G'day from NZ, congrats, on your first solo my man. We have something similar to your midges over here, they are called 'sandflies' and they are vicious, they carry knives. In the South Island they are bigger and bite harder (or so it seems). On the subject of weight in your pack, some will say go lighter, but if you are out often enough, carrying much the same weight, then your body will adjust to it. we say over here that it takes two weeks to get your "legs and lungs". I'm 76 and still out there carrying 20kgs for multiple days, but I've been doing it all my live (also as a bushcraft instructor and guide). The body rebels at first, but after a while it will grow stronger, and your calf muscles will grow stronger (this is only if you are consistent). At the moment, I am cutting a track through dense forest where there are 1000-year-old trees, with plenty of vines which take ages to cut through. it is over 8kms long and up to a height of 800metres, I have put up 1000 markers on the trees so far, this keeps one fit. This is to illustrate that you can do it if you keep at it. So best of luck my friend on your adventures and before you know it you will be on the top of the mountain, and not out of breath. ATB Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺ PS when we are bush, we mix Dettol with baby oil and rub that on our skin (watch the eyes), this always works.
G'day from over here as well! Thanks for the congrats, I appreciate it. Those sandflies sound like the stuff of nightmares, especially with those "knives" they carry-our Midges are babies with dummies compared to the sand flies. It's really encouraging to hear your take on pack weight. I’ve heard both sides of the "go lighter" debate, but it’s reassuring to know that with consistency, the body will adapt. Getting those "legs and lungs" sounds like a rite of passage I'm looking forward to. I’m seriously inspired by your continued adventures at 76, especially carrying 20kgs through the bush! That track you're cutting through the dense forest sounds like quite the project-8kms through ancient trees and up 800 meters is no joke. It’s a testament to the strength that comes from a lifetime of dedication to the outdoors. Your story is a real motivator for me to keep pushing forward, knowing that persistence pays off. Thanks for the tip on Dettol and baby oil, too-I’ll definitely keep that in mind for when I’m out there. Cheers from this side of the world, and here’s to many more adventures ahead! ATB!
Great video Craig. Midges are a nightmare. They can destroy a what could be a good camp. I have tried everything. Nothing works. You enjoyed yourself so that's all that matters. 👍👍
During midge season i always try to camp away from water and as high as possible so you have more chance of a breeze. Midges can't fly in 5mph winds and above. I also find burning my alcohol stove keeps them at bay too. Good luck, great place for camp though may be in spring and autumn when there's no midges 👍
Thanks Happy, I’m still learning so the whole midges thing is new to me but I’ve researched since coming home about the little buggers, I’ve bought a head next now too. Thanks for watching
He Leon, thanks for watching, it was my first time using the filter. I did wash it out before I left but the water did have a plastic taste, but not sure because it was new.
It’s a lovely spot, been twice now, the first time with my brother but the weather came in just has we set up so was tent bound again. One day I’ll get to cook some food, thanks for watching.
Well done on your first solo wild camp , looked a cracking spot , hopefully next time you will get to cook a meal , i watched your camp with josh , didnt think it would be long till you were out on your own
Thanks Stuart, i recognise your name, did you win one of the prizes on Josh’s give aways? Was a great spot..yeah done a few camps with my brother since then, and finally built up the courage to head out on my own, thanks for watching mate
15Kg is getting towards heavy. I would say if you're struggling with it getting a bum bag and a chest bag will move a good amount weight to the front. On doggy jobby bags - a climbers chalk bag or an airsoft dumpbag is a good place to keep that stuff away from your stuff.
Another thing to say is the K9 Julius dog harnesses - you can get little pouches that go them so the dog can carry their own food and folding bowls. Assuming you have a dog big enough, obviously.
Thanks for watching, as a rookie can I ask if the type of pack make a difference? I tried an osprey pack and the assistant was pulling all sorts of straps that made the weight so put in feel more towards my upper back, but at £200 quid I left it. I’ve looked at the doggy packs that they can carry so it might be an option, is there other chest packs you can buy other the OMM?
Just come across your video you have 287 subs plus 1 more and I hope to still be around when your in the thousands Craig , good look and keep them coming 👍
Thanks Danny, I really appreciate you checking out my channel, and I’m grateful for the sub, the response to this has been fantastic, and if I could I’d thank every new subscriber I would but it doesn’t always show me who has, so a big thank you my friend.
Camping near running water, midge paradise Get a loose fitting face bug net And maybe one for your dog(if they do them) Liked the video Good luck Regards Jeff
Rookie mistake, 😂 I won’t be doing it again, I’ bought one the next day, and I’ll look for a dog one never thought of that. If I’d have had Rodney the spaniel with me, he’d have probably chased the away. Thanks for watching really thankful.
I believe it is, I started thinking about it in September 2023, it wasn’t until March 2024 when I eventually went out with a mate. So almost a year until I went out solo, but honestly I loved every minute.
