My ramblings (geddit?) about wild camping and backpacking. If you want to watch a grumpy old git muttering to himself as he puffs his way up yet another hill then you’ll love the channel.
Since 1978 I’ve done lots of backpacking in the UK, including these trails: South Downs Way (twice) Pennine Way Offa's Dyke Path Ridgeway Pembrokeshire Coast Path (solo) Southern Uplands Way (solo) West Highland Way (solo) Cape Wrath Trail (solo) Herriott Way Skye Trail Hebridean Way (solo) Cleveland Way
And these days I get out regularly to Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons, and other parts of Wales and the UK. I hope you enjoy watching my videos! Charles
Hi.... this is indeed an excellent video... have just bought a second hand Lanshan 1 Plus which had only been used a couple of times and is in good nick.. apart from The Undone Knot aaaargh.... Is there a way to work out how far out the guy should go..say from the base of my 125cm pole before being moved forward?
Thanks; I’m glad you found the video helpful 🙂 About ‘the knot’… I really wouldn’t worry about it, as the most common modification to the tent is to do away with the factory guyline setup with the infernal ‘rams head’ clip, and replace it with a standard guyline and door bungees. I detail this in my modifications video; Lanshan 1 backpacking tents - try these 16 modifications ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G_jP3JjWHFU.html
Watching this on a warm August evening,makes it hard to envisage just how cold it was back then. However,the stunning views and peaceful surroundings made this another enjoyable watch Charles,thanks again.
Great tips - thanks for sharing. My Lanshan 2 just arrived so I'm trying a few of these mods. On the 3 meter guy line, how long is the first section from the tent peak, thru the small ring & back to the tent? From the video, I'd estimate 70-80 cm so that the ring is at least 30 cm from side of tent.
My pitching gets better, but the outer fly is very low to the ground so there is not much of ventilation. I used 125 cm, but it looks like it is set to 120 in your video. Apart from double checking the pole height - can you think of any other error I might make to have the fly too low? (Mind... It held up perfectly in heavy rain. Not a single drop anywhere though condensation was heavy, too.)
Hmmm that’s interesting. Yes, I think first check the actual pole length. Next, is the ground soft, so the pole is sinking in a lot? Try experimenting with different pole lengths to see what difference it makes. Also, the 5 peg out straps should be set as long as possible, to get maximum clearance (in bad weather I have them short to reduce the gap). Condensation is usually inevitable; it’s just the atmospheric conditions. Just carry a sponge or cloth and mop it down in the morning. Good luck; let me know how you get on! 🙂
@@longsufferinghiker Thanks Charles for your fast reply. Ground was indeed a bit soft. Tension straps too short .-) Condensation didn't bother me. I had a cloth and mope it down.
I have just bought a Lanshan 1 online. Not the easiest thing to find from a UK supplier as I have been burnt in the past when ordering direct from China. It might say you get your goods within a couple of weeks but in practice the shipper tends to wait until he has filled a container and two weeks can end up being two months. Drying tents properly is absolutely crucial to making them last well. When car camping my favourite trick is to spread the tent over my car while I am getting my breakfast. It might look weird and I have never seen anyone else do it but if the sun comes out a small tent dries within a few minutes.
Hi do you have a link to the dyneema that you use for the modification on the door rigging plz? I looked on Amazon and there are so many it’s overwhelming. Also what thickness bungee do you use? TIA
Hi. This is the UK seller that I get my dyneema from: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273934045889 For the bungees at the bottom of the doors I use 3 or 4 mm diameter; they need to be quite strong. For the inner tensioning bungees it needs to be a smaller diameter; 2mm is fine. I hope this helps!
Hi Charles, thanks for these tips! I have a Lanshan 1 on the way and will certainly process a large part of it, but I am trying to keep the weight gain to a minimum. I especially like the tip for bungee in the inner tent and the connection between the inner tent and the outer tent at the doors. I think this will make a world of difference and make the tent feel a little more spacious. I plan to sew on the 2mm bungee at the top and bottom and only place a cord grip at the top. Pulling out the flysheet with the dyneema along the top is also a nice solution, but I'm a bit worried about what the dyneema cord along the top will do to the flysheet: won't the dyneema damage the flysheet? Pim.
