LEJOG and 3 Peaks Walk: full gear review

Here’s my LEJOG 2019 full gear review. In February 2019 I set off from Land’s End, with the aim of finding out whether it was possible to walk to John O’Groats, wild camping all the way. You can read my blog of the walk, which included the summits of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, here.

Recommended reading: Cicerone End to End Trail: Land’s End to John O’Groats book. Not part of my gear list but essential reading before I started the walk and could have been carried, if I was following that route.

My gear list for the walk is here. This blog post reviews each item in turn, reflecting whether it was worth the weight in my pack!

I took some new and untested things on my LEJOG trip, and had packed for temperatures of -8 or so which were likely during February and March. However, I was lucky and only experienced freezing temperatures on Snowdon and a relatively few days, mostly nights and early mornings. Due to the length of the trip (two months), I chose things that would last and be comfortable over this extended period, instead of just the lightest-weight items.

Personal Metabolism

I have a reasonably low metabolism and I feel the cold so I carry more clothes (especially gloves) than many people. I also think safety before weight saving. Worth remembering when reading my gear lists

Full Gear Review

I will run through all the gear and give you my opinion on how well it worked and whether it lasted the trip.

Rucksack – ULA Catalyst 75L

I’ve used the ULA Catalyst 75L pack many times before and it is comfortable with a heavy load and spacious, so I’ve room to spare. You can read my full review of this rucksack here.

The maximum weight I carried was about 16kgs when I had food for a number of days or it was a warm day (meaning most of my clothes were in the pack). Usually I carried between 10 and 12kgs, which was very comfortable. This is a 75 litre pack and I regularly filled it to the brim when restocking the food for a few days.

I was surprised that the zip failed on the left hipbelt pocket (probably due to me stuffing too much in it over the years), and a number of bungee attachment points failed. However, neither of these issues caused too much of a problem and the pack was nearly 10yrs old. I would happily take a ULA Catalyst rucksack again, but it’s expensive in the UK. Another option could be the Granite Gear Blaze 60L rucksack.

Rucksack waterproof liner – Sea to Summit (Small)

The liner was essential as I do not use a pack cover. I also pack the things that must be kept dry in dry bags as well, for double protection. The Sea to Summit pack liner was just the right size for everything that needed to be in it and has no signs of wear. I would take it again.

Shelter – Nordisk Telemark 1 Carbon ULW

I love this tent as it is so quick to put up and take down. The flysheet and inner tent go up together in only a couple of minutes. I often put it up on a lunch break to dry it as it’s so easy – I doubt I would have bothered to do this with a tent that was more complex to pitch.

The Nordisk Telemark 1 inspires confidence in bad weather because it is so well made and stable in strong winds. I spent a long time in it due to the long nights this time of year, and it had the perfect amount of space for me. I was able to sit up, cook, change clothes, unpack and pack my rucksack inside when it was raining.

I did have trouble with condensation on the inner of the tent, but that’s the trouble with using small tent and camping in early spring. It’s always a compromise between a ‘solid’ inner for warmth (i.e. little mesh), or a full mesh inner for more breathability. I chose the warmth. It was difficult not to touch the sides if it was heavy with condensation, but just possible if I was careful.

I always felt safe in this tent when the weather was bad and it was small enough that I could usually find a pitch for it easily. It has no signs of wear and I would happily take it again. I cannot think of a better choice for this time of year, but I would consider a tent with a more mesh on the inner in warmer weather.

I recommend both the Nordisk Telemark 1 LW and the Carbon ULW tents, there’s only about 60g between them. Or better still if the lightest weight is not the deciding factor. I would definitely consider the Nordisk Telemark 2. It’s just as easy to pitch and even more practical. With more space and 2 doors, this convenience alone is worth carrying an extra weight.

