Hey James, thanks for an excellent video. You were asking about multi-day hikes and as a long-time camper on Dartmoor, may I share a couple of thoughts with you about that? Apologies if anything I’m saying is a granny/suck-egg thing and please feel free to tell me to sod off for any or all of it. First thing I would say is bin the Wayfayer; they’re nice but heavy and on a multi-day hike become a significant part of your pack weight. Wet food in general you may wish to avoid and look to either freeze dried stuff (tends to be expensive), or dehydrated stuff (used to be just noodles, but the options have become far better in recent years). It may seem obvious, but your first day will be when you’re carrying the heaviest pack, so make that the short leg and that’s not just for fitness reasons. The first day is confirmation that you’re set up correctly and if you have to bail it’s best not to make it a long-distance slog to get to safety. You’ve got the right idea about water (jeez, don’t I sound pretentious), but that mentality should be applied to all your fluids. For example, no beer, because once you’ve drunk the contents you’re still stuck with the weight of the tin can. Go with wine or spirits; stuff that can be decanted to a plastic container and will decrease in weight over time. A couple of quick thoughts about multi-day hikes based on your vid. Depending on the terrain and when you’re planning on camping, but in general I would suggest binning the footprint. It’s extra weight and is it really needed? Also, zip-lock bags instead of Tupperware; you have a long-handled spoon so get the use of it. You were asking about solar panels and I have to say in my view at present they’re not worth it. Others may have a differing experience, but I bought a (rather expensive) array a couple of years ago, but it just didn’t fulfil its promise. It was the first time I’d left the physical map and compass at home, relying instead on OS maps on the phone, but I spent the next day two and three worrying about the charge on my principal navigation instrument because the solar array just didn’t do what it said on the tin. Admittedly it wasn’t midsummer (it was May), but the trickle charge it provided was insufficient. The battery pack I’d brought along for the GoPro was re-purposed to make sure I remained safe. The point is, solar panels are heavy and well, require the sun to shine, and in my experience I’m better off carrying a second battery pack rather than hoping for the sun to shine sufficiently on any given day. I’m always nagging my work colleagues that they should give camping on Dartmoor a go, but multi-day hiking requires a step-change. Looking at a couple of you’re vids, it seems to me you’re already there, you just haven’t done it yet.
Hello Micky. Thank you for taking the time to type all of that out, and you needn't worry about telling me something I already know, because I certainly don't know all there is to know! I use a mixture of wet and dry foods, based on a few factors (mainly pack weight and whether there is reliable access to water in the area). As you say, food will take up a large chunk of volume/weight on a longer trip, so dry food would be a winner. I'd be perfectly happy not to take any alcohol on the longer trips, as I'm not a big drinker. Good tip though! And my Tupperware cereal tub is really convenient to eat out of, but its size, shape and rigidity make it a nuisance to pack. I've been refusing to acknowledge this for years now 😂 I'll have to take a look at alternatives. My pack being heaviest on day 1 is something I hadn't really thought about, so that's a good aspect to keep in mind. I imagine food could easily be 1 kg per day, which would be noticeable in what would hopefully be a sub-10 kg pack. I have a 1.1 kg single skin tent, which is my best current offering for multi-day stuff (no footprint, as you say). There are lighter tents out there, though a lot of them require trekking poles (which I'm not necessarily against trying). Thank you for sharing your thoughts about solar chargers. I just wish they didn't weigh so damn much! I use the OS Maps app too, and record my walks on Strava, so my phone depletes its battery after only about 15 miles of walking, running those two apps. I could get a watch to record my walks instead, and paper maps would be fine, I just don't like the thought of running out of power and not being able to do anything about it! I really appreciate you sharing your experiences to bolster my knowledge 👍 James.
Well that rekindled some fantastic memories. My very first wild camp on Dartmoor was in that exact same spot. Since then I've returned many times to enjoy the sunsets and peace and quiet on offer. Happy days👍
Great video mate. I have been to that part of Dartmoor a few times and I have never been so lucky as to catch a Brewdog. Loving all the kit.. do get a bit of kit envy watching you lol.. keep it up 👍
Cheers, Ash! I'll have to show you the ways of the can catcher 🤣 I was starting to think I had everything I wanted, but things keep creeping onto my wish list...I do like my kit though! #windburnerfriend
I know what you mean, and I think so too! That sharp ridge down its spine and steep flanks not only look pleasing in a photo, but also do a really good job of cutting through the wind, making it noticeably quieter than my other tents in high winds. It's kind of eerie!
@@SteRumbelow Yeah, true. I used to use the inner holes on all six straps (4 red, 2 blue) I think. Since the straps were replaced a few months back, I found that the eyelet positions moved a little. I now only use the outer holes on the 4 red straps, and either use both outer holes on the blue straps, or one outer and one inner, depending on wind strength. Do you own one?
@@joinmeoutdoors Nice, good to know. Yeah, I got one at the back end of last year to replace my TN LC1. Found that was amazing for weight saving but was so incredibly noisy in even the slightest wind. Haven’t used my SC1 yet but hoping it resolves that issue! Just got to be more aware of condensation.
