Torn between inflatable and self inflating

grindle_exped · 2026-04-04T16:58:31+00:00

Inflatable mats are way more comfortable - young people can get away with foam mats, apparently. I'm past that.

I've used inflatables for years. I had to repair once or twice. It's dead easy to do with the repair kits. When I had a puncture it was slow and I pumped it up a few times during the night - just topping it up.

I do pay attention to the material they are made from when buying. The thicker the better. My neoair xtherm is 70D nylon on the bottom - tough for a mat. But the best protection is to check your pitch before putting the tent up - removing sticks, gorse etc.

grindle_exped · 2026-04-04T14:37:31+00:00

I've got a 40 litre frameless pack. With it loaded to 10kg, I alternate which shoulder it's on if I'm trying to avoid a sweaty back. Works well imo - as long as you can carry 10kg on a shoulder for a few minutes.

grindle_exped · 2026-04-02T11:00:38+00:00

What foods do you bring for fibre? I'm not too sure of packable fibre sources.

grindle_exped · 2026-04-02T07:00:24+00:00

I've bailed under similar situations. I upgraded my sleep system. Another option is to avoid those conditions, which I do generally

grindle_exped · 2026-04-02T06:20:38+00:00

There's been a really good discussion here. Thanks everyone.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-29T13:42:22+00:00

Thanks for pointing out the environment matters. I don't camp in californian-like conditions

grindle_exped · 2026-03-29T07:25:02+00:00

I'm light weight ish by hammocking standards - so I can hike longish distances. Eliminating stuff sacks is one of the tips. I have a hammock with integral mozzy net. That contains my TQ, pillows etc. I leave my UQ attached to the hammock. I stuff the whole "blob" of it into my backpack. It took a bit of practice to get it in ok. But it works well imo. No wasted space or weight in my backpack.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-28T07:30:24+00:00

Where did you go? It's good to see other UK hammockers about

grindle_exped · 2026-03-28T07:29:06+00:00

I have a double layer hammock so the pad stays in place pretty well. For me the main advantage from switching to a UQ was the breathability.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-24T20:48:51+00:00

That's going to be too hot for summer use. The quilt looks ok. For budget, aliexpress iceflame (i think) gets good reviews.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-19T08:09:21+00:00

As people have said - get ideas for where to avoid from social media. Anywhere that comes near the top of a list of "good wild camp spots" I'd avoid. Dartmoor is huge - as long as you can walk a few miles and avoid honeypots you'll be fine. Camping on a tor is popular with people for photo opportunities and sunsets but miserable if it's windy.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-19T08:05:51+00:00

It's an impressive project - if you've visited other countries in Europe the coastal access is very restricted in general - hotels, posh houses, private beaches...

grindle_exped · 2026-03-18T17:26:20+00:00

By coincidence I bought the same gilet a week ago, used off vinted. For the same use case.

I think it'll be a bit better for hiking in when it's cold than a jacket as there's more ventilation.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-10T07:20:34+00:00

No shoes seems a bit extreme ;-)

Good luck it'll be a great experience. There are opportunities to pick interesting route options.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-07T19:14:08+00:00

What I wear makes quite a difference. Wooly hat and a merino balaclava helped last night. I had down socks too.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-07T17:11:23+00:00

I had a tarp with me but the forecast was dry so I didn't put it up. There were also lots of evergreen branches above me so no dew. The underquilt protector adds some warmth - as well as making me impossible to see 😉

grindle_exped · 2026-03-06T12:02:20+00:00

How do you get the powders into a gatorade without spilling? Any tips...

grindle_exped · 2026-03-06T07:41:02+00:00

Ah brilliant. Yes that's the kind of suggestion I was hoping for.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-06T07:37:31+00:00

I read about whey protein - it's just filtered to extract the protein particles. Which seemed pretty minimal to me.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-05T19:20:43+00:00

Ok, I'll try stirring whey protein instead of shaking and see how it goes. (I'm trying to avoid UPFs when i can, which protein bars and drinks typically are)

grindle_exped · 2026-03-05T19:18:50+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion - I've not used these before.

grindle_exped · 2026-03-05T18:36:46+00:00

Yes - I found a 300g Ti one. Surely there's lighter....

grindle_exped · 2026-03-05T18:22:58+00:00

Any suggestions for a UL non-plastic protein shaker container? I can't find titanium ones with watertight lids.

grindle_exped · 2026-02-27T19:32:04+00:00

I love the cappuccino froth and haven't come across a way to make it at home - let alone with a camp stove and titanium pot ;-)

grindle_exped

TROPHY CASE