Three Points of the Compass takes a glance at mini titanium pens, suitable for keyring, EDC kits and lightweight backpacking, these are tough little fellows, just don't lose them!
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.
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.
Backpacking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path this year, I camped at a farm site one night. While I was away from the tent, the farm cat decided to rip holes in the mesh side of my tent. I took time out this week for repairs.
Backpacking the Southern Upland Way recently, I reached out one evening to close and tighten the vestibule doors- twang! One of the hooks had broken. I tied it shut for the remainder of that hike and simply used the other side of the shelter. Back home, I found thirty seconds to replace it with one of those sent to me by Zpacks
Three Points of the Compass 