Really love the walks and commentary plus the filming. I used to go up there myself when I was 18. 40 years ago.. now live in The Netherlands no mountains at all. That’s why I love these videos. It’s as if I’m there myself. Will go next year with my brother. Thx for sharing.
Always enjoy your videos, Gerry. Clearly, you are such a thoughtful and caring human being. You never fail to renew my faith in humanity. Was busy planning my trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland in a few short months. Will spend some time in the Mourne Mountains ... and I promise to take a bag for any rubbish along the way. ATB
Cheers Conice, the Mournes are a must visit as they have so much going on in such a small space and all with excellent paths (rather than tramping through miles of bog!) and it is always good to take one or two things from the his if you can👍😊
Cheers👍 it was great to walk new ground in the Mournes. Baby food is actually a good description😊 and as I have exhausted the 2 packets I bought on offer it is most likely back to noodles and tuna for me😊
Nice spot to have your first wild camp of 2022 Gerry! I’m always surprised to hear you finding new routes you haven’t tried before in the Mournes, reminds me how vast all our ranges truly are! Great that your new bivvy worked to fit your mat inside 👍 Some lovely shots of the water & rocky mountain sides as ever. 5-6/10 is a satisfactory result, not sure how that compares to your noodles but I fear we could lose you to the noodles again with that result 😉 Looking forward to your next video adventure and wherever you’ll be taking us👍
Cheers Miriam, View Ranger is a great tool for plotting new routes and going for it👍 and there is still plenty of exploring left to do in the Mournes👣 The new bivy was great and with the 2 bivy bags I now have the option of having the mat inside or outside depending on the weather. I fear you are right and the old staple may make a comeback 😊 Likewise looking forward to your next adventure and where that may take us👣😊
Good stuff Gerry, cold I'm sure? But nothing beats the crisp cold morning and a hot coffee and some cooked sausages on the jetboil. Need to get out a night soon.
Cheers Gary, it was nippy enough especially when dawdling around the campsite and in the morning though it as cosy enough inside the sleeping bag👍 Something warm in the morning is essential (usually tea and weetabix for me😊) before get moving again. Hope you get out soon and that we get some more settled weather and sunshine!
Good man Gerry. Lovely spot for a camp. That bizy looks toasty. Still haven't tried one. Beautiful spot up there. Wind picked up for you. The smuggles path was very cool. Love the history. Good man Gerry. Great video.
Great hike Gerry haven't been up that way myself must give it a go, I really don't understand people leaving crap around anyway enjoyed your video as always cheers 👍
Cheers Stuarty, it was great to try a new approach into the Mournes and it was very quiet compared to the busier routes which had a constant stream of people. Not sure I understand leaving stuff behind either though will keep doing what I can to take some stuff out that others leave👍
Nice one Gerry. Lovely spot for a camp, water was so clear. Good that you can fit the rectangle pad in ur bivy, the tapered ones always feel like a balancing act with me. Great vid.
Cheers Brendan, it was a great spot down out of the wind on there tops👍 I have a smaller tapered sleeping mat though the full size one is the job for colder weather and makes a difference with warmth and a better sleep💤😊
I`ve just found your channel Gerry and I`m so glad I did. A wonderful video with some stunning scenery and fab video editing. I`m looking at the Alpkit Hunka myself and it won`t break the bank ! Cheers !! 😀
Good trip Gerry. Pity about the trash, I fill a bag anytime I'm out and I've taught my kids to do the same, sometimes it feels like a losing battle. Keep us posted on how waterproof the bivvy bag is.
It was a good trip👍 and it is always good to take at least one thing from the hills when walking. I do believe rubbish attracts more rubbish and there is definitely increased pressure on the likes of the Mournes with the big jump in the numbers of people visiting. I am looking forward to getting the bivy wet (hopefully just on the outside)😊
Some very pretty scenery on your hike. Absolutely disgraceful, yes, looked like a party area. We have some of those here too. Impressive that you don't use a tent. Don't think I could be that brave. That was some pretty strong wind at the end! We have been having those kind of windy days here. Nice hike!
Thankfully the party areas are few and far between. It has been windy here for weeks and I am looking forward to some settled weather which is much better for hiking. A bivy is great in dry weather and the tent is still there if needed. Thank you for watching😊👍
Decent Alternative route there Gerry. I’ve been staying away from the Mournes as I felt like I had exhausted them! Think I’ll head over tomorrow and do this one :-) Great video as always.
