Nice to hear a shout out for a light windproof jacket. I've always carried/worn one since army days. It also doubles up as an extra layer in the sleeping bag over a base layer.
I bought a buffalo windshirt a few years ago , wasn't sure if I was gonna use it much as it didn't have a hood 😃 but I end up using it all the time now for mtb and bikepacking , windshirts the way to go 🙂
Not into thin down jacket .I have one bit has been demoted and replaced with a Decathlon-5 synthetic .I realised that a down jacket doesn't make sense if it might rain . There is little weight difference on a thin jacket. I have thicker down jackets ( - 16 and - 40 ) for very cold weather ..were it is too cold to rain .
Absolutely. As much as I like my down jackets, have generally stopped taking them on overnight trips unless weather 100% guaranteed good - not often. Synthetic very good now when it comes to weight and packed size of jackets. When wet, down is immediately useless and will be for the rest of the trip. When wet, synthetic retains 80% (I think) thermal efficiency and will keep working. One may not agree perhaps, but recently I chatted with some river rafting guides from the Franklin River, Tasmania, and apparently they're moving over to synthetic jackets - but not their sleeping bags yet. Generally still too bulky. But still glad I have down too but the my synthetic more versatile for longer trips I feel.
The waterproofness of boots is an interesting issue. They leather and/or goretex may stop the water coming through the sides but are susceptible to water coming over the top or draining down through the socks from your legs/trousers. This makes putting on waterproof overpants early on quite important or you could use gaiters. These seem to have gone out of fashion perhaps in the UK but are still used widely in Australia as snake protection as well as for against rain!
Glad your Mo is getting some use Paul! For anyone interested in that pack - it is sold out right now but we will be releasing a new batch tomorrow. Made by us in Keswick. Also this is top secret - but we have plans to release a standard Mo VX60 (Navy Blue) which is the 60 litre version of this pack in Navy Blue VX21 next month.
The 60l is gonna be perfect for my winter setup. There’s a full review coming up soon. Bit of a joint effort…don’t take just my word for it. @Andrew Beavers has a few things to say about the Mo Ep 50.
I’ll tell you what, when all is said and done after a fucking shite week at work, you can’t beat a bit of this channel for a chill out and a beer on a Friday night. Keep striving forward Paul you have more energy than most of society nowadays subscriber since 5K
Had my Katadyn filter clog pretty badly when filtering from a peaty spring on the saddle of two munros and it slowed right down to a drip. Couldn't get the flow rate back after that until I tried soaking in dilute bleach overnight and it was good as new. Seems to get rid of whatever biofilm had built up on the filaments. I'm debating taking a little container of bleach with me on the West Highland Way in case it clogs on me again but I'm not sure how I'd dispose of it.
I had similar issues with my BFree slowing over the course of a trip, but managed to solve the issue by part filling the bag with water, (maybe 1/3rd) then screwing the top back on with plenty of air in the bag, then shaking vigorously for a minute or so, then unscrew and empty out before refilling and filtering. Should find it speeds up again, at least I did, and now I try to do this process every couple of uses to stop it getting so slow again in future. Hope this helps someone else!
I have those same Salomon GTX boots and have similar experiences, they work well for puddles and bogs, not so well vs water entering from above. They do let some water ingress in bad conditions, but for 1-2 days your feet will still be drier than with trail runners that simply don't dry out in these sort of saturating UK conditions. I have the Saloman XA filter (basically the same as the Befree). Great flow rate, no issues yet. After every trip I give it a 12h diluted vinegar soak followed by a 24h white bleach soak. Flow rate is still good as new.
A nice breakdown of your kit Paul. With regard to the issues with your boots, I can highly recommend getting a pair of SEALSKINZ Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Socks. I own a pair, just in case I step in a bog that goes over the top of my boots, or they spring a leak like yours did. You can literally step in a puddle of water, wearing just the socks, and your feet will stay dry. I won't post the direct URL (Amazon) link, as I think that the YT algorithm is blocking the post (as my first post attempt on this matter to you never showed up), but if you do a quick Google for them, then that should remedy the situation.
@@Chris66able I totally agree with you Chris. As well as being 100% waterproof & warm, I also find them to be really comfortable due to their thickness. They're a quality product.
Have you tried a Paramo fleece at all Paul? I really rate them for versatility, pretty windproof on their own but let enough through to stop you from overheating, can shrug off a light shower and really weatherproof when combined with their windproof and dries super quick. Actually combined it with a Fjallraven Skogso G1000 yesterday and works well also. Really trying to shift all my outdoor gear to more repairable and sustainable stuff.
