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Heya all,
I'm starting my ML in a few weeks and just wanted an idea on the kind of stuff you didn't take but wish you had <and please nobody suggest anything stupid like a tv, laptop, porno etc....>.
I mean did you take things like belay gloves, bivi bag etc...?
I know bivi bag may be slightly ott but you get the idea.
I'm starting my ML in a few weeks and just wanted an idea on the kind of stuff you didn't take but wish you had <and please nobody suggest anything stupid like a tv, laptop, porno etc....>.
I mean did you take things like belay gloves, bivi bag etc...?
I know bivi bag may be slightly ott but you get the idea.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
An extra warm layer - you will be standing around a fair bit, so it's useful to have a little bit more warm kit than if you were on a personal day out.
An extra warm layer - you will be standing around a fair bit, so it's useful to have a little bit more warm kit than if you were on a personal day out.
In reply to Monk: Is it generally a 9 - 5 standing around lots week, bar the exped days??
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
On the exped part I wish I hadn't taken 'group' kit, and I wish I had taken my akto. Assessor told us to take from stores what he thought was the 3 man version of the quasar, but it was a 2 man version for the three of us . Other than that nothing I can think of.
On the exped part I wish I hadn't taken 'group' kit, and I wish I had taken my akto. Assessor told us to take from stores what he thought was the 3 man version of the quasar, but it was a 2 man version for the three of us . Other than that nothing I can think of.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
It's all practical stuff. So you'll be out navigating in tricky terrain, you'll be belaying a partner up or down steep terrain, doing river crossings. We also did evening sessions in the classroom, covering things like flora and fauna, rope work or how to deal with certain scenarios (eg, someone in your group has an accident).
Ewan
It's all practical stuff. So you'll be out navigating in tricky terrain, you'll be belaying a partner up or down steep terrain, doing river crossings. We also did evening sessions in the classroom, covering things like flora and fauna, rope work or how to deal with certain scenarios (eg, someone in your group has an accident).
Ewan
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: A floodlight for night nav. Seriously a good torch with a powerful beam is a real help in addition to a general purpose headtorch for map reading.
In reply to The Ivanator:
Agree re: top notch head torch.
A red marker is useful as are waterproof maps (cut down if possible).
Agree re: top notch head torch.
A red marker is useful as are waterproof maps (cut down if possible).
In reply to The Ivanator: I'm glad someone said that, I can now convince the gf to let me buy a myo xp.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
It's not standing around exactly, but you won't be moving as fast as you might otherwise when doing micronav, discussing things, ropework etc. You will definitely be out in the hills though.
> (In reply to Monk) Is it generally a 9 - 5 standing around lots week, bar the exped days??
It's not standing around exactly, but you won't be moving as fast as you might otherwise when doing micronav, discussing things, ropework etc. You will definitely be out in the hills though.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
If you are going for training, then you will need whatever kit they suggest, but at least what you would carry for a personal day (possibly benighted). If on assessment then what you would be expected to have if you were responsible for a group of 'novices'. If on an exped then there is no need to duplicate things like group bivvy shelter as well as a tent. Spare warm fleece or jacket, gloves eyc for a group member in addition to your own. Spare compass, emergency rations and so on. I assume that by the nature of the question it is training (otherwise you would already be familiar with what is needed). 'Group' kit such as clothing, rope, shelter, etc can be shared amongst the members, but as you will all be doing the same thing then avoid duplication. The instructors will advise. If in doubt take everything and leave in your car what is not deemed necessary at the time.
Good luck and don't panic!
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
If you are going for training, then you will need whatever kit they suggest, but at least what you would carry for a personal day (possibly benighted). If on assessment then what you would be expected to have if you were responsible for a group of 'novices'. If on an exped then there is no need to duplicate things like group bivvy shelter as well as a tent. Spare warm fleece or jacket, gloves eyc for a group member in addition to your own. Spare compass, emergency rations and so on. I assume that by the nature of the question it is training (otherwise you would already be familiar with what is needed). 'Group' kit such as clothing, rope, shelter, etc can be shared amongst the members, but as you will all be doing the same thing then avoid duplication. The instructors will advise. If in doubt take everything and leave in your car what is not deemed necessary at the time.
