (<£20) that positively encouraged experimentation with small/light gear, I may have carried on lugging huge packs of gear for many years. Or more likely wasted large wedges of cash on High Tech, High Spec, Highly Unsuitable tat.
I bought the PA tent 2nd hand, and sold it on later at a similar price to a like minded outdoor individual. At one time there was a flourishing market on E-Bay for those far sighted enough to bulk buy the end of season sell-off, and hold on to them for a while. Word of a good thing soon gets out in Outdoor circles.
During our time together the PA taught me many lessons about lightness, volume size & build quality.
The flaws enabled me to work out what I wanted in a tent (pitch in one go, stable in high wind). The design opened up a new way of thinking about gear construction (single pole, low number of pegs, limited failure points)
It seems there's a number of people have been similarly tempted. The article featuring the Pro-Action tent has remained amongst the top 5 hits on this blog ever since that original post.
I'm certain most visitors arrive for the same purpose - how do you put the damned thing up? (and thank god there are some photos on the Internet that will help)
No stranger to tent erection my first pitching attempt left me scratching my head at times. I blamed that on the lack of any accompanying instructions & an unfamiliar pole configuration. But based on recent post comments having the instructions doesn’t appear to offer too much of an advantage.
The popularity of the original article is a clear example of where a few simple snapshots really are worth a thousand words of Chinese/English translatative effort.
Since 2006 I've often recommended the PA for those seeking a low cost entry to solo lightweight camping. Some year's models have been dire, and my recommendation has been suitably negative. But happily whoever supplies Argos for their camping season appears to recognise A Good Thing and the 2009 model has been a return to form.
Today I realised Argos was clearing out their summer season goods.
Do I need a new tent?
Of course not. My Akto has years of life and is a trustworthy old friend. It does its job admirably, and despite the temptation of flashier lighter alternatives I accept the slight weight penalty for the level of confidence that I have in its use.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a new tent?
Lots of arguments, the price of a new kettle included.
Better just get the damned kettle then.
I returned home & settled down to a hot brew. Whilst it boiled I browsed the Argos website. No real thought in mind, just curiosity on my part. Honest.
Oh look - for just £17.99 I could acquire a brand new Pro-Action 1 man tent (original RRP £48.89)
Well that’s not really buying a new tent is it now? No, that's more like an investment opportunity. Some people put their faith & money in the bricks & mortar of a house. This would be sort of like that. But on a smaller scale.
And then there are those times when I find myself offering to lend old kit to someone new to wildcamping or DOE Award stuff, but stopping when I measure the cost of my Akto against just how easily a novice could damage the tent through inexperience. A cheap alternative would be helpful.
To cut a long story short, I'm tapping this clattering keyboard in my computer/office/kit room. And beside me a shiny new tent.
It was the last one in stock my local Argos store. A quick check shows most nearby stores have 1 or 2 in stock. Some branches are already sold out.
Fancy a 2.1kg solo tent for under £20?
Then I suggest you move fast.
It's an investment opportunity.
Honest!
Labels: Gear
A crossing of paths
Every so often I discuss some of the simpler aspects of backpacking & wildcamping with a friend.
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Sunday, July 26
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
He still doesn't quite get it.
And why should he?
His concept of A Walk is the distance betwixt pub & the taxi rank. His camping experience, of which he has a long history, still means that over the weekend he used a duvet in the back of a 4x4 for a night's kip. Cooking, well that would be the nearest take-away. And as for re hydration the pub features predominantly on his list of possible solutions.
And it’s a very very short list.
Well one item to be strictly accurate.
Along the way I've tried to persuade him of the beneficial experience and creature comforts that camping, properly approached, will provide.
But he's having none of it. He dislikes camping except as a means to attend outdoor, non-urban, events. And despite my offers to loan kit or demonstrate the sort of budget gear available these days, he remains highly resistant to change. Or to the recognition of how much easier his outdoor time could be.
I was reminded of this when I picked up a magazine over the weekend.
Pieces on Buff ("double use, it cuts down on the amount of clothing required"), comparison tests on two man tents (won by Lightwave's G1 Ion), sleeping bags (Mountain Hardware's Lamina 20), sleeping mats (Neoair) & stoves (MSR Whisperlite) along with recommendations for Freeloader Pro, Snow Peak titanium spork, Petzl Tikka Plus head torch & a couple of articles on Setting Up Camp and Where To Camp.
All this, in a motorcycling magazine - September's Ride - sister publication of Trail Mag.
It’s the sort of magazine he'd read. And maybe he might start getting the message. Then again perhaps he will always remain a lost cause, unwilling to challenge change.
As I jot this down I've been struck that most of my long term interests over the years (motorcycling, fishing & backpacking) have all included the need for self supported overnight stays, a facility to stay warm/dry on the journey, & access to food & fluid on my own terms.
Its only now, looking back over those years since my early teens, that I see this common thread. That ability to comfortably live outdoors, often in out of the way spots, with a degree of easy enjoyment & personal fulfillment.
The knowledge, aptitude & challenges that each pursuit demand became so much simpler when built on the firm bedrock of personal experience brought over from other areas of my life.
And in turn the lessons learnt in one area are often re-applied elsewhere.
On reflection it really hasn’t seemed to matter how I get There, or what I was There to do, I've subconsciously been moved to sleep outdoors, and make my own, rather individual, way.
Now if I could only make turn it into a living one day!
Mobile Phone and no 999 call?
My July copy of the 'Mountain Rescue' magazine arrived earlier this week, courtesy of a MRT Basecamp subscription taken out at this year's NEC Outdoors Show.
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Its always a thought provoking read. Mostly it deals in the technicalities concerning Mountain Rescue Teams, kit concerns, and their approach to situations which most of us pray we will never encounter. But along the way there are ideas (and some very tempting adverts) which can challenge the thinking Outdoor person.
