A really helpful video. I spoke to you on the phone about quilts and really appreciated the time, enthusiasm and good advice you shared. Thank you, sir.
A great overview with much food for thought. Thanks for taking the time to produce this and well done for completing the Two Moors Way! I'll take a look at your other video soon. :-)
Informative and useful, as always, Bob. I have decided to try an ultralight backpacking/fishing trip on Dartmoor this year. I have the OR Helium bivi bag and your micro tarp as a shelter system, PHD Minimus sleeping bag and a lightweight Exped mat. I'll take a Tenkara rod and reckon my base weight will be about 6kg. Never been that light before - usually about 9-10kg base weight. Thanks again for the video.
A great mod on the sack Bob. I must say I haven't been here for a while. It's a fabulous channel (one of the nations best), beautifully presented and packed full of real life advice. My dear brother Paul always thought so to. The camera? I looked at that - you need to chuck it about, so good choice. A great sleep system and all round useful ideas. Going to watch the Moors Ways Now. All the very best. Mark.
Bob, well done on completing the walk! Also, thats a really good video review/run through of your kit, really like some of your ideas. I too love Montane kit, I have just replaced my old eVent evolution jacket with the Minimus Stretch. Not technically what its designed for I know but seriously light weight and works well as a wind shirt on cooler days and is a cracking lightweight waterproof. I'll have to watch the full video now :) ATB, Dave
You had me at 8kg or under, I'm planning to do a 90 mile hike in Iceland and keeping the weight down to make it as enjoyable as possible. Having lived near Dartmoor all my life until I moved to Reykjavík this is my kinda thing
You'll be interested in my next Podcast interview then with Dermot Cosgrove who is walking unsupported Iceland North to South at the beginning of July 2019. Follow me on Instagram for more info.
Useful video Bob. Always interesting to see what other people carry on trips. About those trail shoes. I wore the Roclite 295s on this year's TGO Challenge. They developed holes in exactly the same place as yours. Inov8 are getting a reputation for lack of durability amongst backpackers. They really need to up their game. I will look to other makes in the future.
Well done sir a great walk I am watch it on my 50inch tv I did not see a Torch or did I miss it could not tarp tent in Labrador, Canada flies to back and the weather turns fast we had sleet on the 12 July 2017 looking forward in watch all your videos thanks again
I've had that same problem with Inov8 shoes. Got holes in before I had even had a chance to use them on a long hike. Won't buy them again for that reason.
I felt that for some of the items you just mentioned them but didn’t give an opinion. Maybe because you didn’t use them? Tried loads of searches looking for the rehydration container/cup but couldn’t find anything remotely similar (maybe need to improve my google-fu). Overall, loved the video on the 2 moors way and I got a few good pointers on the post walk review. Thank you so much!
rhaef Yes I used every item shown and most if not all have comments related to performance. The rehydration pot I used is a simple 350ml screw top container from a kitchen suppliers. Cheap and light. If you look at my website there’s a podcast series on the walk too.
Hi great video and some nice kit but I think you need to change the title. The Two Moors Way only goes from Ivybridge to Lynmouth. The Erme-Plym Trail goes from Wembury to Ivybridge, together they make the Devon Coast to Coast (about 120 miles)
Yes and No Paul. The original trail was marked from Ivybridge but they are relaunching the route this year and including the Erme-Plyme trail into the 2MW. Please check out my interview with Sue Viccars for more info. Thanks www.theoutdoorsstation.co.uk/2017/05/no-435-two-moors-way-pt2/
Well done with the interview, very informative. I also found the website that she was talking about which will be a great help to anyone walking the trail. It seems the name of the trail is still a bit unclear. Unless I missed it she called the trail from Ivybridge north as the "Two Moors Way" and from Ivybridge south as "The Erme-Plym Trail" and the website calls it "Two Moors Way - Devons Coast to Coast". I guess its depends how they want to sell the trail. Anyway what ever they call it its a great hike which I hiked last year.
Well done Bob for the highly informative video of the walk and this one about the equipment. I reckon you could lose up to 2kg from that little lot! There are several 'extras', 'belt-and-braces' and 'just-in-case' items, but then that's the freedom and beauty of backpacking: we make are own choices and take responsibility for them, as evidenced by your exemplary approach to the subject as always. A bit disappointing that wild camping opportunities were in such short supply over much of the route, but not everywhere's Scotland I suppose!