@MiddysGoWild mate you've got some natural comedic value to ya, my missus was in stitches watching you against the midges. Keep on making the videos, I have no doubt your channel will grow.
Enjoyed that Craig. Walter’s living his best life mate, but he does look like he can’t be arsed doing the tricks. All in all a great video of your first wild camp. Nice one. Donny 👍
@@mad-about-scotland haha Walter is usually more enthusiastic normally, but he probably thinks I’ve just walked an hour so give me my dinner thanks for watching
15kg!! i havent had that much in me rucksack since the Army lol! no wonder you were huffin and puffin do your self a favour and get it down to 10 or less youll enjoy it more mate.Oh! buy your self a mossy net to go over your head and stop suffering lol!😇👍
Suuush it’s all the beers, don’t tell the mrs, I’m kidding, no mate I agree it’s something I’m going to change in the future, I saw a bloke fit all his gear into a 30lt back pack yesterday, I think it’s my sleeping bag, it’s far too bulky and weights 1.5kg. First thing I did was buy a midge net when I got home 😂 thanks for watching.
wow 15kg! id say thats on the limit. im sure there might be things not needed you could filter out :) most the time my pack weights about 8-12kg depending what im bringing and time ofg the year :)
Yeah I’d love to get the weight down, and I didn’t take all my gear, but I used and needed everything I took, apart from the stove and food due to those midges, I’ll keep working on my gear weight for definitely. Thanks for watching.
@@MiddysGoWild id look at the sleeping bag as i bet thats roughly 1.5/2kg? and i know that tent is a least 2kg, that lined blanket maybe not needed :) unless its for the dog when it comes to cuddle n not pop ur bed ha but nice little video :)
Spot on with the weight of the sleeping bag, and yeah the cloud is 2.5kg, the sleeping pad is under a 1kg , the blanket is to protect the pad if Walter decided he wants to lay somewhere comfy, do you have any recommendations a on sleeping bag, without breaking the bank 😂
@MiddysGoWild haha erm sadly not! As u have a therma rest vespa 20 and there like £300 and weight 700g but great for colder nights. I remember my pack weighing about yours and I had the phoxx 2 the berghaus transition 300 sleep bag and a berghaus 65l pack the pack it self was 2kg but I'm using a 3ful gear quidian pro (880g) frame less but max weight is 12kg
Thanks for the comment, I’m glad you got some info from it, go for it I was the same last year, started buying gear in winter 2023 and then did our first camp in March 2024, I love it, apart from the midges of course.
@MiddysGoWild yes great video. I really really enjoyed it.thsm midges was triggering me to there so annoying they really can ruin a camp when there bad haha well done for getting out solo it takes alot
Well done on your first flying solo. I sent you a messge when I did my first ever camp, (at the age of 75) and that was solo. I had no trouble with midges as I was camped atop the 500 foot high cliff at Beachy Head and there was a strong breez. ps I still think you are carrying too much weight. (Pack weight😂)
I remember, hope your well mate. Have you been out since? Totally agree..I watched a bloke fit all his gear into a 30lt back pack, it was like watching something out of Mary Poppins 😂 I’m working it my friend thanks for watching Dennis.
@@MiddysGoWild No, not been out since, as the weather has changed, and the Schools are off and I wanted to spend a little more time with the grandchildren.. Hoping to go again very soon. I got my pack down to 10K incuding water but no food. I cheated and ate in the Pub.😀
Great video! Shame about the midgies though, they can be a right pain. I had a nightmare on my last camp with the midgies attacking me, smidge didn't work and I just had to take shelter in my tent which was not ideal as I had specifically gone out to do a gear review video.
Thanks Stuart, I know they did put a bit of a dampener on the camp, and like you I just laid in my tent, but I did really enjoy the first solo experience and can’t wait to head out again. Appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a comment 👍
Great video Craig! Glad you enjoyed it, despite the pesky midgies. Walter definitely seem to have enjoyed it! Well done both 👏 Did you manage to find out the history of the ruins?
Well done on your first solo wild camp, Craig - I bet you learnt a lot and that will pay off the next time. You're a strapping young lad, but 14kg is still quite a bit of weight to carry. For just an overnighter that's alright, but do give some thought to how you could trim that down in future - your knees will thank you (and believe me, I speak from painful personal experience!). Here's to the next trip, eh? All the best.
Thank you, I did learn a lot, I’ve invested in a midge head net 😂, it’s strange I always find my pack heavier walking back to the car, even though I’ve less water etc. but definitely need to lower the weight 100% and I did leave some gear at home, thanks for watching really appreciate it.
@@MiddysGoWild I know exactly what you mean there - I like to think it's all the new memories I'm carrying back with me (well, that makes me feel better about it, anyway...) MIdge net is definitely a good idea! 👍
Cracking video! I went on my first wild camp a few weeks ago an got eaten alive by midges too in the peak district! Safe to say my new OEX midge net will be the first thing in my bag next time
