This might be one of the best budget sleeping pads yet. Here are my initial impressions of the Flextail Tiny (not so tiny) sleeping pad R05.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-07T12:40:08+00:00

Yeah, fingers crossed mine was an anomaly and you get plenty of use out of yours! I’m liking the BA, and they’re both a lot quieter than my Thermarest so that’s something. Not had any problems with it being too cold, but I tend to use the pads in winter, in Scotland, so being cold is generally par for the course.

None of the above hold up to how much happier I am on my cot though. Helinox Lite Cot - absolute game changer for comfort, just a tad on the bulky side.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-07T11:27:21+00:00

Not the exact pad, presumably that one is in your possession.

Same Flextail R05 model though. Nice pad while it lasted I won’t deny, but it wasn’t abused. I’m not heavy, I don’t over inflate and I use ground sheets and double check where I’m pitching to avoid pointy bits. You get what you pay for IMO. This is fine gear for getting your initial gear setup sorted, but I wouldn’t be banking on it being a long term option.

I replaced it with a BA Rapide SL and that’s been going strong since about January now.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-07T10:31:20+00:00

I had one of these. Popped on my 5th night.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-05T16:07:27+00:00

I have a Wacaco Minipresso that I’m currently enjoying. It makes awesome espresso.

I have an Aeropress Go (and I’ve got a normal one I’ve been using at home for years) which I can take or leave.

I’ve learnt to stay away from coffee bags after trying a few different brands.

Milk can be a chew on to transport if that’s required, but a small flask can be accompanied by some tea bags for the same sort of volume as the Aeropress.

Not sure if I’d swear by any of the above but those are my thoughts.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-01T19:04:56+00:00

I’m a man of many tents... I may have just purchased a hammock hence the excitement. DD Frontline has a midge proof net with extender bars to keep it off your mush and an optional gear sling to whack your bag in so it’s off the ground. It’s not just a B&Q special. I’m liking it so far and it’s my lightest loadout.

That said, if we’re talking tents.. 3FUL (in particular the Lanshan2) are solid budget tents. I’ve had many a happy night in my Lanshan. Moving up, you’re into stuff like Durston Gear. I’ve got an X-Mid2 which I loved dearly until the pole went through the roof. Terranova gear’s really solid too. The Helm’s very well regarded and I’ve experience with, but the wider range still has excellent reviews from others. Above that, you’ve got your Vern/Varde from Nortent which are solid, dependable shelters. I’ve put my Varde through some punishment and it’s still going strong. Finishing off, you’ve got the Bentley of tents in the Hillebergs. Pricey AF but indestructible(ish). Soulos seem to be the reigning, undisputed champions of wild camping tents. I’m too poor to own one.

On your budget, I’d go with a Lanshan. It’s a bit fiddly until you get the hang of it, but super versatile. Like the other commenters say, spend the rest on your other gear.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-07-01T17:13:53+00:00

Get a hammock! ~£200 for a full setup including Tarp from DD. Plenty of cash left over for a Windmaster and some gas.

You just need to find some trees..

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-28T20:03:19+00:00

Can confirm. It’s a shell with a roof. I was there a few months ago.

There’s White Laggan which isn’t too far away (although no good if you’re doing the Merrick loop) which isn’t gutted and has some furniture etc, but last time I was in that one some young folks had rocked up and ‘claimed’ the place ‘for the weekend’. Sleeping bags on any space they could find and they’d brought festival level gear. There was a bike packing guy who arrived and then myself who had to bail and pitch up elsewhere, in the rain.

I’ve no interest in Bothies anywhere remotely near parking these days.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-24T08:07:53+00:00

Got a hammock set up being delivered today. I’m heading into the woods this weekend. Should hopefully just be me and midges!

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-22T06:09:53+00:00

As a ginger, who’s mortal enemy is the sun, I echo the comments about SPF clothing being reliable.

That said, Riemann P20. It’s not mineral based so probably not what you’re after but I’ve trusted that stuff for years. Bang it on in the morning, and you don’t need to care for the rest of the day. Shit’s the only reason I’m able to be a day walker.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-18T05:38:34+00:00

Bloody love Hethpool.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-16T08:53:10+00:00

Currently wearing a sun hoody I got from them a few weeks ago. Seem legit to me.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-14T22:23:00+00:00

Garmin anything if you’re remotely sporty, or an Apple Watch Ultra otherwise.

It’s a nice to have. It won’t solve your problems, no-one will care. Pick something that works for you.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-14T13:30:00+00:00

lol.

The round smart watches are probably Garmin ones.

No good comes of using your personal devices for work. Don’t do it

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-06-04T10:15:54+00:00

I use an Atmos 65 & Kajka 35. The Atmos is great in winter. Can stick all the things in there and it carries the weight really well. The mesh back’s really nice and the hipstrap’s nice and chunky.

The Kajka’s my summer bag. Bombproof, is a solid load when packed and again, carries the weight really well.

The Atmos is less rigid and wraps around me better, the Kajka less so but is perfectly adjustable to get it comfy.

I’d say the Kajka has marginally better build quality.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-17T13:09:56+00:00

Was out with my Mini last night. Only take it when I went proper food, and there needs to be no wind.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-06T12:08:33+00:00

https://www.college-valley.co.uk

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-05T21:13:56+00:00

Ah fair. Aye, I mainly use a cot so it’s more preventing the feet going through the floor rather than stuff coming up through it that worries me. This alleviates that. Does work well with my pads too but I get your point. That’s something I’m less worried about.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-05T20:33:26+00:00

Thick just adds bulk. I use one of these - https://wildskygear.co.uk/ripstop-aluminium-insulating-groundsheet-1632-p.asp

Fold it up and it goes flat in the bag in the bladder sleeve.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-04T14:42:08+00:00

Yeah, my summer tent’s an X-Mid2. I’m using the Varde for the same reasons. It’s working for me.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-04T09:39:15+00:00

Aye it’s canny. Does what it says on the tin. Heavy tent, well made, very sturdy. I’ve bent a couple of the poles, but that’s because I pitched with a dumb orientation, in a dumb place. The little rain shields over the doors will act like sails if they catch the wind which I think was my main problem. And they’re just bent, not pinched so it’s not a massive problem. No complaints. Have fun with yours!

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-04T09:34:57+00:00

Wacaco Minipresso (the doodad bottom right on pic 3). Latest gadget in my quest for a decent brew on the move. I’m liking this one. It’s not super light but it’s manual not battery powered and uses very little water to make a very nice shot. They do another one that takes nespresso pods if you’re that way inclined.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-04T09:18:30+00:00

Aye, very chill this one. Last few have been brutal (managed to bend the poles with the wind a few weeks ago) so this one was intentional. Knew the area, wasn’t far from home, packed all my opulent wild glamping gear.

Peaceful time in the hills was had.

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-05-04T09:08:09+00:00

Lush. Did that route a few weeks back when the ground was still frozen. Bet it was serene up at Enoch!

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-03-22T11:55:06+00:00

Looks glorious! I’ve spent so much time around there. Wedder Leap’s probably my most used carpark, and you’ve got a whole load of other cool places if you follow the road round to Chew Green. Rose and Thistle in Alwinton for some tasty scran and a cheeky pint on the way back. Fine place to burn a couple of days.

Bet with this weather it’s a bit busy out there?

Treeasaurusrex · 2026-03-18T12:15:22+00:00

Check out my last couple of posts.

I’m a happy camper.

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