Gear talk

Gear talk: Pad-Pal, the world’s smallest and lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller and lighter!

This is an update on the progress that Tyler Reeves is making in further reducing the size and weight of his home-grown pad inflator. It isn't available yet, and may differ substantially from the prototype shown here, but watch this space...

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.

Cooking

Gear talk: Fire Maple Blade, Blade 2 and Volcano remote canister stoves

Three Points of the Compass looks at three similar remote canister stoves from Fire Maple- the FMS-117T Blade, FMS-117H Blade 2 and FMS-118 Volcano. These stoves range from three-season, to lightweight four-season, to heavier weight four-season options. There isn't a bad stove amongst them.

Electronics

Gear talk: the Oria SensorBlue Thermometer Hygrometer

Three Points of the Compass likes to have an idea of the temperature on trail. Just how hot was that sweltering climb up? How much did it dip below zero in the small hours? Most little thermometers are pretty useless. Difficult to read, wildly inaccurate, easily broken, stupidly expensive or cheap and nasty. I may have found the answer...

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.

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.

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.

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

Gear talk: the Sofirn BLF LT1 2.0 Lantern

Suitable for base camps, car camping, emergencies and home use, the Sofirn BLF LT1 2.0 Lantern is compact, efficient and well-priced. In short, it is possibly the best battery powered lantern currently available.

Cooking

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

Three Points of the Compass takes a glance inside the gear locker at some items of kit that don't see much use today, if at all. Orikaso was a range of fold flat tableware from a company that had vision but ultimately failed.

Gear

Gear talk: the Montbell crushable lantern shade

If a little lantern is wanted for night-time use in the tent on lightweight backpacking excursions, there isn't much smaller or lighter than this minimal offering from Montbell. It provides the means to convert the beam from a headlamp, into a gentle 360° spread of light

Gear

Gear talk: five favourite pieces of gear in 2022

As 2022 draws to an end, Three Points of the Compass takes a glance at a handful of items of gear that were especially appreciated on trail this year. Ranging from the cheap and cheerful, to expensive and essential, each of the five were frequent companions on backpacking trips.

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