Author Archives

Jools

UK backpacker, striving for lightweight while body gets increasingly heavyweight. Completed all of the UK national trails while fitting in local day hikes and other multi-day trails both in the UK and overseas. Walked across mainland UK on five month 2500 mile 'Three Points of the Compass' hike in 2018

Gear

Gear talk: GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug

Always on the look out for a possible improvement to gear, Three Points of the Compass tried the GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug. While an excellent piece of kit, we had issues with some of its features. Did it earn a place in the pack?

first aid

Gear talk: my 2023 First Aid Kit

It is perfectly possible to go on a multi-day walk carrying no first aid capability at all beyond what is between the ears. However knowing how to cope with issues and carrying something to deal with blisters, cuts, strains, allergic reaction, chafing, diarrhoea or even worse, can make completing a trail both possible and more enjoyable.

Knife chat

Knife chat: going minimal with a cheapo keychain blade

Sometimes all you need is a little blade. It will open packages, slice an apple, trim tape and cordage, even attack an onion. A little keychain blade can be all that is required. They don't come much cheaper than this.

Cooking

Gear talk: Fire Maple Hornet II stove

The Fire Maple Hornet II canister top gas stove is intended as an upgrade to the popular smaller and lighter Hornet and is safer when used with wider pots and pans

Gear

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- SIGG Traveller bottles

Another blast from the past. Just before I finally ditch them, Three Points of the Compass takes a glance at some drinks bottles that used to be taken on hiking, camping and cycling excursions.

map measurer

Map measure of the month: the Automobile Association ‘scale rule’ bookmark

Simple scale rules were included with some road atlases published by the Automobile Association and acted both as bookmark and map measure.

Knife chat

Knife chat: buy now! Victorinox knives are getting harder to find

Reports from Spain suggest Victorinox has removed quite a few knives from their catalogue. There are a few surprises in the list of discontinued models and it may be wise to buy anything that interests you now, while you still can!

Knife chat

Knife chat: the NexTool Mini Sailor keychain multi-tool

The NexTool Mini Sailor combines ten functions into a single product to bring a surprising addition to the few 'keychain sized' multi-tool options available.

Cooking

Gear talk: The Edelrid Hexon multi-fuel stove

It has been a few years since Three Points of the Compass purchased this multi-fuel stove specifically for more challenging sub-zero winter backpacking trips. My terrific Edelrid Hexon stove has seen far too little use due to a series of mild winters coinciding with improvements in gas stove design

Gear talk

Gear talk: changing the mantle on a Primus Micron lantern

The Primus Micron is a gas powered lantern with a mantle. Every now and then, a mantle requires changing. It isn't difficult, but can be a mystery to those new to the process.

map measurer

Map measure of the month: George Philip & Son Rotameter

"a small, but sturdily built, wheeled measurer, fitted with a dial and rotating hands which indicate lengths of traverse up to 25 feet or 300 inches" Philip & Son

Gear

Gear talk: silicone light diffusers

Three Points of the Compass takes a glance at cheap silicone diffusers that used to provide a 360° pool of light, potentially useful in the home or tent.

Gear

Gear talk: Microspikes

Only a few years ago, there was little in the way of choice if you were looking to purchase a pair of microspikes. Today there is an almost bewildering choice. Some are good, some not so good. You makes your choice and whatever you buy will probably last you many years.

Gear

Gear talk: a minimal USB-A diffused lantern

This cheap little USB light can be plugged directly into a powerbank and may be all that is required for night time lighting of a shelter when backpacking. They don't come much lighter than this!

Gear

Gear talk: Sealskinz waterproof socks

Three Points of the Compass uses a pair of camp socks instead of camp shoes while backpacking. Having recently splashed out on a third pair, it is time to take a look at the technology and practicality of Sealskinz waterproof socks.

Gear

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- Skinners sock-shoes

A few years back, on the search for lightweight camp-shoes to use while backpacking, Three Points of the Compass came across the European made Skinners. These are stretchy, breathable 'sock-shoes', with a waterproof polymer bonded to the bottom and sides. They looked promising.

Gear

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- camp shoes

Feet need a rest at the end of the day. Relief from walking, relief from being stood on, relief from the confines of footwear, relieved of sweat and grime. If backpacking, there is a decision to be made, whether to carry camp shoes. Following decades of including them, Three Points of the Compass now excludes camp shoes from any gear list.

Electronics

Three Points of the Compass

Long Distance Trails, lightweight backpacking and gear, map measures and anything outdoorsy

Author Archives

Jools

Gear talk: GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug

Gear talk: my 2023 First Aid Kit

Knife chat: going minimal with a cheapo keychain blade

Gear talk: Fire Maple Hornet II stove

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- SIGG Traveller bottles

Map measure of the month: the Automobile Association ‘scale rule’ bookmark

Knife chat: buy now! Victorinox knives are getting harder to find

Knife chat: the NexTool Mini Sailor keychain multi-tool

Gear talk: The Edelrid Hexon multi-fuel stove

Gear talk: changing the mantle on a Primus Micron lantern

Map measure of the month: George Philip & Son Rotameter

Gear talk: silicone light diffusers

Gear talk: Microspikes

Gear talk: a minimal USB-A diffused lantern

Gear talk: Sealskinz waterproof socks

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- Skinners sock-shoes

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- camp shoes

Gear talk: the Sofirn BLF LT1 2.0 Lantern

Map measure of the month: >W&G< Drawing Instruments- model WG/5006

Gear talk: stuff I don’t use any more- fold flat tableware