Returning to hiking after 20 years, what do I need?

[aloftas]

Hi guy's, I am kitting up for hopefully the OLT on a solo.

Is this wise?

My equipment so far is a Macpac Plateau tent, a Kathmandu Pertex Navigator SB, either a Macpac Amp40 or a Matmandu Vardo pack; both with hydration bladders.

I have a new Goretex jacket, boots, gaiters and goretex overtrousers, gloves and beanie.

I need to buy a mattress and thermals and, I think, that is all I need. Gee it can cost a lot!

For cooking, I have a choice between a "pocket" gas burner, or my old Trangia, but I am thinking of buying Jetboil or similar.

So, my question is what are the major risks and what level of fitness is required, and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[tigercat]

As an older walker buy the most high quality light weight gear you can afford.
You notice every 1/2 kilo on the track step by step. Some training with a pack is good so that you arrive at the OT somewhat pack fit rather start from scratch.
Cheers C

[aloftas]

Thanks Tigercat, that is sound advice.
I think I will get a light one man tent, save the Plateau for winter with a companion to share the load.
Hope the walkers are all safe up there...the last few days have definitely illustrated the benefits of an autumn walk, over the heights of summer.
Cheers..

[wayno]

Do a search on "stupid light" if it looks to light to be any good. It might be . The lightest stuff doesnt tend to last as long and may have feature limitations that limit the conditions it can be used in. Buy the next heviest item above the light weight ones

[wayno]

Theres a lot of ultra light gear around that wasnt around twenty years ago. While gear is generally stronger for its weight than it used to be the ultra light gear is made light at the expense of durability and functionality.

[aloftas]

Thanks for the advice, I will tally up the weight of what I have and see whether I will buy a lighter tent.
However, I just have a sense that I will be happy carrying the Plateau in any inclement weather.

Do any folks have any thoughts on the Jetboil, or the MSR Reactor?

Cheers!

[norts]

The Plateau is major overkill for the OLT. Nearly 4kgs is alot of weight for a solo tent.
"The Plateau is designed to weather the most uncompromising conditions on Earth. Stability in high winds and the ability to withstand heavy snow loading make this a bombproof expedition mountaineering tent. Five poles and nine pole intersections distribute the forces of nature throughout the full structure."
Even a bomb proof Minaret only ways 2.4kg
Dont forget if the weather cracks up on the OLT you always have a huts as a back up.

If you have been away from bushwalking for 20 yrs then I would be looking for lighter options. Take a lighter tent and your knees will be very grateful.

Roger

[pazzar]

Thanks for the advice, I will tally up the weight of what I have and see whether I will buy a lighter tent.
However, I just have a sense that I will be happy carrying the Plateau in any inclement weather.

Do any folks have any thoughts on the Jetboil, or the MSR Reactor?

Cheers!

I use a jetboil - they are very efficient, and don't weigh all that much. I like that it comes with a bowl as well, so I don't have to carry anything extra. I only use it to boil water. I have used a reactor before, and yes they are very fast and fuel efficient, but they are heavier and a bit bulkier.

If you are going for lightweight and on any sort of a budget, I would get a jetboil.

Cheers,

Jared

[Chris]

Maybe too late for you, but wondered if you had considered an Aarn pack
I also returned after a long gap and did what was planned to be a 4 nighter 3 or 4 years ago (changed to 2 nights due to weather, but that's another story). Saw no reason for a new pack - had a perfectly functional one tucked away - but didn't realise what a revolution in design there had been since I bought it. Having looked at other packs since then and read vast amounts on this forum, I'm convinced that an Aarn will be my choice if or when I get back to overnighters.

Saw this new topic just after posting http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12006.
3 Aarn enthusiasts so far - it is a revolutionary design, and well worth considering for those of us a little past the first flush of youth

[tigercat]

I use a goondie 1- 1.7 kg tent, [very happy with it-a bit more space than the microlight,] the macpac microlight is 1.5 and probably on a good price at the current macpac sales. Plenty of 4 season tents under 2 kg.
C

[aloftas]

Thanks all for the replies. Yes, I am aware of the weight of the Plateau, but...I wanted a 4 season tent...lol..I kinda knew it was overkill...but..it would stand up to a blizzard on any of our highlands...thing is, there is such a huge range of gear and a fair differential in quality, it becomes very confusing...I guess I thought if I could save weight on cooking gear etc, I could justify the tent, though it is a tad bulky. I will look into the goondi(sp?)....That is the other thing, it can be difficult to find information on the net comparing gear.
So..Jetboil it is then...

Thanks guy's, very interesting indeed....

Safe thoughts to all those walking atm and to all the firies and associated support staff...

[Jack o]

I’m also mature aged and I regularly use my Plateau tent for ski touring and alpine trekking, particularly at times of the year when the weather is less predictable. They are a relatively heavy tent by today’s standards, although when I started hiking in the early 70’s, most of the gear available was much heavier than it is today and despite the heavy loads we still managed to get around with relative ease. The nice thing about the Plateau is that regardless of what nature has to throw up in the form snow, ice, hail or strong gale force winds, I know my tent will withstand it all and I will be able to get a good nights sleep.

[Strider]

Yes, I am aware of the weight of the Plateau, but...I wanted a 4 season tent...

My four season tent weighs 1.6kg

[wayno]

Yes, I am aware of the weight of the Plateau, but...I wanted a 4 season tent...

My four season tent weighs 1.6kg

show off

[Strider]

Yes, I am aware of the weight of the Plateau, but...I wanted a 4 season tent...

My four season tent weighs 1.6kg

show off

That weight is fairly normal for tents these days.

[wayno]

yeah i wont argue with you, it wasnt till i started replacing my twenty year old gear that i realised how much technology had moved, i ended up weighing all my major items and then looking online to see what weights a new replacement item would be and i was saving over five kilos on my gear...
thing is some older people may look at the new gear as flimsy and lightweight when its actually standard gear and when they see just how lightweight the lightweight gear is then they'll realise how times have changed...

[Son of a Beach]

I will look into the goondi(sp?)....That is the other thing, it can be difficult to find information on the net comparing gear.

I did a fairly comprehensive review on the Goondie and updated it a few times after using it more. The review is here:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=8031

(or just do a Google search for "Goondie")

[Jack o]

Over the years, my Macpac Plateau has successfully weathered some very extreme weather events, ranging from blizzards to hurricane force winds. For those of you who think you can do the same with your sub 2 kg tents, then I wish you luck, but you won’t find me opting for anything lighter.

[wayno]

Over the years, my Macpac Plateau has successfully weathered some very extreme weather events, ranging from blizzards to hurricane force winds. For those of you who think you can do the same with your sub 2 kg tents, then I wish you luck, but you won’t find me opting for anything lighter.

perhaps some of us go to sleep with one hand on the emergency locator beacon....

[Jack o]

Over the years, my Macpac Plateau has successfully weathered some very extreme weather events, ranging from blizzards to hurricane force winds. For those of you who think you can do the same with your sub 2 kg tents, then I wish you luck, but you won’t find me opting for anything lighter.

perhaps some of us go to sleep with one hand on the emergency locator beacon....

At least when the beacon is triggered, the rescuers should have no trouble finding the corpse.