Good luck and don't panic!
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Yeah just clothing, I carried loads, may as well have a comfortable night out and get some sleep. But the walking is all done at a very steady pace lots of standing around chatting and if you get cold you don't think clearly.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
backing up others - carry slightly warmer clothes than you would normally for standing around bits, so depending on weather: windproof top/gloves/hat/buff etc
backing up others - carry slightly warmer clothes than you would normally for standing around bits, so depending on weather: windproof top/gloves/hat/buff etc
In reply to Nick Cole:
You're not wrong in your call re: don't duplicate.
A caveat about something on your list: your group have tents but you as the leader have no group shelter. You decide to take a break but there's no natural wind/rain shelter; are you going to pitch up? What if an accident happens; casualty is immobilised and the terrain is not fit to pitch a tent. Options - pros & cons and was there a better (?) method to tackle the problem.
Not picking holes with you Nick; be prepared to validate what ever choices you make about what it is you take.
You're not wrong in your call re: don't duplicate.
A caveat about something on your list: your group have tents but you as the leader have no group shelter. You decide to take a break but there's no natural wind/rain shelter; are you going to pitch up? What if an accident happens; casualty is immobilised and the terrain is not fit to pitch a tent. Options - pros & cons and was there a better (?) method to tackle the problem.
Not picking holes with you Nick; be prepared to validate what ever choices you make about what it is you take.
In reply to brt: So pretty much the same pace and standard of questioning as spa then?
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
Leadership and judgement is questioned more in the ML; but yes, similar.
Leadership and judgement is questioned more in the ML; but yes, similar.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
A replicant of yourself.
> Heya all,
>
> I'm starting my ML in a few weeks and just wanted an idea on the kind of stuff you didn't take but wish you had <and please nobody suggest anything stupid like a tv, laptop, porno etc....>.
>
> I mean did you take things like belay gloves, bivi bag etc...?
>
> I know bivi bag may be slightly ott but you get the idea.
>
> I'm starting my ML in a few weeks and just wanted an idea on the kind of stuff you didn't take but wish you had <and please nobody suggest anything stupid like a tv, laptop, porno etc....>.
>
> I mean did you take things like belay gloves, bivi bag etc...?
>
> I know bivi bag may be slightly ott but you get the idea.
A replicant of yourself.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Dehydrated meals you just add boiling water to - saves hassle of washing up, plates etc.
If time of year means likelyhood of mist then a powerful headtorch wont help, better to have a not so bright head torch you can map read with without getting blinded and a powerful hand torch with a neutral white beam (cuts thro mist much better than blue/white normal leds)
http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_tk20.html
hung off rucksack shoulder strap so you can let go of it to mark up a map and it just dangles, but you can hold down at your waist so it doesnt get reflected back into your eyes)
Fine permanent marker in red to tick off as you go and mark up point assessor says you have to lead to.
The assessor will check the contents of your rucksack - when leading I always have a spare waterproof jacket and trousers (old paclite ones) in case anyone you are leading has forgotten and weather turns bad - went down well with the assessors.
If time of year means likelyhood of mist then a powerful headtorch wont help, better to have a not so bright head torch you can map read with without getting blinded and a powerful hand torch with a neutral white beam (cuts thro mist much better than blue/white normal leds)
http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_tk20.html
hung off rucksack shoulder strap so you can let go of it to mark up a map and it just dangles, but you can hold down at your waist so it doesnt get reflected back into your eyes)
Fine permanent marker in red to tick off as you go and mark up point assessor says you have to lead to.
The assessor will check the contents of your rucksack - when leading I always have a spare waterproof jacket and trousers (old paclite ones) in case anyone you are leading has forgotten and weather turns bad - went down well with the assessors.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
A spoon! Goddamn frustrating to have to watch your tent partner eat first.
Small sections of laminated maps are really handy as said above.
Loads of tasty snacks as per winter climbing, eg apples, cheese, mini pork pies and chocolate brownie. Tons of calories and you can keep them in a pocket for eating on the hoof.
Tikka XP2 is lighter and smaller than a myo but still very good.
