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I’d always close the gate, because the impact is always going to be lesser. If the Farmer wanted it open, he can do so. But if it was an inconsiderate rambler who left it open? Better it be closed.

Oh, and properly map your route. In the UK there are public rights of way, which include Bridal Paths now centuries old. Some Farmers might not like it, but provided it’s mapped there’s not a lot they can really do. But, if you think crossing their field is a shortcut? Don’t act surprised if the Farmer or land owner takes exception.

In England, you mean. Scotland has a general right of access even to private land, provided you don’t damage stuff (among other requirements etc).

The best advice I've ever gotten when camping is make sure the site/area is cleaner when you leave, then when you found it. Pick up trash, even if it's not yours. It's not a major inconvenience.

Also, water is more important than 90% of the other stuff you're bringing. I'd gladly trade the solar battery charger for another 36oz of clean water at the end of most days.

 Flinty wrote:
In England, you mean. Scotland has a general right of access even to private land, provided you don’t damage stuff (among other requirements etc).

True that. Even so, stick to the beaten path where possible. Especially in the Highlands, as even if you get stuck, you should come across a Bothy sooner or later for shelter.

 Haighus wrote:

I also find breathable waterproof layers are worth the higher price, things like goretex. Great for avoiding sweatiness and also protecting from rain and wind.

My big tip on this is if you are going to go for goretex or other breathable materials you have to do it for every layer. There's no point throwing on a goretex shirt and then throwing a regular non-breathable top over that. That does indeed mean you'll spend more layering up, but it means that because every layer can breath, then it can work. Otherwise you are just allowing the sweat to penetrate another layer of clothes and still hang around you.

It's basically one of those all or nothing choices.




Also on the subject of clothes and layers don't forget your legs can have layers too. Thermal underwear can be a huge boon for keeping your legs warm. A lot of people layer up like crazy on their top half and yet still only wear one layer of clothes over their legs. That's a lot of body surface to lose heat over!

Ordinary matches covered in nail varnish, to keep them usable.

Or you can do like me, 6 berth air tent, inverter, twin induction hob,and 3way cooler to keep food cold and make ice for drinks. Hey I 'm 68 need my comfort.

Any good recommendations for a good camp stove rig? I had one from REI that was basically a small thermos on a canned gas flame, but my wife dropped it while camping, and it's busted. I bought it new in 2010 for roughly 50$, now they are 150$. Not serious campers here, but I like my coffee after sleeping all night on a rock.

 Overread wrote:

 Haighus wrote:

I also find breathable waterproof layers are worth the higher price, things like goretex. Great for avoiding sweatiness and also protecting from rain and wind.

Also on the subject of clothes and layers don't forget your legs can have layers too. Thermal underwear can be a huge boon for keeping your legs warm. A lot of people layer up like crazy on their top half and yet still only wear one layer of clothes over their legs. That's a lot of body surface to lose heat over!

I would almost never wear any on the field as when I needed to suddenly get active there was no way I would manage to get rid of them in time. But for static circumstances on the other hand -that's really the charm.

 Maréchal des Logis Walter wrote:

 Overread wrote:

 Haighus wrote:

I also find breathable waterproof layers are worth the higher price, things like goretex. Great for avoiding sweatiness and also protecting from rain and wind.

Also on the subject of clothes and layers don't forget your legs can have layers too. Thermal underwear can be a huge boon for keeping your legs warm. A lot of people layer up like crazy on their top half and yet still only wear one layer of clothes over their legs. That's a lot of body surface to lose heat over!

I would almost never wear any on the field as when I needed to suddenly get active there was no way I would manage to get rid of them in time. But for static circumstances on the other hand -that's really the charm.

Yeah it can depend a lot on what you're doing and the environment.

If you're power-walking the whole way you might well find them too hot; or if you're going over a lot of very rough terrain it might be too constricting if the material isn't right.
I know I found them great when working outside as whilst you'd get hot working, they'd keep you warm during the downtime. Plus they were great at absorbing moisture and keeping it away from your skin; so you could kneel and lay down for ages without getting that soggy feeling.


Certainly there's pros and cons and the materials you choose are a big impact on that as well. However I do think its a whole area a lot of people just don't think about or forget to consider. They layer up their top half like crazy and then boom all that leg room is one layer

Actually, car camping as we discussed earlier might be the perfect place, because cars are usually not that warm themselves at once, and you're not necessarily in to walk that much.

Some excellent tips from everyone.

FezzikDaBullgryn wrote:
Any good recommendations for a good camp stove rig? I had one from REI that was basically a small thermos on a canned gas flame, but my wife dropped it while camping, and it's busted. I bought it new in 2010 for roughly 50$, now they are 150$. Not serious campers here, but I like my coffee after sleeping all night on a rock.

Guessing this was something like a jetboil? I don't know about America, but over here they recently (say, in the last two years) had their patents expire, and there's now alternative brands making them for far cheaper if you look around. Personally, I use a little folding stove (a Furno360?) with a little enamel mug for coffee, and they make even smaller ones.

 Maréchal des Logis Walter wrote:

I would almost never wear any on the field as when I needed to suddenly get active there was no way I would manage to get rid of them in time. But for static circumstances on the other hand -that's really the charm.

I'm assuming military background there - one of the things that's stuck with me is being told "Good hiking and camping is often poor soldiering" - can't really layer up, and instead have to rely on a single thicker layer because it's easier to ditch. But for civilian hiking and camping, layering is great. No issues stopping halfway up a hill and spending some time stripping layers.

I have loved watching the youtube videos of people modding their Prius' into little 1 person campers, but they all have one trait. They are all slim perfect sub 6' influencers. I can't lay down in the back of my Prius without resting my head inbetween the front seats. I wish I had a longer car to do car camping excursions! I miss doing that in Alaska with my Forester.