Sil Tarps and Ponchos

B bought an Integral Designs Sil Poncho about 3 years ago, in Copenhagen. Since that time she has used the poncho in Norway, Denmark, the UK, USA and Australia. I have been so impressed by the multiplicity of uses of the Poncho that I also purchased one for use when we travel together.

Poncho Mode
There are many poncho available on the market and but what has attracted us to the Integral Designs poncho is the quality of the manufacture, the robustness of the press studs when used in poncho mode and the elasticised draw cord which allows the wearer to pull the poncho tight around the waste thereby reducing the flapping in windy conditions and providing a pack cover. The hood on the poncho is roomy and provides ample space to wear hats or caps underneath the poncho.

Shelter Mode
The ID Sil Poncho has dimensions of 1.5 m x 2.4 m which enables it to be used as a minimalist shelter, the simplest structure us the lean to which provides a shelter length sufficient to protect the users sleeping bag and bivy, personally I would use a lightweight bivy such as that provided by MLD, BPL or RAB to ensure that the sleeping bags do not get damp from wind blown rain. However, if you have a more weather resistant bivy such as the ID Micro Bivy then other shelter arrangements are possible, my preferred arrangement is shown in the accompanying picture, this modified lean to shape provides shelter from 2 sides and allows the user to have a semi enclosed area that can be used for eating, cooking (with care) and other relaxation.
The disadvantage with this arrangement is that it requires some of the bivy to be exposed to the weather and as a consequence the increased weight of the bivy makes it a heavier proposition than the simple lean to or the A frame shelter.

For 2 persons, an alternative shelter is to connect the tarps together using the press studs, this provides shelter which is 3 m x 2.4 m albeit with a gap down the centre where the join is, however it provides considerable space for 2 persons in inclement weather.

Day shelter, perhaps one of the greatest advantages of poncho and small tarps is the capability to set them up as a lunch or rest stop shelter in bad weather allowing more than one person to be protected from the elements for a short time at least.

The poncho tarp serves a number of important roles in a hikers kit and even if you use a tent normally at night is multiple uses of rain protection and shelter make it one of the first pieces of gear that goes into my pack at all times.

And if the poncho is not your preferred option then the Integral Designs Siltarp is another option, weighing just 200 gm, it will provide shelter and some space for cooking etc.

Nowadays I prefer to use the Integral Designs Sil Cape and the Integral Designs Siltarp as my rain gear and shelter, the total weight for this combination is about 350 gms.

Return to Sweden and the Skåneleden

This past weekend we took the opportunity to visit another section of the Skåneleden, in this case it was a section of the Nord till Sydleden which connects Southern Sweden with the Kyst to Kyst trail in the north of Skåne.

The weather was cool but clear and as usual it was a pleasure to spend some time in the Swedish Forests. Our time was spent in the area between Hörby and Höör, Ringsjon is the largest natural feature here and provides a habitat for a wide range of birds. Nearby is the Fultofta Naturcentrum which provides easy access to the Nord till Sydleden and is about 3 km from the Ås till Åsleden a north West South East trail running through the middle of Skåne. We can recommend a visit to the Fultofta centre for its wonderful exhibits as well as its coffee.

At the junction of Nord till Sydleden and Ås till Åsleden near the outskirts of Höör the Ås till Åsleden passes through the locale of Frostvallen an interesting area with its lake and large accommodation areas and with a thermometer strategically placed on a large notice board, our assumption is that in winter it may get a little cold there.

The trails were well marked with orange markers and direction signs where needed, we have not seen such efficient marking of trails since we were on the Appalachian Trail with its White Blazes

BPL Titanium Wing Stove

For a while now I have had the BPL Titanium Wing Stove in my gear closet and whilst I have tried it a few times I have never taken it on a trip. Finally last weekend was an opportunity to test it out before longer trip in October.

For me it was a blessing to be able to take out the stove, windshield, fuel and matches from my 500 ml pot. to set it up and light. It was easy to use and took about 7 minutes to boils sufficient water for my boil in the bag meal. Yes there was a residue on the bottom of the pot but with the use of a small scourer I was able to clean it off. The advantage of such a stove is the measured quantity of fuel used and thus for me at least it is easy to determine how much fuel to pack. I intend to use this stove from now on because of its simplicity as well as its weight savings.

Books for the outdoors

There are many books titles and authors writing for the outdoors, you can get
How to books,
How to get there books,
What to carry books,
Historical hiking books,
Hysterical hiking books,

and many many more.

Every time we look at blogs we find suggestions for books, most often new and most often from Amazon, which admittedly is a great resource when looking for books. But, for us the first source of books is ABE we have used this online site to purchase both new and used books on a range of topics. Often you will find high quality second hand books available in via ABE in your country (these books are sold by local second booksellers) at very reasonable prices. To date we have purchased books in the USA, UK, Australia and Denmark and each time these books have arrived in the condition that was described and in a timely manner. Next time you are looking for a book whether it be by Chris Townsend or J K Rowling they are worth a look.

Integral Designs Unishelter

Whilst laying in my Unishelter watching the sun rise recently I begun to reflect on why I like this shelter. It is a bit more than a bivy and tarp and it weighs more than the lightest tents but for me it is my preferred option. As it provides an easy and quick solution to setting up camp, it provides that next to nature feel whilst also providing ample shelter in rainy conditions. It allows me to camp in small areas where a tent would not be suitable. The bivy has lots of space inside and it is possible to change clothes whilst inside the bivy. Entry and exit can be a challenge in the rain but a little planning can be helpful.

Things I have learnt are
1. Pack your sleeping bag and other dry clothes inside the bivy, it both saves a waterproof pack liner and allows you to assemble the bivy with your dry gear well away from the entry and thus moisture.
2. Plan at least one non cook meal if you bivy bound.
3. A container to save you midnight visits to the a nearby tree can be invaluable when it is raining.
4. Organise your gear for a quick exit in the mornings when it is raining.
5. Have your camera ready for those sunrises you will see whilst still half asleep.
6. Choose a site which gives the maximum benefits of seeing the surroundings and appreciating the stars and other sights at night.
7. A small tarp (or umbrella) can be used to protect you upon entry and exit in torrential rain.
8. Enjoy the experience and learn as you go along.