What have you bought?
- Thread starter Shewie
- Start date
dovidola
Thru Hiker
Got this Thermos Ultimate Series 900ml on the recommendations of several here. Used it a few times now and very pleased - so pleased in fact that I'll get the smaller (500ml) version too.
Immensely gratifying (and zero actual relevance) that it matches my Lekis so perfectly.
el manana
Thru Hiker
Why another one?I got a new Tarptent Notch
ADz
Thru Hiker
340g
49.56￡ |Pyramid Inner Tent | Camping Tents | 3 Inner Tent | 3 F Ul Gear | Light Tent - Free Shipping - Aliexpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.comwww.aliexpress.com
220x70cm
£44 delivered to UK
I might add an end panel tie out to hold it off my face.
Just got round to weighing mine (Without bag) and it's 312g on my scales
Heltrekker
Section Hiker
But why not?
Mole
Thru Hiker
Well primarily because it was offered! And I'm always looking for the "perfect" shelter. It edges closer.
I examined one back in May on the CWT and saw all the latest improvements.
Better cut so it pitches tidily when lower to ground. Double waterproof zip, (better ventilation no flap to catch!) Stitching and Reinforcement is better, simplified door peg points. Easily removable pitchlock stays if it needs stuffing. No velcro anywhere.( Except the pitchlocks which is fine)
Moving production to a proper tent factory in China has really made a difference to the finish.
I've always hankered after a solid inner too, ( my first is all mesh that I do like in summer) and the very latest has a solid roof.
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Padstowe
Thru Hiker
knee support, will hopefully help.
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Balagan
Thru Hiker
Ron Bell resents this remark.
Boozawooza
Ultralighter
Interested to hear your overall thoughts on the Notch vs Xmid.
Pretty sure you've used both
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Be good to hear how you get on with it... I found the single strap that was recommended on here, to help. Then when I cleaned my diet back up and lost some weight,returned to barefoot style walking and running ... It improved and worked fine without a strap .... Then changed shoes... Went for a run... Pulled my left calf and my right knee pain returned
Mole
Thru Hiker
I have both
Not used the XMid much since I got it in September 2019 - maybe 10-12 times total.
I like them both.
Xmid better headroom, and less draughty.( My other notch is mesh inner).
Nice to use without an inner.
Xmid takes up more real estate and more effort to get a good pitch on uneven ground, but I'm not that practiced.
I prefer the Notch in stronger wind mainly because I find the end panel of the XMid bows in somewhat and it's woken me up several times by touching my feet through the inner there's that much deflection. This in maybe 30mph tops. No chance of that with the Notch design, but the latter is more narrow and low at head and feet.
Either are great backpacking tents IMO.
For me the Notch has the edge for what I do through footprint shape, pitchabilty and weight. (100g less than the XMid).
I really don't find Silnylon sags in above freezing temperatures despite the hype.
It does absorb water temporarily somewhat, but can't have everything.
I think the XMid is going to stay for now. It makes a nice airy summer pitch. Also, without the inner its massive, and there's room for 2 top to tail.
I'm aware that I'm fortunate to be able to compare various tents, and that, although I'm not a high earner, backpacking gear is my only outgoing expense hobby, one that my partner shares too, and our kids are now adults.
Padstowe
Thru Hiker
This is what gets me not knowing much about it, I thought the single strap was more for pain on the outside of the knee (some band issue?) and as mine is more the kneecap, thought I'd go with a full support.Be good to hear how you get on with it... I found the single strap that was recommended on here, to help. Then when I cleaned my diet back up and lost some weight,returned to barefoot style walking and running ... It improved and worked fine without a strap .... Then changed shoes... Went for a run... Pulled my left calf and my right knee pain returned
I did have problems with a constricted hamstring that gave me knee pain before, maybe lack of doing anything this year brought it back on. Well am hoping it's just this.
Balagan
Thru Hiker
Columbia Outdry lightweight jacket arrived: 270 grams in size L which layers over my thickest down jacket with no issue. Burly #5 waterproof zipper with a double slider, Velcro adjustment at the rear of the hood, cordlock around the rim, two very large mesh-lined chest pockets that double as vents. Comes with a 15 gr stuff sack. Pretty happy so far for 83 euros delivered from Deporvillage. I'll see if it keeps me dry...
turkeyphant
Section Hiker
I ****ed my knee after just two 30km days at the beginning of summer and needed 3 weeks to get back on the trail again. Used one identical to this and it made a huge difference and allowed me to keep going for the rest of the trip afterwards.Be good to hear how you get on with it... I found the single strap that was recommended on here, to help. Then when I cleaned my diet back up and lost some weight,returned to barefoot style walking and running ... It improved and worked fine without a strap .... Then changed shoes... Went for a run... Pulled my left calf and my right knee pain returned
Robert P
Thru Hiker
I've also had both tents - agree both are great backpacking tents, personally I kept the X-Mid and sold the Notch
I agree the Notch is easier to pitch without experience - it is very difficult to get badly wrong. However, over time I've definitely become better at getting a good pitch on the X-Mid; it seems to be a matter of developing a good eye for the perfect rectangle when staking it out. But uneven ground does make that more difficult.
random_watcher
Trail Blazer
Montane Terra Packs pants - after recently getting sunburnt legs for the first time in a long time, the search for the perfect pair of summer trousers begins. Weigh 243g on my scales and fabric feels like it should be nice against the skin in hot weather, will have to wait for that to return to test them out!
problem_chimp
Summit Camper
A Dream Hammock Darien in MTN XL 1.2.
ADz
Thru Hiker
Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 PD
Decided to downsize to the 20Kmah/18W chargable PD version (345g). The 26kmah charges in half the time but is nearly double the weight (595g) plus the charge plug (141g) is more than double weight of my 18W charger (60g). Just trying to shave som more weight from pack before trip.
Decided to downsize to the 20Kmah/18W chargable PD version (345g). The 26kmah charges in half the time but is nearly double the weight (595g) plus the charge plug (141g) is more than double weight of my 18W charger (60g). Just trying to shave som more weight from pack before trip.
Rog Tallbloke
Thru Hiker
The missus picked one of those up on Amazon 'Prime day' for £27. I took it to the Lakes and only used half the charge over 4 days while keeping a GPX log of my route and making daily calls. If you stay in flight mode most of the time, you might not need to recharge it on your trip. Use it and recharge it a few times before you go. Lithium Ion batteries improve their capacity over a 'breaking in period'.
ADz
Thru Hiker
I got the 26K/45W version on Prime day.
Phone will always been in flight mode except for when manually checking emails/browsing etc. I'll be recording trip to GPX but also using it as my main camera for photo/video as well as possibly be listening to podcasts or watching some movies on night. Also possibly video editing/uploading etc so I'm expecting it to last 2-3 days max without charging which is why I'll be bunging it on charge whenever possible.
Back in Pack
Section Hiker
Dynafit Transalper Light Trousers - these are ridiculously comfortable, block the wind, dry very quickly and only weigh 220g. These are my new favorite 3 season trekking pants
Back in Pack
Section Hiker
Total extravagance: “a few” HMG Pods for my Northrim pack. 
However i do think these will be useful for keeping things organized in winter in snowy conditions.
However i do think these will be useful for keeping things organized in winter in snowy conditions.