Tent Pegs

The tent only needs 4 (ideally 6) pegs. I carried 4 x 9″ and 4 x 6″ long MSR carbon core pegs. I found I used the 9″ long pegs most of the time, even though the smaller ones would have done the job fine. This was because I was often camping on rough tall grass and the larger ones, were just easier to get hold of and find. They were perfect for very wet ground too. There were a few occasions when the ground was hard and I needed to use the smaller pegs instead.

I carried more pegs than I really needed just in case I lost some during the trip, but I was so organised that I didn’t lose a single one. They have all lasted well with no broken or bent ones. They have all cleaned up like new again now I’m home, and I would happily use them again. I cannot think of a better choice.

Sleeping Bag – PHD  Hispar 400 K

There is an argument here for taking a synthetic bag this time of year. It probably would have been wise to if I had been unlucky with the weather and unable to dry my PHD Hispar 400 down bag – I might have been forced into using accommodation just so I could dry it. I considered this risk beforehand, and decided it was a risk worth taking because of the weight saving with a down sleeping bag compared to a synthetic one.

I like the light weight of this sleeping bag and it has been on many trips with me. But it is too expensive for how long it has lasted though. I used it for less than 200 nights before the down failed and it wasn’t warm enough, so it needed refilling. I would buy a slightly heavier and substantially cheaper bag instead; like this one.

My sleeping bag often got damp from condensation but I could usually dry it during the day. A few nights it was still damp and not keeping as warm, but I just slept in more clothes. I am a cold sleeper and much below freezing I tend to add my down jacket or Icebreaker vest to my usual sleep wear but these were rarely needed this trip. This is my trusty sleeping bag and I can’t imagine a long-distance trip without it.

If I walked this time of year again, I would consider carrying a lighter weight down sleeping bag and taking a synthetic quilt to put over it. This would help keep the down sleeping bag dry and lessen the condensation soaking into the down.

NeoAir Pump Sack

I always use the NeoAir pump sack to blow up my Thermarest sleep mat to minimise moisture getting into it from my breath, and it worked well.

It was also plenty big enough to store my sleeping bag in. I don’t like to pack my sleeping bag as small as possible, as I try to protect the down as much as I can. With this sack, I could put it into my rucksack with the sleeping bag loosely in it, then push all the air out. This meant it fit the space in the pack. It worked really well and I would definitely take it again.

Down Socks – PHD Wafer Down

I wore my PHD Wafer down socks every night with liner socks and never had cold feet. This is impressive for me, as I suffer with poor circulation and my feet are usually freezing.

I would take them again because they are so warm and only 55g.

Pants – Rohan

These were worn for the first few days of my LEJOG. While changing in the car in Perranporth (where I said goodbye to my family, who had walked with me for the first few days), I forgot to put them back in my pack as spares. Oops.

From previous experience, I know that they wear well, dry quickly and rarely smell. I would take them again as lightweight spares. As long as I remember to pack them.

Pants – EDZ merino

The EDZ pants were brand new and untested before my LEJOG. I had planned on wearing these when it was cold and relying on my tested Rohan pants most of the time. But having left the Rohan pants in the car I found myself with these as my only pants.

I intended to buy some more pants but I am a bit fussy, so by the time I finally passed a Rohan store (a long way up the country) I had fallen for these. I was able to wash them, wring them out and, if I had to and put them straight back on wet. Being merino wool they felt comfortable and warm within minutes of putting them on – I would forget they were wet and before I knew it they were dry.

I never slept in the pants as that is what my leggings were for, but I wore them every day for nearly two months. They never smelt too bad, changed shape or became uncomfortable.

They would be too warm to use in summer, but they were perfect for this trip. Unbelievably, they show no signs of wear and I will be using them again and buying some more. I am extremely impressed with them. Highly recommended. Just take more than one pair…

January 2022 Update: I was so impressed with these pants/briefs, I now have 17 items of EDZ clothing. I think it is a good price for its quality. I’ve reviewed them all here.