Cheers Pat, I often think I have exhausted the Mournes too though usually find that they throw something new at me (even on walks I have done countless times) and I end up having a great day.. It was cool to walk some completely new ground though👍
@@gerrymcveigh I ended up doing a loop of Ben Crom reservoir and was “eyeing” up that camping spot in one of your previous videos. How you managed to get a tent up there I don’t know 😂 Level ground is certainly at a premium at that spot! :-)
The nature in the beginning of the video, looks similar to our nature, but as you get higher up, it starts to get a bit different. I like the small river and the water is often safe to drink when it is fast flowing. I really like those mountains and small lakes. Wonderful video my friend. Thank you for sharing and from today, I'm officially supporting your channel.👍🙂
Cheers Bjorn, I think you may have a few more trees🌲🌲 than we do (and possibly a lot less sheep🐑) I would usually treat the water as safe in the more remote mountain areas here in Ireland. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel👍👍
What’s way to finish my weekend, watching one of your videos is always a treat! That camp site is definitely on my bucket list! I take it you didn’t get any bushy tailed friends dropping in for a visit this time!!? Bivi looks a good job, do you get any condensation or do you find it breaths ok? Looking forward to your next on Gerry, good luck!
Cheers, it is a great camp spot well out of the way. No foxes, though I did put a boulder on my pack just incase, though not sure if the fox🦊 would have been interested in my vegetable hotpot instant meal😊 There was no condensation inside the bivy in the cool damp air with drizzle on and off, not sure how it would fare in other conditions though. I am looking forward to some settled weather for another one too👍 Thank you👍
Cheers David, the route wasn't too bad over the 2 days😊 Had that spot in mind for a couple of years so it was good to get the opportunity to try it out with the windier and cloudy conditions higher up👍
@@gerrymcveigh l have camped down at the reservoir before but never there, looks like a good spot for a windy day. Looks like enough room for 2 or 3 tents? It’s a shame that someone left graffiti on the rock
Definitely room for a few tents and a wee bit more remote than the reservoir which I think could get quite busy at times. Yep the graffiti surprised me👎
Now you are on familiar ground Gerry. I haven't been up there is such a long time though. I could offer excuses but that's all they would be, excuses. That is a disgrace what people leave behind. All our important city graveyards are locked up for the same reason. People would wreck them. We found the Game of Thrones location near the river. Super campsite view! I filmed that wolf moon the other night! lol Some fascinating rock outcrops on the way down! I'm sure you are already planning Gerry! Keep 'er lit! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
Tom, mostly familiar, it was cool to explore some places I had never walked in the Mournes and it shows there is always exploring to do no matter how much you feel you know a place. It is disappointing to see people leaving rubbish behind though that was as bad as it got so lots of others are taking their rubbish home with them👍 Yep the Wolf Moon was pretty cool😊 I am sure we are both planning😊
My path has led me to you today! I hope you have a great weekend, I love what you do and create here for all of us! Please be motivated to keep going - You have my support! 🙏🏻1 New Subscriber 🌹
Great video, Gerry, and inspires me to get out again into the Mournes. Shame about the mess in donard forest but the water at your camp site was Crystal clear. Great views of Ben Crom. Regards, Ashley
Cheers Ashley, the Mournes always deliver no matter the weather and there are plenty of options to find solitude👍 The mess is a shame and there have always been similar in the woods along the lower reaches of the Mournes though for the numbers visiting (and it was very busy in places) the hills are pretty clean, as they should be!
