Third Companion: Deuter Futura 32

This is possibly my most favourite piece of kit. I’d never really owned a technical sack like this so it was a case of going online and flicking through catalogues to see what was out there. I did like the Osprey sacks and of course Berghaus featured heavily too. However it was the Deuter’s back system that really attracted me.

I really hate sweaty back syndrome. It feels awful when you stop and sit down for a break and you can feel the cold air sending a chill up your back because of the sweat. So having a back system that didn’t really touch you could only be of benefit.

My previous sack was an ultra cheap Blacks own make. It basically disintegrated in the rain and everything in it got ruined. I know the Deuter isn’t waterproof but it at least comes with a waterproof cover.

As well as the back system I liked all the nooks and crannies I could store stuff as well as the space for an aqua pack. I didn’t spend too much on that as I ended up with a budget £8 one from Gelert! Anyway I also added to the sack with a couple of strap on pockets which are availavble direct from Deuter. They a pretty much the same size as the side pockets already on the sack so they are useful in storing extra rations and small equipment – even camera lenses. The other extra is a Berghaus belt mounted pocket. I was always finding that I needed to get into my coat pocket which was always under the belt. This was an ideal solution.

So I paid £75 for the sack – I could have got it for £50 but the security of actually trying it out in the shop was worth it.

I’m still working on a couple of other additions. One of which is a way of strapping my DSLR to the sack and the other is seeing if there is a way of attaching a map case in a convenient way.

What is it: Rucksack
USP: Ingenious back system
When did it come into its own: Carrying mine and my wife’s stuff whilst out in the hills.
Was it worth it, really?: I actually paid £25 more than I needed too but that was security of picking something like this and trying it on in the shop.
Where did you get it? Cotswold Outdoor, Reading
Extras & Additions? Deuter Strap on pockets x2, Berghaus Belt mounted case, Aquapack
Rivals/Decision making? Osprey, Berghaus…
Rating: 10/10

Second Companion: Scarpa ZG65

Following a disaster of a holiday in Wales 2010 when everything leaked and left me with a horrible cold it was time to invest in some gear. My list consisted of:

A new coat.
A new pair of boots.
A new tent.
A new rucksack.

My experience with the Trezetas convinced me to continue with a fabric-leather-gore tex mix. After all I’d gone through a bog with them so I knew the limitations! Top of my list was Asolo with Scarpa a close second. I’d decided to visit the Cotswold Outdoor store in Reading as I’d read good things about them.

Capturing the attention of one of the assistants they measured my foot thoroughly and we chatted about what I would be using them for and the type of fit. This was interesting because they predicted the Asolo would be too narrow – which they were, disappointingly. However I did like the Scarpa ZG65s. Very lightweight but felt solid and the chunky sole appealed.

I’ve worn them on walks up to 12 miles without over various terrains at all times of the year. Very impressive and very easy to live with.

What is it: Footwear - boots
USP: They fit perfectly.
When did it come into its own: A really long walk up Y-Lethyr. Mixed terrain and steep – those big lugs really do dig in.
Was it worth it, really? Yes and with the discount I got well worth it.
Where did you get it? Cotswold Outdoor, Reading
Rivals/Decision making? Asolo Fugitive
Rating: 9/10

First Companion: Trezeta boots

My parents got me into walking, though from a young age I hated it as my feet hurt. It was only when I begged to see a doctor they actually found I had a genuine problem with my ankles. So, fast forward to about 2003/4. Things hadn’t quite worked out for me on a personal level so I was feeling quite sorry for myself. Nevertheless I decided to go on holiday and join my parents at their Welsh mountain retreat. During the stay my dad insisted on getting me some walking boots. I didn’t really know what I was doing back then and probably didn’t even wear thick socks but ultimately I ended up with a pair of size 10.5 Trezetas. I liked them because they weren’t full leather and didn’t need resealing all the time. Also from a cosmetic appeal I liked the style of them. They were my first fabric boots and I think they cost £70.

Since then they signalled a change in my outlook and interests. Slowly but surely I became more and more drawn to being outdoors and walking. Not only that but these boots were so smart I wore them in the winter when going about my business. Over the years they’ve come to Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand, Canada.

One of my favourite moments in them was when I almost died in a bog. I was on holiday in Wales and had gone off to walk near to Lyn Bodlyn. No maps or compass in them days either! Anyway it was a gloriously hot day I think North Wales was in a state of drought. Having reached the far side of the lake I decided to follow the stream back to a small bridge. Mistake 1. I soon realised that this wasn’t such a good idea and I didn’t fancy wading in the stream. As an alternative I decided to walk in a straight line back to the path. Probably about half a mile as the crow flies. Mistake 2. Despite the drought, a bog was still in full effect. Turning round wasn’t much help so I decided to plough on which rightly or wrongly I thought would be better than trying to retrace my steps and walk downstream.

I’m well over six foot but a couple of times I ended up knee deep in ooze. There was a brief moment of panic but I quickly supressed this as it wasn’t going to help. Gradually I got closer and closer to the safety of the path but that wasn’t the end of my problems. I’d since run out of water and it was mid-afternoon with the temperature in the high 20s.

Well obviously I didn’t die but I learnt some valuable lessons on that day. It took over a week for my boots to dry out and they lost their shine in the muddy bog. They also stank for months as a reminder. Now I never go anywhere without more than sufficient water, a map and more importantly looking at the landscape and exactly what is underfoot.

Despite them still being very comfortable, the soles have worn out of grip, the lace hooks have worn to a razor sharp edge and the rubber rand is coming away slightly, so it’s now time to retire them.

They will get a new lease of life as my dog walking, gardening and allotment boots and should serve me well for a few years to come.

What is it: Footwear - boots
USP: The khaki/green style sold me.
When did it come into its own: Every time I went walking!
Was it worth it, really: Encouraged me to get out!
Where did you get it?: Beddgelert
Rating: 8/10