Gear

Map measure of the month: HC model 457, combination pedometer, compass and map measure

This month's measure combines three functions. Two of which are inefficient measures while the third is of questionable use. That said, it is a fascinating example of how manufacturers would squeeze extra function into an instrument to attract customers.

Gear

Gear talk: the WickiUp 3, a shelter with a history

Three Points of the Compass dives in to the gear locker to look at one of the tents languishing there. The Eureka! WickiUp 3 SUL is a classic design of tent, usurped by lighter alternatives, but still an excellent piece of kit. Is it time to resurrect this single pole 'Mid'?

Cooking

Gear talk: Heat Exchanger pots

What do heat exchanger pots have to offer the lightweight backpacker? Are they any more efficient, and if so, does this compensate for the increased weight, bulk and expense? Three Points of the Compass takes a glance at some of those available.

Cooking

Gear talk: my backpacking gear for spring in the UK

A glance at the gear Three Points of the Compass has packed for a weeks wander across Lowland Scotland. I have a mix of official campsites and wildcamping, and because this is in May, I can anticipate low to mid-high temperatures and dry or wet conditions.

map measurer

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

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

Gear

Gear talk: Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket

Most hikers are carrying a phone on trail, but where to keep it? In a pocket, chest pouch, hip belt pouch... Three Points of the Compass has been using the Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket for the past three years.

Cooking

Gear talk: cleaning the generator tube on a multi-fuel stove

Some stoves require just a little maintenance to keep them operating optimally. Liquid or multi-fuel stoves often feature a generator loop where liquid fuel is vaporised. This occasionally requires internal carbon deposits removing. It isn't a difficult task if carried out before it becomes a problem.

Gear

Gear talk: Arch Angel replacement insoles

Three Points of the Compass is trying out new insoles this year. Arch Angel are from UK based Healthy Feet and are an alternative to US Superfeet.

Cooking

Gear talk: looking at canister top ‘stove systems’ and stability

Many backpackers will simply buy what is reviewed as the […]

Electronics

Gear talk: USB-C coupler adapters, they don’t come much smaller or lighter than this!

It can be surprising how much weight a cable can add to electronics carried on trail. Here is one of the lightest alternatives available. This USB-C coupler has it's limitations, but could be a handy primary or back-up connector.

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.

map measurer

Map measure of the month: Uittokalusto O.Y. Karttamittari

This months measure is a simple brass 'Karttamittari' produced and sold by Uittokalusto O.Y. Finnish word 'kartta', from Swedish 'karta', meaning map. Finnish word 'mittari', from meter/gauge/indicator, or device for measuring.

Gear

Gear talk: sodium acetate crystallisation-type heat-pads

This type of re-usable heat pad has been around for a good few years now. The science is based around an old chemistry laboratory experiment with salt and water that was assured to wake up even the most bored of students.

Electronics

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.

map measurer

Map measure of the month: HC Universal, with compass and ‘reading glass’

This month's map measure is an intriguing HC Universal curvimetre, with compass and magnifier. But is it a good combination?

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.

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