@@SteRumbelow Oh that's cool, congrats on the purchase! My Hilleberg Soulo is quite noisy in the wind, as is my Naturehike Cloud Peak 2. The SC1 has to be the quietest tent I own. It has quite a low top line, nicely sloped sides and that sharp end profile to cut through the wind. Those features, combined with the nice taut pitch it gives, work wonders in the wind. I don't think my SC1 is any worse than my Soulo in terms of condensation. On this latest camp, the entire tent was absolutely bone dry all through the night and morning, even though temps were close to freezing and there wasn't a great deal of wind. I tend to sleep with the outer door clipped up at the bottom, slightly unzipped at the top, and the inner mesh door slightly unzipped at the top. It all helps :) James.
That was a cracking place to pitch, flat, sheltered but with the crags and rocks adding some visual interest. Chilled out watch as always, looked very grey and cold out for the walk back, but at least it was dry!
Hi pal! I totally agree on you having to try multiday hikes! I only do them and love the challenge, its so nice having a goal to reach or town, sleeping always at different spot everyday or steal camping its always so cool and make you wanna really go out. I cannot wait to go outdoors but im stuck with newborn baby so need to wait till April sadly... But yeah, go try it do some kind of coastal patch or something and see what its like. Your gear seems fine, you got light tent and exos backpack, in terms of power I got one 20k Anker and 10k and both past me for 4-5 days no problem, maybe more. Solar panel wont help you much in winter unless you have some sunny days. Have fun on you hike :)
Hi! It's good to hear from someone who's already done a bunch of multi-day hikes. I can imagine it feels good to be away from people and cars and buildings for a few days. I live right by the coast, and have easy access to the 630 mile Southwest Coast Path, so I'm fortunate there. I have some quite light gear, but I think food and water will add up quite a lot, and the coast path has a lot of climbing on it. One of my tents is 1.1 kg, so that will do just fine for my first multi-day outing. I currently use 20k Anker and a 10k Duracell bank, but with my camera equipment and phone I can sometimes get through them in 24 hours! I think multi-day stuff will mainly be in the summer for me, so a solar charger SHOULD work okay (??). Thanks for the comment, and I hope your baby is doing well! James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Hey again, well I stay by the coast too in Edinburgh so I walked John Muir Way to Dunbar where he was born and some other time to Berwick Upon Tweed, also did some Fife Coastal Patch, just try 2-3 nights trip at first and see how it goes on im sure you will be ok with your gear as its similar to mine and power bank will be ok also for you GoPro, 30k total is more then enought for few nights to try, after thar you will get alot of confidence like I did and fix or remove/add some of the gear to make trips better. I also had a Fujifilm camera but now filming with my mobile as its enought, you can do that too to record in 1080 its anought for UA-cam no need to make everything perfect just go and you will not regret it hehe, I find one day trip boring now after doing multidays, they are wayyy more fun. Or multi days Lake Dist/Darmore with cold soaking food as its easier. Anyway, have fun if you try. I bought new sleeping mat Big Agnes Rapid large wide and its best one ever! And new tent Hex Peak V4A for £134 bargain deal sucha good tipi with Lansha 1 Plus mesh inner, 1.2kg total or less and massive inside.
Great minds think alike, I had this route planned for my next trip up on to the moor, which is hopefully happening end of March Great bud as always my man 👍🏼
I loved the salt path, I have now read all 3 of her books and now planning a 3 day hike with myself, hubby and 3 daughters (13, 11 & 7) round Dartmoor. So excited. X
That sounds great! I wonder how many of us have been inspired by Ray and Moth to go out for multi-day hikes? I'm sure your daughters will get a lot out of it, as well as the two of you 😊
Hi so we are back from our wild camp did 3 days and 2 night in the end but it was amazing. The freedom is just wonderful. Yes Ray and Moth must have inspired lots of people. You must read her 3rd book landlines its wonderful. X
Sorry to hear that, Adge. I'm convinced that lots of us end up having a murky couple of months in Jan/Feb every year, and then things perk up again when the weather improves. Roll on the sunshine! Thanks for checking in 😊 James.
great vid mate, love that part of the Moor me and my friend Bivi Camped on High Willhays a few weeks back, (my latest video) walked back to meldon past black-a-tor copse, eyed Lints on the way, thats next on my list :) subbed
Cheers. It is a nice accessible but fairly quiet corner of Dartmoor isn't it? Sticking a bivvy bag on High Willhays is probably the best way of spending the night up there. No guarantee that the wind wouldn't pick up and send a tent off into orbit! Thanks for subscribing. I'll sub you back and will have to check out some of your trips 👍 James.
Top class as always mate !!! Love your vids !!! Looking at the southern cross 1 ..... might need to check this out for my planned West Highland Way mission later in the year. Love to hear your thoughts chief !!. You certainly got the Flattest of flat pitches.... what a win. ATB Simon
Thanks a lot, big man! Yeah I've shared my thoughts on the SC1 a fair bit over this year of being on UA-cam, but possibly need to film a video purely to share my experiences with it. It's always my default tent choice, being strong and light as it is. I find it to be as small as I'd comfortably want to go for a 4 season, year-round tent. Much smaller and I'd start to feel cramped I think. We can talk 👍 Cheers, James.
The Big Blue 3 does look good doesn't it? 28 W is a pretty big number for a portable charger. The weight puts me off a little bit, but I can't expect to have the ability to charge batteries on the go without accepting some bulk. I'd really like to hear your thoughts if you do buy one 👍
Hi James, Have just stumbled across your vlog & subscribed. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Like your clear presentation style. Lots of useful information. Still yet to do my first wild camp but as my daughter has just started at Exeter University I hope to combine my two passions of Landscape Photography & hiking along with a overnight stay. Looking forward to looking through your back catalogue...
