gear

Gear talk- butane canister converter nozzles

Many will be aware that lindal valve gas canisters can be expensive, while bayonet connector butane cartridges can be much more affordable. There is a cheap, tiny, copper transfer nozzle available for putting the contents of one, in to the other...

Gear talk: O-rings- check ’em!

Many of us will have managed to fit in a few weeks of backpacking this year and some gear might have been having a rough time of it. Beside cleaning, re-proofing and condition checking, think about including an inspection of the O-rings fitted to gas and multi-fuel stoves.

Gear talk: mini-tripods

Three Points of the Compass looks at lightweight tripods for use with phone or camera on trail

Knife chat: Victorinox horticultural knives- do they have a place beyond the garden?

Victorinox have produced a wide range of specialised knives for horticultural purposes. Despite many specialised aspects, some of these knives can suit other purposes.

Gear talk: fitting magnetic door closures to my Zpacks Duplex

It is simple to fit a magnetic door closure system to a shelter

Gear talk: Quad Lock case and tripod adapter for the Samsung Galaxy S20+

Looking for ways to improve the tripod set up for a phone on trail, Three Points of the Compass has been looking at the Quad Lock options

Gear talk: the Nitecore 21700 Intelligent Battery System

The Nitecore 21700 Intelligent Battery System brings together a rechargeable battery, magnetic light and input/output charging cap in a small and convenient set. But is it suitable for use on trail? Probably not.

Gear talk: knocking the grams off a sit pad

Three Points of the Compass catches up with the rest of the world and does something obvious- cuts a piece of foam to sit on

Knife Chat: is this the most practical minimalist knife on trail? The Deejo 15g

Not a lot is required of a knife for 99.9% […]

Knife chat: Nail clippers

Foot care for the hiker is all important. Part of that regime is ensuring that toenails are kept trimmed. If you don’t- bruising, split nails, ingrown nails, lost nails, blisters, […]

Map measurer of the month- The BUX map measure

“can be used on all normal English maps” The plastic […]

Gear talk: carrying a tin opener on trail

While it is doubtful that many backpackers would dream of packing such an item, Three Points of the Compass advocates carrying a tin opener while on trail, especially on a […]

Map measurer of the month- the Practical Motorist map measurer

The Practical Motorist map measurer was cheaply made, produced in […]

Gear talk: Smaller power banks, plugs and leads on trail

Small power banks/chargers Like most hikers, Three Points of the […]

Knife chat: Leatherman keychain multi-tools: which is best for hiking?

A choice of nine keychain multi-tools… Three Points of the […]

Gear talk: The Nitecore NU25- a quick mod

Three Points of the Compass has used a few headlamps on trail over the years. The one that is currently in favour is the Nitecore NU25. Available in black, yellow […]

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