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17  02 2012

Come out and Play – Update Again Again Again

Last thought is of maps. The best one for the area is the Harvey Southern Highlands British Mountain Map but Landranger 56 is fine.
See some of you folks today.

Also, we now have Mountain House dinners and Edelrid spoons.

Old News follows.

Can’t be arsed editing below, so here’s some updates where you don’t have to search for them. Again.

Got comms from Arrochar MRT so our activities are expected and that also sorts the parking out. Details by email. Which is coming soon, really.

For folk wanting to arrive on Friday the best option is Ardgarten campsite, it’s a great wee place and just along the road from where we’re meeting, which I’ll email out shortly with replies to all the queries. I’m rubbish at comms.
We have 16 berths in Big Agnes test tents, some of which are 2-person so there might be some partner picking depending on numbers. The base camp tent sleeps six, if you’re wanting in that no problem, we’ll sort that out on the day.
Arrochar has shops and a garage, but if you’re wanting any specialist outdoor supplies the nearest place is GoOutdoors in Clydebank. Glasgow’s got the Tiso with the cafe of course which is the easist outdoor shop to find in town as it’s just off the motorway.
I’m going to bring a bunch of stuff along as well, so if there’s anything I’ve reviewed that’s caught your eye, give me a shout and I’ll see if I can dig it out for the trip.

Just had a phone call, big  boxes of something have arrived. Hi-Tec I hope?

Also, they guys have said they might have a bunch of stuff going for trade prices if anyone’s interested, dunno what yet.

Old news follows…

There’s a bit better detail below and some new info, worth a read if you’re coming.

On the weekend of 18th/19th of February I’m hosting (in the manner of Bruce Forsyth) a weekend of mountains, camping and gear and I want you to come and join in.
The meet will take place in the Southern Highlands, somewhere in the Arrochar Alps or very near by making it as accessible as we can for folk travelling from down south.
The plan, if the weather plays ball, is for folks to grab some tents and kit, climb a hill and space ourselves out along a ridge and see how we get on with the gear. Not very sociable you say, that’s right, and that’s why we’ll have an expedition-sized mothership tent pitched in the middle where we can hang out and shoot the breeze. Or shoot at the breeze as is entirely likely at 3000ft.

For test there will be:
Tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats from Big Agnes
Rucksacks and accessories from Granite Gear
Lighting from Princeton Tec
Food from Honey Stinger
Trekking and Nordic poles from Leki
Clothing from X Bionic
Clothing from Montura, which I just saw last week and nobody in the UK has tested yet.
Footwear from Hi-Tec
Socks from Wigwam
Sports shades from Polaroid Eyewear

I’m talking to other folk as well, so this list is a work in progress which I’ll update as we go.
Familiar faces Ollie from 9point9 and John from Ardblair will be joining us to help with the kit, answer questions and get a break from selling kit and play with it instead.

Important new bits:

It’s looking like we’re going to have more folk along than we first though which is magic, glad you folks are wanting to join in. We should still have enough kit for everybody to get something and on that note here’s a couple of points:
Bring all your own regular kit for a camp, just in case. If there’s something you don’t have that’s worrying as we’re doing a high camp in the cold, tell me in advance so I know you’ll get it.
Winter gear. It’s looking snowy, bring the kit for it. Same as above, if you’re missing gear, let me know so I’ll have it ready.
I have a lot of spare kit that I can bring, but it’s not unlimited, don’t leave it to the last minute to flag something up to give me a chance to sort something out.
I know that’s all similar points above, but I don’t want any last minute gear screw ups that might spoil someone’s fun.

Now, one thing I’d been thinking about was the photies, of which I dare say there will be many. But, I think it’s worth trying to get all the tents all lit up together at night. What would that look like? A Christmas tree no doubt. Brilliant.

I’m going to try and put together a group email, I’ll keep you posted. Also, I’ll be needing clothing sizes and foot sizes asap.

Old stuff again:

Price of admission? There’s no such thing as a free lunch, so what we’ll be needing is reviews. If you’ve got a blog, you know what to do and this is a good chance to get some exclusives. If you’ve not got a blog or even a camera, no problem, we’ll get something together and we’ll post in on here.