Hi John, and welcome to my channel! Thank you for subscribing. I hope my videos make you want to get out there with your tent. This sounds like a good time in your life to go and pursue a new activity to combine your passions, and Dartmoor isn't too far from Exeter! 👌
@@joinmeoutdoors Thks James - yes always a little worried about that & boundaries etc. but hopefully lots of webpages showing you...I'll check it out - thks.
Firing times are at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme Also, if you scroll halfway down the page I've linked you to and click on "Dartmoor maps", you'll see how the firing ranges are divided up 👍
My southern cross has arrived footprint on order straight away! I have the soul too like you I wonder if I will use it less and less is really much lighter!
I wouldn’t bother with solar. I just take this on multi day hikes: Goal Zero Venture 70 - 19200 mAh power bank which is waterproof IP67. It’s a bit on the heavy side but lasts for days. With a 60 watt charger can be recharged in about hour and a half. Enjoying your videos.
Hi Nigel. I'm starting to think you're all conspiring against me, telling me how you successfully live off your 20,000 mAh power banks for days 😂 My phone usage (maps and activity recording) and GoPro mean that I use quite a lot of battery power. That said, my drone is my biggest power drain I think, and I wouldn't take that on long hikes. Perhaps I need to reconsider the power bank option after all. Thank you for the comment, and I'm glad you're enjoying the vids! James.
@@joinmeoutdoors 😀 solar will need a battery to charge. Solar is not stable or powerful enough to charge a device directly. The goal zero is perfect for me. It’s super quick charging is one of the fastest. A quick stop at a cafe will top it up. And perfect if solar panels ever get efficient enough to use in the uk.
Yep, I'd want to charge the battery pack through the day for use overnight. I just don't want to have to detour from the serenity of the coast path (or any other remote, multi-day hike) to venture into populated places and spoil my peace and quiet. That's my main reason for hoping solar charging could work out for me, even if I can only top the battery pack up a bit each day, without fully charging it. Maybe I'm hoping for too much!
@@joinmeoutdoors I guesstimate your phone, GoPro and Drone would require nearly 10,000 mAh to charge them per day. The Nomad 20watt solar panel weighs a kilo and would take upto 11 hours, on a good day, to charge the 20,000 mAh battery (venture 75). I’d love to see a video of how you get on if you go down this route.
@@nigelwright8010 I normally carry all three drone batteries, which total 7,000 mAh alone. Add on the 4,000 mAh for my phone and a further 7,000 mAh for my four GoPro batteries, and you can get through quite a lot of power in a day (assuming all of those batteries are used up - which can happen on a busy filming/walking day). That's 18,000 mAh to charge up, so that's around 9-10 hours of charging, going by your maths but using a 21 W panel like the Big Blue. I'd just have to make sure I always had the solar panels facing the sun from sunrise to sunset, which could entail walking backwards at times 😂 I think I've got to the point where I'm so curious about this now that I'll have to get a charger and try it out in the field, just to satisfy my curiosity. I'll certainly share my findings when the time comes 👍
Looks like you found one of the few flat pitches at the top to Lints. Defo try a multi day, they are so relaxing. Have you thought about a Dartmoor north to south? I've done it in 2 1/2 days (2 nights) but plan on doing it again with a friend over 4 days. Easy with trains available from Okey & Ivybridge. ATB, John.
It looked like someone had been out with a steamroller! 🤣 Walking the length of Dartmoor sounds like a really good way of trying a first multi-day hike actually. Thanks for that idea, John. No need to worry about hiding away too much, and lots of water points to collect from - both of which would be more challenging on the coast path. Will your 4 day trip be this year? That's a good little challenge, and a peaceful one no doubt. ATB, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Yes, hopefully in the spring. My friend is fairly new to camping on Dartmoor but has been out on a couple of camps with me, as per my channel. I'm taking him on a 2 nighter first, Belstone to Postbridge via Sandy Hole pass and back via Watern Tor. Very peaceful out in the middle of the north moor. You can go a day with out seeing anyone else sometimes.
@@Jarbie Ah brilliant, I'm sure he'll enjoy that experience. I love how big and open Dartmoor is. As you say - if you head for the more remote parts, it's easy to pass 24 hours without seeing anyone else. I subscribed to your channel after reading your first reply, so will have to see what you've been up to :) James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thank you James, very kind. I'm useless at actually getting around to editing and uploading videos but hope to have another one up shortly. Still need to edit my N to S video. You might find it useful.
@@Jarbie Oh I'm the same. YouTubing is nowhere near as easy as people make it look 😅 I'll keep an eye out for that North to South video, so there's your pressure to get it made 😉 James.
Nice video, I've been to that part, and it took me back to that time. What puts me off winter camping is that the sunset is too early for me. What's the score on wild camping these days? Do you have to get permission first?
I'm glad I could take you for a walk back in time then 👌 Dartmoor wild camping is currently still permitted, but only because the National Park now pays the landowners to enable it. The permitted area has been reduced a little since the court case, but funds are being raised for the National Park to appeal the judgement. You can see the fundraiser here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/BackpackCampingAppeal?fbclid=IwAR0Amp-BdzPZCMyk2V07oqV1Gnn_qqbZnwhlEQTumqs1XCHHRS2KClhxxYY
Hello Al. Yes it was a nice easy-going one, this one. It depends really. After a hard walk and if it's particularly cold, I often just jump in the tent, eat my food and then fall asleep! If I've got time to spare and it's not too cold I'll sit out a bit or mess about on my phone. Now that I've found some good books, I'll also look to fit in a spot of reading. How about you? Much easier in the summer when you can just sit outside enjoying the warmth and daylight, hey?