David S Thanks David. Considering I used most of the items I would be interested in your suggestion of losing another 2kg. If you've watched the main video you'll see the variety of weather that time of year?
Well, I know it's a personal thing Bob, and I'm hesitant to take issue with the master, but in a spirit of comradeship, and in no particular order, I'd consider: Ditching the waterproof overtrousers; I do this in all but the most severe conditions, and put up with a wet/cold 'giggle gap' between base of shell and top of gaiter, which dries out easily given modern fabrics; strangely liberating, although admittedly my shell jacket is a bit longer in the back than yours looks. 1 buff instead of 2, particularly given the amount of other headwear you're carrying. 1 spare sox instead of 2? (the Seal Skin ones stayed unused). 1 towel instead of 2? Swap the Travel Tap water filter for the Sawyer Mini which is much lighter, and sufficient for UK purposes. There are much lighter woodburning stoves (including those sold by you!) than the 255g solo stove. Ditch the pack cover (which you describe as "belt and braces"), as it looks like all the stuff which needs to be waterproofed is in waterproof bags already. Ditch the book/map, getting everything downloaded onto the iPhone if possible. I only use an emergency backup map in remote/mountain areas, and then only a printed sheet to two. I don't know much about the electrical stuff, but I wonder if your iPhone could replace anything? And the various cases look a bit bulky/heavy. Shaving is not mandatory in the Free World! (personal matter admittedly). Nor is wearing shorts. Decant a smaller qty of the sunscreen into a smaller/lighter container. Complete first aid kits are usually heavier than ones you assemble yourself for your own specific needs, and you seem not to know exactly what's in your Ortlieb kit. 3 whole days' food left over suggests you've started with a bit too much (I do this every time...) I realise you were able to source some meals from the 'local economy', but given the proximity of shops... Egg Box???????
All good points David, however if you had managed to catch the audio podcast series you'll have heard most of the reasons for the choices. But I'll go through them again here for anyone who is interested. Overtrousers: These were taken more for protection of walking through stingers (which were everywhere) and long wet grass if the route or weather presented that. (The leggings were not stinger proof) Plus bad weather on Dartmoor and Exmoor. Buff: Yup, but I like to be colour coordinated :) Socks: Seal Skins were for wet boggy gates and styles full of wet slushy cow and sheep manure. Didn't happen but if it had? Travel Tap: The TT is far more certified than the Sawyer, plus it removes taste, taint, chemicals and metals. I also used it as a daily drinking bottle so it had two uses. Pack cover: Agreed. However I find that having a cover doubles as a instant dry mini groundsheet to unload pack stuff into (which keeps it together) when putting the shelter up, or rummaging around in the bag. But yes, probably more habit than necessity. Stoves: Yes true. However I was working on the 'leave no trace' principle and of all the wood stoves I have, this provided the best solution. (All the others leave a scar) Especially if I have been at a camp site where no 'open fires' were allowed. Plus it wasn't that big a weight penalty v the convenience. Book/Mag: Nope never get rid of those. Phones get dropped and batteries fail. Plus it helped with the odd tel number and some interesting background info. Shaving: Speak for yourself. We all have our own personal standards :) Sunscreen: It was in a small container (child size) First aid: Yup, just the basics, kept dry. Enough for small cuts, insect bites, a sliced finger, blisters, aches and pains etc. Food: We dehydrate our own, so 3 meals wasn't very much. (300g maybe?) However the total lack of shops meant that it was a wise choice. With pubs closing without notice (such as Holne) at least I wouldn't starve. Egg box: Romantic idea of buy a pack of 6. Scrambling 4 and boiling up 2 hard boiled eggs and taking them for lunch. Yeah I know. But what's the point of having a box full of interesting things at home if you never try them lol ?
All good sensible stuff as always Bob, and a privilege to have had such a fulsome exchange thank you. I suppose it reinforces the individuality of our kit choices ("Yes, we're all individuals" as the crowd chorused in Monty Python's Life of Brian...), but speaking for myself, I wouldn't be where I am, or enjoying myself outdoors half so much, without the input from backpackinglight.co.uk and of course your good self. Thanks again.
A really helpful video. I spoke to you on the phone about quilts and really appreciated the time, enthusiasm and good advice you shared. Thank you, sir.
You are so welcome!
