Backpacking and Wild Camping Kit Update, June 2021

I have done 2 full kit reviews previously, the last was 2 years ago after walking the GR10. This is an update following my Gower to Conwy sea to sea hike across some of the wildest and highest parts of Wales.

[@Brendanno100]

I find your reviews and kit updates really helpfu,l thanks Alan

[@DorsetPiper.]

Well thought out additions and swap outs Alan; it's always interesting to see how others do it and get tips and ideas. Cheers.

[@snowymatrix]

Nice talk about your kit.👍 I've recently bought the Lightwave S15 Sigma after returning from the Southern Upland Way using my SMD Lunar Solo. The SMD has served me well on the Pennine Way, C2C and SUW but I like to camp high and although the SMD could easily handle gusting wind one or two sleepless nights because of the wind whipping in underneath the front made me go for the S15. I have a few Crux products and am very impressed with the quality so bought the S15 based on that and your excellent review of the S10. Sadly it will be a couple of months before I can use the tent so was wondering how your tent fared on the CW? Sorry I haven't watched your video of the walk yet. Thanks🍻

[@MinackerMovies]

Hi, thanks for the feedback. The S10 worked well, you will have a bit more space than me, but a little more weight. I make sure to use the middle guy at back to pull the side out. I wish it had a vent at top, despite the breathable material, to let out hot humid air. I made a little plastic spacer to pop under the top door zip to let air out. Like you I found the front of my Plexamid would catch wind. The S10 is solid when properly guyed, I don’t always need that so use just the front and back four pegs when calm. The vestibule does get a lot of condensation and on mine can drip in the tent entrance, but a microfibre cloth solves that in the morning. Mostly I was able to pack up an almost dry tent so didn’t have to air it part way through the day. Enjoy your camping.

[@darrencurtisuk]

Re the Osmo action, I use the ultrapod stick which is very light & useful. The smallrig cage which allows access to battery compartment & the charging door whilst still inside the cage. Plus I have put micro windjammers over the microphones to cut the wind noise out

[@MinackerMovies]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions I'll take a look at those.

[@darrencurtisuk]

Some helpful tips there mate. Where did you get the pegs from?

[@MinackerMovies]

I bought them from ultralight outdoor gear, but maybe on ebay too.