The lightest, best kit you can get your hands on. Weight really makes a difference but you don't want it to break. My only concession is a massive thermarest because I feel awesome after a good sleep.
Personal extra warm layer, but minimal/nothing for the group unless you are told to pack differently. As wannabe professionals they should have their own. Windstopper leather palm guide gloves are really handy for ropework, but have a big warm set of mitts for backup if you suffer from cold hands or it's looking really wet.
Hmmm, if I think of owt else I'll post again
As someone else said be prepared to have to justify your decisions on the ML. if you can explain why you took or left something then it helps.....
A spoon! Goddamn frustrating to have to watch your tent partner eat first.
Small sections of laminated maps are really handy as said above.
Loads of tasty snacks as per winter climbing, eg apples, cheese, mini pork pies and chocolate brownie. Tons of calories and you can keep them in a pocket for eating on the hoof.
Tikka XP2 is lighter and smaller than a myo but still very good.
The lightest, best kit you can get your hands on. Weight really makes a difference but you don't want it to break. My only concession is a massive thermarest because I feel awesome after a good sleep.
Personal extra warm layer, but minimal/nothing for the group unless you are told to pack differently. As wannabe professionals they should have their own. Windstopper leather palm guide gloves are really handy for ropework, but have a big warm set of mitts for backup if you suffer from cold hands or it's looking really wet.
Hmmm, if I think of owt else I'll post again
As someone else said be prepared to have to justify your decisions on the ML. if you can explain why you took or left something then it helps.....
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
bivi bag and stove for when we 'got benighted' after night nav! serious chilly night.
bivi bag and stove for when we 'got benighted' after night nav! serious chilly night.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: One think I did take with me on my training which I was very glad about was a spare pair of walking boots. We did the river crossing training mid week and were up to our thighs in the water, having a spare pair of boots meant I wasn't as worried as some of the others about getting them dried out that night. You should know which day you're going to be doing the river crossings so you can wear the less comfy of your boots that day if that's an issue.
Another god send that I had out with me was a glow stick I left on my tent when we went off to do the night nav as it was misserable weather with very poor visability and the glow stick made finding the tents afterwards much easier, especially as you'll likely be tired and switching off.
Another god send that I had out with me was a glow stick I left on my tent when we went off to do the night nav as it was misserable weather with very poor visability and the glow stick made finding the tents afterwards much easier, especially as you'll likely be tired and switching off.
In reply to Dave80:
Just carry a pair of Crocs or sport sandals - very light and comfy for the evening - 2 pairs of boots = overkill
Just carry a pair of Crocs or sport sandals - very light and comfy for the evening - 2 pairs of boots = overkill
In reply to Dave80:
Isn't that cheating? In our night nav sessions, finding the tents again is one of the challenges!
>
> Another god send that I had out with me was a glow stick I left on my tent when we went off to do the night nav as it was misserable weather with very poor visability and the glow stick made finding the tents afterwards much easier, especially as you'll likely be tired and switching off.
> Another god send that I had out with me was a glow stick I left on my tent when we went off to do the night nav as it was misserable weather with very poor visability and the glow stick made finding the tents afterwards much easier, especially as you'll likely be tired and switching off.
Isn't that cheating? In our night nav sessions, finding the tents again is one of the challenges!
In reply to Monk: Our instructors had basically told us to bugger off by that point so yes it was cheating a bit but wasn't frowned uppon. They were also staying in a bothy about 500m to 1km from where we were camping and couldn't be bothered staying out in the rain any longer after the night nav and sent us on our way.
In reply to David Hooper: True but if they're sitting in your car until you use them on that day then it is an option worth thinking about. A few of the people on my training course didn't have any spare footware with them and didn't want to wear their good trainers they had with them for the evenings and ended up with damp boots for the expedition the following day.
In reply to Dave80: Ah a good reason to take my crappy boots along then. I don't think a glow stick on the tent could be called cheating, i'd say good planning.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
On my training there was a guy who had not really experienced the extreme cold of standing around in appalling weather for hours on end and did not have warm enough kit. He ended up really cold, in particular lost all feeling in his hands for the night nav- so make sure you are prepped with lots of warm clothes and waterproof gloves.