Good morning Gerry and thanks for this! Happy Saturday ☕ ❤ a very good decision to get out and about, and just the kick up the bottom I needed....uming and aring about what to do tonight! This might just have made our minds up! January motivation was low 😊 That would have been a great location for a Loch, nice to dream! The cloud kissed summits were wild and strangely beautiful to see 👀 Loved the camp spot and the pool would be ideal...in the summer as you said 😀 interested to see the new bivvy bag too, very exciting! Nice that you had a calm evening, would have been great to spy the wolf moon 🌚 🐺 Kat says she gets cold just thinking about bivvy bagging lol 😆 🥶 Well doen for reinforcing the take one home practice too 🍴 The walk back sounded great and looked beautiful 🌊 ❤⛰ Thank you for another fabulous video, have a great weekend, Ceri and Kat ☕ ❤ 🗺 🧭 🏕
Ceri & Kat, our weather has been pretty dull, gloomy and windy and that affects my motivation to get out (especially for filming in the mountains with low visibility) so hopefully that will change as we get more daylight and warmer weather👍 The bivy bag is brilliant as it is so minimal and has that wonderful exposure to the elements and with clear weather the views to the moon or the stars👍 Thank you as always for watching and thoughtfully commenting😊
Hi Gerry Loved your video 🙏. I’m familiar with the Mournes courtesy of Tom Heaney’s extreme tent reviews! A question about Hunka and XL. I’ve never bivvied yet, but thought buying a simple bag for using inside my tent would be a sensible precaution in winter against condensation onto my sleeping bag, and in case of tent failure while on a mountain top. My mat would be outside the Hunka therefore. But I might try the bivi without a tent sometime too! I’m wondering why putting a sleeping mat inside the Hunka is better. Yes, the mat will get damp otherwise, but if it rains presumably you can turn you and your Hunka over to keep the rain out? With the sleeping mat inside that would mean you lying on the ground whereas with the mat outside you could just turn over on top of it? Curious to know your thoughts. I’m 6’2” long and 72kg and use a high lofting down bag for freezing winter and a slightly thinner version for most of the year. Thanks! Peter
Cheers Peter👍 I started off with a Hunka bivy and in good weather have used it with the sleeping mat outside and a groundsheet. This works great if it is dry. The Hunka also takes a thinner 3 quarter length mat inside easily which is grand in warmer conditions. Unfortunately the weather doesn't play ball that often and it can be damp, raining and cold. For me the sleeping mat then has to be inside the bivy to keep it dry (they don't like the damp/wet and it can attract mould). I do like a more substantial sleeping mat with a higher thermal rating as i can get cold easily and I am 6 foot - hence the purchase of a Hunka XL which has way more room than the Hunka, easily accommodating a full size sleeping mat and with room to properly pull the hood over my head to keep me dry if raining - or to keep the midges out! I have found the Hunka pretty good in terms of not having condensation - unlike my tent at times. I have used the Hunka inside the tent on one occasion though that was to keep me warm on a cold and windy night (and it worked). I would day having the sleeping mat outside in dry conditions is the best option and inside in damp/wet conditions. I usually take the tent and the bivy and can then make a choice on what will work best with the weather conditions - which can often be different from the forecast in the hills. Midges are a big factor as I have had some nightmare experiences in the bivy trying to keep totally covered to keep them out and let air in. Hopefully this will be of some help, though trying it out and finding what works best for you is probably the best way😊
Great video hope you don’t mind asking but going to do some camping when spring comes is there any recommendations for the 1st time wild camping on where to camp ?
Cheers Lianne👍 I suppose it depends where you are at for recommendations. Generally it might be cool to try somewhere you are familiar with and have walked or to keep an eye out on future walks for possible wild camping spots - that has been really helpful for me. Somewhere that is out of the way, where you won't be disturbed and won't disturb others. You don't have to walk for miles and miles - I have had some great wild camps just a few hundred metres from where I parked, though they were secluded and I set up late and was away early. Hope that helps a little and there is nothing like getting out and trying it and learning as you go from the mistakes you will make😊
I am 6 foot and the standard Hunka works well for me, either with a small sleeping mat or the sleeping mat outside in dry weather. The Hunka XL works well for colder weather when you want a full size insulating sleeping mat inside. Both are an absolute bargain in my opinion for being able to sleep under the stars.
People make no dam sense,they go out into nature because it beautiful and raw but leave their trash which does the opposite of what they came there for.If you cant clean up after yourself/leave no trace,maybe you be better pff staying home.
Troy, it doesn't make much sense to me either, though I am looking through my own eyes. My sense is that those people came to drink and have a 'good time' and maybe weren't too concerned about the beautiful place they were damaging. I agree that they would have been better staying at home too👍
Ireland has been on our bucket list forever - this just confirms why! Wow!