Great vid as usual Paul. I went to Scotland many years ago with a mate when I was in the TA, so used the issued kit. It was over Christmas period. Now I’m getting back into the outdoors, I’ve just brought a pair of Salomon GTX 4’s from Cotswold Outdoors (after several TH-cam reviews) went for the full height as I need the ankle support. Very comfortable walking round in the shop 😁 very good service, 3 year warranty, and for £4.50 they treated them with a special coating, recommended retreating every couple of months. Looking forward to getting out & about. Thanks again for your vids, very informative and inspirational
Hi Andy, I wore a pair locally and I would have recommended them 100%. 20-mile hikes around Dorset they're great! However, I wore them on the Cape Wrath Trail and they let me down massively. The sole disintegrated and I fell too many times to remember. I got a replacement pair but I'm not taking them on my next trip to Scotland. I found some hate them, but some love them. I bought them because they were lightweight and waterproof. It didn't matter when you're up to your knees in rivers 😉I hope you have better experience than me 👍
I just got some in the low ankle, non-goretex version and I love them! Really lightweight but feels sturdier than a trail runner. I've never managed to keep waterproof boots dry in Scotland so I'm leaning into the idea of just having wet feet that dry faster.
Have you thought about producing that stove? You won’t be the only one who thinks it’s great…nice little earner on the side and a nice addition to the Messner line…
Your final comments are very wise - each kit set up is individual to ourselves and what may work for you may not work for me. Myself, I prefer Páramo when in the Scottish mountains. And leather boots - either my Brashers or Hanwags. Anyway, I may be seeing in October how good my new Messner Tri Dri Long Sleeve Performance 1/4 Zip top performs against my usual performance top!
These feedbacks are amazing. That tent must be great. Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. Success and good winds Paul.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🏕️🏞️ 🇬🇧
I think you’re BeFree is like that because of use in Peak District with all that turbidity up there. I don’t think there’s a solution to it, someone should design a peat friendly filter👹
ALL filters will eventually block, the trick is to filter an extra litre of water for back flushing, IF you have a filter system thats flexible to allow that....mine does.
I usually enjoy your content, but this I loved. Real feedback from real conditions! It's time you got yourself so leather boots though!! I asked for feedback on the tent and now you've provided that too - very much appreciated. Sometime a 'in my experience' comparison video between the SC1 and the Soulo would be really interesting.
I have the xtherm regular and it is good , being a side sleeper and poor sleeper , after a few tapered air matts I decided to go rectangular and it makes so much sense 😀
That exped inside out stuff sack pillow is a great idea, never seen it before but want one. As bike tourer of many years I love multiple use items. Cheers.
What puts me off the thermarest xtherm is the noise, when I tested it was like crisp packets scrunching… sea to summit ether light xtreme seems more preferable, less noise and also does not feel as bouncy. Great content 🎉
I've had my Befree clog up as well - blamed it on the dirty Peak District water. I ended up cleaning it by soaking the filter part in a dilute bleach solution in a jam jar overnight. Good as new now. Obviously can't do that out in the wild though!
I flush my befree filter after every trip just under cold running water seems to help and when on a trip were the water isn't great I find filter a bit of water and swilling the filter in it helps a lot but peaty water is always hard to filter I find
@@craig3401 me too mate, though definitely find the Befree is prone to clogging. Now I store it ‘wet’ in a jam jar of very dilute bleach solution in between trips. Served me very well using this method, I read it on some American hiking forum. Overall the Befree is a cracking filter though. When it’s clean the flow rate is incredible.
@@abstractgroove160 yea keeping it wet helps I've had mine dry out and when I used it it took ages for it to work.its the best filter I've used so definitely sticking with it
There is no better water filter than the befree. there are a number of third-party companies that create excellent reservoir bags for the befree. As for the filter clogging just prefilter using a rag or your t-shirt.
Also, with regard to clogging with the BeFree, if you leave it for 20 mins before squeezing, the water soaks into the fibrous membrane thing inside it, enabling it to become more porous than its dried out state, thus increasing the flow rate.
I had a Terra Nova Ultra Quasar early 2000’s in Australia backpacking. I camped on a beach side camp site during a cyclone. Caravans leaking and blowing. I watched from the tent hoping nothing would hit me. Brilliant, stayed dry 👍🏻
Thanks for the GoPro 10 info, I’ve heard good and bad about earlier versions. Concerning the Stormin’ Norman Stove, here in California we are discouraged from using alcohol stoves because of their supposed fire danger, although I think the Caldera Cone types are not that dangerous in that regard myself. Anyway really like your channel keep up the good work.