Hi Pim. Thanks for the nice feedback - it’s really good to know that my ideas might help you! I think sewing the ends of the bungee if the inner will be good if your sewing skills are up to it! I’ve found that the dyneema catenary line works very well to lift the sides. I haven’t seen any wear on the flysheet fabric. Because the dyneema is smooth, and if the line is tensioned well there’s no movement across the fabric. But a patch of Tenacious Tape might be a good idea if you’re worried perhaps?
mate i am indebted to you for this warts n all review. been on the fence about getting one for a while asim just getting into solo trekking and started putting my kit together. the exos caught my eye and got good reviews but always wondered how it would hold up over time. i was very curious how the mesh back panel held up over time. and after 1000 miles hike it only needed a small patching that's pretty durable in my book. looks like i found my Christmas present from the family to me :)
Actually mate Ive just bought a new one and they now have a stronger section of mesh at the bottom. Also the back length is now more adjustable, and there are small hip belt pockets too. I used it on the Cleveland Way 3 weeks ago and it was even more comfortable than the previous one. You won’t regret it 🙂
Full view - I enjoyed that and the commentary very much. A top for the kissing gates - just step onto the diagonals and the problem is solved. I've been doing that for some years. All the best. Mark
You’re going to love it. Check out my videos; Pitching a Lanshan 1 backpacking tent? Try these! Tips & tricks for the perfect pitch every time ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wUUPi_2xTqs.html Lanshan 1 backpacking tents - try these 16 modifications ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G_jP3JjWHFU.html
Hi. Your question has really got me thinking! I’m a side- sleeper too, and the bag was fine in May on the CWT. I’ve used it since on the Skye Trail in May, Hebridean Way in May, and Cleveland Way in June plus lots of shorter trips to Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons, with no problems. But I suggest paying very close attention to a) the fill power of the down used in the bag and b) the weight of the down filling. It is the combination of these 2 things that determines the warmth. Plus most makers use less filling in the underside of the bag, so us side-sleepers get less benefit if we roll over. Whilst manufacturers give ‘comfort’ temperatures they aren’t always reliable and everyone has different metabolisms. I personally tend to be colder at night, so the bag rated at -6 degrees for comfort isn’t really any good for me below 2 degrees. Basically the more expensive bags have better fill power down and so can get away with less weight of down filling and hence less bulk. It really is a minefield!
Thanks for your reply, when looking into the criterion 350 there is not a lot of information on it online with reviews, so it is good to get some real world feedback, thanks again and keep making those videos for us.@@longsufferinghiker
From lots of experience I think it’s best to have the vestibule facing the wind; the shape sheds the wind better and there’s a bigger gap to the inner, so you get less wind buffeting inside. If the wind is strong then you can also set the pole that side lower, perhaps 110-115cm
Very Good info how to get a better set up a pitch. Your tent is able to remove the inside, mine is sown in and can not remove it, wish they added that to the Pro! I own this tent and the 6moons Tent, I like the Lanshan 1pro since it has a full zip opening and it had a Brown color vs the Grey.
I got it finally and your videos surely had a bug influence. I pitched it three times and the walls were saggy, the forth time.... I finally got it and they were not saggy anymore. Your modifications are really helpful, I applied most. Thanks!
Don’t worry. You _could_ just re-tie the knot, with a bit of trial and error to get the position right. But TBH the factory guyline set-up is a bit rubbish and many people change it anyway. It’s better to have a separate, longer, main guyline and bungees for the doors. I detail it in my modifications video Lanshan 1 backpacking tents - try these 16 modifications ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G_jP3JjWHFU.html Good luck!
Definitely. I got fed up with the OMM one; it isn’t even the slightest bit waterproof and only has one compartment. This one is by Tread Lite Gear. It is made from DCF but it’s not perfect; I changed the clips it came with. But it has 3 sections and is more weatherproof. I think Wild Sky gear also make DCF chest pods which would be worth checking out
Charles, my new Lanshan 1 just arrived a few days ago and I’ve tried three different ways of pitching it. I had watched this video and so I tried pitching it with the back of the tent facing into the wind. But I found that the wind was hard enough that it kept blowing the back of the tent forward and so I was never able to get the space between the tarp and the inner tent. So I took it all down and re-pitched it with the side of the tent facing into the wind and found it did quite a bit better. Please help me understand better why you find that pitching the back into the wind is the way to go? Thank you for this truly helpful video. Canyon
Hi. That’s a good question. If there is no strong wind then it doesn’t really matter which way it is pitched. But if the wind is strong then I don’t like the have the end towards the wind because there isn’t much clearance above your head or feet, so you are more likely to have the fabric disturb your sleep. If you have the back guyline nicely set up, preferably using a walking pole, then the back should stay strong and not get blown forward too much. Also check the position of the inner; there should be a 10cm separation all around.
