Not ALL Camps Go To PLAN! | TESTING The RAB LADAKH GTX JACKET!

Not all wild camps and hikes go to plan and this trip is the perfect example of a trip that never went to plan. Strong winds and poor visibility on mountains with a respectable height and the wind chill being in the minus temperatures whilst also dealing with rain meant I had to make a decision on whether or not I should turn back.
I must say I was impressed with my Jacket and how it performed and I would definitely say it is capable of being a good winter waterproof jacket. I do aim to test it in snow and on overnight camps and hikes I just need to plan my trip a little bit better and pick a more suitable location for me.
Please remember that although myself and others never made it to the summit I can say that there was other hikers that did. We are all different and as I said I probably would've continued if I had some support from friends like I had on one of my previous hikes. Anyway,, thanks for watching and I look forward to hearing from you!
JACKET - www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/ja...
BUY ME A COFFEE - www.buymeacoffee.com/GazTheEx...
ROUTE ON THIS TRIP! - www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortw...
Tent Used On This Trip - Wild Country Helm 1
My Camping Gear!
My Main Tents!
Hilleberg Soulo
Hilleberg Enan
Terra Nova Southern Cross 1
MSR Elixir 1
Wild Country Helm 1
Naturehike Cloud Peak 2
Sleeping Bags
Thermarest Hyperion -6 (Summer Bag)
Rab Ascent 900 (Winter Bag)
Makalu Light Down (Simond) (Mild Winter)
Snugpak Travelpak 2 '(Car Camp)
Sleeping Mats
Thermarest Neoair Uberlite
Thermarest Neoair XTherm
Stoves
Jetboil Zip
Soto Windmaster
Backpacks
Osprey Talon 22
Osprey Talon 33
Osprey Talon 44
Osprey Exos 48
Osprey Kestrel 68

[@mistymountains360]

You cannae win them all wee man .. Good decision well made , 👏 👌 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Aye it’s a hard one to take but the correct decision to turn back. Will just need to come back next year. ATB Gaz

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Hi man, its not a fail, you just being smart by not pushing and learning outdoors. I am also new to going wild camping and last week walked from Edinburgh to North Berwick and then to Dunbar by the coast, I took my Ice Flame quilt to test out in winter + not a proper puffy jacket and long story short - never again in low temperatures haha I had 5 layers of clothes on me to keep me somehow warm at 2 nights, tent was covered in ice and soaking wet etc. Not easy to dry as it was very humid by the coast and this time of the year. Next time I go out in winter I will be prepared and happy lol Anyway nice to see some nearby Scots going camping and having fun. Cheers for videos.

[@aaronmcghee2286]

Mate, great video. Need more videos of people making the right decision and turning back, shows there's no shame in it.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Aaron it’s always a hard one to take after travelling so far but I probably made the correct decision given the conditions and the height of the Munro’s. ATB

[@johngillespie2686]

I gaz Yes u were correct to turn back especially when you were alone love look of ure new jacket hate thot of rude hikers on paths but all ended well and u had nice camp in end and were safe loved ure chat and on travels u take care now

[@suszh8981]

Another brilliant vid Gaz, don't blame you for turning round. As for rude people, so many people are rude these days, seems to be the default position, but yet again you were right to be concerned about the dog, they have the problem, not you.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Susz. Usually people that are not interested in others will walk past and not say anything which suits me. It’s the first time I’ve felt a little uncomfortable around someone on a hill. Hopefully the dog will have layers on during the winter. Poor dog looked freezing in the wind. ATB Gaz

[@worldtoday9244]

Going camping and hill walking can be a very expensive hobby these days. A good jacket, boots and trousers total £400 and £600. Hilleberg Soulo tent is very popular about £940 or terra nova or vango tent between £150 and £500. Average persons whole kit cost from £600 to £3000. Gaz enjoy watching your outdoor trips. Those orange scarpa boots u wear I don't think are suitable for mud, bog and paths. More for north face of ben nevis. Give the la sportiva Trango Trk boots a try. New model came out a few months ago. I will keep watching your trips and your friend monty. Regards

[@Paul-ct1wd]

Great stuff Gaz and the right choice to turn back. Love the fire!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Paul. I’m disappointed that I had to turn back. Probably could’ve picked an easier route to be fair. Fire was a nice treat though👍 ATB

[@drubber007]

Good for you mate, showing concern for that dog....I've done the same in the past and been met with complete arrogance. That's people for ya!

[@GazTheExplorer]

100% mate. Never expected them to be rude but it’s the joys of meeting random people. It’s fine for them to be wrapped up in 5 or 6 layers while the dog has nothing on. Hopefully they completed the route safely. ATB Gaz.

