Head Torches

Head torches are normally fairly straight forward to interpret what each one does. Once again you need to think about when, where and what activity you will be doing with your light. The fit to your head is very important if you plan to run or cycle with your head torch but not so much if you are just going to use it around a camp. Power of the torch is also important depending on when you will be using it. Power or light output is measured in lumens and can range from anything around 20 up to around 100 for a head torch. However the higher the output the less burn (battery time) you will have from your light. Most powerful lights with longer burn times will have larger battery packs that fit on the back of the head strap or even on an additional waist clip. This can be awkward on longer walks and generally I would recommend staying as light as possible and carrying replacement batteries.

Rucksacks

Most rucksacks will be designed for a primary use, Multi Activity (running, biking etc…), General Walking, Hill Walking, Mountaineering and Expeditions. Ultimately size is a deciding factor, most rucksacks volumes are measured in litres ranging from around 10 to 75. There are main features to consider about your bag depend on what you’re doing and what you plan to carry The most common size will be around 25-30 litre as this will cater for most activities. Most quality rucksacks should have similar features; Some sort of back airflow systems to keep your back dryer, Padded waist belt for anything over 25 litres, Hydration pockets for you hydration bladder to fit into, Some sort of additional pockets either on the side or in the rucksack lid, Walking pole attachment points, Compression straps to tuck away any unused space and possibly a rain cover on hiking packs. Face fabrics of your bag a also important, your bag wants to be made of tough stuff but also doesn’t want to weight 20lb before it’s even got anything in. Expedition bags and biking bags normally want to be tougher to put up with some rough handling. Either way you want your bag to last, so make sure your bag is fit for the purpose you’ve brought it.

Sleeping Bags

A good night’s sleep is the key to having a good experience on any length of trip. The best feeling after a long day is snuggling down in a warm and dry sleeping bag. When choosing a bag it is important the have the right temperature rated bag for example you don’t want to be going to back backing in Thailand with a -15C rated sleeping bag.

Most technical sleeping bags are mummy shaped these days as they are more efficient at heating up around the body. Decide what the lowest temperature is that you are likely to encounter and choose a bag that will perform to this temperature or just below. Synthetic bags are cheaper, lighter and also keep you warmer if they become damp or wet. A down bag is more of an investment and will last longer than a synthetic back. A down sleeping bag will provide greater warmth to weight ratio and will pack down smaller in most instances.

It is always a fine line (one you don’t want to get wrong) between weight and warmth and size. Ultimately you need to review you environment you will be using it in.