A great overview with much food for thought. Thanks for taking the time to produce this and well done for completing the Two Moors Way! I'll take a look at your other video soon. :-)
Another great and informative video! I think what I like the best is your honesty........tell it like it is and let us decide! Thanks very much!
Informative and useful, as always, Bob. I have decided to try an ultralight backpacking/fishing trip on Dartmoor this year. I have the OR Helium bivi bag and your micro tarp as a shelter system, PHD Minimus sleeping bag and a lightweight Exped mat. I'll take a Tenkara rod and reckon my base weight will be about 6kg. Never been that light before - usually about 9-10kg base weight. Thanks again for the video.
A great mod on the sack Bob. I must say I haven't been here for a while. It's a fabulous channel (one of the nations best), beautifully presented and packed full of real life advice. My dear brother Paul always thought so to. The camera? I looked at that - you need to chuck it about, so good choice. A great sleep system and all round useful ideas. Going to watch the Moors Ways Now. All the very best. Mark.
Bob, well done on completing the walk!
Also, thats a really good video review/run through of your kit, really like some of your ideas. I too love Montane kit, I have just replaced my old eVent evolution jacket with the Minimus Stretch. Not technically what its designed for I know but seriously light weight and works well as a wind shirt on cooler days and is a cracking lightweight waterproof. I'll have to watch the full video now :) ATB, Dave
You had me at 8kg or under, I'm planning to do a 90 mile hike in Iceland and keeping the weight down to make it as enjoyable as possible. Having lived near Dartmoor all my life until I moved to Reykjavík this is my kinda thing
You'll be interested in my next Podcast interview then with Dermot Cosgrove who is walking unsupported Iceland North to South at the beginning of July 2019. Follow me on Instagram for more info.
Useful video Bob. Always interesting to see what other people carry on trips.
About those trail shoes. I wore the Roclite 295s on this year's TGO Challenge. They developed holes in exactly the same place as yours. Inov8 are getting a reputation for lack of durability amongst backpackers. They really need to up their game. I will look to other makes in the future.
Well done sir a great walk I am watch it on my 50inch tv I did not see a Torch or did I miss it could not tarp tent in Labrador, Canada flies to back and the weather turns fast we had sleet on the 12 July 2017 looking forward in watch all your videos thanks again
I love the lightweight, roomy design of Innov8 shoes but you're right, they aren't that robust.
I've had that same problem with Inov8 shoes. Got holes in before I had even had a chance to use them on a long hike. Won't buy them again for that reason.
I felt that for some of the items you just mentioned them but didn’t give an opinion. Maybe because you didn’t use them? Tried loads of searches looking for the rehydration container/cup but couldn’t find anything remotely similar (maybe need to improve my google-fu). Overall, loved the video on the 2 moors way and I got a few good pointers on the post walk review. Thank you so much!
rhaef Yes I used every item shown and most if not all have comments related to performance. The rehydration pot I used is a simple 350ml screw top container from a kitchen suppliers. Cheap and light. If you look at my website there’s a podcast series on the walk too.
@@TheOutdoorsStation thanks for the feedback. I'll check out the website and podcasts 👍
Hi great video and some nice kit but I think you need to change the title. The Two Moors Way only goes from Ivybridge to Lynmouth. The Erme-Plym Trail goes from Wembury to Ivybridge, together they make the Devon Coast to Coast (about 120 miles)
Yes and No Paul. The original trail was marked from Ivybridge but they are relaunching the route this year and including the Erme-Plyme trail into the 2MW. Please check out my interview with Sue Viccars for more info. Thanks www.theoutdoorsstation.co.uk/2017/05/no-435-two-moors-way-pt2/
Well done with the interview, very informative. I also found the website that she was talking about which will be a great help to anyone walking the trail. It seems the name of the trail is still a bit unclear. Unless I missed it she called the trail from Ivybridge north as the "Two Moors Way" and from Ivybridge south as "The Erme-Plym Trail" and the website calls it "Two Moors Way - Devons Coast to Coast". I guess its depends how they want to sell the trail. Anyway what ever they call it its a great hike which I hiked last year.
Well done Bob for the highly informative video of the walk and this one about the equipment. I reckon you could lose up to 2kg from that little lot! There are several 'extras', 'belt-and-braces' and 'just-in-case' items, but then that's the freedom and beauty of backpacking: we make are own choices and take responsibility for them, as evidenced by your exemplary approach to the subject as always. A bit disappointing that wild camping opportunities were in such short supply over much of the route, but not everywhere's Scotland I suppose!
