Gear review

[Humpo]

Hi all just got back from my very first over night hike (7km first day, 23km the next, and 10km third. Up and down hills. So many hills).

First of all you are all nutters. I have never been in as much pain as im in right now and im sure it will get worse tomorrow.

Any way I thought some of you might be interested in my vast knowledge of multi day hikes and the gear that I took with me.

MSR Hubba Hubba - Great little tent, 2 person but have to leave packs outside in the flaps. I have just bought a different tent as i don't like this idea. It would be better as a one man tent.

Snow Peak Ti trek 1400 combo set - loved it, easy to clean very compact. I also added the Ti 600 cup as well worked well are as a cup and pot.

MSR Mini works ex filter- Slow but when you look at what you have just filtered them you are glad you have it. Did a liter in about 2 min.

Steripen Adventure- Worked well for the first 10 times and then did a strange flashing led thing. That if you had the instructions with you would have been easy to work out what was going wrong but I left then at home. The problem is that it has so many different led combos that it is confusing. It also does not beep when finished. The led goes out when you use it and only flashes 4 times when it is finished. So your standing there going did i miss it....

Kovera Ti Burner- Great fast, light.

Mountain Desigens Ultra 500 sleeping bag- For my wife that feels the cold. It dropped down to about 4 deg over night and she was warm as toast. So I had a good sleep.

X plates - Such a good idea. Cleans easy. But I think that i will get the X bowl instead as I did not need such a big plate.

Komperdell C3 Carbon sticks- WOW who ever talked me into taking sticks I will kiss there feet. The grips are so comfortable. They made carrying my 18 kg pack that much better.

Global Gear Sticks ($10 each of ebay Red Ones) Wife liked them but the grip was hard and the strap was not adjustable.

Im looking at getting Christine a better set of sticks and if any one is sell or has a recommendation for so please let me know.

Gortex O.R. Crocodiles (Gaters)-Felt so soft on your legs that you think that you just have thin pants on.


Im looking forward to doing the OLT 28th December but I think that I will have to do a lot more training to get my fitness up. Also thank you for all the help that the people on this forum has given to me.

[dee_legg]

Looks like you're building up a nice little set of gear! Interested to know where you went? And what sleeping mat you used?
Thanks.

[Son of a Beach]

First of all you are all nutters. I have never been in as much pain as im in right now and im sure it will get worse tomorrow.

Totally! Once I hit about 20 or 25, I discovered that I actually need to train (my legs) prior to walking, if I haven't been out for a while. It's very painful if I don't train beforehand. For me jogging is good training, and barefoot jogging puts strain on much the same muscles, I've found (but even more than bushwalking - you have to be very careful not to tear muscles this way, which I've done once).

[Humpo]

We did the coast track from Bundeena to Otford.

I forgot the sleep pad. We had the Exped Downmat pump 7. SOOOOOO good, I have read lots of review that say that they have had some fail but was very comfortable to sleep on and easy to pump up about 3-4 min.

[Humpo]

First of all you are all nutters. I have never been in as much pain as im in right now and im sure it will get worse tomorrow.

Totally! Once I hit about 20 or 25, I discovered that I actually need to train (my legs) prior to walking, if I haven't been out for a while. It's very painful if I don't train beforehand. For me jogging is good training, and barefoot jogging puts strain on much the same muscles, I've found (but even more than bushwalking - you have to be very careful not to tear muscles this way, which I've done once).

Im thinking of getting back to the gym and get on the stepper and the bikes to build up my knees.

[the_camera_poser]

TWENTY THREE K'S? And you call us nutters? LOL

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[north-north-west]

TWENTY THREE K'S? And you call us nutters? LOL

Wimp.

[the_camera_poser]

LOL- It's ain't the years, mate, it's the mileage, and this old American model has done some long yards. The most I've ever done in a day, with a fully loaded pack, was 27k, and it sucked, both times. Once in the Summer in Queensland, and once in the Summer in Georgia. If that makes me a wimp, then so be it. Just don't try arm wrestling me.....