[@drubber007]

@@GazTheExplorer Yeah as you mentioned, most people you meet up on the mountain are great but every now and then 🤦🏻‍♂

[@wulliescottishoutdoors]

Great video Gaz, I’ve turned back myself in a snow storm about 200 meters from the top was gutted but the wee man needs a dad so that’s more important., keep up the good work lad. Atb Wullie ✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@GazTheExplorer]

A year ago I would’ve gave up with this video and went home. I’m beginning to accept that not all trips up the mountains will go to plan. You’re 100% correct when it comes to turning back. Would rather not be the next death report on a mountain rescue page on Facebook. Thanks for watching Wullie ATB Gaz

[@wulliescottishoutdoors]

@@GazTheExplorer ✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@nickywhyte4238]

Aww Gaz totally missed this, not been watching KZbin much been off on adventures 🤣, see a right fun side to you on this one, loved it as always. 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Nicky. KZbin has been quiet lately. Even I’ve not been on it much watching camping videos. I’ve got an adventure this weekend to look forward too. ATB

[@nickywhyte4238]

Well have fun Gaz, that's what it's all about, I'm doing more in depth map reading trails and bothy trips now. Catching the bug. Take care 😁

[@ScottishMunroJourney]

Great video Gaz, I uploaded the Easian hills last night and we managed to pick a couple of the same shots but in different conditions 😂 No shaming in turning round, it will always be there for you 👍looked a decent wee camp spot though! Cheers, James

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks James. I’ll come back to these Munros next summer for a camp. It’s not a big drive and I’ll pass them a lot since the A86 is a major route for a lot of the Munro’s further west. I would’ve been more disappointed if I was further north. Saw your video earlier this morning. Nice to see your dog back out with you. Cheers ATB Gaz

[@jameshiggins.openworld]

another legendary video from GazTheExplorer James

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers James. Good to hear from you. ATB

[@jameshiggins.openworld]

@@GazTheExplorer Thanks been busy pumping out content for my Channel James Higgins open world . The celebrity Bob Mortimer did a review on his podcast with andy dawson on my channel he loves my channel Gaz James

[@mulreid]

Hi Gaz. Looking forward to the next video whenever it comes. I broke my foot over Christmas so I’ve not been able to go out. Was hoping you would be making a video to cheer me up :) KZbin life must be hard as I’ve noticed more and more of my favourite KZbinrs either quitting or reducing the number of videos. Noticed also that Monty has removed all his videos so I hope he is doing okay. Not sure why he took them down as I really enjoyed going back watching some of them. Hopefully he will put them back up one day. All the best!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers for coming back and commenting. I will be back eventually and February, March and April are my favourite months for camping. I’m not sure what Monty is doing with his channel but I still talk to him regularly. All the best with your recovery on your foot. ATB

[@deepwoodguy2]

Hey Gaz, how are you doing?? USA here, it has been over a couple of months since you made a video, Hope all is well with you... Have a Merry Christmas and a Good Boxing Day. ☃☃👍👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hello. I will be back again next year. Recorded a video last night and enjoyed it. All the best for Christmas. ATB Gaz.

[@deepwoodguy2]

@@GazTheExplorer Great... be looking forward to you video

[@AndyMacaskill]

That's a cracking photo of the stag!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Only opportunity I’ve ever had to take a photo like that. Perfect location for it. ATB

[@debbierennox931]

Gaz rise above rude people don’t let them spoil your day ❤️

[@GusExplores]

People are rude mate. Just ignore them I just hope the dog is ok. No shame in turning back ever, it's always a sensible decision.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Gus. Thankfully most folk are nice on the hills. ATB Gaz

[@gerardjones7881]

I turned back before leaving home. My wisdom is deep, my courage immense. Went for fish and chips.

[@dougieranger]

I hope you didn’t pay the Amazon price for that jacket Gaz, £315 they’re asking, Trekitt have it at £210 mate. Any roads, quality film as always bro. 👍🏼

[@GazTheExplorer]

Maybe I should link Trekitt mate. I usually link Amazon because most people have Amazon. Will edit my description when I get a chance. It’s a great jacket Dougie👍

[@dougieranger]

@@GazTheExplorer Aye, it looks the business Gaz. I saw a Rab down jacket when I was in Tiso earlier… might have to go on the wish list. Keep up the good work mate.

[@rooksfoot1184]

Nice plan B spot ATB.... mines usually back in the car not a cool stream and fire lol

[@GazTheExplorer]

Yeah it was a nice wee spot always handy to know about these places for a back up camp. ATB

[@lappin19]

Hi Gaz love your video’s mate keep them coming👍🏻 What navigational device are you using when your out and about?

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hi, It’s the Garmin etrex 22x and it’s never let me down. Use it a lot when the weather is bad. Actually prefer it over the map and compass these days. ATB Gaz.

[@lappin19]

Excellent mate, I’m looking to get into munro bagging this year and it’s always nice to get information from guys like yourself that have been doing them for a while now. Hope to see more of your videos when you get a chance to do them take care buddy

[@ddolly5024]

No winter camping mate?

[@ddolly5024]

Are u camping again?

[@GazTheExplorer]

Yes I will be D Dolly just waiting for a chance to get out again.

[@ddolly5024]

@@GazTheExplorer good to hear, quality videos, is monty definetly not doing any more videos?

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@ddolly5024 You just don’t know with him to be honest. Whatever he decides to do I’ll still be meeting up with him and camping so you may see him on my videos. I just don’t go out as much these days unfortunately so I’m not the most consistent.

[@ddolly5024]

@@GazTheExplorer awk right , are u busy with work? not easy

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@ddolly5024 Think it’s more to do with what I’m doing on my days off. I always have weekends off each month but it’s getting around to filming. I have no time to edit during the week as well. Not a great year but there always next year I suppose.