Top – L/S Helly Hansen merino wool

This was new and a surprise as I slept in it every night. It was warm and never seemed to smell. I would happily take it again on a another trip, but it would be too warm for summer use. If I had to replace it, I would probably buy a EDZ merino top which I’ve found to be good value.

Leggings – Rab merino+ 120   

These were also new and warmer than I expected. They did the job well but did smell and need washing every few days. Luckily, they dried fairly quickly.

They are good but I wouldn’t take them next time because they needed washing so often. I would take some 100% merino wool EDZ Leggings next time.

Trousers – PHD Sigma

I normally sleep in these when its extra cold, but I sent them home at the first opportunity because the Rab leggings were warmer than I expected them to be, and the nights weren’t that cold on my trip.

Down Jacket – PHD Yukon K series  

I like this jacket as it is so warm and cosy for its weight. It’s rare that I don’t carry it. I carry it as an emergency layer and to sleep in if it’s unusually cold. I would definitely take the a down jacket again and cannot think of anything that would do the job better for the weight.

Balaclava – OR Ascendant

The Outdoor Research Ascendant balaclava was great to sleep in when it was extra cold at night, but I only needed it a few times during the day.

I like to wear a balaclava at night to protect my down sleeping bag from sweat and dirt. It was nice to have, invaluable on the few days and I would take it again.

Sleeping Bag Cover – PHD

The PHD sleeping bag cover was new and untested before leaving home, and I sent it home at first opportunity.

It seemed to trap condensation inside and make my sleeping bag damp. This was probably due to the temperatures being higher than expected. I think it needs more air flow around it to work properly and would be best used more like a bivi bag under a tarp. Or in a lot colder weather than I experienced inside my tent.

If I walked this time of year again, I would consider taking a synthetic quilt to put over my sleeping bag instead. This would help keep the down sleeping bag dry and lessen the condensation soaking into the down.

Mats – Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Small and Exped closed cell foam shaped

I was going to take my Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm sleeping mat, but at the last minute changed to the above mats. They added up to a similar total weight, but not quite so good insulation value.

I did this because the small NeoAir Xlite is easier to blow up in a small space inside the tent. It is also quicker to inflate and deflate which matters when you’re having to do it so often. The Exped mat is very tough and resists damage, protecting the inflatable mat from punctures. This meant I still had some comfort and insulation if it did go down.

This decision was a good one as I was camping on rough ground every night and the two together smoothed stony and bumpy ground out well, giving me a lot more choices for pitching the tent. The NeoAir mat seemed to deflate slightly some nights, but I am yet to find a puncture in it. The Exped mat is the toughest closed cell foam I’ve used but it has got a few marks from being carried on the outside of my pack.

I found that the Neoair and Exped mat combination stayed in place better when I was camped on a slope. Neither slipped down hill in the night. Which can be a problem when the Neoair mat is used on its own on the nylon ground sheet as both materials are so smooth.

I would happily take this combination again, but I would also consider just taking a regular size Thermarest Neoair Xlite. This would be more comfortable to sleep on and would save having a roll mat strapped to the outside of my pack. However, I would need be more careful where I camped.

Pillow – Sea to Summit 

I used this pillow because it is slightly larger and more comfortable than the lightest weight pillows available. During the trip it started going down and needed blowing up during the night 2 or 3 times.

I took it a seam had failed but on returning home, I found a puncture in it. I’ve no clue how this happened and should have checked while I was away as I could have repaired it and had a better night’s sleep. I would take it again or I could have taken my Exped pillow as it’s slightly lighter but smaller.

Cooking Equipment:

Stove – Vargo Triad titanium multi fuel (meths)

I have used this little stove a lot, as it is so light weight and simple. It still amuses me that it will heat the water on so little meths. (very economical). It can be a little slow boiling water and difficult to use if it’s windy and you do need to be careful with it though, especially if used inside a tent, (not recommended) as the flame can get fairly high if its windy or you’ve over filled it. Pouring the left over meths back into the bottle can be tricky too, but that’s a small price to pay for such a light weight stove. I would definitely take it again. The Vargo Triad multifuel stove is a great little stove.