@@joinmeoutdoors I am not a great sleeper at anytime so books/moble is my go to - I occasionally play online chess too, a game I have played since I was 11. Got a few books I on my shelf that need reading inc Macfarlane's Mountains of the Mind and I also have a copy of Guy Shrobsole's Lost Rainforests of Britain - you might like that listening to you speak about the gnarly woods you passed through.
@@thevalleywalker Poor sleep is a plague. Online chess must be a good, quiet activity for a restless mind in the wee hours. The Lost Rainforests book sounds interesting from the synopsis, so I've added it to my eBay watch list so I don't forget. Thank you for that recommendation 🙂
@@joinmeoutdoors Lol... my concentration span is not great these dasy so I play 3/2 - thats a game lasting 3 mins with a 2 second increment for each move I make. 🤣 Have a look at the Woodland Trust short video entitled Inside Britain's Rainforests on you tube - its a 3 mins shortie on some of the wonderful places we have in the UK which are sadly in danger.
@@thevalleywalker Okay well now that sounds like highly stressful speed chess. I'm not surprised you can't sleep! 😂 That rainforest video was an impressive piece of work for such a short production. The beardy chap is clearly deeply passionate about nature. Thanks for another good suggestion.
Haha I've just replied to your comment on another vid. I love the Southern Cross. I've released a 1 year ownership review of it. That might help if you're wondering what it's like to use 👍 James.
I haven't sat down and properly run through every change on the map, so I just took a look now and Black Tor still appears to be on there as a permissible area? Black-a-Tor Copse is off the table, but the tor itself still appears to be fair game. I hope that's a bit of good news for your Sunday! Thanks for watching, and I'd definitely recommend Lints Tor. I wouldn't be surprised if it's quite heavily used in summer though, being accessible from the reservoir, flat, sheltered, and offering good views.
@@joinmeoutdoors thanks for the advice and you're quite right. In the last couple of months Black Tor has returned as permissible camping. It was absent when the camping map returned in late January. That's such good news. That area is a lot of 'up and down' but we'll worth the effort. When me and my friend walked Black-a-Tor copse we only got so far as half way down it was a big muddy area we would have struggled to pass. Good footwear a must!
@@thewildcampolians Oh I see, that explains it then. I'm glad it made it back onto the camping map in that case! Lush area. It does get boggy along the river there doesn't it? The rocks are great for hopping over the top of the mire...until you run out of rocks and you just have to wing it 😂
@@joinmeoutdoors Then its the vertical mud walk and trying not to do the horizonal mud walk. I fell over with 13 kilos on my back before now and my mate didn't exactly rush to my assistance, he was too busy laughing.
Another nice video. Cracking pitch site. For what it's worth, my tuppence on the power charger would be that I take a 20,000 mhAu power bank with me, rather than a solar charger. I've found that it does me for 3-4 days and I can juice that up when I pass through a town. But, maybe you as a UA-camr would burn through those 20k units quicker than me. The one I have is just a bit chunkier than my mobile phone. The reliability of it would outweigh any perceived solar charge on the go benefits. Could you rely on the UK/Irish weather to charge it up? Mmmm.....? Regards, Wadi.
Hi Wadi. Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video. You're not the first person to recommend a 20k power bank, or to point out that yours last you for days...but you're right - I'd eat through that in no time! I'd like to document those longer walks, just as I record my camping trips, so as you say, that does require more battery power. It might be that a solar charger would merely top up my power banks a bit each day, rather than fully charging them, but something is better than nothing. Of course I might try all this and find that I can only generate a 10% charge after 12 hours of charging. Suppose I'll just have to find out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊 James.
Hey James, thanks for an excellent video. You were asking about multi-day hikes and as a long-time camper on Dartmoor, may I share a couple of thoughts with you about that? Apologies if anything I’m saying is a granny/suck-egg thing and please feel free to tell me to sod off for any or all of it.
First thing I would say is bin the Wayfayer; they’re nice but heavy and on a multi-day hike become a significant part of your pack weight. Wet food in general you may wish to avoid and look to either freeze dried stuff (tends to be expensive), or dehydrated stuff (used to be just noodles, but the options have become far better in recent years).
It may seem obvious, but your first day will be when you’re carrying the heaviest pack, so make that the short leg and that’s not just for fitness reasons. The first day is confirmation that you’re set up correctly and if you have to bail it’s best not to make it a long-distance slog to get to safety.
You’ve got the right idea about water (jeez, don’t I sound pretentious), but that mentality should be applied to all your fluids. For example, no beer, because once you’ve drunk the contents you’re still stuck with the weight of the tin can. Go with wine or spirits; stuff that can be decanted to a plastic container and will decrease in weight over time.
A couple of quick thoughts about multi-day hikes based on your vid. Depending on the terrain and when you’re planning on camping, but in general I would suggest binning the footprint. It’s extra weight and is it really needed? Also, zip-lock bags instead of Tupperware; you have a long-handled spoon so get the use of it.
