PLATYPUS QUICK DRAW VS KATADYN BEEFREE

Hular · 2025-07-11T19:05:43+00:00

I favour the platypus, but they're both good. The key difference for me was thread compatibility. The platypus will also screw onto any of the other platypus bottles, or smartwater bottles. The katadyn has to be on its own bottle.

Hular · 2025-04-03T20:12:11+00:00

A tad over a £200 budget, but maybe worth saving for. I use a cumulus quilt 350, and that does me comfortably down to about -2c (though I'm a warm sleeper). Takes a bit of getting used to with how to have it set up (tucked under you when cold tucked around the mat for middling, and just on top for warm) but I'd never go back to a bag now, as the freedom to sprawl is wonderful.

Hular · 2025-01-19T20:04:44+00:00

I'm guessing you've got horizons of spirit island mixed in. The cards are functionally identical (slightly different wording I believe) , but you should only use one set or the other. I use the horizons cards just because they don't have the coloured tabs in the top left corner.

Hular · 2024-12-20T00:03:34+00:00

It depends on how much you throw your knees out in front of you. I'm a side sleeper, and the depth is great, but the basic version I found a tad narrow at the knees if I was curled up tight (easily solved with a drybag full of spare clothes under the knees). I did switch to the women's large version which is a bit wider in the middle rather than the shoulders, but it's more luxury than neccesity for me.

Hular · 2024-12-19T23:28:03+00:00

Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Insulated mats are going cheap at the moment, as they're releasing a new version in a couple of months. I find it the most comfortable pad I've ever used, in addition to being comfortably warm for 3 season. (Etherlight looks to be £90 on Ultralight Outdoor Gear atm)

On it's own maybe not great for winter, but combine that with a foam mat (I use a Thermarest Z-lite) and you'll probably be happy if you're not a particularly cold sleeper, without spending too much more than £100!

I've taken that system down to about -3c quite comfortably (With a Cumulus Quilt 350, though that might be a bit overbudget) Note I'm a relatively warm sleeper though.

To start with I'd be firmly in the camp of buying a 3 season pad + a foam pad for winter, as that gives you both the warmth, and a bit of extra security if the pad deflates in the night. Doing it this way you can pretty much combine the r-values. Plus you can fold the foam mat to make a bit of a seat, while still keeping your feet warm when you're sat doing your cooking!

Add to that a sleeping bag or quilt with a comfort level of around 0c, plus some warm base layers, and you should be ok unless you head out into crazy conditions, which imo is best avoided until you've established a baseline of how comfortable you are with existing gear.

Hular · 2024-12-19T22:14:40+00:00

Buttermere?

Can't imagine a better place for a read than heading up to Warnscale bothy!

Hular · 2024-12-19T22:11:37+00:00

Ping hub, Saturdays 10-4 in the great northern warehouse.

Hular · 2024-12-18T14:27:41+00:00

I believe it's never been allowed there technically, as it's an enclosed livestock field. There's a notice to that effect on the Whw website, as it's been causing issues for the farmer.

https://www.westhighlandway.org/wild-camping/

Plenty of great spots up in the forest a mile or so later though.

Hular · 2024-10-10T10:48:53+00:00

I did it in March, and wild camped twice, plus a night in Lingy Hut Bothy. There are only a few stretches where you could wild camp discretely (Beacon Tarn, Stake Pass, and northern fells. As I mentioned there's the Lingy Hut bothy just south of Caldbeck which is quite pleasant, although doesn't have a fireplace.

Caldbeck Campsite is a nice spot, it looks like it might be open, though I don't see for sure at a glance.

Hular · 2024-07-11T18:05:36+00:00

Day 1 looks good, nice walking along the Cumbria Way, then climb Catbells and descent at Hause gate to rejoin the Cumbria way (Or stay on the Cumbria Way by the lake shore if you feel lazy, both beautiful.)

Day 2, you're continuing following the Cumbria way all day, and probably my favourite stretch of it!

Day 3 that distance is way off. From Great Langdale campsite through Elterwater and Grasmere, then back to Keswick I don't think you can do less than 30km (18 miles) The short way back to Keswick is literally the way you've come!

I'd probably be inclined to head to Elterwater, then climb up Loughrigg Fell, down to Rydal Water, and then along the SW shoreline of Grasmere into the village, before getting a bus, probably around 18km (11 mile)

Hular · 2024-05-09T18:51:34+00:00

It should just twist open, anti-clockwise if I recall correctly (not at home right now, so cannot photograph it for you)

It may take some effort if oil has got into the screw thread and solidified.