Anyhow, I didn't know this was a peeing contest, otherwise I'd have drunk more coffee before stepping up to the line.

[tasadam]

TWENTY THREE K'S? And you call us nutters? LOL

Wimp.

How many of us are you calling wimp?
17 is about enough for me these days - though I can see it would be possible to do more, that would take too much from the enjoyment of being there, and appreciating the place. And of course the photography that must be done. That takes time.

Humpo why did you do 23 KM? Do you think that was what did the damage, or do you think it more the hills? Or perhaps just because it's just something new?

An aside, my first daywalk in Tassie was 25KM to wear in the new Scarpa boots in preparation for my first overnighter to Frenchmans and beyond, so been there done that...

Anyhow, glad you had a successful adventure. You'll heal.

[north-north-west]

TWENTY THREE K'S? And you call us nutters? LOL

Wimp.

How many of us are you calling wimp?

Well, there's you, me . . .

With all the gear for overnighting I seldom do more than 20 - 25 km in a day, although it depends on whether it's on-track or cross-country, and how much climbing is involved. My speed on the flat and not-too-vertical downhills is still pretty much what it was when I was half the age, but uphill . . . groan . . . which reminds me, I've left out one of the original items on the Laws of Bushwalking: Your knees age at at least twice the rate of the rest of your body.

[the_camera_poser]

Also, Humpo, it's true for me, and maybe you'll find the same for you. The first day on an extended hike is always of moderate difficulty compared to the rest, the second is the hardest, and the third and subsequent hikes the easiest of the lot. I always try (when it's possible) to plan something light for day two. In a perfect world, it's medium day 1, easy day 2 and medium/hard day three. In a perfect world......

I guess this could be a result of lessening food supplies, but I've actually done hikes where I kept a steady weight in my pack- 6 days where I didn't carry anything consumable, and I still found this to be true.

[geoskid]

.

[north-north-west]

First of all you are all nutters.

It's a prerequisite. For forum membership as well.

[johnw]

Humpo why did you do 23 KM? Do you think that was what did the damage, or do you think it more the hills? Or perhaps just because it's just something new?

I think there is an error in those numbers unless Humpo extended/varied the walk. The coast track is ~28km total between Bundeena and Otford, usually done as an overnight trip. I'm guessing that day 2 may have been about 13km. I was there on Saturday myself and may well have greeted Humpo, as we passed quite a few parties on the track equipped for overnighting. We walked the middle third of it or so between Providential Point and Garie North Head to do some whale watching, entering and leaving via the Curra Moors loop track where I parked. No whales sighted but it was a beautiful, clear, calm day perfect for walking. The hills are generally moderate, though there are quite a few of them, with a couple of steeper ones. These may be a bit daunting initially for a new walker fully loaded up with 18kg of gear. I've walked every part of that track and its tributaries many times over on various day trips but yet to bother overnighting on it. One of these days...

Anyway Humpo it was a good effort and choice of walk for your first time out. The soreness will go away and then you will be ready for the next one . Agree it can be hard getting the gear right (never ending in fact ). Out of curiosity which locations did you camp?

[Humpo]

Humpo why did you do 23 KM?

I think there is an error in those numbers unless Humpo extended/varied the walk. The coast track is ~28km total between Bundeena and Otford, usually done as an overnight trip. I'm guessing that day 2 may have been about 13km. I was there on Saturday myself and may well have greeted Humpo, as we passed quite a few parties on the track equipped for overnighting. We walked the middle third of it or so between Providential Point and Garie North Head to do some whale watching, entering and leaving via the Curra Moors loop track where I parked. No whales sighted but it was a beautiful, clear, calm day perfect for walking. The hills are generally moderate, though there are quite a few of them, with a couple of steeper ones. These may be a bit daunting initially for a new walker fully loaded up with 18kg of gear. I've walked every part of that track and its tributaries many times over on various day trips but yet to bother overnighting on it. One of these days...

