Lightweight

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

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

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.

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.

Gear

Gear talk: UCO Original candle lantern accessories

The UCO Candle Lantern has been around for decades. It may be thought a little surprising that UCO have not produced more accessories in the past forty years. But what can you add to a candle lantern? Three Points of the Compass has a glance at what there is.

Electronics

Gear talk: Olight Obulb

The Olight Obulb is a small rechargeable LED globe lantern that provides 360° of soft light. It has a wide range of possible applications. The light weight and size, weather proofness, warm low light and runtime also makes it suitable for some backpacking and camping application.

knife

Knife chat: 84mm of Victorinox excellence, a Cadet with a difference

Victorinox do like to release limited editions of their standard range of knives. Normally these will simply be a special colour for the handles. In 2022 Victorinox took the Cadet, one of their most popular knives and changed the handle material. This enabled them to add a couple of tools. Careful scale design has also made this an extremely attractive knife that pays homage to many of the iconic sights to be found in its country of origin.

Gear

Gear talk: the BRS-55 gas powered ‘Dream Candle’ lantern

Three Points of the Compass has previously looked at a couple of small and light lanterns for use in camp or home. One was candle-powered, the other was gas-powered. As an alternative- the little BRS-55 is a gas-powered 'candle' lantern.

knife

Knife chat: Victorinox’s Flagship Store in London

On their 125th anniversary, Victorinox opened a new Flagship Store in the UK. Three Points of the Compass ventured into London to see what was on offer.

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