Equipment pg 12
What is the purpose of Outdoor Clothing? Keeping warm: you need to think about layering and the type of fabric. Keeping you dry. Protecting the skin from chaps, windburn and dry skin. Comfort: the right type and the correct size, will make your walking experience more enjoyable.
Outdoor Clothing: The Layering System There is no such thing as inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothing. Base Layer Next to the body. Mid Layer Insulation for the body. Outer Layer Protects from the elements. Accessories Hat, gloves and scarf.
Base Layer Worn next to the skin. Wicks moisture (sweat!) away from body to keep your skin dry so you don t chill. Often body hugging in order to wick away sweat efficiently and have flat-sewn seams to avoid chaffing. pg.13
Cotton vs. Synthetic Cotton Synthetic
Mid Layer Provides insulation to keep body warm. Mid layer materials: fleece, woolly jumpers, duck down, synthetic fibre-pile. Insulation can be affected by wind cutting through garment, or moisture being absorbed into garment. pg.12
Outer Layer To protect from wind and rain. Needs to be waterproof fabric with taped seams so that sewing holes are watertight! Ideally the fabric would be breathable to allow perspiration to escape: GoreTex, Triple Point, event, Helly Tech, IsoTex. pg.12
How waterproofs breathe
Boot Features and Choice Approach Shoes 2-Season Boots 3-4 Season Boots Lightweight Waterproof but lightweight Tough and waterproof Aggressive tread Flexible sole Rigid sole Low ankle support Medium ankle support Excellent ankle support Different situations will require different boots. pg.12
Anatomy of the Boot Ankle support Padded ankle cuff Heel cradle support Inside: Breathable membrane Inside: Anatomic footbed Padded tongue Easily adjusted laces Padded reinforced toe Cleated sole
Footwear Boots: Consider support, grip, comfort, protection and weight. Socks: Thin synthetic socks next to skin with thicker socks will provide warmth and will also prevent blisters! Gaiters: Help keep feet dry when it s raining or you re walking on wet ground. Wear waterproof trousers over gaiters.
Looking after your Outdoor Clothing Boots: Clean your boots of mud and dirt with a dry brush. Re-protect using a specific product for your boots. Clothing: Always follow the washing instructions. Check that it can be machine washed. Some clothing can t be put on radiators. Re-waterproof your jackets and trousers regularly.
Accessories
Point to Remember Make a personal kit list, you are always going to forget to pack something.
Accessories There are a number of essential accessories: A good torch Whistle Compass Phone
Map Cases Things to think about: Cost Necessity
Food Related Accessories Cutlery (the Spork) A Mug Tin/Bottle opener
Flask Things to think about: Size: Space Weight Is it sturdy? Prepare before use.
If only accessories Sunglasses Sun cream Insect spray
Money Bring some cash; accepted in all good tea shops!
First Aid Kits pg 14
First Aid Kit Basics Plasters Drugs Scissors Tweezers Blister Pads Bandage
Leaders First Aid Kit Plasters (Barbie or Mr Bump) and Blister Plasters Tubi Grip for sprains & knocks Cling film for burns or scolds Sling head and arm injury Sterile dressing cuts and blood flow Elasticised bandage keeping things in place Adhesive tape strapping fingers together Wipes for cleaning and insect bites Frozen gel pack for sprains & twists Gloves Just in case
Useful bits to keep at the bottom of your bag Tweezers removal of stings Paracetamol use with permission Vaseline chapped skin Tissues just in case Antihistamine cream bites and stings Tablets for upset tummies enough said Sun cream fat chance of using this
B.E.L. Motto ullus fossor can scabrosus is
B.E.L. Motto Any fool can rough it
Rucksacks pg 36
Don t let your Mum pack your rucksack!
Rucksack Sizes Up to 25L - Day sack for general walking 25 to 35L - Winter walking/leaders Pack 35 to 55L - Weekend walking/hostelling /Leaders Pack 55 to 65L - Multi-Day/Backpacking Recommend no more than 65 Litre (55 for small people)for D of E Expedition.
Rucksack Features Top compartment Compression straps Shaped and adjustable shoulder harness Expandable, zipped side pockets Sternum strap Equipment loops Bottom compartment Ergonomic hip belt Airmesh on body contact points
Adjustable Back System This allows the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer of shorter backs
Fitting a Rucksack Step One: Get hip belt in the right place. Step Two: Tighten the shoulder straps. Step Three: Adjustable back system. Step Four: Tension the load adjusters. Step Five: Adjust the chest strap.
Packing Weight should be even on each side. Tightly as few gaps as possible. Avoid fixing anything to the outside, except sleeping mat and walking poles.
A Typical Day Pack
Packing Always pack your rucksack in reverse order: First In - Last Out
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Bags After a days walk, one thing you look forward to is a good night s sleep. A comfortable night's sleep is essential to optimise your level of performance and enjoyment during the day. Your sleeping bag is to keep you warm when your body is at rest.
Sleeping Bags To help you get a good nights sleep, try and get as much distance between you and the ground to keep you warm and comfortable. Cover the ground with a groundsheet before putting a tent up. Or, use a piece of tarpaulin, which can be folded to create a groundsheet.
Sleeping Mats Foam Roll Mats: Easy to use Cheap Reasonable insulation Self-inflating Mats Lightweight Different Sizes Comfortable
Sleeping Luxury Airbeds and Camping Beds Camping luxury Always consider: Cost Size
Choosing a Sleeping Bag
Choosing a Sleeping Bag If a sleeping bag is too tight, the insulated material may become too compressed around your body and reduce its effectiveness. Surplus space adds weight and it is difficult to get warm.
Down or Synthetic Materials Down Sleeping Bags Synthetic Sleeping Bags Natural goose or duck feather Materials such as PrimaLoft or Spirafil Warmer per gram of filling Loses it shape when wet Takes a long time to dry Lightweight, will pack small Expensive Needs more weight of filling to get the same warmth Maintains it shape when wet Dries relatively quickly Heavy, hard to compress and pack small Inexpensive
Comfort Rating Comfort - Temperature an average female user should have a comfortable night s sleep. On average women sleep colder than men so this rating is some degrees above the comfort lower limit for a man. +20 - you should remain comfortable if temperature drops no lower than 20 o F. These numbers are only a guide.
Remember ullus fossor can scabrosus is