You were asking about solar panels and I have to say in my view at present they’re not worth it. Others may have a differing experience, but I bought a (rather expensive) array a couple of years ago, but it just didn’t fulfil its promise. It was the first time I’d left the physical map and compass at home, relying instead on OS maps on the phone, but I spent the next day two and three worrying about the charge on my principal navigation instrument because the solar array just didn’t do what it said on the tin. Admittedly it wasn’t midsummer (it was May), but the trickle charge it provided was insufficient. The battery pack I’d brought along for the GoPro was re-purposed to make sure I remained safe.
The point is, solar panels are heavy and well, require the sun to shine, and in my experience I’m better off carrying a second battery pack rather than hoping for the sun to shine sufficiently on any given day.
I’m always nagging my work colleagues that they should give camping on Dartmoor a go, but multi-day hiking requires a step-change. Looking at a couple of you’re vids, it seems to me you’re already there, you just haven’t done it yet.
Hello Micky. Thank you for taking the time to type all of that out, and you needn't worry about telling me something I already know, because I certainly don't know all there is to know!
I use a mixture of wet and dry foods, based on a few factors (mainly pack weight and whether there is reliable access to water in the area). As you say, food will take up a large chunk of volume/weight on a longer trip, so dry food would be a winner. I'd be perfectly happy not to take any alcohol on the longer trips, as I'm not a big drinker. Good tip though! And my Tupperware cereal tub is really convenient to eat out of, but its size, shape and rigidity make it a nuisance to pack. I've been refusing to acknowledge this for years now 😂 I'll have to take a look at alternatives.
My pack being heaviest on day 1 is something I hadn't really thought about, so that's a good aspect to keep in mind. I imagine food could easily be 1 kg per day, which would be noticeable in what would hopefully be a sub-10 kg pack.
I have a 1.1 kg single skin tent, which is my best current offering for multi-day stuff (no footprint, as you say). There are lighter tents out there, though a lot of them require trekking poles (which I'm not necessarily against trying).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about solar chargers. I just wish they didn't weigh so damn much! I use the OS Maps app too, and record my walks on Strava, so my phone depletes its battery after only about 15 miles of walking, running those two apps. I could get a watch to record my walks instead, and paper maps would be fine, I just don't like the thought of running out of power and not being able to do anything about it!
I really appreciate you sharing your experiences to bolster my knowledge 👍 James.
Well that rekindled some fantastic memories. My very first wild camp on Dartmoor was in that exact same spot. Since then I've returned many times to enjoy the sunsets and peace and quiet on offer. Happy days👍
Great minds! 😄 Hopefully you weren't treated to your tent acting like Dartmoor's newest-built dam on your camps! Thanks, James.
Great video! Thanks for sharing, keep them coming. 👍🏻
Thanks Chris, I appreciate the comment 🙏🏻 James.
Nice to see you out again. Keep em coming.
Thank you Pete. Apologies for the noise of my electric pump 😉
Yay! Great video James 😊
Thanks, B! 🤗
Great video mate. I have been to that part of Dartmoor a few times and I have never been so lucky as to catch a Brewdog. Loving all the kit.. do get a bit of kit envy watching you lol.. keep it up 👍
Cheers, Ash! I'll have to show you the ways of the can catcher 🤣 I was starting to think I had everything I wanted, but things keep creeping onto my wish list...I do like my kit though! #windburnerfriend
12:25. The SC1 really is one of the most aesthetically pleasing tents on the market. Love it.
I know what you mean, and I think so too! That sharp ridge down its spine and steep flanks not only look pleasing in a photo, but also do a really good job of cutting through the wind, making it noticeably quieter than my other tents in high winds. It's kind of eerie!
@@joinmeoutdoors it’s the red and blue accents from the poles that make it too. Do you use the inner or outer hole for the poles?
@@SteRumbelow Yeah, true. I used to use the inner holes on all six straps (4 red, 2 blue) I think. Since the straps were replaced a few months back, I found that the eyelet positions moved a little. I now only use the outer holes on the 4 red straps, and either use both outer holes on the blue straps, or one outer and one inner, depending on wind strength. Do you own one?
@@joinmeoutdoors Nice, good to know. Yeah, I got one at the back end of last year to replace my TN LC1. Found that was amazing for weight saving but was so incredibly noisy in even the slightest wind. Haven’t used my SC1 yet but hoping it resolves that issue! Just got to be more aware of condensation.
@@SteRumbelow Oh that's cool, congrats on the purchase! My Hilleberg Soulo is quite noisy in the wind, as is my Naturehike Cloud Peak 2. The SC1 has to be the quietest tent I own. It has quite a low top line, nicely sloped sides and that sharp end profile to cut through the wind. Those features, combined with the nice taut pitch it gives, work wonders in the wind. I don't think my SC1 is any worse than my Soulo in terms of condensation. On this latest camp, the entire tent was absolutely bone dry all through the night and morning, even though temps were close to freezing and there wasn't a great deal of wind. I tend to sleep with the outer door clipped up at the bottom, slightly unzipped at the top, and the inner mesh door slightly unzipped at the top. It all helps :) James.
Looked like a nice trip...
Haha lovely trip. I rarely go on trips like this! 😆
That was a cracking place to pitch, flat, sheltered but with the crags and rocks adding some visual interest. Chilled out watch as always, looked very grey and cold out for the walk back, but at least it was dry!
Hi pal! I totally agree on you having to try multiday hikes! I only do them and love the challenge, its so nice having a goal to reach or town, sleeping always at different spot everyday or steal camping its always so cool and make you wanna really go out. I cannot wait to go outdoors but im stuck with newborn baby so need to wait till April sadly...
