Recent content by Barney Rubble

Hello Paul, good to hear that you're able to get some dirt time. In terms of your choice of rucksack, I faced a fairly similar conundrum/list of wants recently when searching for a new daysack. It transpired that there weren't a great many rucksacks which ticked all of those boxes. I ended...

I don't think you'll go far wrong with the surplus kit. Heavy, but also reliable and affordable. As far as a sleeping bag is concerned, I'd recommend the British issue medium weight sleeping bag. It'll be a similar price (approx £40) to the Snugpak sleeping bag that you referenced and might...

I think you have a few good options to consider. I can recommend the merino wool blankets sold by Outhaus. They're useful because they're relatively compact and also a decent size (approx 160x240cm), ideal for when you want to wrap up. Reasonably expensive though at £60. Tough and dependable...

What an adventure, looked like you had a magical time. I literally went straight on to the website after reading your report. Would love to do something like that at some point Completely agree with the above. It's such a pleasing experience on any camp when you're sat around the fire with...

As per comments above, 'Camping and Woodcraft' is the book to have. A fascinating read and one that you'll find yourself returning to. The free download is great, but there is nothing better than having an actual book to peruse. You can get copies relatively cheap on ebay. I picked up a second...

For what it's worth, I have the stainless steel version, I bought it second hand for £40 with all the attachments and it's easily my favourite backpackable wood stove, perhaps even my favourite camping stove. Durable, easy to use with some neat little design features which I think set it apart...

Luxe would be a great option as they're good quality and just about in budget. But sadly it looks like you'll struggle to get them in the UK now. Backpackinglight.co.uk used to be the dealer, but Bob and Rose retired, Valley and Peak took over the store, kept things going for a few months, but...

Thanks very much, really appreciate the insight. I think I'm going to go for it. It was between the Kahakka 25 or Jakaari M, but I think the Kahakka is the one.

I'm a lefthander, tried the filofax on a couple of occasions but it was a ruddy nightmare with the ring binder getting in the way. Came to the conclusion that Filofax were left-ist! These days, my diary management happens online through my mobile and work devices and I'm very happy with that...

Hi both, I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts on the back system and how comfortable it is for walking. I really fancy getting the 25l version, it looks like it could be an awesome daypack and even useful for some camping. The thing that is giving me cause for doubt is the back...

Thanks, agree with your thoughts about not being covered with a blanket or sleeping bag. I found it to be quite a significant psychological barrier to overcome. In reality, you're still wrapped up in several layers of clothing, hat, buff, gloves etc and have a warm fire in front of you. It...

Great effort John and some impressive skills on display in those pictures. This indeed is something that I've discussed doing with my camp buddies as a sort of smock based camping challenge.

Cheers both, glad you enjoyed it. My aim is to complete another couple of winter wild camps in which I forego the sleeping bag or blanket. Next camp will be with the canvas tarp and sheepskin for a bit of extra comfort.

Agree with the ideas above ref plough point and adirondack style shelters. Plough point would be the simplest solution in my opinion as the adirondack shelter can be a bit more of a faff to get right and be more reliant on your tarp having certain tie out points. You might also want to...

Hi all, Hope all is well. I thought I'd share this adventure with you from last week as it did indeed contain some semblance of bushcraft! This was a challenge that my camp buddies and I thought up a couple of months back. We like to challenge ourselves from time to time. In the past we've...