Nice ideas, and thanks for the video. FYI you don't need clips on the bathtub bungee. Simply pass the sprung toggle on the bungee through the bungee loop, lock the bungee against the toggle then pull out the slack. Then you have a quick release. As you would for poles on your rucksack. I use the same principle on optional guy lines. Have a toggle fixed to the end of the guy line, with a loop big enough to pass the toggle back through. Then you can simple pass the toggle through any attachment loop on the tent, then back through the loop in the guy and then pull to lock. The tension holds it, then it can be quick released when the load is off.
Thanks for the two videos you've done on the Lanshan 2 mods. Your videos were one of the reasons I've bought one, it's yet to arrive but I'm already planning on some of those mods. Can I ask a few questions (no doubt I'll think of more later lol)? Whst size are those rings between the guyline loops and long guylines? And what are they made of? What length lines have you used for those guyline loops?
Thanks; I'm really pleased that my videos have helped you :-) The 'O 'rings on the guyline modification can be bought in the UK here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266451056688 But I don't think they're essential; Dyneema is tough stuff, and I think it should be OK to just loop the guyline around the loop attached to the top of the tent. The top guyline loops attached to the tent are approximately 60cm long. I used a Bowline knot at each end. I hope this helps!!
@@longsufferinghikerI knew I'd forget to ask something 😂 Did you seam seal the side guy out points? If so what did you use? Am I correct in thinking that any seam sealant for silnylon is suitable?
Yes, on the non-Pro version the seams are all taped already, so you don't ned to do anything on them. But for some strange reason the side pull-out points aren't sealed at the factory. Most people us this: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002FO53EM but the secret is to dilute the sealant with white spirit so it's like honey; this means it's easier to apply and soaks into the stitching better.
Generally speaking in the UK High pressure conditions tend to be stable, less windy, with clearer skies. Low pressure means more cloud, wind, and more chance of rain. I hope this helps! 🙂
Watched the whole series and definitely going to do this trail. Already checking out flights to Barra and from Stornoway lol. Your videos have inspired me 👍
Wow, I'm really pleased to hear that! You won't regret it :-) Just pick a time when the midges aren't a problem, and get lucky with the weather. Good luck, and please let me know how you get on
Charles, you described the colors as a painter. Pale blue, geenish, turqoise....absolutely astonishing. Mudt go there with my watercolor stuff. Thank you fo sharing those feelings. Bye, Alies (netherlands)
We did this in late April this year, 2 hours of rain the whole 12 days, the rest was glorious sunshine... zero midges, was an amazing adventure and enjoying the recap with yourself. And one more confession, I wore Vivobarefoot Tracker II and didn't once get wet feet once! What a difference to your experience
@@longsufferinghiker Yeah we feel we missed out on the full experience, rain in your face, wet kit & feet... We are planning a return, probably just orbit Uist use buses too and explore some more with shorter days. I'm sure we'll experience the proper Hebrides at some point! Enjoyed all four parts of your adventure, brought back lots of memories😊
Lovely stuff! I did my Duke of Edinburgh's award expedition in Harris and Lewis (25+ years ago) and the Hebrides are stunning. Good to see you walking the Hebridean way, I really must visit them next year! How did the Lanshan hold up? Are you still impressed with it? I watched one of your other videos and you gave helpful advice about them, I bought a Lanshan 1 with the winter inner, and it's a sound little tent.
They’re certainly worth a visit. But not necessarily in a camper van; there were lots of them around, and overnight spots for them were very busy. I still love the Lanshan; it’s very dependable and great value. In fact, I’m going to be using my Lanshan 1 with mesh inner on the Cleveland Way next week!
Wow, a great series of videos, Charles and well done on the achievement. Watched all 4 and the bonus 'best bits' video and really enjoyed them all- stunning scenery. Thank you for putting these together and sharing 🙏
I used my phone mostly. In advance I downloaded OS maps for the entire walk on to the OS App, so I could keep my phone on flight mode most of the time. I had .gpx files for the route, which worked well on the OS App. I found the files from walkhighhlands.com were great www.walkhighlands.co.uk/outer-hebrides/hebridean-way.shtml I also took the official guide book; it has OS maps included, as I always have a hard copy map, just in case of any problems with my phone! Plus I had the Cicerone guide on Kindle on my phone. I hope this helps!
@longsufferinghiker Yes, thanks. I've had a bad experience of phone navigation so it's good to hear it went well. Does the OS app allow you to check where you are?
