We have already discussed what is “the outdoors” and what you need to survive, but what about comfort? We all want to be comfortable, especially when we are doing some thing that is supposed to be fun. How can it be fun if you are suffering? The discussion about comfort and feeling spoiled in the […]
Map reading – map scales
If this is the first time you are joining the Map Reading series, you should start from the first post. The scale on a map is probably the first decision (after where to go) that needs to be made for navigation. Choosing a scale depends on the demands of the adventure: 1. What is the […]
Basic outdoor gear categories
When I sit and think of gear for a trip, or when I’m asked about a piece of gear, my first question is, what is it for? That helps think about how it fits with the rest of the gear in category and so we can see if that item “works” or not. What do […]
Cape Wrath – update 1
It has been more than a month since I started my Cape Wrath training, and I must admit, it isn’t going that well. A mix of cold weather (and the need to adjust to it), an ill child (thanks to day care!) and time constraints meant that it was a little hard to follow the […]
Map reading – what is a topographic map
The word map comes from mappa mundi (Latin for “sheet of the world”) and it can best described as a flat diagram of a pre-determined area. There are many kinds of maps and they are almost always drawn from above, but essentially they all require basic features: 1. Scale – the ratio between an object […]
Family hike in Epping Forest – Testing the new hiking system
Last weekend we had a chance to finally going hiking as a family again. Since our last “big” trip together, which included camping 4 months ago, hiking has been a challenge since our daughter is not happy with a front carrier anymore. Baby carriers are an odd animal, but in the end, they need to […]
The secret weapon to enjoying the outdoors – gloves
When I met Mika, her hands were (and still are) constantly cold; it is a circulation problem. I, on the other hand, always have warm hands and when they get cold, I turn miserable. How many times have you been outside and it was cold enough that your skin is tingling, and then your hands […]
How to approach gear reviews
Gear reviews are probably my main use of the internet by now. I’m guessing this is a problem for any gear head, and outdoor gear heads are not any different. We want to upgrade, replace, change, have another or just-in-case kit for anything, so we read reviews. We read reviews from small one person blogs, […]
Headlamp – so simple but so vital
I don’t know how anyone can miss this simple truth: you must carry a headlamp when going outdoors, especially in the winter. This embarrassing news article by the BBC describes a man who went, well prepared, for a day hike in the Cairngorms and needed to be rescued, yes rescued, 400 meters (about 1200 feet) […]
Self guided winter navigation trip – High Peak District
Last week I went on a navigation weekend that is part of the Cape Wrath training program I’ve built to be ready by May. The trip was planned to be 3 days, around 15-20 km a day (about 10 miles), with a clear focus on map and compass work to get some the cobwebs out […]