Windscreen and alloy base

The Vargo windscreen worked well and folded up easily to fit inside my pot. The alloy base was essential to stop the stove or any meths spillage setting fire to the undergrowth, it was taken from my MSR Windscreen set. I could have taken the complete set instead of my Vargo aluminium windscreen. It’s bigger and would have protected the stove from the wind better but I was happy with the Vargo windscreen. It just did the job and packed easily in the pot.

Pot + Lid – Evernew 600ml

This was only used for heating water in and was the perfect size for the Vargo Triad multifuel stove. I particularly like the rubber on the handles and lid as it saves burning your fingers. It’s expensive but really light weight and tough, it looks like it’ll last for ever. I would definitely take the Evernew titanium pot again.

Can opener

Not needed and sent home unused.

Knife – Deejo Naked pocket knife

This little knife was quite handy and surprisingly sharp. I mainly used it for opening tough food packaging. I would take again.

Knife – Sea to Summit

I didn’t use it much and I could have done without it to save weight. I wouldn’t take it again.

Spoon – Long handle

Essential and lasted well. I’ve tried many spoons and this is not the lightest weight but it’s the nicest to use, with a reasonably big spoon. The handle will bend easily so needs to be respected but I would definitely take the Esbit long handle spoon again.

Gas Lighter/Matches

I didn’t need the matches as the lighter never failed me. I would take them again, though, as an emergency back up.

Footwear

I wear liner socks to help stop blisters, but the Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots were so good that the liner socks were not really needed. Next time I would just take one pair of liner socks to sleep, to protect my down sleep socks from sweat.

I took a variety of socks to test and change regularly, limiting blisters. The Rohan socks were thicker around the heel and toes and seemed to fill the boots too much, jamming my toes together. This caused blisters after a few hundred miles, as my feet had spread. I sent these home when I realised.

The Teko socks were very good and lasted well. After they had done around 400 miles they felt a little rough underneath so I binned them, purchasing a pair of Bridgedale Hikers instead. These didn’t last as well as I had expected and started looking rough within a few hundred miles.

The Darn Tough socks are the best socks I have ever used. I walked well nearly 600 miles in them and as long as they are rinsed out regularly they still feel comfortable. I have washed them twice at home and will happily wear them on another walk as they still feel and look in really good condition.

The socks with merino wool in felt better when wet than the synthetic socks and I didn’t notice a difference in drying times, but all the socks smelt really bad really quickly. But by morning, the socks with a high merino wool content, seemed to smell less. The boots staying so smooth inside are the reason the socks lasted so long. I think taking a variety of socks and alternating them was a good idea. I would happily take the Teko socks again and definitely take Darn Tough socks again; I’m very impressed with them both. You can read my full review and comparison of these socks in a separate blog post here.

If walking it again in winter, I would also add some thicker EDZ all climate socks to wear if I had cold feet.

Gloves/Mitts

The PHD Mitts were only really needed on Snowdon and were carried as an emergency/spare pair. The Rab Xenon mitts were new and untested but a lot warmer than expected. I kept these as my only gloves after Inverness because they were so light weight for their warmth, as the weather was looking good and gloves shouldn’t be needed much.

The Rab convertible mitts were great and I wore them every morning, sometimes all day, until I sent them home at Inverness to save weight. There is no sign of wear on them and I am very impressed as they were gripping walking poles most of the time.

If doing the walk in the winter, I would take all these again. I wore the Rab convertible mitts most often, but it was nice to have the Rab Xenon mitts to put over them for extra warmth. They are extremely light weight and squash really small so I hardly noticed them in my pocket. I could have done without the PHD Mera Down Mitts, but that’s a risk if I had lost or soaked the others or if it had been colder.

Vest – Icebreaker Descender merino wool

This was warm, comfortable, not washed once in the 2 months but never smelt bad. I often slept in it but mainly it was carried as an emergency or spare layer. I really like the Icebreaker descender vest and would take again.

