Equipment 2

The Paramo clothing I use is based on Analogy technology and is very good. I have used the NIXWAX products for washing and waterproofing the clothing and boots. It is very simple to use and does exactly what it says.

A change of clothing to wear during the evening is a good idea as it gives a chance to wash or dry out the items you have been wearing during the day and is an opportunity to air them as well. I carry four pairs of walking socks and rinse two pairs a day to keep them fresh, this also reduces the chances of foot fungal infections developing as well as restoring the breathable properties of the material. I use a pair of ALS sandals (good soles and ventilation) to wear after walking as this allows the air to get to my feet and gives a chance for the boots to dry and air, although the boots are waterproof and come with wicking properties they still get damp and need to dry. Underwear gets the same treatment, rinse out and change daily this reduces the chances of “dhobie itch”. http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Dhobie_itch
It goes without saying that at night in bed you shouldn’t wear the clothes you’ve been wearing through out the day (unless you don’t have a choice or its an emergency situation).

The compass is a fairly standard Sylva compass, with a magnifier, map scales and is in degrees (its almost impossible to walk to more than 5 degree accuracy). A plastic whistle attached to the compass chord is useful. The reason for doing this is because if you are having to use your compass, the chances are that you are walking across open country in reduced visibility due to inclement weather. Should an accident befall you or you become totally lost then a whistle will be useful in summoning help, of course you will have covered your rucksack in your hi visibility protective cover so you are easily seen. A survival bag is handy if you become seriously injured and the weather is not very favourable or you get caught unawares by the weather, totally lost and have to spend the night out. Good planning and preparation will prevent those sort of situations arising, however if you carry a survival bag you probably won’t need it and if you don’t, so no more.

A bladder with a long drinking tube kept inside your rucksack is really useful and saves having to keep stopping to get water bottles out. How much water you carry is a personal choice and depends on the weather and how strenuous your walking is. If in doubt carrying water purification tablets is a useful lightweight way of dealing with the problem of carrying lots of water. One tablet will purify a water bottle in about 20 minutes.

Washing items are not really necessary if you are staying in accommodation. Not all accommodation supplies washing and shampoo items or if they do it may not be to you taste or you may have an allergy. Small 50-100 mil clear plastic screw top travel bottles get over the problem of carrying bigger bottles or containers. A micro fibre towel is useful if you need to dry yourself off during a break in the day or if the accommodation does not supply towels (YHA you have to hire them). The micro fibre towels are very efficient, dry very quickly are lightweight even when wet and are very compact.