It’ll be a blast, hanging around on the tops with cuppas and banter. I dare say some shot of tents with lights inside them will be taken?

If you fancy it, post a comment below and that’s where we’ll keep the admin and logistics going, I’ll keep this page handy. Once we’re closer to the day we’ll do phone numbers and whatnot.
Looking forward to seeing you and hearing your accent, folk don’t have accents on the internet.


As much as it pains me, I’ll do some terms and conditions.
Mountaineering is dangerous, mountains are dangerous just on their own, mountains in trainers is really dangerous.
Participation is at your own risk, this is an informal meet with fringe benefits, not an all-inclusive event with a back up team.
If you’re worried about your level of experience, fitness or skills for the trip, email me and we’ll see what’s up.
We’re on our own, it’s like a regular hill trip, no magic wand so we have to be on the ball.
The tone is flippant but the message is serious, let’s be careful out there.


95 Responses to “Come out and Play – Update Again Again Again”

  1. I’ll need to hand in a permission slip even if I’m just allowed to pop up and say hello ;)

  2. I’m right up for this, if you’ll have me. It’ll be nice to review some gear that isn’t off ebay or the bargain rails.

  3. Assuming I can sort out the logistics of getting up there I will be there, It is a long way.

  4. Just to confirm from the other thread that I’m most definitely in for this. Look forward to seeing you all then…

  5. Its going to be Fun! I hope the cold weather returns by then, -4 at the office yesterday, and +5 today!

  6. Id like to come and have a much needed social…. Want to break into this reviewing lark, and get going on my MLTA stuff this year… new years resolution….what say you?

  7. I’m deffo availabele for this too for testing, reviewing or at the very least cuppa’s on the hill!

    Any down jackets for testing? I’m looking to upgrade my PHD ultra pullover?

    It’s been so long since I’ve been in a tent it’ll feel like I’m testing all my own gear again anyway!

  8. Sounds amazing Pete – a ridge of luminious tents and zipping headtorches under a starry sky will be a class image. Doubt I wouldn’t be able to get down to it, but look forward to seeing the results.

  9. Would love to join in with this, even if it is just to learn how to take photographs of lit up tents.

    Happy to make up,the numbers if required.

    Tom

  10. Yep I’m up for it and free that weekend, and local too. Haven’t camped since my WHW hike-a-bike in September.

    I took the wee fella camping up on Tarmachan ridge back in August. We camped at a superb spot at the wee lochan just off the main ridge path down from the Meall Nan Tarmachan summit at just about 900m. It was bloody windy though and my laser’s pole hasn’t been the same since. 900m up in Feb might be a stern test for some tents.

  11. Bless you all. It’s going to be awsome.

    Another couple of brands added today, Hi-Tec footwear and Polaroid Eyewear.

  12. Seems like my trip north that week anyway… is about to get a bit more exciting. Will be toppers to say hello to all and sundry. :-)

  13. … and Sandy – how the hell do you upgrade on an Ultra pullover?!

    Mine’s just been perfect in the Atlas for two weeks.

    Kelvin

  14. OK, this is probably the trigger I need to start blogging my hiking exploits.

  15. Only rated at -5 I think Kelvin.

    I’m looking for something a bit warmer…considering a Yukon or maybe even a Rondoy from PHD.

    Want to see what the offering from the other brands are like though, all I can ever find in the shops to fondle is the RAB neutrino.

  16. Shame that Haglofs have gone backwards. My old Nube is a cracking spec and goes down to -27 for just 620g, the new offerings are just not the same.
    There’s a size M Yukon in the bargain bit on the PHD site at the minute chap.

  17. Don’t worry about the blog thing folks, it’s not a pre-requiste.
    It’ll just save me having to post everyone’s gear reviews on here :o)

    Looking good folks.

  18. I’m still firmly in the ‘definite maybe’ camp for this one. If I can make it and there’s a gear-test place left, fine. But I’ll stand back for anyone else who’s sure – if you fill this up and I find I can travel, then a patch of fairly neighbouring hillside could still be fun, and I’ve got a few items of newish gear myself that could do with more of a testing.