But yeah, go try it do some kind of coastal patch or something and see what its like.
Your gear seems fine, you got light tent and exos backpack, in terms of power I got one 20k Anker and 10k and both past me for 4-5 days no problem, maybe more. Solar panel wont help you much in winter unless you have some sunny days.
Have fun on you hike :)
Hi! It's good to hear from someone who's already done a bunch of multi-day hikes. I can imagine it feels good to be away from people and cars and buildings for a few days. I live right by the coast, and have easy access to the 630 mile Southwest Coast Path, so I'm fortunate there. I have some quite light gear, but I think food and water will add up quite a lot, and the coast path has a lot of climbing on it. One of my tents is 1.1 kg, so that will do just fine for my first multi-day outing. I currently use 20k Anker and a 10k Duracell bank, but with my camera equipment and phone I can sometimes get through them in 24 hours! I think multi-day stuff will mainly be in the summer for me, so a solar charger SHOULD work okay (??). Thanks for the comment, and I hope your baby is doing well! James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Hey again, well I stay by the coast too in Edinburgh so I walked John Muir Way to Dunbar where he was born and some other time to Berwick Upon Tweed, also did some Fife Coastal Patch, just try 2-3 nights trip at first and see how it goes on im sure you will be ok with your gear as its similar to mine and power bank will be ok also for you GoPro, 30k total is more then enought for few nights to try, after thar you will get alot of confidence like I did and fix or remove/add some of the gear to make trips better. I also had a Fujifilm camera but now filming with my mobile as its enought, you can do that too to record in 1080 its anought for UA-cam no need to make everything perfect just go and you will not regret it hehe, I find one day trip boring now after doing multidays, they are wayyy more fun. Or multi days Lake Dist/Darmore with cold soaking food as its easier.
Anyway, have fun if you try. I bought new sleeping mat Big Agnes Rapid large wide and its best one ever! And new tent Hex Peak V4A for £134 bargain deal sucha good tipi with Lansha 1 Plus mesh inner, 1.2kg total or less and massive inside.
Fab video! I need to know exactly where in Dartmoor that stream is, I love a brewdog! 😂
Haha thanks Kim. That river feeds Meldon Reservoir, so it might be worth just trawling the reservoir and taking your haul home with you 😂
Great Video! Amazing outdoor experience and live with the nature! Ultralighg weight Sunblesa headtorch,must gear for backpacking.
Thanks Gavin 😊
Great minds think alike, I had this route planned for my next trip up on to the moor, which is hopefully happening end of March
Great bud as always my man 👍🏼
Thanks Jim, you must be a member of the big brain brigade too then! 🧠🧠😎 I'm glad you'll be getting back out again 💪 Will you be filming?
@@joinmeoutdoors possibly, I’m kind of losing the enjoyment of filming my trips out, I quite like the short form content like reels and shorts etc
Oh that's cool. They're less intensive and probably get more views! You're wise to ditch the long vids if they're getting in the way of your outings 😊
I loved the salt path, I have now read all 3 of her books and now planning a 3 day hike with myself, hubby and 3 daughters (13, 11 & 7) round Dartmoor. So excited. X
That sounds great! I wonder how many of us have been inspired by Ray and Moth to go out for multi-day hikes? I'm sure your daughters will get a lot out of it, as well as the two of you 😊
Hi so we are back from our wild camp did 3 days and 2 night in the end but it was amazing. The freedom is just wonderful.
Yes Ray and Moth must have inspired lots of people. You must read her 3rd book landlines its wonderful. X
You managed the full three days then, fair play! Was it an overall success? Landlines will definitely get read 😊 James.
The weather and/or real life has been conspiring against me too mate. Nightmare!
Good to see you out again ☺️
Sorry to hear that, Adge. I'm convinced that lots of us end up having a murky couple of months in Jan/Feb every year, and then things perk up again when the weather improves. Roll on the sunshine! Thanks for checking in 😊 James.
Great trip 👍
Thanks buddy 🙏🏻
Nice camp mate 👍
Thanks Graham. One to log in the old memory bank for a warm summer's evening I reckon! Cheers for watching 😊 James.
great vid mate, love that part of the Moor
me and my friend Bivi Camped on High Willhays a few weeks back, (my latest video) walked back to meldon past black-a-tor copse, eyed Lints on the way, thats next on my list :)
subbed
Cheers. It is a nice accessible but fairly quiet corner of Dartmoor isn't it? Sticking a bivvy bag on High Willhays is probably the best way of spending the night up there. No guarantee that the wind wouldn't pick up and send a tent off into orbit! Thanks for subscribing. I'll sub you back and will have to check out some of your trips 👍 James.
Top class as always mate !!! Love your vids !!! Looking at the southern cross 1 ..... might need to check this out for my planned West Highland Way mission later in the year. Love to hear your thoughts chief !!. You certainly got the Flattest of flat pitches.... what a win. ATB Simon
Recommend SC1. Not too heavy, easy to pitch and it’ll take a hammering.
Thanks a lot, big man! Yeah I've shared my thoughts on the SC1 a fair bit over this year of being on UA-cam, but possibly need to film a video purely to share my experiences with it. It's always my default tent choice, being strong and light as it is. I find it to be as small as I'd comfortably want to go for a 4 season, year-round tent. Much smaller and I'd start to feel cramped I think. We can talk 👍 Cheers, James.