Vest/Bodywarmer – PHD Down

The PHD bodywarmer was nice to have on cold mornings and when I stopped for a break. I mainly used it for laying over my sleeping bag, on my legs, on cold nights. It was nice to have and I would take it again.

Jacket – windproof/warm Jack Wolfskin AirLoch (L)

I took the Jack Wolfskin Air Loch windproof jacket to wear to protect my waterproof jacket from unnecessary wear, so keeping it waterproof for longer. The jacket also breathes a lot better, keeping me less sweaty. I am a medium size but I got this in a large so it fits over everything if it was extra cold. It was new and untested but I could have done without it, or possibly used this instead of my softshell jacket which I did after Inverness, when I sent the softshell jacket home saving a lot of weight. This worked extremely well and did make me think that I could have done without the softshell jacket and used this instead, saving a lot of weight.

I’m not sure it would have lasted very well if used for the whole trip as it is made from light weight materials. However, it did come in handy for covering the bottom of my sleeping bag and protecting it from condensation, as the sleeping bag was often up against the damp inner tent. I liked the Jack Wolfskin Air Loch windproof jacket and it has it’s place in a light weight gear list. I would take it again if I didn’t take a softshell jacket. Or I may change to a Paramo system reviewed here.

Softshell Jacket – Rab Sawtooth

I had this Rab softshell on nearly all the time as it is the perfect outer layer in the cold. It is comfortable, tough, water resistant, windproof but still fairly breathable. I loved the massive pockets which often had my convertible mitts, hat, head band, buff and phone in the pockets, always to hand if I needed them. I also carried food in the pockets so I didn’t need to stop for breakfast etc, and I could eat while on the move.

It is a great jacket and was perfect during the blizzards I had, as I was able to pull the hood in tight around my face. I would happily take it again if I was likely to be wearing it most of the time, but it is heavy and I did notice the weight added to the pack when it was being carried. If I had known it wasn’t going to be as cold as expected, I would have just take a windproof jacket instead. Or instead of taking separate waterproof, windproof and softshell jackets, I would consider changing to a Paramo system reviewed here.

Top – Rab Polartec power stretch hoody

This Rab hoody is a really warm, comfortable and breathable top and in the temperatures I had, it wasn’t worn for too long. I put it on most mornings and within an hour was taking it off because I was sweating. It spent most of its time in my pack and because it’s reasonably weighty, I would have been better not taking it and making more use of the down vest/bodywarmer.

It’s better used as a base layer rather than the mid layer that I was using it for. It did smell quite quickly and took its time to dry. I would take it again if I was taking a Jack Wolfskin Air Loch windproof jacket instead of the Rab softshell jacket, otherwise a microfleece top would probably have been fine instead.

Top – Inov8 AT/C long sleeve merino

I am new to merino wool. I would normally wear synthetic base layers (and will continue to in the summer as I sweat quickly), but in the colder weather I had on LEJOG this top was perfect. When I got wet or if I had just washed it I could wear it to dry it, as it never felt cold even if it was soaked. It never seemed to smell bad either, even after a number of days or week, without washing it. I wore it every day and it has held its shape well but it has faded quite a bit from the sun. It was very comfortable and breathed extremely well. I would definitely take the Inov-8 AT/C L/S merino base layer again.

Trousers – Montane Terra

These were old and well used when I started. So I shouldn’t have been surprised when the zip on the pocket failed mid way, which was a pain as the pockets are mesh and it created a cold draught. The belt also broke and being integral to the trousers I couldn’t put a new belt on them, causing obvious problems. I also found they stuck to my legs when I was sweating and climbing steeply.

I know most people swear by these trousers but I am not a massive fan; possibly the newer ones are better. On a positive note, they are surprisingly warm for their thickness, extremely hard wearing, and wind and water resistant. The vent zips on both legs work very well too.