  19. I’d love to join you on this, but don’t think I’m going to be able to swing an extra weekend away at the moment, especially as I have a week in Scotland scheduled for March. ‘Til next time…

  20. Nae bother. We’ll sort all the details nearer the time, I dare say the morning of the meet :o)

  21. Ach, that’s a bugger Roddy.

  22. Am I too late?? I just got my permission slip signed!!

    I’d love to be able to come if there’s still room. Meet some new outdoor folks.

    I’ll wait in anticipation for updates. Cheers Petesy :-)

    Davy

  23. All good.

    I think we’re getting there now.

  24. Google tells me I’m more than 2000 km away so I’m afraid I can’t make it, as much as I’d like to.

    Just wanted to say I’m sure you’ll like the Montura kit, I hope they gave you pants because they’re ace. They make kit that is well designed and sometimes even innovative, which is not that common these days.

    Princeton Tec is also (or used to be) on another level.

    Looks like you’ll have loads of fun!

    Cheers!

  25. That is quite a distance to travel for one night in the hills!

    I’m hoping it’ll go well, it’ll all be on here whatever happens anyway :o)

  26. Considering that it’s going to be somthing like a 6 hour drive, unless I can stop over at a friends on the friday/sunday nights I’m probably not going to make it. Will make some enquiries.

  27. Enquire, it’ll be worth it I promise!

  28. Sounds great – I’ve been following this blog for some time, so all being fair I’ll be there regardless of whether it’s amongst the slots you’ve got or nearby.

    Sounds like a good laugh and a chance for some good photos too!

    (It’ll be a culture shock though, I’ve spent the past 5/6 months working in the Middle East! – I’ll bring an extra layer!)

  29. I have enquired. and I can stay at there place so unless somthing major crops up I shall be there.

  30. All good.

    I’ll do an update over the next couple of days and we can start getting properly sorted.

  31. Good man. I’ve got some holiday booked to cover the 8 or 9 hour drive each way so all is good. I just need to get my head in winter mode as I haven’t seen snow since last march…

  32. I’ll keep some for you :o)

  33. I still have your tent… Sorry! I looked at it in the cupboard and thought I must get it back to you at some point… 2 years later! :-)

  34. You coming along then?

  35. Dude – off working in Holland for a week or so. No internet, so if you update you’ll get no reply from me for a while but I’m good to go. Probs drive up after work on the Friday and hit Scotland in the small hours of the morning. If someone needs a lift up as I go past, not problem. However, I may be staying up the week yet OR coming back home late on the Sunday due to work, so can’t commit to giving them a lift back down south.
    Have a good week everyone.

    Kelvin

  36. No problem. As it’s me the details won’t emerge until the last minute anyway :o)

  37. well I’m local so if you need extra hands to get stuff sorted, just give me a shout, more than happy to help

  38. Might do just that, I can see some setting up beforehand.

  39. I’ll make time, just let me know, only fair given that you’re going to the effort to arrange it

  40. Talking of which, I’ll need to set up a list of bodies so we can get the kit allocated.
    I have the destination sorted, it’ll be just a short hop from Glasgow for the far-travelled.
    Three weeks to go.

  41. I’m in Glasgow too, so anything that needs done let me know. I can take gear or help set up as well, no problem.

    I’ll direct message you on twitter my email address and you can let me know.

    Looking forward to it,

    Davy :-)

    PS Whats the prefered camping tipple?

  42. Good lad.

    I’ll update this post shortly in case anyone’s forgot about it and the good news is that Wigwam socks are on board too.

  43. PS, Aye, it was me.

  44. Sounds like it’s shaping up nicely. I’m really looking forward to it. If you know any manufacturers who make gear especially for 6’4″ beanpoles with pot bellies, I’m yer man. Maybe we could have a glasgow pre-meet planning session at Tiso’s caff….

