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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

ditty bag

Gear talk: repair tape and patches carried on trail

Anyone who has been backpacking a few years will have invariably accumulated a plethora of repair tapes and patches along the way, be it a roll of tape from the local hardware store, self-adhesive flashing tape when making pot cosies, or repair kits supplied with shelters or sleeping mats. But what, if anything, to actually carry on trail? This is what Three Points of the Compass is packing along.
Gear talk: repair tape and patches carried on trail

Electronics

Gear talk: my 2023 electronics

It is three years since I did a dedicated post on the electronic gear I carry on backpacking trips, so here is the 2023 update. Do note that this selection is peculiar to me. I am a UK lightweight backpacker who still enjoys a bit of luxury. As always, there is also a little experimentation underway at present so one item at least will be dropped later in the year.
Gear talk: my 2023 electronics

Trail talk

Trail talk: our enjoyment of wild spaces and wildcamping is under threat (as always)

Few UK backpackers and wildcampers will be unaware of the recent furore surrounding the incredible, unfathomable, decision in the courts that wildcamping is not recreation, so should be banned on Dartmoor. Three Points of the Compass had hoped we might slowly be moving toward increased access to, and enjoyment of, outdoor spaces. Instead, we are headed in the opposite direction. Protest, action, share, fund, or at least talk about it
Trail talk: our enjoyment of wild spaces and wildcamping is under threat (as always)