David S Thanks David. Considering I used most of the items I would be interested in your suggestion of losing another 2kg. If you've watched the main video you'll see the variety of weather that time of year?
Well, I know it's a personal thing Bob, and I'm hesitant to take issue with the master, but in a spirit of comradeship, and in no particular order, I'd consider:
Ditching the waterproof overtrousers; I do this in all but the most severe conditions, and put up with a wet/cold 'giggle gap' between base of shell and top of gaiter, which dries out easily given modern fabrics; strangely liberating, although admittedly my shell jacket is a bit longer in the back than yours looks.
1 buff instead of 2, particularly given the amount of other headwear you're carrying.
1 spare sox instead of 2? (the Seal Skin ones stayed unused).
1 towel instead of 2?
Swap the Travel Tap water filter for the Sawyer Mini which is much lighter, and sufficient for UK purposes.
There are much lighter woodburning stoves (including those sold by you!) than the 255g solo stove.
Ditch the pack cover (which you describe as "belt and braces"), as it looks like all the stuff which needs to be waterproofed is in waterproof bags already.
Ditch the book/map, getting everything downloaded onto the iPhone if possible. I only use an emergency backup map in remote/mountain areas, and then only a printed sheet to two.
I don't know much about the electrical stuff, but I wonder if your iPhone could replace anything? And the various cases look a bit bulky/heavy.
Shaving is not mandatory in the Free World! (personal matter admittedly).
Nor is wearing shorts.
Decant a smaller qty of the sunscreen into a smaller/lighter container.
Complete first aid kits are usually heavier than ones you assemble yourself for your own specific needs, and you seem not to know exactly what's in your Ortlieb kit.
3 whole days' food left over suggests you've started with a bit too much (I do this every time...) I realise you were able to source some meals from the 'local economy', but given the proximity of shops...
Egg Box???????
All good points David, however if you had managed to catch the audio podcast series you'll have heard most of the reasons for the choices. But I'll go through them again here for anyone who is interested.
Overtrousers: These were taken more for protection of walking through stingers (which were everywhere) and long wet grass if the route or weather presented that. (The leggings were not stinger proof) Plus bad weather on Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Buff: Yup, but I like to be colour coordinated :)
Socks: Seal Skins were for wet boggy gates and styles full of wet slushy cow and sheep manure. Didn't happen but if it had?
Travel Tap: The TT is far more certified than the Sawyer, plus it removes taste, taint, chemicals and metals. I also used it as a daily drinking bottle so it had two uses.
Pack cover: Agreed. However I find that having a cover doubles as a instant dry mini groundsheet to unload pack stuff into (which keeps it together) when putting the shelter up, or rummaging around in the bag. But yes, probably more habit than necessity.
Stoves: Yes true. However I was working on the 'leave no trace' principle and of all the wood stoves I have, this provided the best solution. (All the others leave a scar) Especially if I have been at a camp site where no 'open fires' were allowed. Plus it wasn't that big a weight penalty v the convenience.
Book/Mag: Nope never get rid of those. Phones get dropped and batteries fail. Plus it helped with the odd tel number and some interesting background info.
Shaving: Speak for yourself. We all have our own personal standards :)
Sunscreen: It was in a small container (child size)
First aid: Yup, just the basics, kept dry. Enough for small cuts, insect bites, a sliced finger, blisters, aches and pains etc.
Food: We dehydrate our own, so 3 meals wasn't very much. (300g maybe?) However the total lack of shops meant that it was a wise choice. With pubs closing without notice (such as Holne) at least I wouldn't starve.
Egg box: Romantic idea of buy a pack of 6. Scrambling 4 and boiling up 2 hard boiled eggs and taking them for lunch. Yeah I know. But what's the point of having a box full of interesting things at home if you never try them lol ?
All good sensible stuff as always Bob, and a privilege to have had such a fulsome exchange thank you. I suppose it reinforces the individuality of our kit choices ("Yes, we're all individuals" as the crowd chorused in Monty Python's Life of Brian...), but speaking for myself, I wouldn't be where I am, or enjoying myself outdoors half so much, without the input from backpackinglight.co.uk and of course your good self. Thanks again.
Aw bless you David thanks.
bro you look like Mark Strong
Thanks. I think !