  45. Am I allowed? I’ve not stepped foot on a hill for yonks. And there has been no gear purchases in years…! Plus my trousers are too big for me now. Jeezo :o)

  46. A Tiso meet is not a bad idea Michael, there’s a good few of us localish.

    Ange, of course you’re allowed. Get your kit looked out.

  47. Got a lightweight winter bag? going spare? only one I’ve got is an extemely bulky synthetic one,

  48. Tiso caff meet sounds good. Let me know.

    Day should depend on the Soup of the Day!! Or what cake they have in…

  49. Tiso Cafe pre-meet sounds a good idea to finalise planning and logistics I’d say.

    Ange, I’ll swap you then…mine are too wee (read tight) these days!

  50. Ant, bag no problem.

    Meet, yes.

    Shoe sizes!!

  51. Size 8 in Inov8 Terrocs, size 42.5 in Asolo boots and Asic running shoes – I think I’m really a size 8 and a third!
    Size of chest is a smallish Large, I do fit some Mediums but my flabby belly and everyone’s eyes may complain at the look. 34 waist (in theory) depending on brand, oh, and 5ft 10in tall.
    Just spent two weeks with only a pair of B3 boots to wear 24hrs a day, so if you need someone to walk around in heavy, chunky crampons, I’m yer man.

  52. I’m a 10.5 to 11 shoe depending on manufacturer but I’ll do heavy or lightweight footwear. I’ll take a Haglofs medium top on a good day, but I’m a Large for Rab kit. 34 inch waist with a 35 inch leg, which is a nightmare to get troosers for so I often have to settle for 34 inch legs and gaiters.

  53. Good stuff.

    B3 boots? I wonder what the snow cover will be like…

  54. shoe size, generally 11.5 in most outdoor footwear, Clothing, tend to go for trousers with a 42 inch waist, and tops with a 46 inch chest, Will have to double check that though.

    As for the sleeping bag, I know you have some new ones availible as part of the trip but is there any chance I could use if you still have it the PHD combi bag as that is the one I’ve been thinking of getting myself.

  55. Shoe size – 11. I think B3′s will be a good call but B2′s will probably do.
    Top size – M or L, can normally get away with either. Although got an ME active shell jacket in a M and it was far too small. Not really relevant but might help somebody.
    Trouser – 32 regular, normally a medium in most manufacturers.

    I know you just asked for shoe sizes but followed like a sheep, baa!

    Experiencing a case of the missing tent due to house move. Got Sherlock on it but may have a wee issue?

  56. Hehe, just pointing out that I WONT be coming in the B3s (unless asked to) and certainly don’t want to encourage others to wear monstrosities such as mine. It’s just that I got slightly used to having a kilo and a half on each foot in January and that’s far from the norm for most all of us eh?
    Is there much scrambling up and around where we may be staying Pete?

  57. Normally I’d agree, but the extra kilo of my Spiders over my X Talons does mean insulation – something I’m keen on in winter…
    Anyway, I’m looking forward to trying the latest incarnation of the Silver Shadow ;-)

  58. Scrambling is available in short spurts, the ascent can take a few different routes. It’s a nicely rocky wee hill.

    I’m going to wear big boots, just you wait and see.

  59. Hi Petsey, Hows you? Just chatting to Phil about the test weekend and if you have room I would love to come along and give you the ladies eye view of things (lol).

    Speak soon
    Cheers
    H

  60. Come along!

    Shoe size!!

  61. hahaha I had visions of Cinderella when you said shoe size!

  62. I’m a 9 in footwear and on the large side of medium to large in just about everything else these days.

    I replied back to the group mail but I suppose I should stick it on here too.

    Sandy

  63. Like Sandy said ^^^
    but for the record 11 and medium to large depending on the make.

  64. Good job. I’ve got a sample through of the boots Hi-Tec might sending, look pretty good. I’m a born again brown leather fan :o)

  65. Is it possile you could ask Granite Gear if I can get a look at the Belt Pocket accessory? Been trying to get a close look at one for a while.

    No problem if it’s not posible. No harm in asking, eh?

    Any more plans yet, Tiso meet etc?

    Looking forward to it and I sorted out my tent issue.