Spare map- mine blew away on my night nav!
(didn't make that mistake on my assessment!!)
On my training there was a guy who had not really experienced the extreme cold of standing around in appalling weather for hours on end and did not have warm enough kit. He ended up really cold, in particular lost all feeling in his hands for the night nav- so make sure you are prepped with lots of warm clothes and waterproof gloves.
Spare map- mine blew away on my night nav!
(didn't make that mistake on my assessment!!)
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
I'd definitely take a pair of gloves to belay in - I used my bike gloves for the rope work day so I would definitely have dry gloves to take for the exped. Body belaying without gloves isn't much fun.
A rucksack a little bigger than it needs to be to fit your gear is useful, so you don't have to pack really precisely when that's the last thing you want to be faffing with - again as per winter climbing.
Spare batteries and bulb for headtorch too - I was glad of mine on night nav, would've looked a right numpty if I hadn't had them in my pocket when my torch decided to stop playing
Isi
I'd definitely take a pair of gloves to belay in - I used my bike gloves for the rope work day so I would definitely have dry gloves to take for the exped. Body belaying without gloves isn't much fun.
A rucksack a little bigger than it needs to be to fit your gear is useful, so you don't have to pack really precisely when that's the last thing you want to be faffing with - again as per winter climbing.
Spare batteries and bulb for headtorch too - I was glad of mine on night nav, would've looked a right numpty if I hadn't had them in my pocket when my torch decided to stop playing
Isi
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Ear plugs in case of severe wind.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
Cheap spare headtorch. I've only needed a second torch once, but then I really needed it. Head torches can be had cheap, and they don't weigh much. It is so much less faff to just get out a spare torch than trying to replace the batteries in a headtorch on the hill (a climbing partner once did that on a winter route where we were having an epic).
Spare gloves for when your normal gloves get wet in the rain or the bog.
Print off maps of the area (eg from wheresthepath or multimap) and put them in poly pockets. These can be folded much easier than laminated mas, and so can fit easily in your pockets. Also you can make waterproof maps without access to a laminator (just tape up the open end of the poly pocket).
Spare compass.
Enough nibbles to keep you going through the long days effort, especially on exped.
A way of making the water safe to drink, especially if you are camping near bothies or frequently-used wild camping sites.
Clothes which will dry well after getting a soaking.
A sense of humour.
Cheap spare headtorch. I've only needed a second torch once, but then I really needed it. Head torches can be had cheap, and they don't weigh much. It is so much less faff to just get out a spare torch than trying to replace the batteries in a headtorch on the hill (a climbing partner once did that on a winter route where we were having an epic).
Spare gloves for when your normal gloves get wet in the rain or the bog.
Print off maps of the area (eg from wheresthepath or multimap) and put them in poly pockets. These can be folded much easier than laminated mas, and so can fit easily in your pockets. Also you can make waterproof maps without access to a laminator (just tape up the open end of the poly pocket).
Spare compass.
Enough nibbles to keep you going through the long days effort, especially on exped.
A way of making the water safe to drink, especially if you are camping near bothies or frequently-used wild camping sites.
Clothes which will dry well after getting a soaking.
A sense of humour.
In reply to Xeroph: oh no worries there, they come with me on ever trip away. I can't stand my own snoring, keep waking myself up. lol
In reply to Xeroph:
Wouldn't a clothes peg be more use?
> (In reply to airbournegrapefruit) Ear plugs in case of severe wind.
Wouldn't a clothes peg be more use?
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: I've got my ML and I've used it alot. Since buying a contoured memory-foam pillow a few years ago I now take it everywhere, including overnight expeds. Suprisingly, it packs down really small and makes a MASSIVE difference to my quality of sleep. You can get them for about £20 or so from Asda now. Takes one or two nights to adjust to it, but once you do, you'll never go back to normal pillows.
I also swear by foam earplugs. Makes a big difference too. I always take them whenever I'm camping.
Don't need a bivi bag so long as you keep your sleeping bag in a drybag. And so long as your bag is 3-season.
Don't need belay gloves.
