Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

https://atompacks.co.uk/blogs/news/walking-the-bob-graham-round

Not from eVent any more. Great material, rarely used now.

That’s a shame. I see the new ones are pertex, I don’t think I own anything made of that. Also have the Rab eVent bivvy bag and it’s way more breathable and more durable than the goretex one I used to have. I wonder why they stopped using it? Perhaps has PFAs/forever chemicals?

We did this last year (2023) from the cicerone guidebook.

It was an amazing route, and you’ll have a great time!

The guidebook mostly held up well, although there’s a few bits where there’s some new development.

In particular, Theth has a new access road and now attracts its share of instagrammers.
Although it’s still very beautiful.

If you’re intending to cook, we took a petrol stove. Couldn’t find gas canisters in Kosovo at all. (That apparently hasn’t changed)

Looking for used bouldering crash pad.
Doesn’t have to be mint.
Collection in London.

Thanks!

Off to North Wales with my child in a couple of weeks. Last year we walked up Cader Idris.

Looking for something similar. Not too busy, good views. Relatively accessible from a carpark and not too far from where we are staying (pin in map)

Any suggestions?

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This was a good walk. Similar area and if the weathers good you’ll see fighter jets flying low

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Mrs c00ps is ex of that parish (literally, as her father was a vicar). I shall ask if there are any hidden gems...

Jets would be fun. Heard them last time but they were pretty far away

You're just north of Cadair Idris there I think? The same ridge has just as good views etc but barely anyone goes to the other summits. There is a small car park n the North side (cash only when I was there about a year ago), which is a quiet route up.
Also the Rhinogs (area north of Barmouth up to Llandecwyn), lucky if you see more than a handful of people all day, opportunities for scrambling, generally not so steep and not as high but lovely scenery and views. There's a car park on the East side accessed off the Dolgellau - Ffestiniog road (marked on OS maps) as well as access from the West if you want to be coser to the beach (or chip shop) on the way home.

Rhinog Fawr definitely. some Roman Road involved

Cadair Idris

Isn't that the blizzardy pass that made the fellowship turn back and take the route through the mines of Moria instead?

Rhinog Fawr looks like a good plan. Thanks

Will try to see jets on another day

Visit Harlech and Barmouth

Go crabbing. Drink cider.

It is lovely up here. Nearly dying though.

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So first outing with the la sportiva ultra raptor boots yesterday in the lakes. They’re grippy, comfy, light and the right foot boot leaks like a sieve. Left foot totally dry, right foot I was pouring water out at the end.

It was hammering down all day so there’s a chance that it was water running down trousers. We’re out again today and tomorrow, so will see what’s what, and do the “fill the boot with water” test if needed

On another note - I need a bigger pack as I end up carrying everyone’s stuff. Anyone come across Atom packs? Keswick based outfit?

Happy with my atom pack, if overpacked it can be squeaky. If you aren’t desperate for UL i would get something a bit more study as it does sacrifice some comfort. That said though I’m very happy with mine. If anything, I wish I had got the 50L. I have the The Atom+ EP40.

Edit - mostly taking it on multi-day solo through hikes

I need a bigger pack as I end up carrying everyone’s stuff. Anyone come across Atom packs? Keswick based outfit?

Atom are great but aimed at lighter-weight carry as already mentioned by mobe.

Sounds like you need to ask folks to carry their own stuff? Then n+1 an Atom pack anyway.

Thanks

Everyone = wife and kid 😀 so limited negotiation.

I’ll have a think - I can get a Montane trailblazer 30 for half the price, but it’s likely (if anything like the 18) zero water resistance and 15l in the main bag and a zillion pockets and stuff to make up the next 15l. There’s also the rab aeron 30 which is probably more like an “off the shelf” atom 30

Decisions

Anyway Langdale today

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Alpkit Gourdon might meet your needs? You could get an Alpkit Atom to pack in it then offer to your wife/kid when they ask you to carry stuff too?

Langdale looking great btw.

Mine have never been all that waterproof. Even when it’s not raining I eventually get wet feet when on boggy ground. But they are very comfy and I can wear them all day even when my feet are wet so I’m not too bothered by it.

I’ve been using a Grantie Gear 22L backpack and really rate it.

Didn't really get on with my Trailblazer 18. Pockets are all a bit weird shapes and lack of bottle pockets was annoying, plus the UL sternum strap is hard to do up.

Wanted something a little bigger too so took a punt on a aliexpress Aonijie 30l pack. It's a rip off of a ultimate direction fastpack but supposedly with some improvements. Quite surprised with it tbh and enjoying it. My other half using it near Ullswater on saturday while i carried the baby...

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I’ll check out the Aonijie. And yep agree about the trailblazer. I find it works well with effort - flexi water bottles in the shoulder pockets, bars and stuff in the hip pockets, etc. but it’s all just a lot of effort and just too small for more than running.

I need some boots for walking the dog in woods, mud, wet grass of varying lengths.
I’ve had decathlon hiking boots for some years and they’re not waterproof anymore. The terrex boots (gore tex) have failed finally. They’ve been sprayed with nikwax and it’s not worked.

I’m cheap. Help me out.

Rigger boots for a dog walk

Wellies.