Anyway Humpo it was a good effort and choice of walk for your first time out. The soreness will go away and then you will be ready for the next one . Agree it can be hard getting the gear right (never ending in fact ). Out of curiosity which locations did you camp?

We stayed at Bundeena the first night and went for a walk around the water the second night we stayed at North Era. This is the only place you can camp along the track now. So I have been told. The 23km was off my mates gps but we did walk around in a small circle at lunch to clock up some more kms.

Your all right if we could have stayed at about the 15-17km mark it would have been great. But the pain has now gone and im left with the great photos. I will just have to pick my walks a bit closer to the mark next time. I havent given up yet.

[Son of a Beach]

Hey TCP
How about an actual walk review, instead of all the BS centre of attention gear review antics.]
Skid.

I don't want to discourage people from expressing their opinions, but please make sure it's done in a constructive positive manner where possible. The site rules state that "no content should be unduly critical of other people".

[johnw]

the second night we stayed at North Era. This is the only place you can camp along the track now. So I have been told.

Yes that's my undestanding as well. There is a large camping area near Providential Point, not far from where the hordes arrive by car at Wattamolla. Signage indicates that it is reserved for Coast Track walkers with camping permits. However I've never heard of (or seen) anyone using it, maybe it's for large groups. I might make some enquiries.

Your all right if we could have stayed at about the 15-17km mark it would have been great.

I don't know why they use North Era. It's definitely a long way down the track. I suppose the advantage is that it makes a short second day though, as it's a fair climb up to Otford Gap after Burning Palms.

But the pain has now gone and im left with the great photos. I will just have to pick my walks a bit closer to the mark next time. I havent given up yet.

Great to hear, you'll get used to it .

[geoskid]

Hi TCP, I apologize for my above post, it was unkind and unnecessary. You are enjoying the forum and hurting no-one.
Cheers
Mark

[dee_legg]

But the pain has now gone and im left with the great photos.

true words from a real bushwalker!

[the_camera_poser]

Hi TCP, I apologize for my above post, it was unkind and unnecessary. You are enjoying the forum and hurting no-one.
Cheers
Mark

no worries

[johnw]

But the pain has now gone and im left with the great photos.

true words from a real bushwalker!

Agreed ! Humpo I hope that you'll consider entering the July photo competition, which is currently open.

[Humpo]

But the pain has now gone and im left with the great photos.

true words from a real bushwalker!

Agreed ! Humpo I hope that you'll consider entering the July photo competition, which is currently open.

Thanks I will send in a photo but I have seen the caliber of the photos that have won. They are amazing. I will post some photos in the right section tonight for those who are interested in the walk.

Getting back to the topic my new tent turned up last night. A Helliberg Nallo3 GT. I will be putting it up tonight so will let you know how it goes.

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[Humpo]

No but it is red.

Im undecided on the tent.......(Nallo 3 GT) As a tent it is great. Really well made. Easy to put up. Heaps of room. But the design of the inner tent is what has me thinking. Im 6'1 and size 12 feet. So when i lay down with sleeping bag my toes touch the roof of the tent. Which should not be a problem as the outer shell is a good 300mm between them.

But I like the design of the Kaitum 3 better with its vertical walls. For this it is 300g heaver. And then there is the cost of the extra $350au between the tent I Just bought and the new one.

If anyone was interested in near new Nallo 3 GT $750au ( that's what it cost me) that might make the decision a bit easier for me.

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[Humpo]

Yer your right Brett. Any way its up in the for sale section.

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[Humpo]

I will set it up tomorrow and put some gear into it so people can see it.

[corvus]

. In the mean time Patrica at Hilleberg recommends that long people wrap their waterproof coat around the bottom of their sleeping bag to provide a barrier for condensation.
Cheers Brett

Not so good if your coat is saturated eh!!
c