If walking Lejog again at this time of year, I would not take them again. I prefer stretchy, softshell-type trousers. I would take my Paramo Cascade 11 trousers next time. This would save me the hassle of overtrousers and getting wet from the inside out. It would also save me weight because the overtrousers were so often in my pack and I also wouldn’t need to carry extra leggings because the Cascade trousers are thicker and warmer than the Terra’s.

Leggings – Rab Polartec power stretch

These are comfortable and very warm. I was expecting to wear them under the Terra trousers but due to the weather being better than expected, I sent them home at the first opportunity to save weight. I wouldn’t take them again I could just wear the EDZ Leggings next time, if I was cold and not wearing the PHD Sigma insulated trousers.

Trousers – PHD Sigma

These synthetic insulated trouser were taken to walk or sleep in if it got extra cold, but I sent them home at first opportunity to save weight. I initially regretted that decision after a few cold nights with cold legs. I ended up laying my down vest/bodywarmer over the sleeping bag which solved that problem. The PHD Sigma trousers are extremely warm for their weight. I would probably take them again if walking in the winter.

Waterproof Jacket

I used a Montane waterproof jacket to stay dry and it lasted the trip perfectly. This is a good jacket but I only wore it when it was actually raining. I find that I sweat in these lined jackets and I get wet from condensation really quickly. 

If I walked Lejog again I would consider taking a Paramo Bentu fleece and Bentu windproof, which together are said to be waterproof. I find I don’t stay 100% dry in this set up, but I also don’t overheat and sweat in them. This means that I don’t need to keep taking my pack off and changing my waterproof every time it rains. And it would also mean that I could reduce the number of other tops I’m carrying. I’ve reviewed them here.

Waterproof Overtrousers

I used the Montane Minimus waterproof overtrousers and they were essential on so many occasions. They didn’t keep me 100% dry, no trousers would have done in heavy continuous rain all day. No waterproof trousers breathe well enough to stop the condensation build up inside. They did keep me warmer and I often wore them to block the cold wind as well.

On longer distance walks outside of summer, I now tend to wear Paramo Cascade II trousers. They are warm enough, breathe really well and keep me dry when it’s raining. I would definitely take these next time, it would save me so much time. I hate keep stopping to put my overtrousers on or taking them off. Otherwise if I don’t they’re just soaked from condensation. 

Walking boots – Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX

I expected the Inov-8 boots to get me to about half way before the tread was worn down too much to grip well. But they still had enough tread on after 1200 miles and finish the walk. It’s just a shame the waterproof linings didn’t last as long. The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots are simply amazing and probably the best boots I’ve ever used. They were comfortable, breathable and lasted the whole way. This is extremely impressive for such a light weight boot. A lot of people using lightweight footwear, go through 2 or 3 pairs walking Lejog. I have done a full review of the boots here.

The impressive Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots after 1200 miles.

It was a shame the waterproofing failing but they were the main reason I was able to complete the 1200 miles in 62 days without injury. If I was to do this walk again in summer and didn’t want waterproof footwear, I would take the new Inov-8 RocFly G 390 boots.

Insoles

I found that after a few hundred miles, the insoles supplied with the boots felt thin and I could feel the rough ground. (but this may have just been my feet getting sore due to the mileage.) I changed them for my Superfeet insoles and they lasted well and felt more comfortable. When I changed the insoles I did start having trouble with sore toes and the odd blister for a while. At about this time and the Gore-tex lining in the boots also failed, so I’m not sure if any of this is related. The original insoles look fine but more research is needed on this. I would take spare green superfeet insoles again.

Gaiters – Rab – eVent

Tough and breathable, kept my trousers clean and dry and dirt/snow out of my boots well, but I often had them hanging on my pack because it was so warm. Because of the large amount of surfaced paths, tracks and roads that I walked on I didn’t need them that often and could have possibly done without them to save weight. I like the Rab eVent gaiters because they breathe better than others but I wouldn’t take them on this type of trip again, I but would possibly take mini gaiters next time because I was walking on good paths most of the time.

