Buying gear and my top 5 buys
I both love and hate buying new gear. The problem is, like everyone I love new stuff. The chance to research what I'm getting, whats the best, what people think of it and then it turns up!
The problems are you can’t put all your trust in just reviews, everyone has a different opinion and experience and you just don't know how they are using the same piece of gear.
For me, to feel like I have won, it will mean that I spend less then I could have done and end up with a product that out performs my expectation based on the money I have spent.
I like to try to decathlon for the rock bottom price, I like the rating system they have for products which indicates which level of use it will be best for from casual to trains everyday. Quite often I will compare products like for like and see the price difference, for instance I brought a single layer cycling water proof with taped seems and pockets for £30 from Decathlon a similar brand version would be in excess of £80. With a cycling waterproof it doesn't matter how much you spend the water will drive its way in, so why spend more?
There are times when there is no substitute, when you really shouldn't go cheap, this is only my opinion but hiking boots, tent, actually these are the only two that spring to mind. You could argue otherwise about the tent but boots … you feet are the only part of your body being pounded day in day out no matter what you are doing, good boots will not only look after your feet but potentially help with posture, comfort and happiness!
You don't always have to get brand new either. There are plenty of people spending too much money on gear they never use and then sell online. Most recently I brought an £800 bike of eBay for £250, granted it was about 5 years old but this bike will last me a lot better than one that is £250 brand new.
My tops 5 pieces of gear for hiking, camping and cycling are as follows:
The Forclaz Trekking Inflatable Mattress Trek 700 Air XL
£39.99
This is by far the best, lightest and smallest (when deflated) sleeping mattress I have ever owned.
MSR Hubba Hubba
£450
I love this tent, the upsides are two two entrances, a large foot print and it height mean you can easily sit out miserable weather. It gets some negative feedback for wind buffeting but I have never had any problems and have slept in it at least 200 plus nights.
Jet Boil
£100 (I got it free with a Trail magazine subscription)
Having always used a pocket rocket, which I can also recommend, I switch to the Jet boil and love how quick and easy it is to use, its a bit bulkier than the pocket rocket but when used with the canister shown it all fits in the water container
Hi Gear Down Jacket
£35
I have now had two of these and they are unbelievable value compared to other brands. It packs down small and I often use as a pillow, I pull it out when we stop and I'm going to get cold, it also fits under my waterproof. Cant recommend enough.
Karrimor Dry bags
£5 plus
I have a section of these that I use for various things, one for food, one for electronics, one for dirty washing etc etc. Its a great way of not only keeping things dry but being organised. I also stuff old clothes and the above coat in a dry bag as a pillow.
Hopefully you can see that I don't mind spending money where its going to be well spent, there are plenty of bargains out there, the down jacket in particular, I could easily spend 5 times the amount on a down jacket and never see the benefit of all that extra expense.
In all honesty you don't need a £450 tent. You shouldn't let not having a tent that cost this much stop you from camping out. In the long term though I have had my Hubba Hubba 5 years and it has been used a lot and is as good as the day I brought it so sometimes, if you have the money its worth considering your options.
If you want any more gear advice contact the team at info@sidetrackedadventures.co.uk for our preferences.
We look forward to seeing you out there.