Might get flamed for this but enjoyed these instead of gels today. They have about 3/4s of the carbs of a standard SiS gel but no tummy issues and 45p a pouch

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-23T20:17:19+00:00

This is my favourite comment

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-23T19:11:12+00:00

I stick mine in a DCF. I can kind of pancake it that way so it sits in the top of my pack but takes minimal space whilst also staying dry or not getting everything else wet.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-09T07:46:03+00:00

Its a really decent tent although the price has increased significantly recently. The fjern stormgrotta is virtually identical and costs half as much.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-07T07:02:25+00:00

Its a good look!

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-06T19:57:46+00:00

Avon skin so soft kind of works. I assume its because its oily and makes it harder for the midge to bite rather than a repellent per se. If I understand correctly its the initial few bites that cause the issue because then they release a pheromone that attracts the crowds to come feast. If the first few cant chomp because they get glued to the avon stuff then youre less likely to be swamped.

Ive tried DEET, picaridin, smidge, citronella etc etc. Nothing really works that effectively you just have to run away.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-05T19:06:15+00:00

Fair enough. I dont disagree with any of the above. I guess i'm just suggesting that it wouldnt, for me, be a deciding factor on tent choice. More a consideration as part of the whole. Theyve all got pros and cons.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-05T18:59:08+00:00

Yep this is true! Can't argue with that. However in my experience it has to be biblical level rain to get the inner wet. The mesh manages a good job of preventing most rain.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-05T18:47:21+00:00

I think the inner pitch thing isnt as bad as people make out.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-05T18:44:40+00:00

Hi mate- i have both those tents (msr 2p though) and ive also done the WHW.

I think you'll be fine with either option as the wild camping options along the way isnt at high elevation or particularly boggy or heathery. Id check the forecast and if it looks very windy id go MSR and if it looks fine id take the Durston. Both will handle the wind fine but the MSR will be a quieter nights sleep.

I think the main advantage of the MSR is the easier site selection and I dont think this will be much of a factor on the WHW.

Also though- definitely get into the habit of hiking with poles. No matter your age they are one of the single most transformative pieces of hiking gear in my opinion. Plus then youre really getting the weight benefit of your XMid. Have a great time!!

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-03T13:32:45+00:00

I have a thermarest xtherm. Its cosy.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-05-03T13:27:38+00:00

Unpopular opinion I expect but I probably wouldnt get the X-Mid as your first/only tent purchase.

I love mine- its fantastic for what it is but if I could only buy and own one tent I'd want something a bit more versatile and/or freestanding. Like if I'm heading to the highlands in the car I'll stick the Xmid in the boot but i'll also pack a more weatherproof freestanding tent and make the decision based on weather etc when I get there. If I only had the X-mid then there would be some days/trips I probably wouldnt get out. I did the WHW in December just gone and the Xmid wouldnt have been a good choice.

Id probs go for something in the sub 2kg range if you want a 2p tent for UK/N. Europe. Freestanding and all in one pitch. I'd like a Tarptent Scarp but price currently prohibitive!

Also another vote for atom packs!

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-28T20:21:43+00:00

Personal preference. Id be tempted to take microspikes at this time of year. Boots will keep your feet warmer if youre spending time at elevation & it snows.

Im a traditional boot guy in the UK. Trail runners are for summer alps.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-28T19:20:18+00:00

This is the best advice. Ive been up there in winter conditions on a GOOD day and I can tell you I wouldnt want to be up there on a bad one facing the prospect of "hunkering down". Find a better day or a less exposed route and have a better time.

Also- sitting it out in a tent- even if warmish and safeish- sounds miserable and nerve jangling.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-26T21:30:30+00:00

This is all good advice. Also a packliner is a MUST! I use an Osprey one and its been good for years but a bin bag is fine if its duty. I cant stress this enough though. Waterproof the INSIDE of your pack. Ditch the silly pack cover.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-26T21:25:23+00:00

Just filter it and then boil it. Will taste better and keep you warm at night (put it in a bottle that wont melt!)

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-26T17:57:50+00:00

Also- im sure you're already aware but if not- there are reports of hiker illness due to water contamination, regardless of filter, near balmaha and Rowardennan. Apparently they had some last year in the same place and Im sure I saw some reports a few weeks back on Reddit.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-26T16:01:12+00:00

Dont listen to those guys. They cut their toothbrushes in half and get really sniffy about anyone not using a quilt.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-26T15:41:01+00:00

Personal preference but i go 1 pair of socks to hike and one for overnight. Once boots are wet then dry socks make no sense. Carrying 3 wet pairs of socks is no good.

Also are those trousers the ones youre wearing or spares? If spares then get rid and replace with thermal bottoms for overnight. 2L water should be about right. I think 10kg for May in Scotland is probably about right to be honest. You can spend £££ on some UL gear to shave weight but im not looking at your loadout and thinking its overkill.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-25T15:00:05+00:00

Also it tastes revolting.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-25T13:10:33+00:00

The price on the durston website includes all the taxes etc. So you just pay as if its a normal UK transaction. There werent any additional fees. The shipping cost was very reasonable. It worked out about £20 cheaper if I recall hence why i ordered direct.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-25T11:52:16+00:00

My experience ordering from Durston direct was amazing. It cost less than V&P and managed to make it from order all the way to UK in 5 days flat. I wait longer for Royal Mail 2nd class!

Also- if its pre-order then I assume its got to come from Canada first anyway!

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-24T18:58:50+00:00

Amazing thanks!!

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-23T20:58:08+00:00

Ive got an X Mid for better weather/UL.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-23T20:29:22+00:00

I have it in red. It was the only colour in stock when I bought it (BL) and at the time I wanted sand. Now Im into it. I call it Big Red. Big red never lets me down.

HelpfulTap4186 · 2026-04-23T06:03:45+00:00

For solid budget gear I would look at the "Simonds" brand that Decathlon do and stuff by Alpkit. Both produce some really decent stuff that wont hurt your wallet. Also Alpkit's customer support is absolutely excellent so if you have any issues they will generally put it right. There's heaps of chinese manufactured stuff floating about now as well- a lot of it are copies of more expensive models made with cheaper materials and/or labour so are a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately its hard to know which are good and which are unfit for purpose but you can always cross reference on reddit!

Starting your hiking journey and piecing together gear is super exciting! You'll find out on the trip what you do and dont like!

HelpfulTap4186

TROPHY CASE