I'd recommend a fresh pair of socks for each day you're on your exped, in case they get really wet. Plus, it's just good for morale - can't beat the feeling of putting on fresh dry socks in the morning! Keep these in a dry-bag too.
All of your clothes should be synthetic (except maybe you've got a merino wool top or wool socks). For trousers, I'd recommend really thin polyester trousers. Light, summer-type ones.
I often have a thing about being able to make a properly good cup of tea, so I have a tiny little tupperware tub for some sugar, another for some teabags and even a tupperware 'beaker' with fresh milk in! Unless you're especially fit though, I wouldn't bother with this extra weight.
Another personal preference I have is to have a small book to read as I go to sleep, but that's just me.
I wouldn't bother with an ipod. You always think you're going to use it but you never do.
I also swear by foam earplugs. Makes a big difference too. I always take them whenever I'm camping.
Don't need a bivi bag so long as you keep your sleeping bag in a drybag. And so long as your bag is 3-season.
Don't need belay gloves.
I'd recommend a fresh pair of socks for each day you're on your exped, in case they get really wet. Plus, it's just good for morale - can't beat the feeling of putting on fresh dry socks in the morning! Keep these in a dry-bag too.
All of your clothes should be synthetic (except maybe you've got a merino wool top or wool socks). For trousers, I'd recommend really thin polyester trousers. Light, summer-type ones.
I often have a thing about being able to make a properly good cup of tea, so I have a tiny little tupperware tub for some sugar, another for some teabags and even a tupperware 'beaker' with fresh milk in! Unless you're especially fit though, I wouldn't bother with this extra weight.
Another personal preference I have is to have a small book to read as I go to sleep, but that's just me.
I wouldn't bother with an ipod. You always think you're going to use it but you never do.
In reply to The Ivanator:
I think it would be a really bad idea for the OP to go and shell out money for a new headtorch. It's only their training, it's really not worth it.
> (In reply to airbournegrapefruit) A floodlight for night nav. Seriously a good torch with a powerful beam is a real help in addition to a general purpose headtorch for map reading.
I think it would be a really bad idea for the OP to go and shell out money for a new headtorch. It's only their training, it's really not worth it.
In reply to Andy S: No don't say that, how can I convince the other half now. But seriously though, I've been thinking about it for a while, I brought my tikka about 5 years ago and is getting to be well overdue for renewal.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Having read all the lists of really good stuff to take (much of which I didnt think of to take on mine) whatever happens do get into the habit of carrying and packing the kit you do decide to take.
On the exped on my training some of the others were clearly carrying far more than they normally did, and struggled physically as a result.
Take the recommended kit, and dont be cold, but be really careful about the weight and how consistent you are with your packing routine.
Have fun, I found the training very enjoyable!
On the exped on my training some of the others were clearly carrying far more than they normally did, and struggled physically as a result.
Take the recommended kit, and dont be cold, but be really careful about the weight and how consistent you are with your packing routine.
Have fun, I found the training very enjoyable!
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Comped. For blisters. If you dont get them someone else might and if you have a pack it looks very professional and shows that you think of other people and think outside the box a little.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: An altimeter.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
I took one of my mtb lights that can be used as a head torch. The instructors didn't seem entirely impressed considering I had about 30-50m of very very bright lighting, if I had taken the spot it would have been over 100m.
Might keep that for when needed when I do my assessment.
The one thing I will be taking is some very good food, you can deal with most things as long as you have nice food to eat
I took one of my mtb lights that can be used as a head torch. The instructors didn't seem entirely impressed considering I had about 30-50m of very very bright lighting, if I had taken the spot it would have been over 100m.
Might keep that for when needed when I do my assessment.
The one thing I will be taking is some very good food, you can deal with most things as long as you have nice food to eat
In reply to Aigen:
> Comped. For blisters.
I didn't use these on training or assessment, but they've certainly been one of my most used items when out with groups since! Invaluable if you like a quiet life and are out with a group of 14 year olds on DofE exped... In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Remember being asked by assessor on last day of exped to see our "repair kits", managed to rob guy ropes of tent etc.