So true about the stove in California. I live just below the Oregon boarder. The Chetco ranger district is in class 1 fire danger, but allows all liquid and pressurized stoves, just no campfires in backcountry (until November)
I did a 4 day backpack in Lassen Nat’l Park with 7 people about 8 years ago. We had one ultralight guy with a 9 lb pack that looked like a stuff sack with shoulder straps up to a skinny Russian lady with a 45 lb pack who never complained. We weighed all the packs at the trailhead. My pack was about 17 lbs. I had a Caldera Cone alcohol stove and the ultralight guy told me it was illegal there. I stopped using alcohol stoves after that. He had some little $10 canister stove that sounded like an F-35 taking off on full afterburner. We called him Stupid Light although he was a college professor at UC Davis. Slainte!
ive been backpacking for almost 32 years and has much as love watching these videos of all you backpackers you all use more gear in a one video than ive owned in 32 years
@@antduke2361 thing is with RAB it was started by a man who had vast experience and he made stuff he would use himself. Anyone offers me free RAB gear I’m not saying no.
For the befree on longer trips with possible dodgy water sources I carry a very small amount of milton fluid, add it to cool boiled water, dip your filter in it for 30min or so, works a treat to clear the filter out and get back to normal flow after having that frustrating squeeze the life out of the bottle moment 👌
There is an argument in Scotland that if the weather is bad boots are pointless, unless you wear wellies you're going to get wet. A lot of people, myself included, prefer trail runners as they dry more quickly and are lighter although it's very much a personal preference. I use a Sawyer Mini filter but also carry (as it's very light) a Millbank bag from Forest Fundamentals. I can use it as a sediment filter in peaty areas, or as a pre-filter for the Sawyer. It's only a particulate filter, so water still needs to be boiled, treated or filtered again before use.
Cruachan... I disagree completely and my preference is to use Scarpa Manta boots (non-gtx version) during all seasons, all weather, across all terrains and altitudes. Simply use a natural beeswax to feed and waterproof the leather (I use Redback Bootwax or Grangers G-Wax) and your feet will remain warm and dry in snow, pounding rains, trekking through marshes or crossing mountain streams. The advantage of using the non-gortex version is that the boots don't overheat and avoids the problems with cracks in goretex linings. Even though the thick 3mm reversed leather is silicone-treated by Scarpa to maintain a waterproof layer, it still breathes far better than goretex. For temperature fluctuations between seasons, I simply wear ultra-thin socks in summer/spring/autumn and slightly thicker merino wool socks during winter.
@@cruachan1191 ...and that's why I wrote "...my preference". Wearing 'trail runners' on the sort of terrain I regularly cross or climb would be useless and their total lack of support would more than likely cause me to tear up toes or break an ankle. I've never found trail shoes or trainers to be keep my feet dry either. I also never filter water 💦 and simply drink the wild water wherever I am trekking or climbing. A good balanced stomach flora and immune system will easily cope with unfiltered water direct from springs, lakes, streams and rivers.
My last Scottish trip in May was wet as hell. My Salomon quests were totally waterproof until day 3 when the water was over the boots. I bought a newspaper at Glen Nevis campsite to dry them out. Once it gets days on end of rain the boots eventually get waterlogged, be they leather or synthetic.
@@koudacyen Doesn't work once the paths turn into streams. I wear gaiters and they help a bit but when you end up wading, nothing helps. Oh and these boots have bellows tongues. Once it goes above the boot, the only thing that will help is something like a yeti gaiter. I wouldn't wear them outside winter as the rand would be destroyed on rocky ground.
Off-path walking in Scotland I've found it virtually impossible to keep boots dry in all seasons. Just got some non-goretex Salomon GTX 4s and I'm really liking them. Yes, you get wet feet, but once you get used to it it's nice to not have to care about trying to keep boots dry, and they shed the water really well so you don't have to deal with endless squelching. And I can get them dry overnight at camp which I never have for a waterproof boot.
Do you not use external microphone now? Your sound is good if just those windy socks on gopro . Thanks for video always interesting to see what people take Ziploc bags for milk powder and save bit of weight and bulk
Hi from New Zealand. Paul I just watched this and see you used a little container for coffee etc I'm motorcycle camping, I worry about how the container uses up the same space empty as it does full. I know, a bit OCD but have you tried using zip loc bags or similar for stuff like that? Of all the outdoor TH-cams I find you and Sandy the most watchable. You haven't made a dud yet. I feel like it's a big family. Best wishes, Andrew.
With my leather hiking boots (Lowa Camino GTX) I clean and beeswax them 2 or 3 times a year. Warm them up to 50C or so in the oven or near a heater, then rub in all the beeswax they’ll take. Wipe off the excess and you’re good! It keeps water from coming through if there’s a leak in the membrane, and when I’m snowshoeing in them it keeps the leather from absorbing water and then freezing. That makes them pretty warm down to around -10C. My feet still stay nice and sweat-free.
If you could name one company who's gear you trust and use a lot....? 😂😂 Looks like a RAB showroom 😉 Not saying it in a bad way, if anything, it's testament to them that someone with so much experience has ended up with so much of their gear. Thanks for the breakdown. It's always nice ot see what people prioritise on multi-day hikes.