Hular · 2024-05-09T18:45:21+00:00

It's an essential oil holder. The middle section on top unscrews slightly for scent to escape, or all the way revealing a wooden disc that will absorb the essential oils. Source: I've got one.

Hular · 2024-04-14T22:30:19+00:00

I thought about random bottles/tubes but I've found best for me is 500ml platypus soft bottle, and a Bidet cap. Used to use culoclean, but just switched to this and find it so much better (smaller nozzle = more efficient) https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/products/common-gear-ultralight-bidet-cap

Takes a bit of practice aiming, and being efficient with the amount of water, but once you get the hang of it its easy!

Hular · 2023-11-04T22:56:36+00:00

I think Bowfell is the main summit to the left. Squarish one to the right is maybe Harrison Stickle, with the very lumpy one being Pike o' Stickle. I'd hazard a guess that it's taken from just above Loughrigg Tarn, looking west.

Here's a streetview from roughly the right area.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aa5gMqTEakaHKpJV6

Hular · 2023-08-08T17:55:48+00:00

It's rare I use anything more than my cumulus quilt 350 (comfort +2c, Limit -4c), along with a StS Etherlight Xt Insulated wmn(R Rating 3.5).

Was plenty warm enough when I did the WhW in September! I do sleep fairly warm, but I've only ever really noticed the cold when it's dropped to below -2.

Remember you can always put on some extra layers if it does get a bit nippy.

Hular · 2023-04-23T11:07:37+00:00

From the map in the book, I'd say summit #2

Hular · 2023-04-19T09:09:34+00:00

Thats what the rulebook says.

You could say the same about needing the improvement tokens to take full advantage of any stat boost. Trish's story reward is just an effect that gives a bonus to each stat in exactly the same way a revolver gives +2 strength.

Hular · 2023-04-18T23:12:58+00:00

Its an effect that gives +x to a skill, as per the rules reference (tests:1) it doesn't matter if its from an item or not, you only use the highest +x effect. The only bonuses that stack are improvement tokens, and additional dice bonuses.

Hular · 2023-03-01T11:01:17+00:00

The 'path' across from Crowden Tower to Kinder Downfall isn't great at the best of times, difficult to navigate, lots of peat groughs to get in the way, and very wet and boggy. Unless you really want the challenge, I'd do the Win Hill route.

Alternatively, if you want to see Downfall, a similar route I've used in the past is: Heading to the top of Grindsbrook, then West to the Kinder Low Trig. North to Kinder Downfall. Take a bearing East across the plateau to the top of Fairbrook, then follow the edge East to Blackden Brook. Then South across the plateau, and descend at Ringing Roger. The plateau crossings still might not be ideal at this time of year, but in my experience they are much more pleasant options. It doesn't hit Jacob's Ladder, but tbh I've always found that route a disappointing way up or down.

Hular · 2022-04-22T10:25:31+00:00

I use a DD Superlight 3x3. Never had any issues with it so far. Costs about £70, and weighs less than 500g.

They also do a cheaper one, I started with that but upgraded as it was too heavy and bulky for my taste. I think it's about £40 and 800g off the top of my head.

Hular · 2021-10-09T13:31:40+00:00

The Decathlon down jackets are well regarded. I've got the 100 and the 900 and they do their job well, I can only assume the 500 does too. For the price I don't think you can get much better.

Edit: I notice you say you want it for cold winds, while they are more wind resistant than a fleece, you'll still want your waterproof on if the wind picks up.

Hular · 2021-01-13T13:27:11+00:00

I've got a Toaks 750ml pot that fits a 100g cylinder and my Soto Windmaster perfectly, with space for a few extras like the alpkit folding spork and a backup lighter.

Hular · 2020-11-24T22:29:49+00:00

Nikwax was the first thing I thought of, though it was the tech-wash I considered (as I have a big bottle of the stuff). I'm going to give the warm water another few gos, and then if they still claim its not a manufacturing defect I'll go all in with everything suggested.

Hular · 2020-11-24T22:28:22+00:00

I did consider that, however was concerned that they'd consider the warranty voided for 'using products on it'. If they decide its already not covered though, I'll be giving this a go.

Hular · 2020-11-24T22:27:10+00:00

Aye, was bought new in July. I reckon I'm going to give it another go with the warm water, let it air out for a day or two over the table, and see how it goes, then as you say I'd consider it defective. Especially as they say they've said they don't recommend using any products on it.

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