Thanks for this guide, Ellie. I definitely need a proper headtorch and this video is a good reference for all the different considerations like waterproofing and battery life etc. Petzl I was familiar with but not the other brand you mentioned so I will check it out, Get fighting fit soon!

I'm doing the kerry way in the summer and plan to wild camp the entire way with a friend and I'm wondering if it's difficult to find a decent sized patch of ground to set up a tent? I've got a Durston Xmid 1 for reference. cheers!

If you love books (I do as well, and listen to audio books on hikes all the time) an Audible gift certificate or subscription would be nice for your hiker.

What about a body torch? I assume the same criteria apply, but if you can recommend any I'd appreciate it. I'm fed up wearing head torches.

For anyone looking for direct links (or just the spelling of) the things I mentioned in this video, I've written it all out on our website here: toughsoles.ie/blog/2024/an-outdoor-gift-guide Wishing you all peaceful trails, and weather mild ♥⛄ - ellie

Cool!

I also sprained my mcl running in the snow about six years ago. It wasn't painful but the knee felt very unstable for a number of weeks. Proprioception and confidence in the knee goes out the window. It's frustrating not being able to get out in the hills. Good luck on your recovery. I hope it improves for you sooner rather than later. 🙏

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery!

A group of us were out training for a night race a few years back. My brother in-law bought a new high lumen headtorch and decided to give it a shot on the night. We were ahead of him by about 200 yards as we ran into Crone wood carpark, near Djouce. Unbeknownst to us, the army were practising night manoeuvres, so no headtorch usage. We didn't have ours on, but unfortunately he had his on full blast. They take half an hour to fully adjust before heading out, so the whole group had to reset. Needless to say they were extremely disgruntled with us. 😆

Hello! Ellie here with a correction - the IP Rating scale does go to a six on the dust / particle side, I just missed it when creating my table for it. Which means that in the video, when I give the example of an IP64, this is very much a possible rating! A rating of IP6X means that the item is fully dust tight! 🔦

Thank you Ellie. Ireland is very beautiful but the weather can be very hostile.

I just bought the Ledlenser you have. I would prefer something brighter but it was the best in my budget. Thanks for a great video and wishing you a speedy recovery❤

Thanks very informative 11:04

Congrats! Im looking at this rain jacket, can i use an r1 air zip neck midweight and a baselayer under this ?

Your amazing 😮 well done 👏

Firstly, props for innovative use of a Spork! Also I’ve just ordered the non-gortex version of the ultras very much for the fit and width you describe.

Woohoo I'm famous 😂😂😂 I am curious to hear more about contragrip v. vibram. Since Ireland is wet, how do you rate them both especially for running. I have a problem sometimes running on wet rocky surfaces with vibram (Hokas amd Merrell) that my foot slips when climbing... I'm so slow coming down its not really an issue for me. Let me know what you have found. Grate video and 👍

Yess! I'm a massive Salomons fan - got some Quest 4 GTX (from The Great Outdoors!) for the big mountain days, and X Ultra 4s for something a bit lighter. I do size up slightly for them; I'm a UK 9 in a normal shoe but the UK 10 in a Salomon is perfect. They're sooo comfortable, with the Quest 4 being my fav for their durability and comfort. That Contragrip on the soles is superb too, I totally trust them on wet stone etc. Thanks for the shout out too!

Another great video from a brilliant YT channel. As a photographer, your videos are relentlessly saved and inspirational. This particular location looks amazing and is definitely on the bucket list. So a big thanks for sharing this amazing location and another fab video. 😁

Hey guys I was only there, i love the place and we're McDermotts too

This time of year is always my favourite time to get outdoors. The colours are absolutely stunning 🍂 Speaking of colours - I LOVE the yellow hat, Ellie. The sentiment that we’re all an inherent part of nature rather than something separate to us is so important and lovely. Lough Key looks like such a beautiful spot. I’ll have to add it to the list ☺️

Great video once again. Spent so many weekends of my childhood in Lough Key Forest Park. I now bring my kids here regularly. Such happy memories in such a beautiful place. Roscommon is such a beautiful county. Keep the videos coming

Beautiful video thanks for sharing 👍

Walking through by gone times,, some really great things to see👍🇮🇪 ❤️ more of this thank you

great thanks 👍

Great video. Looks like a nice spot with plenty to do.

Another great video. I remember when I was first recognised as Old Hiking Geezer. I was filming the Tubbercurry Fair Day when someone asked me when was I going to release my next video. I too was a little overawed.

The castle in the middle of the lake is so magical. Serious fantasy movie vibes.

Small mountain railroads are fun to ride. Climbing a mountain on your birthday is an excellent idea. Any outdoor activity would also be a good alternative.

Nice peaceful scenery in that trip back down.

Very informative video...thank you! Just about to do MS2 in a couple of weeks

Happy Birthday Ellie. The ice cream looked lovely. I’ll have to try the train someday 😂

Happy Birthday with all good wishes for many wonderful adventures and hikes ahead.

Happy birthday, nice treat. I took the trip in August to meet up with my brother to climb Snowdon, my first his seventh! Took the PYG & miners track, very busy but beautiful. Also knocked off Glyder Fawr over the weekend. I love walking in the Dublin & Wicklow mountains but this on another level.

Brilliant vid could have watched half an hour

Loved your challenge ... you inspire a California girl to take on Sierra Nevada peaks. Peace and joy to you.

irish legend <3

Lovely video. Happy Birthday. Great to see the train again. We took the train to the top one glorious evening a few years ago, so we were those sardines and Dillon was on my lap to the top, probably around 3 to 4 yes old. Myself and Rachel, Dillon's older sister walked to the top the following morning on the same route you took and I would agree, a very enjoyable route.

Crib Goch guys, come on! ;-) Happy birthday Ellie.

😊

Brilliant you guys. Happy birthday, Ellie!

Happy Birthday Ellie.

I love how you weave in history and folklore as you narrate these videos. As somebody who feels very new to exploring our trails with any real intent, I find these videos to be so encouraging. I hope your knee is coming around, Ellie 💛

What a great idea! Love the spirit - happy birthday! 🎂🎁

Happy Birthday dear Ellie. Happy Birthday to you. Yaaaay 🎆💫🎉👏🎂

Happy Birthday 🎉

Great video Ellie. I keep wondering how many extra k you do to get all the shots.

Hi Eillie. Any chance there's a short cut, say just to do 15klms....the ould arthritis lol! Thanks