Now I always carry 3 or 4 metres of gaffer tape, wrapped round my water bottle, a few cable ties and some thin cord for boot laces etc.
Now I always carry 3 or 4 metres of gaffer tape, wrapped round my water bottle, a few cable ties and some thin cord for boot laces etc.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
Definitely get a new headtorch - a tikka will be crap for night nav. You need something with a proper beam. This doesn't have to be expensive though - the alpkit gamma is excellent and I have successfully used it for night time orienteering. Take your tikka too though, as the glare from a bright light reflecting off the map is actually painful when your eyes are adjusted to the dark.
> (In reply to Andy S) No don't say that, how can I convince the other half now. But seriously though, I've been thinking about it for a while, I brought my tikka about 5 years ago and is getting to be well overdue for renewal.
Definitely get a new headtorch - a tikka will be crap for night nav. You need something with a proper beam. This doesn't have to be expensive though - the alpkit gamma is excellent and I have successfully used it for night time orienteering. Take your tikka too though, as the glare from a bright light reflecting off the map is actually painful when your eyes are adjusted to the dark.
In reply to Monk: Yes I was thinking that. A friend of mine has the gamma and doesnt rate it too highly and as I do a fair amount of outdoor stuff I think I'd be better shelling out for one with lots of good reviews.
The Tikka is definately coming with me as it is a good night time reading light to.
The Tikka is definately coming with me as it is a good night time reading light to.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
I use a small LED headtorch and a powerful handheld torch (LED Lenser P7, brighter than the Fenix equivalents) for all of my night nav, and for searching whilst out with the team. A big powerful headtorch (and the Petzl range isnt *that* bright for the money, brighter torches can be found elsewhere) just blinds you in mist, cloud or snow, and it can become quite tiring swivelling your head back and forth searching for a ring contour or fence corner.
Beware that some assessors won't allow you to use a powerful torch. Plas y Brenin banned my friend from using his LED Lenser on his training as it 'gave him an unfair advantage'...
I use a small LED headtorch and a powerful handheld torch (LED Lenser P7, brighter than the Fenix equivalents) for all of my night nav, and for searching whilst out with the team. A big powerful headtorch (and the Petzl range isnt *that* bright for the money, brighter torches can be found elsewhere) just blinds you in mist, cloud or snow, and it can become quite tiring swivelling your head back and forth searching for a ring contour or fence corner.
Beware that some assessors won't allow you to use a powerful torch. Plas y Brenin banned my friend from using his LED Lenser on his training as it 'gave him an unfair advantage'...
In reply to Graham T: We were told it was a tradition to prep a roast turkey dinner on our Training Expedition. With the chap I shared a tent with we managed a 3 course feast, soup to start followed by 3 sorts of veg with small chopped and shallow fried spuds as sort of roasties, inc cooked roast turkey pre-shrink wrapped with gravy which just needed warming through in the pan with the veg, then christmas pud with brandy butter, and cheese and biscuits to finish...oh and of course 2 small bottles of wine!!
All done on 2 trangias...in the rain...tasted fantastic!!!
Seemed to impress the Instructors, even after a foul weather day in December.
To the OP, only take what you can carry (and we were both comfortable with the weight) but think wider than the dried sawdust food option!
All done on 2 trangias...in the rain...tasted fantastic!!!
Seemed to impress the Instructors, even after a foul weather day in December.
To the OP, only take what you can carry (and we were both comfortable with the weight) but think wider than the dried sawdust food option!
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
Small thermos of hot water. Can use it to make tea or coffee or it is quicker to boil than cold water when making a meal.
Small thermos of hot water. Can use it to make tea or coffee or it is quicker to boil than cold water when making a meal.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
Get the new Myo RXP it's the dogs.
> (In reply to The Ivanator) I'm glad someone said that, I can now convince the gf to let me buy a myo xp.
Get the new Myo RXP it's the dogs.
In reply to Nick Cole: When you are out on your night nav you will have left your tent behind. You'll need your group shelter.
Take your own mug and stove - if it's a good one. Two forms of ignition.
Dependant on your provider is whether or not you need your own food. If you go through PYB then they provide
Small folding trowel is good for your exped.
