Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

Advice on pack size and pack lists is almost impossible as it varies by the individual so much IME. Some people love having a big pack so they've got more options, I swear by taking the smallest pack possible as it stops you taking too much!

To be fair, I think we have settled on a range as a group. 40L is the smallest and 60L is the largest you should consider for multi day hiking in the UK

As in, a bear proof canister with food in. Not something to spray bears with!

Aaaah. Makes sense now. Was also wondering why they were so heavy on your list!

Last time I went climbing in Canada my Canadian friend bought bear spray, a pair of .45 Beretta carbines and a dog!

A pair of carbines so I could carry one, she wasn't going all Rambo on me.

I use an Osprey Talon 33 for Munros. Summer and Winter. But then it's usually up and down in 8 hours or less.

Feels unlikely i'll ever get to do it, but my PW kit (aka multiday self supported ultra kit) is about 8kg and packs into 25l. Still seems like i'd be travelling heavy at that, although no doubt I'd panic in the days before & pack more crap into chest pouch & waist bag.

Thanks all for the advices on backpacks. Looks like I'm off to find myself a nice 40L one then.

Saw this posted somewhere else yesterday. It's the old model but i think they get good reviews. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exped-LIGHTNING-45-Ltr-Rucksack-Black-Save-40-Free-Shipping/193667889385?hash=item2d178178e9:g:PRoAAOSwu6VfY16P

I haven't used one so obvs do your own research.

My current 40l backpack is a Granite Gear Crown 2 38.

Ah they have serious bears in Canada don't they. I'd want some bear spray for up there!

h they have serious bears in Canada don't they. I'd want some bear spray for up there!

Apparently having a dog is the best form of defence. Bears are shit scared of them.

I'm no bear expert but i'd say that having a dog, bear spray and two firearms was probably a bit of overkill although my friend has had a near miss with an angry bear before so perhaps her mind has been focussed more than most!

I remember coming across a tree that had been torn to shreds by a bear sharpening its claws. Was an amazing thing to see. And then my brain suddenly panicked that it could be nearby still. I damn near shat myself.

Public Service announcement: other mountains are available in Snowdonia

Christ 🙄

Moving back to Canada in the spring (I left when I was 6!). On canoe trips in Quebec and Ontario we usually just carry bear spray and make noise when we see them. But as we're moving to BC / grizzly territory, I think this is an excellent excuse to get a crag dog, right @IdealStandard?

I'm sure this doesn't happen often, but when climbing, what the hell do you do if a bear approaches you while you're belaying?

Last time I went climbing in Canada my Canadian friend bought bear spray, a pair of .45 Beretta carbines and a dog!

I'm hoping there's more to this story than just a day out at the crag.

Just in case anyone is reading this and gets the wrong idea: it is not normal in Canada to do outdoorsy things like hiking or climbing with a gun. Even in the more remote bits where you'll be on your own for multiple nights and bears are very common. I'm not every sure of the legality of it, but I suspect the answer is "not very." The most common anti-bear measures are bells and bear spray.

Public Service announcement: other mountains are available in Snowdonia

These queues wouldn't exist if people didn't want to hang around taking selfies and shit on top though.

taking selfies and shit

I always enjoy taking a shit at the summit though, it's tradition.

One way to disperse the queues.

As long as you maintain eye contact with them whilst doing so

Just in case anyone is reading this and gets the wrong idea: it is not normal in Canada to do outdoorsy things like hiking or climbing with a gun

Happy to endorse this message. I dont know anybody else who takes a weapon into the backcountry in Canada, other than for hunting.

I'm not in touch with the girl any more but know some of her friends. Might ask them why she was so paranoid back then.

other mountains are available in Snowdonia

Sush you. Don't let the idiots know there is an entire National Park for them to go to.

MRT support just got quicker

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54331994

I mean, pretty sure having a helicopter service would be better...

Do you reckon jet packs will ever be safe enough for a mountain rescue team to put their faith in them? I have my doubts.

Follow on question...paramedics require insurance to work. I wonder if anybody would insure a paramedic with a jetpack?

Have had an invite from a friend thinking of climbing Mont Blanc, does anyone have any recommendations for a guide? There would be 4 of us. 2 with decent Scottish winter experience and 2 without