Very good and informative video, the rab waterproof jacket pricked my ears. One criticism, and this is just my opinion but water filters really aren't necessary in the UK unless drinking from a stagnant pond. I find them gimmicky and a blag by marketers. We have trillions of litres of fresh clean water running down our hillsides and if its boiled and there are no dead animals upstream the water is perfectly safe.
cracking video mate.. good set of boots to look at are the lowa tibet mate i have a pair and havent let me down yet.. just a thought :) just had my new tent so hope to try it out in the south of wales wet weather soon.
I’ve had two pairs of the Salomon X Ultra 3 boots and both sets began to leak soon after purchasing them. Salomon customer service was poor and very reluctant to take returns and give refund only a replacement. Have transferred allegiance to La Sportiva Ulra Raptor II Mid, hoping they will be better.
Great videos as always Paul, what was the little tripod you are using with your go pro? Any chance you can do a camera/videoing equipment video to show us what you use? Keep up the great work x
Great Vids - and you have a great way of putting it all over in a relaxed manner - I used to do a fair bit of hiking in Cairngorms 30yrs back -day trips typically (aside from the Lhairig Ghru overnight return) i'd typically buy a couple of 1L bottles of water from petrol station ; then fill up in streams - same thing in glen nevis , glencoe area too didn't do me any harm ; although I wouldn't do it now !
Hi Paul, I can recommend the Sport Berkey Water filter gym bottle 600 ML it will filter the water, is easy to use, currently £50 and £30 for a spare filter
I am ex MRT (Lakes) and have climbed all round the world. I have never used any Goretex equipment that has kept me dry! Thankfully, a lot of it was free!
![[ TEASER ] เงาะป่า - วงL.กฮ. | TMG RECORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M4ObdFfcPww/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice to hear a shout out for a light windproof jacket. I've always carried/worn one since army days. It also doubles up as an extra layer in the sleeping bag over a base layer.
I bought a buffalo windshirt a few years ago , wasn't sure if I was gonna use it much as it didn't have a hood 😃 but I end up using it all the time now for mtb and bikepacking , windshirts the way to go 🙂
If you want to test yourself to the limit come up to Shetland wind and rain but can wild camp anywhere
All those jackets and layers just make me realise yet again how genius my Buffalo gear is.
Not into thin down jacket .I have one bit has been demoted and replaced with a Decathlon-5 synthetic .I realised that a down jacket doesn't make sense if it might rain . There is little weight difference on a thin jacket. I have thicker down jackets ( - 16 and - 40 ) for very cold weather ..were it is too cold to rain .
Absolutely. As much as I like my down jackets, have generally stopped taking them on overnight trips unless weather 100% guaranteed good - not often. Synthetic very good now when it comes to weight and packed size of jackets. When wet, down is immediately useless and will be for the rest of the trip. When wet, synthetic retains 80% (I think) thermal efficiency and will keep working. One may not agree perhaps, but recently I chatted with some river rafting guides from the Franklin River, Tasmania, and apparently they're moving over to synthetic jackets - but not their sleeping bags yet. Generally still too bulky.
But still glad I have down too but the my synthetic more versatile for longer trips I feel.
@@eggmammal
Really enjoyed watching your Scotland trip
The waterproofness of boots is an interesting issue. They leather and/or goretex may stop the water coming through the sides but are susceptible to water coming over the top or draining down through the socks from your legs/trousers. This makes putting on waterproof overpants early on quite important or you could use gaiters. These seem to have gone out of fashion perhaps in the UK but are still used widely in Australia as snake protection as well as for against rain!
Glad your Mo is getting some use Paul!
For anyone interested in that pack - it is sold out right now but we will be releasing a new batch tomorrow. Made by us in Keswick.
Also this is top secret - but we have plans to release a standard Mo VX60 (Navy Blue) which is the 60 litre version of this pack in Navy Blue VX21 next month.
The 60l is gonna be perfect for my winter setup. There’s a full review coming up soon. Bit of a joint effort…don’t take just my word for it. @Andrew Beavers has a few things to say about the Mo Ep 50.
Wonderful and informative...and yet I keep waiting for you to cut back to yourself so we can see that awesome landscape behind you.
I’ll tell you what, when all is said and done after a fucking shite week at work, you can’t beat a bit of this channel for a chill out and a beer on a Friday night. Keep striving forward Paul you have more energy than most of society nowadays subscriber since 5K
Try inov8 boots or better la sportiva
Or be brave trail shoes and let water in and out :)
Come a long way since oxford nylon packs and plastic cagoules 😂👍.
The rain is great, keeps the midgies at bay!