  66. If there’s a sample in the UK there’s a good chance we’ll have it along.
    Still need to sort out a meet, I was away checking the campsite Plan B today :o)

    Updated post maybe tomorrow, some other stuff has come to mind.

  67. Whats the plan for rendezvous point for setting off onto the hill, and place to leave motors? A word of caution for folks, the local police paid my wife a wee visit at midnight last April because the Arrochar police had found my car ‘abandoned’ just off the A83 when me and my son were camping on Ben Ime. I now leave a ‘police note’ in the windscreen.

  68. I’ll do an email with the plans in a couple of days, I’m not sure if there’ll be vans or whatnot.
    I’ve been in comms with Arrochar MRT about our plans so we can hopefully avoid any nonsense with folk reporting either our frosted cars or headtorches on the hill.
    I’m hoping we’ll be trouble-free!

  69. Am unable to come as thee car is required elsewhere that weekend for something that takes priority over leisure trips.

  70. Ach, bummer. But, there might be another one of these meets with a different set of brands in two or three months, so keep in comms.

  71. Ant, If you can get to Glasgow (bus,train etc) I’ve got room in the car to take you up?

    Offers there if yo want it, let me know.

  72. I’ll keep an eye out for that next meet. Not really keen on carrying my winter kit up by train as it weighs a ton and is best suited for car camping.

  73. I remember walking about Glasgow at night with a winter pack including ice axe strapped to it. Got some odd looks.

    Next meet will be based from Perth. More news as we go.

  74. hi shoe size is 4 or 5. spk soon!!! cheers H

  75. Too late!

    See you next week :o)

  76. No problems Ant.

    Is the Tiso meet still a possibility? Just for planning my week purposes.

    There are still places in Glasgow that carrying an ice axe would be a good idea.

    Tongs ya bass!

  77. C’mon! Sitting here wishing away the working week! Just a wee bit excited, not so much for the gear which will be cool but for meeting new folks, banter, blogs and a high camp! The tension is murder polis….

  78. Aye Monday is dragging even more than normal. I’m ridiculously stoked for this. It’s been a month since I got out to play and I reckon their might be a few new mates lurking in this motley crew…

  79. I should also point out my spelling is usually better than that last post. Must be the excitement!

  80. Next meet will be based from Perth……Now yer talkin kid. Sorry to miss your trip this time. Sounds like it could be a blast.

    Hope that everything goes well & that everyone has a great time.

  81. Well, jacked my job today – so headed up there tonight!

  82. Good job folks.

    I’m sitting here with 20 pairs of Hi-Tec boots!?

  83. Murder polis! ;)

  84. Aye, none of them fit me.

  85. Lol I’ll be surprised if there’s a wee feet size there all shoe manufacturers seem to like to start at a size 7. So either you’ve got massive feet or wee hobbit feet like me ;)

  86. Lol I’ll be surprised if there’s a wee feet size there all shoe manufacturers seem to like to start at a size 7. So either you’ve got massive feet or wee hobbit feet like me ;)

  87. Lol I’ll be surprised if there’s a wee feet size there all shoe manufacturers seem to like to start at a size 7. So either you’ve got massive feet or wee hobbit feet like me ;)

  88. I have men’s 6!

  89. Glad to see I’m not the only one who can’t wait.
    Do we have a plan yet Mr Petesy sir?

  90. That’s a real man size feet just like myself, these feet were made for walking ;)

  91. Email tomorrow!

  92. Could you tell me where your headed as i will be up The Brack on sunday morning and will mibbe say hello. gagfax@blueyonder.co.uk Cheers!

    Looks like snow :-)

  93. Hope you all have a good time, I look forward to reading all about it and sorry I could not make it.

  94. Yeah, I’m going to miss out too – hope you all have a blast, just not too literally! :)

  95. Well, it’s all over.

    Snow, wind, freezing temperatures, sun, blue skies, mountains, smiles and oh so much kit. And cuppas.

    Sorry you guys couldn’t make it (gagfax did!), I think this’ll be happening again though, might see you yet.

    Story soon

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