@@unclepeteswildadventures seriously considering this off the back of @joinmeoutdoors vids for the WHW later in the year 👍
@@joinmeoutdoors researching now my mate 👊
Just read your description, haven’t seen the video yet. I’ve been checking out the Bigblue 3 solar panel. Thinking I’ll pick it up
The Big Blue 3 does look good doesn't it? 28 W is a pretty big number for a portable charger. The weight puts me off a little bit, but I can't expect to have the ability to charge batteries on the go without accepting some bulk. I'd really like to hear your thoughts if you do buy one 👍
Hi James, Have just stumbled across your vlog & subscribed. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Like your clear presentation style. Lots of useful information. Still yet to do my first wild camp but as my daughter has just started at Exeter University I hope to combine my two passions of Landscape Photography & hiking along with a overnight stay. Looking forward to looking through your back catalogue...
Hi John, and welcome to my channel! Thank you for subscribing. I hope my videos make you want to get out there with your tent. This sounds like a good time in your life to go and pursue a new activity to combine your passions, and Dartmoor isn't too far from Exeter! 👌
@@joinmeoutdoors Indeed my thoughts exactly.. am looking forward to exploring some of Dartmoor over the next few years...
Sounds good! Make sure you check the Dartmoor firing times online before you head out walking or camping 👍
@@joinmeoutdoors Thks James - yes always a little worried about that & boundaries etc. but hopefully lots of webpages showing you...I'll check it out - thks.
Firing times are at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme Also, if you scroll halfway down the page I've linked you to and click on "Dartmoor maps", you'll see how the firing ranges are divided up 👍
My southern cross has arrived footprint on order straight away! I have the soul too like you I wonder if I will use it less and less is really much lighter!
Congratulations on the new tent! Haha I think you might end up using the Soulo less, yes. Two very good tents though!
Great video. Amazing views. Nice quiet camp.
Thanks a lot, Linda. I love how just a bit of elevation can sometimes give really impressive views. Thanks for watching 😊 James.
I wouldn’t bother with solar. I just take this on multi day hikes: Goal Zero Venture 70 - 19200 mAh power bank which is waterproof IP67. It’s a bit on the heavy side but lasts for days. With a 60 watt charger can be recharged in about hour and a half. Enjoying your videos.
Hi Nigel. I'm starting to think you're all conspiring against me, telling me how you successfully live off your 20,000 mAh power banks for days 😂 My phone usage (maps and activity recording) and GoPro mean that I use quite a lot of battery power. That said, my drone is my biggest power drain I think, and I wouldn't take that on long hikes. Perhaps I need to reconsider the power bank option after all. Thank you for the comment, and I'm glad you're enjoying the vids! James.
@@joinmeoutdoors 😀 solar will need a battery to charge. Solar is not stable or powerful enough to charge a device directly. The goal zero is perfect for me. It’s super quick charging is one of the fastest. A quick stop at a cafe will top it up. And perfect if solar panels ever get efficient enough to use in the uk.
Yep, I'd want to charge the battery pack through the day for use overnight. I just don't want to have to detour from the serenity of the coast path (or any other remote, multi-day hike) to venture into populated places and spoil my peace and quiet. That's my main reason for hoping solar charging could work out for me, even if I can only top the battery pack up a bit each day, without fully charging it. Maybe I'm hoping for too much!
@@joinmeoutdoors I guesstimate your phone, GoPro and Drone would require nearly 10,000 mAh to charge them per day. The Nomad 20watt solar panel weighs a kilo and would take upto 11 hours, on a good day, to charge the 20,000 mAh battery (venture 75).
I’d love to see a video of how you get on if you go down this route.
@@nigelwright8010 I normally carry all three drone batteries, which total 7,000 mAh alone. Add on the 4,000 mAh for my phone and a further 7,000 mAh for my four GoPro batteries, and you can get through quite a lot of power in a day (assuming all of those batteries are used up - which can happen on a busy filming/walking day). That's 18,000 mAh to charge up, so that's around 9-10 hours of charging, going by your maths but using a 21 W panel like the Big Blue. I'd just have to make sure I always had the solar panels facing the sun from sunrise to sunset, which could entail walking backwards at times 😂 I think I've got to the point where I'm so curious about this now that I'll have to get a charger and try it out in the field, just to satisfy my curiosity. I'll certainly share my findings when the time comes 👍
Looks like you found one of the few flat pitches at the top to Lints. Defo try a multi day, they are so relaxing. Have you thought about a Dartmoor north to south? I've done it in 2 1/2 days (2 nights) but plan on doing it again with a friend over 4 days. Easy with trains available from Okey & Ivybridge. ATB, John.
It looked like someone had been out with a steamroller! 🤣 Walking the length of Dartmoor sounds like a really good way of trying a first multi-day hike actually. Thanks for that idea, John. No need to worry about hiding away too much, and lots of water points to collect from - both of which would be more challenging on the coast path. Will your 4 day trip be this year? That's a good little challenge, and a peaceful one no doubt. ATB, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Yes, hopefully in the spring. My friend is fairly new to camping on Dartmoor but has been out on a couple of camps with me, as per my channel. I'm taking him on a 2 nighter first, Belstone to Postbridge via Sandy Hole pass and back via Watern Tor. Very peaceful out in the middle of the north moor. You can go a day with out seeing anyone else sometimes.