Had my Katadyn filter clog pretty badly when filtering from a peaty spring on the saddle of two munros and it slowed right down to a drip. Couldn't get the flow rate back after that until I tried soaking in dilute bleach overnight and it was good as new. Seems to get rid of whatever biofilm had built up on the filaments. I'm debating taking a little container of bleach with me on the West Highland Way in case it clogs on me again but I'm not sure how I'd dispose of it.
You should look in to the kuiu kit and you don't have to take the big bag full a kit like that we go hunting and don't take that. Must for a week
I had similar issues with my BFree slowing over the course of a trip, but managed to solve the issue by part filling the bag with water, (maybe 1/3rd) then screwing the top back on with plenty of air in the bag, then shaking vigorously for a minute or so, then unscrew and empty out before refilling and filtering. Should find it speeds up again, at least I did, and now I try to do this process every couple of uses to stop it getting so slow again in future. Hope this helps someone else!
Did exactly the same Morgan. Was a bit worried when my one stopped working but got it going again without much difficulty.
Wonder why they stopped making "the cone". Looks awesome.
Great video Paul👍
Can I ask what cover fits your Mo 50 please?as I’ve got one on order and think the extra protection will be handy.
Cheers
I have those same Salomon GTX boots and have similar experiences, they work well for puddles and bogs, not so well vs water entering from above. They do let some water ingress in bad conditions, but for 1-2 days your feet will still be drier than with trail runners that simply don't dry out in these sort of saturating UK conditions.
I have the Saloman XA filter (basically the same as the Befree). Great flow rate, no issues yet. After every trip I give it a 12h diluted vinegar soak followed by a 24h white bleach soak. Flow rate is still good as new.
Did you swish the befree out in the water before you used it? I found mine clogged a but but a quick swish sorted it 👍
A nice breakdown of your kit Paul. With regard to the issues with your boots, I can highly recommend getting a pair of SEALSKINZ Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Socks. I own a pair, just in case I step in a bog that goes over the top of my boots, or they spring a leak like yours did. You can literally step in a puddle of water, wearing just the socks, and your feet will stay dry. I won't post the direct URL (Amazon) link, as I think that the YT algorithm is blocking the post (as my first post attempt on this matter to you never showed up), but if you do a quick Google for them, then that should remedy the situation.
SEALSKINZ are absolutely brilliant, I have 3 pairs. It doesn't matter how wet it is they keep your feet warm and dry..
@@Chris66able I totally agree with you Chris. As well as being 100% waterproof & warm, I also find them to be really comfortable due to their thickness. They're a quality product.
I take it your go to brand is rab then paul? What boots would you recommend over the Solomon? Cheers pal
Have you tried a Paramo fleece at all Paul? I really rate them for versatility, pretty windproof on their own but let enough through to stop you from overheating, can shrug off a light shower and really weatherproof when combined with their windproof and dries super quick. Actually combined it with a Fjallraven Skogso G1000 yesterday and works well also. Really trying to shift all my outdoor gear to more repairable and sustainable stuff.
Great vid as usual Paul. I went to Scotland many years ago with a mate when I was in the TA, so used the issued kit. It was over Christmas period. Now I’m getting back into the outdoors, I’ve just brought a pair of Salomon GTX 4’s from Cotswold Outdoors (after several TH-cam reviews) went for the full height as I need the ankle support. Very comfortable walking round in the shop 😁 very good service, 3 year warranty, and for £4.50 they treated them with a special coating, recommended retreating every couple of months. Looking forward to getting out & about. Thanks again for your vids, very informative and inspirational
Hi Andy, I wore a pair locally and I would have recommended them 100%. 20-mile hikes around Dorset they're great! However, I wore them on the Cape Wrath Trail and they let me down massively. The sole disintegrated and I fell too many times to remember. I got a replacement pair but I'm not taking them on my next trip to Scotland. I found some hate them, but some love them. I bought them because they were lightweight and waterproof. It didn't matter when you're up to your knees in rivers 😉I hope you have better experience than me 👍
I just got some in the low ankle, non-goretex version and I love them! Really lightweight but feels sturdier than a trail runner. I've never managed to keep waterproof boots dry in Scotland so I'm leaning into the idea of just having wet feet that dry faster.
Do you mind If I ask what settings you use on your GoPro Paul? I can never seem to get it as crisp as you manage too! 😂
Wow that’s a lot of expensive kit!
Liked the real world conditions kit test Paul - great video.
Do you favour Rab because of the Sheffield connection? 😀
Have you thought about producing that stove? You won’t be the only one who thinks it’s great…nice little earner on the side and a nice addition to the Messner line…
Your final comments are very wise - each kit set up is individual to ourselves and what may work for you may not work for me.
