Sod’s law seems to apply here! Everytime I’ve had a long weekend trip planned, something from work has cropped up and I’ve only been able to have an overnighter – not enough really to evaluate the gear, but anyway, some thoughts…

Duo Mid,

A work of  art. The build and design are great. I’m not going to gush over this as there are enough details on the internet. I use it in A pole configuration, which give lots of room. I use a polycro groundsheet and place the bivy in the middle. I can then pitch the tent fairly high even in bad weather and keep the ventilation, and not get splashed. In wind I batten down the hatches a bit more.

Paramo,

Works well. Comfy, good ventilation. BUT is not a good combo with merino wool. Dunno why, and this doesn’t happen with my original first gen Paramo jacket, but with a merino base layer, the paramo doesn’t wick enough and the inside is permanently wet. I’m not cold, but I am wet. This DOESN’T happen with a synthetic base layer. I sweat a lot, I’m the type of guy who sweats sitting down if the room temp is 22deg C, so when I walk, the merino is wet after 10 mins, and it stays wet. My first gen jacket copes well with merino, but not the new one. So I’m looking for a synthetic top base layer. My merino longjohns work well, and I’ll keep those.

Aarn pack,

Heavy, (1.2kg)but worth it. Complicated to put on as there are a lot of straps and you feel as if it is some bizarre bondage gear (!) but, once on, I wouldn’t be without it. I can walk more upright, for longer an carry more. I need to carry all my water so this is important. For three days I’d take 6 litres – 2 in the main pack and 2 in each of the front pockets (there is room to spare). The pack is superbly balanced.

GG Caldera Keg (Esbit)

Works like a chalm, a keeper.

Terroc 330s.

Still not sure of these. I put a sorbothane foot bed in, which helps, but still not enough support for me. I like the uppers and sole a lot, but the comfort ain’t good.  On the downhills they really pound my feet, and my ankles seem to twist more in them. I’ll keep them until I wear them out, then look for something else. Just hope someone comes up with an aggressive soled trainer.

I’ll post some about Tim Marshalls quilt and bivy -  the quilt I love, the bivy I like too, but I made some mistakes in what I asked Tim for, but I’ll post more about these items with pics later.