the advances in technology

[drewdunnrespect]

Now can u believe this but I am posting this using my HTC desire on proper internet using my homes wireless network.
Now the reason I tell you this is I have a question and that iss

Are u a kit freak who likes the latest technology when camping

Or

Are u some one who just likes kit that tried and tested and have to use more skills to accomplish said task

Or

Are u like me and ave space in ur sack for both

Ur opinions please

Drew

 

[mountainm]

Right tool for the right job. Simples.

 

[JonathanD]

One reason I love bushcrafting is because I get to leave the 'tech' at home.

 

[Robbi]

what the man says !

 

[Shewie]

Digital mapping software, satellite imagery and gps sat nav are tools I use regularly for trip planning, if the resources are there then I'm going to use them. I'll carry map and compass too for backup but they hardly get used.

 

[JAG009]

Use the tec you like, if you want to ! At one point in time steel knives were high tec

Jason

 

[lou1661]

Im posting this via my blackberry, its just a tool, but a very good one...... and its very social too

 

[JonathanD]

Has to be said, when you are enjoying bird song and the sound of the wind blowing the branches... there is something mind bendingly annoying about hearing a mobile phone ringing. I'd also say that most mobile devices are very anti social as texting has taken over from talking to each other in person. Plus some people carry on texting as you are trying to have a conversation with them... how annoying is that!

 

[andynic]

I am a gadget freak but i also love the simples. Its a mix of new and old I like the tech and use it for geocaching but i also like getting back to basics knowing that i will be fine in the mountains with or without it.

 

[Retired Member southey]

phone on silent in a water proof bag in the top of bag, that's about it. Tech always fails for me so I never rely on it, that's moved into just not taking it, I do like to share things though, while out sometimes I like to post things of interest to the bcuk Blackberry group, even get real time identification of plants, trees and animals even just by sound. it's great.

Posted on my blackberry using wifi, and my thumb.

 

[Harvestman]

My first instinct was to say low tech, always. Then I thought about it. I have a gps. I use technical fabrics, modern steels, my leather boots have been computer designed (probably), my maps are plastic coated, I carry a mobile, wear glasses, use a digital camera...

Difficult thing to avoid, technology, when you get right down to it.

 

[Chambers]

In everyday life Im a complete tech freak, I simply cant get enough. When Im out it does seem to be quite the opposite, I just love the basics, leave the phone in bag, however I will use a camera to record events etc.

 

[JonathanD]

My first instinct was to say low tech, always. Then I thought about it. I have a gps. I use technical fabrics, modern steels, my leather boots have been computer designed (probably), my maps are plastic coated, I carry a mobile, wear glasses, use a digital camera...

Difficult thing to avoid, technology, when you get right down to it.

True, but I thought Drew was aiming more at the people who take laptops and advanced communications kit into the wilderness so they can browse and keep up with their tweets. I doubt there are many people that would leave their mobiles at home these days.

 

[Harvestman]

Yeah, usually the most powerful electronic tool in my kit is an Asda torch!

 

[Teepee]

I'd quite happily leave my phone at home but I'd miss being able to check the weather on the net and I'm getting used to being able to access bcuk while I'm out. I'm learning the stars on an app too, so I guess I'm going to use it more and more. I'll never rely on it though-recipe for disaster. Maps for me will always be paper and the gps is for emergency and stash places only.

 

[Paul_B]

Well I use maps first and a GPS as a backup. I use the latest designs and tech in outdoors clothing so long as they fit me right. IME it is unpleasant wearing low tech clothing in harsh conditions. I've worn cotton tshirts in the cold sweaty conditions now I wear synthetic base layers. I have been caught out with a very heavy shower where I could not get waterproof trousers on quickly and then experienced everything drying out in about 20 minutes as they were synthetic and wicking. Except for merino boxers. Nothing worse than completely sodden merino (other than cotton in a similar state) as it holds the moisture rather than wicking it away from the skin. If overwhelmed then it doesn't wick it away but holds it against the skin.

I have gone hi tech clothing now but I have in the past worn low tech and have appreciated their performance is better than you might think. It is only the right low tech in the right conditions. I once got bought a thick and densely knitted wool jumper. Was not a fashionable jumper but in the hills (before I got fleeces, softshells and Paramo) it worked. The tight knit stopped wind getting through but still allowed it to be completely breathable. The natural oils of the wool hadn't bee treated out so it shed water better and more durably than any DWR treating. It coped with everything from snow showers to rain showers. Walking through the really damp cloud that usually just wets you out completely and it keeps you dry. It was very warm too. I found I could only really wear it in winter. The closest hi tech option would probably be a buffalo pertex/pile top or the montane extreme smock (or even the epic fabric version the new resolute smock).

Now I wear Rab VR and Goretex pro jacket (asgard/mtnhaus project jacket from Berghaus).

I use a tarp and bivvy not a high tech UL tent in the latest fabrics and alloy poles. I use uber light fell shoes not heavy leather boots. I use two phones one of which is a BB 8900. I use a laptop and listen to mp3s at home on pc or on a player in a tent / tarp. I watch tv but its a CRT and deffo not HD ready. I don't have sky but do have freeview (under protest). I don't have nor will ever have DAB radio as it is an obsolete technology before it has even been adopted.

I guess what I am saying is that I don't care if what I choose to use or do is considered high or low technology. My only concern is that what I use is the best I can get for the job I need it for. I might not be able to afford the best but I try to get the best I can afford. Wherever the tech level is on that item is unimportant to me.

Also I see mobile phones and GPS as essential hill safety equipment so will carry them just like a FAK. I will answer them on the hills (although I never get it out in time as its in my pack and not quick to get at). The annoyance of a ringtone on a hill is minor really and the person talking down the mobile is little different from two people having a lively conversation when you think about it. The only difference you can only listen in to one side of it with a mobile which can be annoying if it sounds an interesting conversation!!

Of course if I had unlimited money I would be a total gear freak. I would probably drop many thousands on gear. Most of which wpould be bought just because I thought they were interesting not because I really need them. I am currently trying to resist buying some GSI Outdoors stuff from Ellis Brigham. The halulite soloist pot/sippit lid/gripper/cosy sleeve/telescopic spork kit. Or thee java press kit which has a press and insulated mug with sippit lid, or the java drip filter cone that sits on a mug to make proper coffee for about 23g weight. Or thehallulite dualist two man kit. Or the kettleist kit. Or the... Well you get the idea. I reckon I would have the whole of the kit on page 165 of the catalogue from Ellis Brigham in thee GSI section.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

No 'tech' for me, I carry more or less the same things as I did 30+ years ago when I first started on this malarky, only the prices have changed, & for once, all things taken into consideration, the cost of gear is proportionally cheaper now than it was back then, but I'm a cheapskate.

 

[maddave]

Got to admit I often use google earth to do a "satellite recon" of potential bushcrafting sites.

 

[jackcbr]

I go both ways. I like a bit tech to aid my learning, but enjoy a bit of good old fashion tech to 'connect' with the 'craft.

If it wasn't for the shiny, techy things in my bag, I wouldn't be able to show off what the cutty, slicey things in my bag can do.

 

[Shewie]

That interweb thing is quite useful too

If it wasn't for the net then we wouldn't even be having this conversation in the first place.

21st century outdoor living at the weekend and a bit of forum banter in between