Myself, I prefer Páramo when in the Scottish mountains. And leather boots - either my Brashers or Hanwags. Anyway, I may be seeing in October how good my new Messner Tri Dri Long Sleeve Performance 1/4 Zip top performs against my usual performance top!
Hi Paul, would love a long term review on the Atom Mo 50 & the Roo, pro’s & cons etc. Cheers for the vids 🏕
Sponsored by Rab? Ive got one of their jackets which is old and now only used for dog walking. Stuff is great but gee it's expensive
These feedbacks are amazing. That tent must be great. Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. Success and good winds Paul.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🏕️🏞️ 🇬🇧
This was brilliant it too easy to get caught up in buying things then you end up with a tonne of junk
Fantastic video Paul. Love the kit selection; am a bit of a Rab fanboy myself!! 👍🏻👌🏻
I think you’re BeFree is like that because of use in Peak District with all that turbidity up there. I don’t think there’s a solution to it, someone should design a peat friendly filter👹
Wind shirts really good
Great video as always Paul. Interesting to see the kit used during your trip. 👍👏👏👏
ALL filters will eventually block, the trick is to filter an extra litre of water for back flushing, IF you have a filter system thats flexible to allow that....mine does.
I usually enjoy your content, but this I loved. Real feedback from real conditions! It's time you got yourself so leather boots though!! I asked for feedback on the tent and now you've provided that too - very much appreciated. Sometime a 'in my experience' comparison video between the SC1 and the Soulo would be really interesting.
I have the xtherm regular and it is good , being a side sleeper and poor sleeper , after a few tapered air matts I decided to go rectangular and it makes so much sense 😀
I don't know how anyone sleeps on those surfboard mats!
That exped inside out stuff sack pillow is a great idea, never seen it before but want one. As bike tourer of many years I love multiple use items. Cheers.
What puts me off the thermarest xtherm is the noise, when I tested it was like crisp packets scrunching… sea to summit ether light xtreme seems more preferable, less noise and also does not feel as bouncy. Great content 🎉
I've had my Befree clog up as well - blamed it on the dirty Peak District water. I ended up cleaning it by soaking the filter part in a dilute bleach solution in a jam jar overnight. Good as new now. Obviously can't do that out in the wild though!
I flush my befree filter after every trip just under cold running water seems to help and when on a trip were the water isn't great I find filter a bit of water and swilling the filter in it helps a lot but peaty water is always hard to filter I find
Thanks I’ll check it out.
@@craig3401 me too mate, though definitely find the Befree is prone to clogging. Now I store it ‘wet’ in a jam jar of very dilute bleach solution in between trips. Served me very well using this method, I read it on some American hiking forum.
Overall the Befree is a cracking filter though. When it’s clean the flow rate is incredible.
@@abstractgroove160 yea keeping it wet helps I've had mine dry out and when I used it it took ages for it to work.its the best filter I've used so definitely sticking with it
@@PaulMessner I put mine in water with a baby bottle purification tab works a treat good as new 😊
There is no better water filter than the befree. there are a number of third-party companies that create excellent reservoir bags for the befree. As for the filter clogging just prefilter using a rag or your t-shirt.
Also, with regard to clogging with the BeFree, if you leave it for 20 mins before squeezing, the water soaks into the fibrous membrane thing inside it, enabling it to become more porous than its dried out state, thus increasing the flow rate.
I had a Terra Nova Ultra Quasar early 2000’s in Australia backpacking. I camped on a beach side camp site during a cyclone. Caravans leaking and blowing. I watched from the tent hoping nothing would hit me.
Brilliant, stayed dry 👍🏻
will you recommend the go pro hero 9?
Rab stuff is the job 👌
Thanks for the GoPro 10 info, I’ve heard good and bad about earlier versions. Concerning the Stormin’ Norman Stove, here in California we are discouraged from using alcohol stoves because of their supposed fire danger, although I think the Caldera Cone types are not that dangerous in that regard myself. Anyway really like your channel keep up the good work.
So true about the stove in California. I live just below the Oregon boarder. The Chetco ranger district is in class 1 fire danger, but allows all liquid and pressurized stoves, just no campfires in backcountry (until November)
I did a 4 day backpack in Lassen Nat’l Park with 7 people about 8 years ago. We had one ultralight guy with a 9 lb pack that looked like a stuff sack with shoulder straps up to a skinny Russian lady with a 45 lb pack who never complained. We weighed all the packs at the trailhead. My pack was about 17 lbs. I had a Caldera Cone alcohol stove and the ultralight guy told me it was illegal there. I stopped using alcohol stoves after that. He had some little $10 canister stove that sounded like an F-35 taking off on full afterburner. We called him Stupid Light although he was a college professor at UC Davis. Slainte!
ive been backpacking for almost 32 years and has much as love watching these videos of all you backpackers you all use more gear in a one video than ive owned in 32 years
You got to have the RAB especially if it's sponsored
@@antduke2361 bit harsh mate. Bit of a jealous hater eh?