Always good to have a bucket list and hopefully you will make it over across the pond👍 😊
Really love the walks and commentary plus the filming. I used to go up there myself when I was 18. 40 years ago.. now live in The Netherlands no mountains at all. That’s why I love these videos. It’s as if I’m there myself. Will go next year with my brother. Thx for sharing.
Thank you😊👍 That sounds like a fantastic plan to come back and explore the Mournes after all those years in the flatness of the Netherlands😊
Always enjoy your videos, Gerry. Clearly, you are such a thoughtful and caring human being. You never fail to renew my faith in humanity. Was busy planning my trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland in a few short months. Will spend some time in the Mourne Mountains ... and I promise to take a bag for any rubbish along the way. ATB
Cheers Conice, the Mournes are a must visit as they have so much going on in such a small space and all with excellent paths (rather than tramping through miles of bog!) and it is always good to take one or two things from the his if you can👍😊
Wonderful images of the lake and the mountains! Beautiful places! Greetings and like from Mallorca Spain
Greetings from a cooler and wetter Ireland🌨😊 to beautiful Mallorca which has plenty of mountains, not not sure about lakes😊
You are so brave to camp alone in the wild.Great waterfalls and rivers and mountains.
No better place to be away from all the busyness of life😊
Lovely trip, thanks Gerry. Shame on those who leave their mess behind
Cheers Richard, it was a lovely trip and I know it is a small minority that leave their mess behind so that gives hope that we can do even better👍
A great walk and a great video Gerry 👍. It's a pity the 'baby food' was only a 5-6 out of 10 🤣, but its food!
Cheers👍 it was great to walk new ground in the Mournes. Baby food is actually a good description😊 and as I have exhausted the 2 packets I bought on offer it is most likely back to noodles and tuna for me😊
Nice spot to have your first wild camp of 2022 Gerry! I’m always surprised to hear you finding new routes you haven’t tried before in the Mournes, reminds me how vast all our ranges truly are! Great that your new bivvy worked to fit your mat inside 👍 Some lovely shots of the water & rocky mountain sides as ever. 5-6/10 is a satisfactory result, not sure how that compares to your noodles but I fear we could lose you to the noodles again with that result 😉 Looking forward to your next video adventure and wherever you’ll be taking us👍
Cheers Miriam, View Ranger is a great tool for plotting new routes and going for it👍 and there is still plenty of exploring left to do in the Mournes👣 The new bivy was great and with the 2 bivy bags I now have the option of having the mat inside or outside depending on the weather. I fear you are right and the old staple may make a comeback 😊 Likewise looking forward to your next adventure and where that may take us👣😊
Lovely wild camp, enjoyed the video 👍
Cheers, it was a lovely wee spot that I had filed away from previous walking and it was great to be able to settle down beside the river for a night😊
Very nice video,🌹🌹👍👍 thank you for sharing. Greetings from Turkey, let's stay in touch.🖐🖐🌹🇹🇷👉🛎
Thank You from Ireland all the way to Turkey😊👍
Good stuff Gerry, cold I'm sure? But nothing beats the crisp cold morning and a hot coffee and some cooked sausages on the jetboil. Need to get out a night soon.
Cheers Gary, it was nippy enough especially when dawdling around the campsite and in the morning though it as cosy enough inside the sleeping bag👍 Something warm in the morning is essential (usually tea and weetabix for me😊) before get moving again. Hope you get out soon and that we get some more settled weather and sunshine!
Good man Gerry. Lovely spot for a camp. That bizy looks toasty. Still haven't tried one. Beautiful spot up there. Wind picked up for you. The smuggles path was very cool. Love the history. Good man Gerry. Great video.
Cheers Martin, it was a cool wee spot with some shelter and beside the river, far windier higher up (as you know😊).
absolutely amazing vlog. Thanks for taking us in your journey it was beautiful view and I really appreciate your efforts and hard work. Take care
Thank you👍😊 for coming along😊
@@gerrymcveigh you're very welcome dear
Great hike Gerry haven't been up that way myself must give it a go, I really don't understand people leaving crap around anyway enjoyed your video as always cheers 👍
Cheers Stuarty, it was great to try a new approach into the Mournes and it was very quiet compared to the busier routes which had a constant stream of people. Not sure I understand leaving stuff behind either though will keep doing what I can to take some stuff out that others leave👍
It's really pleasure to watching your wonderful videos. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a blessing day 🙏☺️. NEW Friend here +🔔
Thank you😊👍
Wow, such a beautiful screnery. And I really enjoy all the information you give during your video :)
Thank you😊👍
Hello Walking & Wild Camping In Ireland! Thank you for showing me the wonderful video! It's very interesting! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you👍😊
Nice one Gerry. Lovely spot for a camp, water was so clear. Good that you can fit the rectangle pad in ur bivy, the tapered ones always feel like a balancing act with me. Great vid.
