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.





















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!
Happy to make up,the numbers if required.
Tom
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.
Another couple of brands added today, Hi-Tec footwear and Polaroid Eyewear.
Mine’s just been perfect in the Atlas for two weeks.
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.
There’s a size M Yukon in the bargain bit on the PHD site at the minute chap.
It’ll just save me having to post everyone’s gear reviews on here :o)
Looking good folks.
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
I think we’re getting there now.
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!
I’m hoping it’ll go well, it’ll all be on here whatever happens anyway :o)
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!)
I’ll do an update over the next couple of days and we can start getting properly sorted.
Have a good week everyone.
Kelvin
I have the destination sorted, it’ll be just a short hop from Glasgow for the far-travelled.
Three weeks to go.
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?
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.
Ange, of course you’re allowed. Get your kit looked out.
Day should depend on the Soup of the Day!! Or what cake they have in…
Ange, I’ll swap you then…mine are too wee (read tight) these days!
Meet, yes.
Shoe sizes!!
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.
B3 boots? I wonder what the snow cover will be like…
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.
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?
Is there much scrambling up and around where we may be staying Pete?
Anyway, I’m looking forward to trying the latest incarnation of the Silver Shadow ;-)
I’m going to wear big boots, just you wait and see.
Speak soon
Cheers
H
Shoe size!!
I replied back to the group mail but I suppose I should stick it on here too.
Sandy
but for the record 11 and medium to large depending on the make.
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.
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.
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!
Offers there if yo want it, let me know.
Next meet will be based from Perth. More news as we go.
See you next week :o)
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!
Hope that everything goes well & that everyone has a great time.
I’m sitting here with 20 pairs of Hi-Tec boots!?
Do we have a plan yet Mr Petesy sir?
Looks like snow :-)
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