A man with all the gear and the idea’s to back it up 💡 👏
@@antduke2361 thing is with RAB it was started by a man who had vast experience and he made stuff he would use himself. Anyone offers me free RAB gear I’m not saying no.
Its Paul's job to have loads of gear. That's how he makes his living. Good job Paul
For the Katadyn I've found if you soak the filter overnight either separated or with water in the bag it seems to de-clog it pretty well
How do you deal with soaked outer clothing in such a small telt on these trips?
Dehydrated camping food can you talk a little about the costs?
For the befree on longer trips with possible dodgy water sources I carry a very small amount of milton fluid, add it to cool boiled water, dip your filter in it for 30min or so, works a treat to clear the filter out and get back to normal flow after having that frustrating squeeze the life out of the bottle moment 👌
I can't afford any of this... :(
Geo-engineering at it's best in the sky!!!
Great video Paul. Re the BeFree filter - totally agree. On my long distance trails i stick to the sawyer.
A great video again mate, as regards the Storming Norman what are the dimensions, I'm sure you could make a similar style copy
For sugar I nab little sugar packets are nearly every little coffee shop or national trust place I can
Rab advert !
There is an argument in Scotland that if the weather is bad boots are pointless, unless you wear wellies you're going to get wet. A lot of people, myself included, prefer trail runners as they dry more quickly and are lighter although it's very much a personal preference.
I use a Sawyer Mini filter but also carry (as it's very light) a Millbank bag from Forest Fundamentals. I can use it as a sediment filter in peaty areas, or as a pre-filter for the Sawyer. It's only a particulate filter, so water still needs to be boiled, treated or filtered again before use.
Cruachan... I disagree completely and my preference is to use Scarpa Manta boots (non-gtx version) during all seasons, all weather, across all terrains and altitudes. Simply use a natural beeswax to feed and waterproof the leather (I use Redback Bootwax or Grangers G-Wax) and your feet will remain warm and dry in snow, pounding rains, trekking through marshes or crossing mountain streams. The advantage of using the non-gortex version is that the boots don't overheat and avoids the problems with cracks in goretex linings. Even though the thick 3mm reversed leather is silicone-treated by Scarpa to maintain a waterproof layer, it still breathes far better than goretex. For temperature fluctuations between seasons, I simply wear ultra-thin socks in summer/spring/autumn and slightly thicker merino wool socks during winter.
@@Globetrotter-1 That's why my post says "personal preference", what works for you is always the best option regardless of what others think
@@cruachan1191 ...and that's why I wrote "...my preference". Wearing 'trail runners' on the sort of terrain I regularly cross or climb would be useless and their total lack of support would more than likely cause me to tear up toes or break an ankle. I've never found trail shoes or trainers to be keep my feet dry either.
I also never filter water 💦 and simply drink the wild water wherever I am trekking or climbing. A good balanced stomach flora and immune system will easily cope with unfiltered water direct from springs, lakes, streams and rivers.
My last Scottish trip in May was wet as hell. My Salomon quests were totally waterproof until day 3 when the water was over the boots. I bought a newspaper at Glen Nevis campsite to dry them out.
Once it gets days on end of rain the boots eventually get waterlogged, be they leather or synthetic.
Buy a boot cover/tongue cover
@@koudacyen Doesn't work once the paths turn into streams. I wear gaiters and they help a bit but when you end up wading, nothing helps.
Oh and these boots have bellows tongues. Once it goes above the boot, the only thing that will help is something like a yeti gaiter. I wouldn't wear them outside winter as the rand would be destroyed on rocky ground.
@@BrokenBackMountains My Salomon GTX 4’s didn't survive the Cape Wrath Trail. As you said when its above your knee its over 🤣
Off-path walking in Scotland I've found it virtually impossible to keep boots dry in all seasons. Just got some non-goretex Salomon GTX 4s and I'm really liking them. Yes, you get wet feet, but once you get used to it it's nice to not have to care about trying to keep boots dry, and they shed the water really well so you don't have to deal with endless squelching. And I can get them dry overnight at camp which I never have for a waterproof boot.
@@92Pyromaniac
Need walking wellies?
You got a Rab discount card!, 😂
No. I shop at the mountain outfitters outlet. Most stuff is half price.
@@PaulMessner will have a look.
Are you sponsored by Rab or do you just like the brand ?
