Friday 18 May 2007

Lightweight CGNP

Got the bag packed for a weekend in the Cairngorms National Park. A strange one this, but I'm ticking off some Munros that I didn't get to over the last couple of years, and sit there on their own.

The Philosophy of Lightweight

"Take enough gear to be safe, comfortable and confident" - Don Ladigin from "Lighten Up!"

For me, that weighs in at 13.4kg including 2 days worth of food and 1 litre of water, and treats to leave at the Bothy for folk. And walking poles strapped to side of pack.

The mission is: up to Bob Scott's Bothy on Friday night, and Carn a' Mhaim (1037m/3402ft) on Saturday morning. Relocating on Saturday, and head up to Glenshee. Depending on the time, maybe crack on up to Creag Leacach (987m/3238ft) and overnight on the hill, and along to Glas Maol (1068m/3504ft) on Sunday.

All depends on the time. I'd rather camp near water (i.e. before heading up through the scree), and tackle Creag Leacach and Glas Maol on the Sunday.

Gear: standard fare. Trying out the new Namches, carbon fibre pole for Akto, Roberts radio, and will be wearing the Backpackers Club buff.

The only 'sacrifice' is trying out the new OMM Dual foam mat. This slid down the back of the Osprey Atmos pack, and freed up space normally taken by a bulkier inflatable mat.

I lightened out the first aid kit, which had grown to cover blister repairs for a 2-week long trek. Also ablutions kit and lotions & potions bag got minimised.

I could probably fit it all into a smaller pack, but I can't be bothered as the Atmos is a comfortable pack.

Sleep system: Hilleberg Akto, Cumulus Ultralight 350, OMM mat.

Cook system: SnowPeak, 100 gas canister, Primus Micron, home-made windshield, folding spork, all in pot cosy.

Waterproofs: Berghaus trousers, Montane Quick-Fire jacket. In OD Small bag.

4 comments:

Chris Cowell said...

"The only 'sacrifice' is trying out the new OMM Dual foam mat" - they must breed you guys tough 'up there'! "You can take my Insulmat when you pry it from my cold dead fingers!"
Chris

AktoMan said...

I'm nae stupid, Chris - the Insul mat, Scarpa ZG65s and original pole for the Akto are all going in to the car. Any bit of kit fails on Saturday (or can't cope with the weather), and it'll get swapped out.

But I want to give things a fair crack. The OMM mat has freed up quite a bit of space in the rucksack. Allowing me to easily have the Akto in the main compartment.

Once I drop off the shortbread, sweeties and candles at Bob Scott's I'll have some more space. Oh, and the wee nalgene of Sake. Just in case I bump into some Challengers.

Chris Cowell said...

Enjoy!

AktoMan said...

I'm nae stupid, Chris - the Insul mat, Scarpa ZG65s and original pole for the Akto are all going in to the car. Any bit of kit fails on Saturday (or can't cope with the weather), and it'll get swapped out.

Hahaha! I forgot that quote from me! never even crossed my mind to put the original pole in the PACK not the car. Prat! The only real crime is stupidity.