Yes, it pinpoints your location on the map, and the direction you are facing. Often the problems with navigating using a phone happen when there's a poor signal, so the app can't get the Map. On the OS App you can have the maps and route already downloaded, so that isn't a problem. You can also use flight mode, which saves battery life and is actually faster.
@longsufferinghiker Thanks. My problem was that I was lost but my phone GPS wasn't working, or not linked to the mapping, so I couldn't check my location.
@stuartbowman4582 yes, it’s a common issue. There’s also the ‘OS Locate’ App, which gives you the exact grid reference location and a compass. Also works without a phone signal. Very useful!
Thanks mate. The plastic rings were just some that I had lying around, but TBH I don’t think they are really necessary. Dyneema is tough stuff, so it’s ok to just loop the guyline around behind the loop that’s attached to the tent.
Hi Charles. I've just finished watching all of your Hebridean Way videos which are really enjoyable. Loved the fantastic scenery as well as your humour, upbeat nature and positive outlook on everything.
That was great Charles, I didn't see notifications for part 1&2, but I've just watched 3&4, so will have to go back to watch the beginning now...!😄 I can't think of better words for thst place than, stunning, beautiful, amazing, etc...👍 The last member of my family to have been there was my mum's dad, my grandad, who was based there at some point along time ago...🙏 I invested in a Lanshan 2 standard last year with solid inner, (& of course watched Ur Vids) it's such a nice tent & I decided to get the mesh inner for it this year, to be able to see out, but keep the bugs a bay during warmer weather, if we get any...?🤔🤣 Keep up the good stuff & look forward to Ur next adventures...👍
It's an amazing place, with an amazing varied landscape, and I'm pleased that cam across. And TBH I can't think of a better tent to use; the Lanshan was utterly dependable. I really pleased that you saw my videos about the Lanshan. Yes, I think a mesh inner is nice in the summer. In fact, I'm going to use one with a Lanshan 1 on the Cleveland Way next week!
Great stuff, what a stunner of a trail! Will watch the other parts in due course; appreciate you splitting it into several videos, all the more for us jealous buggers to see.
Well done Charles! Hope the midges didn’t mar your experience. I see you still prefer the poles as opposed to the catenary line for your side tie outs: any particular reason, or just personal preference? 🥃👍🏻🏴
Thanks mate. No, luckily I didn't have any problems with midges; they don't really start to be a nuisance until the end of May, so I timed my walk to end before then! I did think about using catenary lines, but I had to expect strong winds (I wasn't wrong!), so the side poles were better suited, I think. Having said that, I'm using my Lanshan 1 on the Cleveland Way next week, and I'll be using the Catenary lines then, because I'm trying to go as lightweight as possible :-)
@@longsufferinghiker Your film will be used by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Board to promote the HebWay, it was a great showcase for the Islands, and quite a (pleasant and tranquil) contrast to the WHW. Well done again on your achievement, you certainly picked the best of the weather to go. 👍🏻
Thanks! I took the official guide; it has OS maps included, and I like to have a hard copy map, just in case of any problems with my phone! I also had the Cicerone guide on Kindle on my phone, and every evening I checked out both guides. In advance I downloaded OS maps for the entire walk on to the OS App, with .gpx files for the route. I found the ones from walkhighhlands.com were great www.walkhighlands.co.uk/outer-hebrides/hebridean-way.shtml I hope this helps!
My previous "Ways" in Scotland have been done early mid May too. So 👍 Ok some campsite booking will be essential for me then, as long as there are enough & spaced out along so I can get to charge every 3 to 4 days I should manage. Thanks for your message & your content.
Hi, could I ask you some questions please? I have walked the WHW, GGW & CW & want to walk this probably next year. 1. Are there plenty of places along the way where I can recharge a battery that I need to power some medical equipment I use nightly. 2. What month did you walk it & how are midgies & ticks on there? 3. What months would you recommend doing this?
I'd thoroughly recommend it, but it does ned a bit of planning, as the logistics are tricky and facilities along the trail are limited. 1. I took 2 10000 power banks with me (I needed a bit extra for the filming etc.) and I managed to recharge them at the campsites I stayed at (3) and also at the ferry terminals where there were power sockets in the waiting rooms. The final section from Tarbert to Stornoway didn't have any recharging points. 2.The midges start to be a nuisance from the end of May onwards. I started on 12th & finished on 23rd May and didn't have any problems. Likewise, I didn't have any problems with ticks, but I did choose to wear long trousers just in case! 3. I think May is the best month; no midges, and long days. But you must be prepared for all kinds of weather. I had it all; scorching hot days, gales, and extremely heavy rain. Hope this helps!
