Welcome to my blog. I'm a writer and photographer with a passion for wilderness and mountains. Use the links above to find out more about me and my books and walks. Click on a blog heading to see any comments or to add your own. -Chris Townsend
The latest issue of TGO is just out. My backpacking column is about the pleasures of camping on summits with stories of snow camping on Ben Nevis, mist on Beinn Eighe and other high nights out. In the gear section I review one of my favourite categories of clothing – windshirts. I’ve probably worn a windshirt more than any other type of shirt or jacket and I’ve carried one on every long walk. Some people regard a windshirt as an optional extra. I regard one as indispensable. Elsewhere there’s a feature on photographer Joe Cornish and his new book on Scottish mountains, the story of Leo Houlding’s expedition to Mount Asgard, walking in Northumberland and the Black Coombe area of the Lake District. Other gear features are a review of women’s boots by Judy Armstrong and a trip report by John Manning with some interesting gear.
Photo: Dawn over the Western Highlands from the summit of Stob a’Grianain. Canon 350D, 18-55@55mm, 1/13@f5.6, ISO 200, tripod, raw file converted to JPEG in Lightroom 2.5
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Friday, 6 November 2009
New TGO - Summit Camps & Windshirts
The latest issue of TGO is just out. My backpacking column is about the pleasures of camping on summits with stories of snow camping on Ben Nevis, mist on Beinn Eighe and other high nights out. In the gear section I review one of my favourite categories of clothing – windshirts. I’ve probably worn a windshirt more than any other type of shirt or jacket and I’ve carried one on every long walk. Some people regard a windshirt as an optional extra. I regard one as indispensable. Elsewhere there’s a feature on photographer Joe Cornish and his new book on Scottish mountains, the story of Leo Houlding’s expedition to Mount Asgard, walking in Northumberland and the Black Coombe area of the Lake District. Other gear features are a review of women’s boots by Judy Armstrong and a trip report by John Manning with some interesting gear.
Photo: Dawn over the Western Highlands from the summit of Stob a’Grianain. Canon 350D, 18-55@55mm, 1/13@f5.6, ISO 200, tripod, raw file converted to JPEG in Lightroom 2.5
Labels: outdoor gear, TGO, wild camping, writing
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Totally agree Chris. I think everyone who ventures out into the hills should have a windshirt. My Lite-Speed has been with me on virtually every single venture outside my door since I bought it about two years ago. I even use it for commuting. Nothing offers as much versatility or protection for the little money and weight penalty that a windshirt will cost you.
yet another nice photo Chris.
I like windshirts as well. in the summer I tend to wear my baselayer Paramo Cambia top and take a Montane litespeed in the rucksack for stops.
I like windshirts as well. in the summer I tend to wear my baselayer Paramo Cambia top and take a Montane litespeed in the rucksack for stops.
The Lite-speed has been my most used windshirt in recent years. I must admit I prefer the original version to the current one.
Tony, yes I camped there. It's described in the TGO column.
Tony, yes I camped there. It's described in the TGO column.
Like most of us I suppose, I'd struggled with the 'which layers and how many' conundrum for years. Too hot when on the move, suddenly cold at rest stops, base layer and lightweight fleece not quite enough, hill jacket sweltering.
I'd read about the Montane Featherlite a few times and eventually decided to get one; convinced in my own mind that something of that weight would never be as effective as the reviews were suggesting but I'd give it a try anyway. I have found the wind protection to weight ratio almost defies logic but there's probably some science stuff going on in there somewhere and it certainly works.
I've since added a Litespeed, which has sort of relegated the Featherlite a little but it still gets the odd outing.
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I'd read about the Montane Featherlite a few times and eventually decided to get one; convinced in my own mind that something of that weight would never be as effective as the reviews were suggesting but I'd give it a try anyway. I have found the wind protection to weight ratio almost defies logic but there's probably some science stuff going on in there somewhere and it certainly works.
I've since added a Litespeed, which has sort of relegated the Featherlite a little but it still gets the odd outing.
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: 9 November 2009 12:58
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