Tips and Tricks for Backpacking..

• All recent tents use fibreglass poles (or equivalent). These can be separated from the rest of the tent, and strapped onto the outside of your rucksack. When travelling in remote areas, remember to carry a spare pole section and elastic. In an emergency, use micro pore tape to strap up those splintered poles

• Take a pair of fold-up pliers. This is one thing many people forget. Not only do they come in useful for un-bending tent pegs, but also minor boot and rucksack repairs, and a torture device when your companion does not do his share of the washing-u

• Wear two pairs of socks. By using a thin synthetic pair of socks under your usual Coolmax^® pair, you will reduce the friction at hot-points and allow socks to be worn for longer!

• Layer-up!! Too many people wear hundreds of pullovers to keep warm. Unfortunately this just aids sweating, which in turn causes cooling - oh dear! The best policy is to wear a thin wicking layer next to the skin to drive away the moisture. Thermal T-shirts are ideal (not cotton!). Next an adjustable insulation layer is needed for warmth. A fleece is ideal. The top layer should be waterproof, windproof and breathable - the classic waterproof/Gore-Tex^® jacket. by wearing these three layers, each can be adjusted. When the rain is pouring down, but you seem to be a little sweaty, unzipping the fleece will not affect your ability to keep out water :-)

• Waterproof your matches. You can buy storm-proof matches, but in our opinion, these are seem create a lot of smoke, and smell awful! The best idea is to dip your matches in wax. This keeps them waterproof and helps them burn. Alternatively a flint and steel works wonders!

• Use a Sigg^® Bottle to keep you warm! Not only to Sigg bottles keep fluids from leaking, they keep them warm/cold at your desire. Pop one in your sleeping bag full of warm water, and the chill factor of a cold sleeping bag is soon reduced.

• If you buy one piece of equipment, buy a Platypus^® or Camelbak^®. These 'water bladders' come complete with a hose and nipple that can be attached to your rucksack. It's amazing how much more you drink with one of these things (that's good by the way!). Watch out for those who don't have their own - they tend to ask for a 'suck of your nipple'

• Don't rely on Camping-Gaz or Coleman fuel in foreign countries. If you can, buy a duel-fuel stove that will accept the above plus unleaded fuel. If the worst comes to the worst, some will even run of the local spirits

KIT LIST

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