In the latest issue Mark Lewis covers the way mobile networks deal with 999/112 calls. Or more precisely the way that they don't.
If your mobile can't get a network signal from your provider, then a 999 call is impossible.
Its an important feature that used to be available some years ago. Emergency calls from a mobile would try to Roam to other mobile network providers, to get a signal. The same way your UK SIM will Roam for a suitable provider/signal when using a mobile phone abroad.
However, in the UK, this facility for 999 calls was switched off due to the lack of CLI (Caller Line Identification) which meant hoax calls were untraceable.
Presently the only way around this is to use a non-UK simcard which will then search for alternative networks. (So one trick may be to keep a spare non UK SIM in the 1st-aid kit - something cheap, but with a lifetime credit - such as this offering for instance)
Mark reports that OFCOM intend to reinstate 999 Roaming for Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange & Three by the end of 2009 (More detail on the OFCOM site)
Only problem - the MRT can't call back. A concern as in many cases this is necessary to check details and co-ordinate rescue activity.
Yes you've guessed it. A 999 call from the phone, courtesy of Roaming, but no way back to it if the initial provider signal remains absent.
So a slight success in that the 999 call gets through. But then a brick wall.
OFCOM's minutes from April 2009 don't shed any light as to whether this omission is to be resolved, but do indicate that technical trials are taking some time and the function isn't likely to appear until early 2010.
As a non technical observer, surely some method to switch roaming on/off for a specific mobile telephone number could be quickly made available for a limited period (say 48 hours) following a MRT request, via their local Police contact, to central mobile phone providers?
After all there are many facilities open to the Police and other State Security groups that are pressed into use where mobile phones are concerned. For instance tracing a mobile phone's location via the cell network.
If these complex functional requirements are readily accessible to the Right People Asking, then surely a simple idea, with proper controls, isn't that difficult to achieve?
Now surely it can't be that simple? Or perhaps it is.
Meanwhile the MRT continue to push for 2-way communication.
It may be "good to talk", but for some its bloody essential at times.
Meanwhile - check out the MRT's MRMap site.
"The MRMap software gives Mountain Rescue Search Managers,Team Leaders and Control Room staff the ability to better manage their team bygiving continous GPS positioning, sent over the team radio and shown onto a computerscreen back at base (or even a laptop in a team vehicle!)"
Another simple idea, that might easily save a life one day.
Labels: Gear, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Mountain Resuce Team MRT BASECAMP
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Saturday, June 6
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.
Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Gear List - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale
Every other bugger seems to have one. Even, it seems sometimes, those who don't go out packing too often.
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Friday, June 5
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
So time to add my small dollop onto the steaming pile of What To Take.
Here's my gear list. Very much a work in progress where item weight is concerned.
Particularly as the Grand Total already matches the carry weight of my bag as I left on my last trip. And that's despite several item weights not on the list as yet.
But as a check list to remind me of the things to pack, its something I've been continually adjusting for a number of years.
On my return from a trip, it becomes a simple check of unused items, and a challenge as to their inclusion on the next trip out.
But mainly it serves as an easy reminder of things essential; And things not so necessary.
All part of my own individual approach at the present moment.
Do you have your own approach to kit packing in place?
Labels: Gear, Trip Planning
Back On The Road Again
Oh my. It has been a while since we last chatted.
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.Labels: Gear
Saturday, May 30
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
That's down to a new arrival at JH Towers this week.
A large shiny piece of kit - for once not walking related (I hope)
After some lengthy consideration (and loud dissing of most of the kit I looked at - no change there then!) my leg is now being regularly cocked over a motorcycle.
A beast of a machine, already fondly nicknamed 'Hooligan'.
(If you heard the distinctive rumble with which it announces its arrival, or managed to spot a red blur as it accelerates with worryingly excessive ease into the far distance, the nickname makes sense)
Except for a couple of years layoff I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.
At one time they were my sole means of transport, my leisure time interest, and for many many years an integral part of both my lifestyle and a large circle of friends around the country.
In some ways similar to backpacking.
Indeed at one time I tried to combine the two, but the effort of carrying kit on a bike, parking it securely, and the thought of a long wet ride home after a long wet weekend walk, meant that idea was quickly dropped.
Although it did result some rather juicy reminiscences of a weekend near Llandudno (if there could be such a thing) which included gravel rash, bags of chips washed down with cheap bear and a highly dubious (and likely illegal) wildcamp on Great Orme Head. All equipped with little more than a tent and a milk bottle of water.
But I digress.
Where was I now... ah yes ...motorcycling like backpacking?
Well - you get to meet a enthused group of committed people of varying ages and social background across the UK and beyond.
Amongst these some become solid mates through thick and thin. Others more dilettante. After a time more easily recognised as respective paths cross.
Many totter along the edge of respectability, the language and passion largely misunderstood by an ill informed society at large.
Sure the change of pace is a huge difference.
But the interest in finding less visited locations, and the intense enjoyment of the journey, is proving very similar.
The volume of traffic on the road hasn't change much though.
Still crap.
Ride On.
Labels: Gear
Links update
The good weather is far too valuable to waste sat indoors hunched crablike over a keyboard.
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)Labels: Gear
Courtesy of the increasingly flexible ASUS Netbook (the best piece of technology I've met for many a year) I'm sat in the sunlight, perched on an airbed, whilst dipping into my on-line responsibilities. A quick opportunity to update this site's link list adding the useful Where's The Path mapping site. Another simple idea applied startling well.
Blimey this post is sounding far too effusive. An unexpected surge of sunlight directly onto the pineal gland?
Better quit before my reputation lies in tatters.
;-)
Labels: Gear
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