Cheers Brendan, it was a great spot down out of the wind on there tops👍 I have a smaller tapered sleeping mat though the full size one is the job for colder weather and makes a difference with warmth and a better sleep💤😊
I`ve just found your channel Gerry and I`m so glad I did. A wonderful video with some stunning scenery and fab video editing. I`m looking at the Alpkit Hunka myself and it won`t break the bank ! Cheers !! 😀
Cheers Martin, it is a fantastic bivy at a great price. I had used an old army bivy for years that I got for free and this is so much better😊
Good trip Gerry. Pity about the trash, I fill a bag anytime I'm out and I've taught my kids to do the same, sometimes it feels like a losing battle.
Keep us posted on how waterproof the bivvy bag is.
It was a good trip👍 and it is always good to take at least one thing from the hills when walking. I do believe rubbish attracts more rubbish and there is definitely increased pressure on the likes of the Mournes with the big jump in the numbers of people visiting. I am looking forward to getting the bivy wet (hopefully just on the outside)😊
Some very pretty scenery on your hike. Absolutely disgraceful, yes, looked like a party area. We have some of those here too. Impressive that you don't use a tent. Don't think I could be that brave. That was some pretty strong wind at the end! We have been having those kind of windy days here. Nice hike!
Thankfully the party areas are few and far between. It has been windy here for weeks and I am looking forward to some settled weather which is much better for hiking. A bivy is great in dry weather and the tent is still there if needed. Thank you for watching😊👍
Decent Alternative route there Gerry. I’ve been staying away from the Mournes as I felt like I had exhausted them! Think I’ll head over tomorrow and do this one :-) Great video as always.
Cheers Pat, I often think I have exhausted the Mournes too though usually find that they throw something new at me (even on walks I have done countless times) and I end up having a great day.. It was cool to walk some completely new ground though👍
@@gerrymcveigh I ended up doing a loop of Ben Crom reservoir and was “eyeing” up that camping spot in one of your previous videos. How you managed to get a tent up there I don’t know 😂 Level ground is certainly at a premium at that spot! :-)
Pat, there was loads of room😊 That loop around the reservoir (high or low) has to be some of the best walking in the Mournes👍
The nature in the beginning of the video, looks similar to our nature, but as you get higher up, it starts to get a bit different. I like the small river and the water is often safe to drink when it is fast flowing. I really like those mountains and small lakes. Wonderful video my friend. Thank you for sharing and from today, I'm officially supporting your channel.👍🙂
Cheers Bjorn, I think you may have a few more trees🌲🌲 than we do (and possibly a lot less sheep🐑) I would usually treat the water as safe in the more remote mountain areas here in Ireland. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel👍👍
You have a great channel mate
Thank you👍😊 and I can now follow your travels😊
Great stuff Gerry
Cheers Kenny, it was a great couple of days even with far from perfect weather😊
What’s way to finish my weekend, watching one of your videos is always a treat! That camp site is definitely on my bucket list! I take it you didn’t get any bushy tailed friends dropping in for a visit this time!!? Bivi looks a good job, do you get any condensation or do you find it breaths ok? Looking forward to your next on Gerry, good luck!
Cheers, it is a great camp spot well out of the way. No foxes, though I did put a boulder on my pack just incase, though not sure if the fox🦊 would have been interested in my vegetable hotpot instant meal😊 There was no condensation inside the bivy in the cool damp air with drizzle on and off, not sure how it would fare in other conditions though. I am looking forward to some settled weather for another one too👍 Thank you👍
Very beautiful place
Thank You, it is a beautiful place and it was fantastic to be able to spend a night there😊
brilliant video very informative
Cheers, it was a cool wee trip and it ws great to explore some new places in the Mournes😊
@@gerrymcveigh we have just started exploring the Mourne Mountains ourselves, what a great place to have on our door step.