Petzl Myo XP is a great torch for night nav.
You'll probably be forced to take the rope provided by your course provider (it'll be full weight!)
Nice warm jacket (preferably synthetic rather than down) for the exped.
Largest compass (anything other than a Silva type 4 will be siffed at!!)
Midge cream is a must.
Take your own mug and stove - if it's a good one. Two forms of ignition.
Dependant on your provider is whether or not you need your own food. If you go through PYB then they provide
Small folding trowel is good for your exped.
Petzl Myo XP is a great torch for night nav.
You'll probably be forced to take the rope provided by your course provider (it'll be full weight!)
Nice warm jacket (preferably synthetic rather than down) for the exped.
Largest compass (anything other than a Silva type 4 will be siffed at!!)
Midge cream is a must.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
The best headtorch you can possibly afford for the night nav- cost and weight no object.
Will
The best headtorch you can possibly afford for the night nav- cost and weight no object.
Will
In reply to Monk:
That was my biggest challenge of the week! And a glow stick wouldn't have helped. My tent literally blew away in the arse end of a hurricane we were experiencing across the exped. I felt like a total noob, but learnt from it.
The reason the tent blew off was because the fashionable carbon pencil pegs cap glue failed and the guys just popped off. I would normally put rocks on pegs to stop them lifting but didn't for some reason (although the pegs did stay in the ground anyway).
Assessor (aka the Newt) knew he didn't need to say anything in order for me to learn from it and seemed impressed by the group's response to the incident and the conditions.
Tent was found approx. 1.5km away on the way down after a crowded night in someone else's porch space.
> (In reply to Dave80)
>
> [...]
>
> Isn't that cheating? In our night nav sessions, finding the tents again is one of the challenges!
>
> [...]
>
> Isn't that cheating? In our night nav sessions, finding the tents again is one of the challenges!
That was my biggest challenge of the week! And a glow stick wouldn't have helped. My tent literally blew away in the arse end of a hurricane we were experiencing across the exped. I felt like a total noob, but learnt from it.
The reason the tent blew off was because the fashionable carbon pencil pegs cap glue failed and the guys just popped off. I would normally put rocks on pegs to stop them lifting but didn't for some reason (although the pegs did stay in the ground anyway).
Assessor (aka the Newt) knew he didn't need to say anything in order for me to learn from it and seemed impressed by the group's response to the incident and the conditions.
Tent was found approx. 1.5km away on the way down after a crowded night in someone else's porch space.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: apologies if someone's already mentioned this, but a laminated chart outlining different walking speeds, distance and time. If the weather's terrible and you're under pressure, it's easier to refer to this than to do the maths (I found).
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Lots of good advice above. Mine would be not to load yourself down with loads of extra gadgets and gizmos that you wouldn't normally take. Make sure that you use a clothing system that you are familiar with and will be warm enough without being over bulky and heavy. Take a thin / light spare hat. It is much more comfortable in the tent in the evening to wear a dry hat. withion your main pack put all the essentials in their own small dry bags. The smaller expedition bags are great and mean that whatever happens things will be dry when you need them and it makes packing easiser as well as meaning it doesn't matter if you get stuff out of your bag in the rain while looking for sopmething in the bottom. Somebody above mentioned a red permanenet pen. (OHP pens are great) These are good for marking maps and route planning but they won't write on a wet surface. Take a chinagraph as well and you can write on wet laminated maps with it. And for that final touch of luxury before you turn in for the night in your tent - take a sachet of hot chocolate powder!
Enjoy
Enjoy
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: Honestly, other than a slightly improved first aid kit I wouldn't bother taking anything more than I normally would on an overnight stay.
Rucksack
waterproof liner or rubble bag
sleeping bag
bivvi bag or tent (depends if you have someone to share the weight with but I love my terra nova Jupiter bag)
roll mat/thermarest
small inflateable pillow
fleece/vapour rise etc
waterproof jacket and trousers
hat
2 pair of gloves no need for belay gloves really.
jetboil and small gas bottle (highly reccomend jetboils, awsome bits of kit)
spork
food
spair socks and undies
small suntan lotion
small anti midge
2 headtorches
scran
waterbottle
I think that's about it. The lighter your bag the better, that been said you don't walk that far, even on your exped and it's not really that difficult.