Wawww....nice and simple gear
I absolutely love your channel
Do you not use external microphone now? Your sound is good if just those windy socks on gopro . Thanks for video always interesting to see what people take
Ziploc bags for milk powder and save bit of weight and bulk
meatball kebab is very nice
... and practice/test your gear out first before you set off on that kind of adventure. 👍
Hi from New Zealand. Paul I just watched this and see you used a little container for coffee etc I'm motorcycle camping, I worry about how the container uses up the same space empty as it does full. I know, a bit OCD but have you tried using zip loc bags or similar for stuff like that?
Of all the outdoor TH-cams I find you and Sandy the most watchable. You haven't made a dud yet. I feel like it's a big family. Best wishes, Andrew.
With my leather hiking boots (Lowa Camino GTX) I clean and beeswax them 2 or 3 times a year. Warm them up to 50C or so in the oven or near a heater, then rub in all the beeswax they’ll take. Wipe off the excess and you’re good! It keeps water from coming through if there’s a leak in the membrane, and when I’m snowshoeing in them it keeps the leather from absorbing water and then freezing. That makes them pretty warm down to around -10C. My feet still stay nice and sweat-free.
If you could name one company who's gear you trust and use a lot....? 😂😂 Looks like a RAB showroom 😉 Not saying it in a bad way, if anything, it's testament to them that someone with so much experience has ended up with so much of their gear. Thanks for the breakdown. It's always nice ot see what people prioritise on multi-day hikes.
Very good and informative video, the rab waterproof jacket pricked my ears. One criticism, and this is just my opinion but water filters really aren't necessary in the UK unless drinking from a stagnant pond. I find them gimmicky and a blag by marketers. We have trillions of litres of fresh clean water running down our hillsides and if its boiled and there are no dead animals upstream the water is perfectly safe.
how u doiing?, Thank you~this is amazing - broth!
Good thanks. You?
cracking video mate.. good set of boots to look at are the lowa tibet mate i have a pair and havent let me down yet.. just a thought :) just had my new tent so hope to try it out in the south of wales wet weather soon.
I’ve had two pairs of the Salomon X Ultra 3 boots and both sets began to leak soon after purchasing them. Salomon customer service was poor and very reluctant to take returns and give refund only a replacement.
Have transferred allegiance to La Sportiva Ulra Raptor II Mid, hoping they will be better.
Sorry to be picky, but your Thumbnail was very miss leading. So really the only things that let you down was boots and water filter?
..cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…
Great videos as always Paul, what was the little tripod you are using with your go pro? Any chance you can do a camera/videoing equipment video to show us what you use? Keep up the great work x
I've never had a pair of Salomon that didn't leak. Bloody awful boots in that respect.
Boots
Clean and treat them with Nixwax boot treatment
You will very pleasantly suprized how better the boots will be
Great Vids - and you have a great way of putting it all over in a relaxed manner
- I used to do a fair bit of hiking in Cairngorms 30yrs back -day trips typically (aside from the Lhairig Ghru overnight return) i'd typically buy a couple of 1L bottles of water from petrol station ; then fill up in streams - same thing in glen nevis , glencoe area too
didn't do me any harm ; although I wouldn't do it now !
You live in Sheffield Paul if they don’t do the stormin Norman cones have some mester Messner ones designed for your website 😂
Did you go to the Mountain Warehouse shop in Aviemore? Great shop, that. Very helpful staff.
Delighted to see your channel grow Paul !!! I remember back when you said you quit your job !!!
Hello Paul
I'm on low income and was wondering whether you have heard of Alps Mountaineering 1 man tent?
Great show mate.🇬🇧🤟
Hi Paul, I can recommend the Sport Berkey Water filter gym bottle 600 ML it will filter the water, is easy to use, currently £50 and £30 for a spare filter
Get a shower cap as a weather cover for your bum bag. We use them on smaller electronics in the rain on film sets.
Love your videos, so inspiring, easy to watch & follow, keep them coming my friend 💪
Rab vital windproof is a great bit of kit at a great price, have hood and hoodless versions.
I've got a few Rab jackets and mid layers. I'm actually glad I live too far away to get to their outlet store, I'd have no wages left every week.
That’s where I buy my stuff from.
Sawyer mini is a great water filter, you should check that out Paul. You can back flush that on the trail 👍
Rab gear or Montane?
Nice one Paul good to see what gear worked.
Just pre ordered your new base layer on your web site 😁
Atb Graham
I am ex MRT (Lakes) and have climbed all round the world. I have never used any Goretex equipment that has kept me dry! Thankfully, a lot of it was free!
Interesting point, thanks....
Have you found anything that has kept you dry, Paramo etc?
How come you haven't used your rab tent again yet or that just your winter tent..?
Why you’re bonnie
Now you know how I felt every time I went up a Monroe it rained most days 😂😂😂😂😂
If it ain't raining it ain't training. Ace video mate as always 👍☔
Grayl Geopress Purifier, buy once cry once.
Neat stuffsack/pillow cover
👋🏻