Wow, what a great video walking tour I enjoy your video presentation is perfect full support thank you for sharing my friend
Thank You👍😊
Good job, thats quite a long route you did, love the wee camping spot
Cheers David, the route wasn't too bad over the 2 days😊 Had that spot in mind for a couple of years so it was good to get the opportunity to try it out with the windier and cloudy conditions higher up👍
@@gerrymcveigh l have camped down at the reservoir before but never there, looks like a good spot for a windy day. Looks like enough room for 2 or 3 tents? It’s a shame that someone left graffiti on the rock
Definitely room for a few tents and a wee bit more remote than the reservoir which I think could get quite busy at times. Yep the graffiti surprised me👎
Now you are on familiar ground Gerry. I haven't been up there is such a long time though. I could offer excuses but that's all they would be, excuses. That is a disgrace what people leave behind. All our important city graveyards are locked up for the same reason. People would wreck them. We found the Game of Thrones location near the river. Super campsite view! I filmed that wolf moon the other night! lol Some fascinating rock outcrops on the way down! I'm sure you are already planning Gerry! Keep 'er lit! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
Tom, mostly familiar, it was cool to explore some places I had never walked in the Mournes and it shows there is always exploring to do no matter how much you feel you know a place. It is disappointing to see people leaving rubbish behind though that was as bad as it got so lots of others are taking their rubbish home with them👍 Yep the Wolf Moon was pretty cool😊 I am sure we are both planning😊
You may be right there Gerry!
My path has led me to you today! I hope you have a great weekend, I love what you do and create here for all of us! Please be motivated to keep going - You have my support! 🙏🏻1 New Subscriber 🌹
Thank you for the support👍😊 and keep going with your relaxation music😊
Nice place for a wild camp
Cheers, it was a fantastic spot to get away from it all and lose myself in the mountains for a couple of days😊👍
Great video, Gerry, and inspires me to get out again into the Mournes. Shame about the mess in donard forest but the water at your camp site was Crystal clear. Great views of Ben Crom. Regards, Ashley
Cheers Ashley, the Mournes always deliver no matter the weather and there are plenty of options to find solitude👍 The mess is a shame and there have always been similar in the woods along the lower reaches of the Mournes though for the numbers visiting (and it was very busy in places) the hills are pretty clean, as they should be!
Brilliant g ❤️
Thanks J👍😊
Very nice video my friend have wonderful day. And, I am happy to subscribed to you...
Thank you😊 Subscribed to you too....
Brilliant Gerry another great wee expedition out loved it
Cheers Colywn, that was a cool trip😊
AWESOME VIDEO! SUCH A VERY RELAXING CONTENT! LOVE THE MOUNTAINS AND THE FALLS!!
Thank you👍😊 it was relaxing to be there💤😊
Good morning Gerry and thanks for this! Happy Saturday ☕ ❤ a very good decision to get out and about, and just the kick up the bottom I needed....uming and aring about what to do tonight! This might just have made our minds up! January motivation was low 😊
That would have been a great location for a Loch, nice to dream!
The cloud kissed summits were wild and strangely beautiful to see 👀
Loved the camp spot and the pool would be ideal...in the summer as you said 😀 interested to see the new bivvy bag too, very exciting! Nice that you had a calm evening, would have been great to spy the wolf moon 🌚 🐺
Kat says she gets cold just thinking about bivvy bagging lol 😆 🥶
Well doen for reinforcing the take one home practice too 🍴
The walk back sounded great and looked beautiful 🌊 ❤⛰
Thank you for another fabulous video, have a great weekend, Ceri and Kat ☕ ❤ 🗺 🧭 🏕
Ceri & Kat, our weather has been pretty dull, gloomy and windy and that affects my motivation to get out (especially for filming in the mountains with low visibility) so hopefully that will change as we get more daylight and warmer weather👍 The bivy bag is brilliant as it is so minimal and has that wonderful exposure to the elements and with clear weather the views to the moon or the stars👍 Thank you as always for watching and thoughtfully commenting😊
Brilliant video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by👍😊
Lovely video as always Gerry,just a quick one for you,how do you get over that fear of being alone after dark up there in our wonderful Mournes
Cheers Colin, knowing that I am miles from anyone else enjoying such a beautiful place brings only a sense of great satisfaction and happiness😊
Super👍👍👍👍
Thank You 👍😊
Great editing on your broll. How is the wind there by you. It's fierce windy here in the midlands
The wind has been fierce here for weeks💨 looking forward to some more settled weather (hopefully).