Hat – Rohan – wide brim waterproof

I could have done without it but it was nice to have instead of having my hood up. It was also useful for keep the sun out of my eyes, as I didn’t have sun glasses.

Buff – Rohan – merino

Worn a lot of the time but I found it didn’t fit tight enough around my neck so I would take a my EDZ merino neck gaiter instead next time.

Head Band 

I like a headband in summer and winter, I hate having cold ears. It weighs next to nothing and goes on all trips, that’s final. Montane windjammer headband.

Walking Poles – Helinox Passport TL

Left in the car at Perranporth after breaking one slipping over. So I used my Black Diamond Trail trekking poles instead, which were good and apart from the inevitable scratches, are still in perfect condition. They did the job well but are 200g heavier than the Helinox poles, which is noticeable when they are strapped to the pack. This is why I was taking the lighter ones originally.

The extra weight didn’t cause as much trouble as expected, though, because I ended up using them a lot more than I thought I would. I would take them again but would prefer a lighter weight pair. I find walking poles essential on most of my walks; they take so much stress off my knees when descending and using my arms helps a lot climbing with a full pack, meaning I walk further in a day.

I also find I can walk faster on slippery or uneven ground with poles, it’s a lot easier to keep balanced and it takes some weight off my feet so there’s less chance of slipping. I would take the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z poles.

Solar Panel and Flip 10

Luckily I had good weather and a lot of sunshine so the Goal Zero solar panel worked well charging everything. I also charged up in the pubs and cafes as well, so I had no problems with shortage of power or anything going flat.

If I hadn’t had full sun or if I was staying in accommodation regularly it would have been a waste of time carrying the solar panel. The Flip 10 was the ideal size and weight to take. I would probably save the weight and not take the solar panel next time – I’d take a descent size power pack plus 2 or 3 USB plugs and charge them when in pubs or cafes.

Navigation and communication

I used the waterproof Toughphone Defender Pro for communication, photographs and GPS navigation. It was brilliant and gave me the confidence and safety to do this walk. I have since broken it and replaced it with the cheaper Ulefone Armor rugged smart phone and reviewed it here.

Head torch – Petzl Bindi – rechargable

I had no trouble with my Petzl Bindi head torch at all and it never went flat and the lowest light setting was fine to walk with, on reasonably safe paths. It gave an ideal amount of light inside the tent, where it was used most, early on, when the nights were so long. It is light weight, tough and comfortable to wear. I would take it again.

Sunglasses

On the gear list but somehow left at home. Not missed at all, mainly because I wear a wide brimmed hat.

First Aid Kit + Mirror

Luckily I only needed a few sore throat sweets and plasters. I also used the small Savlon tub and had to buy another. I found this worked really well repairing my feet overnight. Wouldn’t change anything.

Repair Kit 

I only needed the sewing kit but would take it all again.

Wash Kit

Not needed….. No. All worked as intended and especially pleased with the soap leaves.

Water filter – MSR Guardian Water Purifier Pump

Yes it’s expensive and heavy, but it’s quick and easy to filter safe drinking water. This is the only water filter that I know of that filters all the potential nasties out of the water. I have had it for years and always carry it and justify the weight because I rarely need to carry much water (water is heavy, which negates the weight of the pump). I just carry a 500ml drinks bottle and filter water as it’s needed. That only works in the wet UK where we are never that far from water – don’t try this abroad! I would definitely take the MSR Gaurdian water purifier pump again and I cannot think of a better choice.

Further reading:

Dover to Cape Wrath – Full gear review

My 1200 mile Lands End to John O’Groats and 3 Peaks walk – short story

Cicerone End to End Trail: Lands End to John O’Groats book

My 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk full gear review

How I plan a successful long distance walk

Paramo Clothing Review

My Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX review

If you are thinking of planning your own end to end walk, this link may help – Lejog walking journey planner

My 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk (wild camping every night)

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