John Sutcliffe's kit list (Cape to Cape)

Michael_x

Section Hiker

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
Had to source a version I could more readily read: https://johnsutcliffe.net/assets/the-cape-to-cape-walk---equipment-list.pdf

At which point what struck me first was, wow, so many batteries. Then the five year supply of vitamin I. Incidently, 50 x 400mg does not weigh 10g (I'm betting he had 200mg tabs). Overall though, fascinating.

I'm reading his book right now, about 1/3 done. I might be due to his age (70), he wasn't very clued on about electronics. Despite all the batteries, he keeps running out of juice on his phone and satnav. The walk was done 2014, but even then portable power bank(s) and rechargeable devices would've been available. Despite having a thru-hike strategy (stopping in towns frequently), he was still carrying a shovel and a porta-shower, which he did end up sending home after 200mi.

This is not criticising him at all, at 70, he's clearly on better shape than me atm, but just goes to show you difference between old school and new school. I'm here to learn and lighten, so that I can enjoy my walks more and suffer less.
 

gixer

Thru Hiker
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Opppps sorry, wrong Sutcliffe :bag:
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
To be fair the BASE WEIGHT is 12.5 - 13kg as the list included 7 days food, 1L water & meths.
Still more than I would wish to carry.
He looks to have made some not so good choices. He could have spent less on his basic camping gear and saved 2.5 kilos and what did he think he was doing carrying 2.75 kilos of electrical equipment? Is the "Arc'teryx top (found on Devils Staircase)" theft by finding?
 

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
Like looking at folks gear lists for ideas

But I had to stop reading at
"Porridge with instant milk and SUGAR"

Hope he got blisters, disgusting heathen hiker
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Like looking at folks gear lists for ideas
But I had to stop reading at
"Porridge with instant milk and SUGAR"

Are you suggesting that there's no need for milk and porridge as sugar is much more calorifically dense on its own.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
This kit list kinda reminds me of David Goggins' book Can't Hurt Me. He's basically one stubborn mf who will put his body through anything. He ran 100mi ultra with no training other than his military background and then other ultras with regular trainers. Then he wanted to break the world pull-up record of 4600 in 24h, so he just went ahead that trained doing lot of pull-ups. Being an ex-project manager, I could say in retrospect, that had he done his homework and studied what others have done, he would've had much easier time achieving what he went on to achieve. He likes to suffer and push his mind and body, but surely he would've wanted to avoid all the medical issues he faced in his endeavours. I think John's case would've been the same. He did pack to survive any situation and did 2 years of planning the route, but seemed to have left out the kit list planning to last few weeks without doing much research. I can kind of understand it, as my experiences from hiking 2 years ago were from 80's & 90's, but that's the reason I'm here to keep learning, especially since currently I'm more of a couch walker, as I don't have sensible shelter atm. I just walk around the neighbourhood for now.
 

OwenM

Thru Hiker
I see, should I keep an eye open for the book?

Looking over that list it's not that bad. He could have found lighter alternatives for quite a few items but if you've already got something why change it. Don't understand the box of batteries though.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
Perhaps he was after recapturing his youth, hence the old-fashioned pack weight?

We was a geologist, so he was probably used to lugging a bunch of stuff with him for decades. He worked all over the world and was working in Peru when he retired.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
I see, should I keep an eye open for the book?

Looking over that list it's not that bad. He could have found lighter alternatives for quite a few items but if you've already got something why change it. Don't understand the box of batteries though.

I've read 1/3 of it and it's a mixture of stories from his past, walking and lots of his own research & investigations on the areas he walks through. Lot of history and geology, a bit like in the movie 'Hooks".
 

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
I've read 1/3 of it and it's a mixture of stories from his past, walking and lots of his own research & investigations on the areas he walks through. Lot of history and geology, a bit like in the movie 'Hooks".

I found hooks to be strangely fascinating. Always forget to check out bothies for his hooks mind, always to busy trying to get peat to light
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
You'll have to forgive my ignorance but what is this "porridge" you speak of?
A (mainly) breakfast dish made by mixing rolled oats into a hot liquid (water, milk, milk and water) and stiring it, traditionally with a spurtle (wooden stick) until it almost sets. It is a traditional dish of Scotland where it is prepared with just water, salt and rolled oats. Some people not brought up in the Scottish tradition make it with milk and sugar and even add in raisins. If you do this it is good to tell Scottish friends how much better it is that way. :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:
 

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
A (mainly) breakfast dish made by mixing rolled oats into a hot liquid (water, milk, milk and water) and stiring it, traditionally with a spurtle (wooden stick) until it almost sets. It is a traditional dish of Scotland where it is prepared with just water, salt and rolled oats. Some people not brought up in the Scottish tradition make it with milk and sugar and even add in raisins. If you do this it is good to tell Scottish friends how much better it is that way. :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

I believe the Irish probably had a similar dish in their repertoire. :whistling: (minus the raisins :facepalm:)
 

Balagan

Thru Hiker
A (mainly) breakfast dish made by mixing rolled oats into a hot liquid (water, milk, milk and water) and stiring it, traditionally with a spurtle (wooden stick) until it almost sets. It is a traditional dish of Scotland where it is prepared with just water, salt and rolled oats. Some people not brought up in the Scottish tradition make it with milk and sugar and even add in raisins. If you do this it is good to tell Scottish friends how much better it is that way. :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:
I see. Very quaint. It used to be a staple French food but it fell out of fashion as the Middle Ages came to an end. :D ;)
 
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