Another great video. Where did you get the tarp for under the bivi?
Cheers, it is an old groundsheet that had been lying around for years, absolutely nothing fancy about it and does the job great👍
Hi Gerry Loved your video 🙏. I’m familiar with the Mournes courtesy of Tom Heaney’s extreme tent reviews! A question about Hunka and XL. I’ve never bivvied yet, but thought buying a simple bag for using inside my tent would be a sensible precaution in winter against condensation onto my sleeping bag, and in case of tent failure while on a mountain top. My mat would be outside the Hunka therefore.
But I might try the bivi without a tent sometime too! I’m wondering why putting a sleeping mat inside the Hunka is better. Yes, the mat will get damp otherwise, but if it rains presumably you can turn you and your Hunka over to keep the rain out? With the sleeping mat inside that would mean you lying on the ground whereas with the mat outside you could just turn over on top of it? Curious to know your thoughts. I’m 6’2” long and 72kg and use a high lofting down bag for freezing winter and a slightly thinner version for most of the year. Thanks! Peter
Cheers Peter👍 I started off with a Hunka bivy and in good weather have used it with the sleeping mat outside and a groundsheet. This works great if it is dry. The Hunka also takes a thinner 3 quarter length mat inside easily which is grand in warmer conditions. Unfortunately the weather doesn't play ball that often and it can be damp, raining and cold. For me the sleeping mat then has to be inside the bivy to keep it dry (they don't like the damp/wet and it can attract mould). I do like a more substantial sleeping mat with a higher thermal rating as i can get cold easily and I am 6 foot - hence the purchase of a Hunka XL which has way more room than the Hunka, easily accommodating a full size sleeping mat and with room to properly pull the hood over my head to keep me dry if raining - or to keep the midges out! I have found the Hunka pretty good in terms of not having condensation - unlike my tent at times. I have used the Hunka inside the tent on one occasion though that was to keep me warm on a cold and windy night (and it worked). I would day having the sleeping mat outside in dry conditions is the best option and inside in damp/wet conditions. I usually take the tent and the bivy and can then make a choice on what will work best with the weather conditions - which can often be different from the forecast in the hills. Midges are a big factor as I have had some nightmare experiences in the bivy trying to keep totally covered to keep them out and let air in. Hopefully this will be of some help, though trying it out and finding what works best for you is probably the best way😊
@@gerrymcveigh thanks for the fullsome reply! Appreciated
Great video hope you don’t mind asking but going to do some camping when spring comes is there any recommendations for the 1st time wild camping on where to camp ?
Cheers Lianne👍 I suppose it depends where you are at for recommendations. Generally it might be cool to try somewhere you are familiar with and have walked or to keep an eye out on future walks for possible wild camping spots - that has been really helpful for me. Somewhere that is out of the way, where you won't be disturbed and won't disturb others. You don't have to walk for miles and miles - I have had some great wild camps just a few hundred metres from where I parked, though they were secluded and I set up late and was away early. Hope that helps a little and there is nothing like getting out and trying it and learning as you go from the mistakes you will make😊
@@gerrymcveigh thsnkyou for the reply it does definitely help 😊
I m 6 toot. 96kg. Would a standard hunka size still fit me and a sleeping bag?
I am 6 foot and the standard Hunka works well for me, either with a small sleeping mat or the sleeping mat outside in dry weather. The Hunka XL works well for colder weather when you want a full size insulating sleeping mat inside. Both are an absolute bargain in my opinion for being able to sleep under the stars.
People make no dam sense,they go out into nature because it beautiful and raw but leave their trash which does the opposite of what they came there for.If you cant clean up after yourself/leave no trace,maybe you be better pff staying home.
Troy, it doesn't make much sense to me either, though I am looking through my own eyes. My sense is that those people came to drink and have a 'good time' and maybe weren't too concerned about the beautiful place they were damaging. I agree that they would have been better staying at home too👍