We are nicely settled in the tent on the summit of Bowscale Fell, this being our last walk and camp of 2025. It’s also an opportunity to test some new gear — a new sleep system for myself, and Tika with a new jacket.
The 14kg weight of my pack (water not included) wasn’t a surprise really. I usually like it to be under 13kg, but I’d rather have more comfort on these longer winter nights. The weight does include all Tika’s stuff: sleeping bag, jacket and dog food.
The photo from inside the tent shows a new sleeping pad and an overbag. At the bottom of the system I use radiator foil from Screwfix, which I’ve been using for over ten years now. It’s the best product out there for the job. On top of that is a new sleeping pad from Zenbivy, which is very comfortable — far more comfortable than the lightweight Thermarest pad I’ve been using all these years.
I then have a new synthetic overbag from Halite, which should help keep damp away from the rest of the system. Inside the overbag is my trusted two-season down bag from Cumulus, paired with a silk liner. The pillow is from Trekology and is awesome.
The idea is to see whether using a two-season bag inside the overbag is warm enough in these freezing temperatures. At the moment it’s minus two inside the tent.
Another thing, if anyone is using the MSR WindPro II stove, a good tip is to cut an aluminium disc which will then slot between the feet. This will reflect heat and protect the grass.
Anyhow, I’m just going to tuck into this pork pie, then it’ll be a very long nap.
Goodnight.
Richard