Rich
Rucksack
waterproof liner or rubble bag
sleeping bag
bivvi bag or tent (depends if you have someone to share the weight with but I love my terra nova Jupiter bag)
roll mat/thermarest
small inflateable pillow
fleece/vapour rise etc
waterproof jacket and trousers
hat
2 pair of gloves no need for belay gloves really.
jetboil and small gas bottle (highly reccomend jetboils, awsome bits of kit)
spork
food
spair socks and undies
small suntan lotion
small anti midge
2 headtorches
scran
waterbottle
I think that's about it. The lighter your bag the better, that been said you don't walk that far, even on your exped and it's not really that difficult.
Rich
In reply to Richiehill:
>I think that's about it. The lighter your bag the better, that been said you don't walk that far, even on your exped and it's not really that difficult.
Ha! We did all the Cairngorm 4000ft'ers on our exped for assessment. I really wished I'd had a lighter 'sac for that.
>I think that's about it. The lighter your bag the better, that been said you don't walk that far, even on your exped and it's not really that difficult.
Ha! We did all the Cairngorm 4000ft'ers on our exped for assessment. I really wished I'd had a lighter 'sac for that.
In reply to PeterM: haha, I'm not sure this is on about assessment to be honest. Mine was easy, did about 14k around Coniston Old Man and on the exped from langdale old dungeon ghyll hotel up to Scafel and back. Mine may have been easy or yours hard!
In reply to airbournegrapefruit: I think most people take way more than necessary - I think it was more about what I should have left out.
Most first aid kits are over top - throw most of it out and make a slim but useful one. Multi-tools weigh loads as does several litres of water or hydrated rations.
Good luck with it all. I did my training and assessment with a couple of friends and we were all very surprised how easy the standard was. We may have over trained but there were a good few I'd have deferred.
Mike Raine's book on flowers and stuff is worth the money too. Nature of Snowdonia: A Beginner's Guide to the Upland Environment
Most first aid kits are over top - throw most of it out and make a slim but useful one. Multi-tools weigh loads as does several litres of water or hydrated rations.
Good luck with it all. I did my training and assessment with a couple of friends and we were all very surprised how easy the standard was. We may have over trained but there were a good few I'd have deferred.
Mike Raine's book on flowers and stuff is worth the money too. Nature of Snowdonia: A Beginner's Guide to the Upland Environment
yeah id say so too it brings into the eqausion that you are pre planning for something to go wrong and making youre life easier if it does i dont think anyone could put you down for doing that. after all keeping youre group safe and back to base when it all hits the fan is a very important part of the ml.
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
In reply to airbournegrapefruit:
> (In reply to Dave80) Ah a good reason to take my crappy boots along then. I don't think a glow stick on the tent could be called cheating, i'd say good planning.
you can buy a spare light emergency headtorch from lidl this thursday for only 3 pounds
In reply to Andy S:
In reply to Andy S:
> (In reply to The Ivanator)
> [...]
>
> I think it would be a really bad idea for the OP to go and shell out money for a new headtorch. It's only their training, it's really not worth it.
> [...]
>
> I think it would be a really bad idea for the OP to go and shell out money for a new headtorch. It's only their training, it's really not worth it.
In reply to mckenzie798: An asssesor I had (not ML) took exception to my headtorch as he said it was too difficult to change the batteries in the dark. Head torches were pretty rare in those days, and I think I was one of only a couple in the group with headtorches.
At some point in the exercise he made us all change the batteries in our torches (just to prove a point I think) so I duly took out my spare torch to shed light on the situation, this he took from me as I 'might have lost it or something' at which point I decided he was a tw*t and took out my spare - spare torch.
I think he went off me after that.
Steve D
At some point in the exercise he made us all change the batteries in our torches (just to prove a point I think) so I duly took out my spare torch to shed light on the situation, this he took from me as I 'might have lost it or something' at which point I decided he was a tw*t and took out my spare - spare torch.
I think he went off me after that.
Steve D
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