@@Jarbie Ah brilliant, I'm sure he'll enjoy that experience. I love how big and open Dartmoor is. As you say - if you head for the more remote parts, it's easy to pass 24 hours without seeing anyone else. I subscribed to your channel after reading your first reply, so will have to see what you've been up to :) James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thank you James, very kind. I'm useless at actually getting around to editing and uploading videos but hope to have another one up shortly. Still need to edit my N to S video. You might find it useful.
@@Jarbie Oh I'm the same. YouTubing is nowhere near as easy as people make it look 😅 I'll keep an eye out for that North to South video, so there's your pressure to get it made 😉 James.
Nice video, I've been to that part, and it took me back to that time. What puts me off winter camping is that the sunset is too early for me. What's the score on wild camping these days? Do you have to get permission first?
I'm glad I could take you for a walk back in time then 👌 Dartmoor wild camping is currently still permitted, but only because the National Park now pays the landowners to enable it. The permitted area has been reduced a little since the court case, but funds are being raised for the National Park to appeal the judgement. You can see the fundraiser here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/BackpackCampingAppeal?fbclid=IwAR0Amp-BdzPZCMyk2V07oqV1Gnn_qqbZnwhlEQTumqs1XCHHRS2KClhxxYY
Looked a great camp James. When there is a long night how do you while away your time during the dark hours before its time to nod off? atb Al
Hello Al. Yes it was a nice easy-going one, this one. It depends really. After a hard walk and if it's particularly cold, I often just jump in the tent, eat my food and then fall asleep! If I've got time to spare and it's not too cold I'll sit out a bit or mess about on my phone. Now that I've found some good books, I'll also look to fit in a spot of reading. How about you? Much easier in the summer when you can just sit outside enjoying the warmth and daylight, hey?
@@joinmeoutdoors I am not a great sleeper at anytime so books/moble is my go to - I occasionally play online chess too, a game I have played since I was 11. Got a few books I on my shelf that need reading inc Macfarlane's Mountains of the Mind and I also have a copy of Guy Shrobsole's Lost Rainforests of Britain - you might like that listening to you speak about the gnarly woods you passed through.
@@thevalleywalker Poor sleep is a plague. Online chess must be a good, quiet activity for a restless mind in the wee hours. The Lost Rainforests book sounds interesting from the synopsis, so I've added it to my eBay watch list so I don't forget. Thank you for that recommendation 🙂
@@joinmeoutdoors Lol... my concentration span is not great these dasy so I play 3/2 - thats a game lasting 3 mins with a 2 second increment for each move I make. 🤣 Have a look at the Woodland Trust short video entitled Inside Britain's Rainforests on you tube - its a 3 mins shortie on some of the wonderful places we have in the UK which are sadly in danger.
@@thevalleywalker Okay well now that sounds like highly stressful speed chess. I'm not surprised you can't sleep! 😂 That rainforest video was an impressive piece of work for such a short production. The beardy chap is clearly deeply passionate about nature. Thanks for another good suggestion.
What do you think of the tent mate.??
Haha I've just replied to your comment on another vid. I love the Southern Cross. I've released a 1 year ownership review of it. That might help if you're wondering what it's like to use 👍 James.
Its a shame Black Tor (around Meldon) is off the cards these days. One of the best wild camps me and my mates ever did. Now 'banned'...
Great video though mate. Seriously tempted by that Lints Tor area.
I haven't sat down and properly run through every change on the map, so I just took a look now and Black Tor still appears to be on there as a permissible area? Black-a-Tor Copse is off the table, but the tor itself still appears to be fair game. I hope that's a bit of good news for your Sunday! Thanks for watching, and I'd definitely recommend Lints Tor. I wouldn't be surprised if it's quite heavily used in summer though, being accessible from the reservoir, flat, sheltered, and offering good views.
@@joinmeoutdoors thanks for the advice and you're quite right. In the last couple of months Black Tor has returned as permissible camping. It was absent when the camping map returned in late January. That's such good news. That area is a lot of 'up and down' but we'll worth the effort. When me and my friend walked Black-a-Tor copse we only got so far as half way down it was a big muddy area we would have struggled to pass. Good footwear a must!
@@thewildcampolians Oh I see, that explains it then. I'm glad it made it back onto the camping map in that case! Lush area. It does get boggy along the river there doesn't it? The rocks are great for hopping over the top of the mire...until you run out of rocks and you just have to wing it 😂
@@joinmeoutdoors Then its the vertical mud walk and trying not to do the horizonal mud walk. I fell over with 13 kilos on my back before now and my mate didn't exactly rush to my assistance, he was too busy laughing.
Another nice video. Cracking pitch site. For what it's worth, my tuppence on the power charger would be that I take a 20,000 mhAu power bank with me, rather than a solar charger. I've found that it does me for 3-4 days and I can juice that up when I pass through a town. But, maybe you as a UA-camr would burn through those 20k units quicker than me. The one I have is just a bit chunkier than my mobile phone. The reliability of it would outweigh any perceived solar charge on the go benefits. Could you rely on the UK/Irish weather to charge it up? Mmmm.....? Regards, Wadi.
Hi Wadi. Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video. You're not the first person to recommend a 20k power bank, or to point out that yours last you for days...but you're right - I'd eat through that in no time! I'd like to document those longer walks, just as I record my camping trips, so as you say, that does require more battery power. It might be that a solar charger would merely top up my power banks a bit each day, rather than fully charging them, but something is better than nothing. Of course I might try all this and find that I can only generate a 10% charge after 12 hours of charging. Suppose I'll just have to find out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊 James.