Outdoor & Nature Books 2021

 

Every year sees a wealth of outdoor and nature books published and 2021 was no exception.  Here are brief descriptions of the ones I enjoyed most, in no particular order, along with one from a previous yeart I hadn't got round to finishing last year. Where I've reviewed the book online I've given a link.

As every year I also dipped into old favourites from authors like Edward Abbey, Colin Fletcher, John Muir, Nan Shepherd, and Hamish Brown. New books don't replace old ones! I've mentioned a couple of others here then finished with a short list of books I'm reading now or will be reading soon.

The Earth Beneath My Feet by Andrew Terrill (Enchanted Rock Press, 2021)

I liked this so much I reviewed it twice! Here and here. It's a superb hiking story about the author's walk up the length of Italy and through the Alps. Expansive, personal, and positive this is a life-affirming book. And it's only part one, with the second volume, On Sacred Ground, covering the continuing journey to the northern tip of Norway due out this year. I'm really looking forward to it.

The Farthest Shore: Seeking solitude and nature on the Cape Wrath Trail in winter by Alex Roddie (Vertebrate, 2021)

Another excellent tale of a long walk, this time a tough winter one in the Scottish Highlands. The author set out to escape the online digital world and immerse himself in the natural one. What he discovers is illuminating and thought-provoking. My review for The Great Outdoors magazine should appear soon.

Wild Winter: In search of nature in Scotland's mountain landscape by John D. Burns (Vertebrate 2021)

In my review of this book I wrote "the mix of adventure, wildlife, comic incidents, intriguing characters, and thoughts about the future of the land make this an entertaining and thought-provoking book". 

The 1033 High Hills of Britain by Alan Dawon (Pedantic Press, 2021)

An idiosyncratic book about hill bagging with an unusual list of summits this successor to The Relative Hills of Britain is entertaining and informative. Contains some wonderful mountains stories and interesting arguments. I must get round to writing a review.

Peaks And Bandits by Alf Bonnevie Bryn (Vertebrate, 2021)

First published in Norway in 1943 this is the story of two students and their 'discovery' of Corsica in 1909. They have plenty of amusing and hair-raising adventures, not all mountaineering ones. A light humorous read. I reviewed it here. 

The Trail by Ethan Gallogly (Sierra Nevada Press, 2021)

This is a novel based on a hike along the John Muir Trail in California, telling the story of two hikers whose relationship develops as their walk progresses.  The author knows the trail and the area really well and imparts a great deal of information in an entertaining and easy-to-read way. I'll post a full review soon.

The Vanishing Ice: Diaries of a Scottish snow hunter by Iain Cameron (Vertebrate, 2021)

A fascinating and intriguing book about the author's passion for the remnants of snow that last through the Scottish summer. Adventure stories, scientific research, history. There's a lot to snow patches! I reviewed it for the December 2021 issue of The Great Outdoors. I'll post the review online soon.

The Munros by Rab Anderson & Tom Prentice (Scottish Mountaineering Press, 2021)

The fourth edition of the Scottish Mountaineering Club's guide to the Munros this is by far the best yet with much more information, more photographs, and larger maps. The subsidiary Tops are included for the first time too. I reviewed it here.

The Peatlands Of Britain And Ireland: A Traveller's Guide by Clifton Bain (Sandstone Press, 2021)

The third in a trilogy by Clifton Bain, the others being The Ancient Pinewoods of Scotland and The Rainforests of Britain and Ireland, this is a lovely book for browsing and inspiration. It's packed with information on peatlands and their importance along with information for visiting key ones plus some wonderful photographs.

Wanderlust Alps: Hiking Aacross the Alps by Alex Roddie (Gestalten, 2021)

A companion to 2020's Wanderlust Europe this is another book for browsing and inspiration. It's packed with details of hiking routes in the Alps and mounth-watering photographs. I reviewed it here. 

Of Stone And Sky by Merryn Glover (Polygon, 2021)

A family saga set in the Cairngorms this novel is powerful and absorbing as the complex tale evolves with a profound mystery at its heart. I haven't finished reading it yet so it may well appear in next year's round-up too.

Regeneration: The Rescue of a Wild Land by Andrew Painting (Birlinn, 2021)

The story of the vast Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms since it's takeover by the National Trust for Scotland in 1995 this book reveals the hard work, compromises, and scientific study needed to restore nature and the landscape. 

Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and its Birds by Benedict Macdonals (Pelagic Publishing, 2019)

I included this in last year's review though I hadn't finished reading it. Now I have I think this informative and provocative book is worth a second mention. The uplifting optimism at the end is very much needed.

Walks And Climbs In The Pyrenees by Kev Reynolds (Cicerone Press, 1978) 

Author and guide Kev Reynolds sadly died towards the end of last year. I have many of his books. I've chosen this one as it was the first I bought and the one I used in the hills most, taking it on several trips to the Pyrenees. We've lost a great outdoor writer.

The Cairngorms by Adam Watson (Scottish Mountaineering Trust, 1975)

Another sad loss was Adam Watson in 2019. The expert on the Cairngorms in all aspects his Scottish Mountaineering Club District Guide Book is packed with information on geology, weather, natural history, as well as walks and climbs. 

 

Finally here's a list of books I've either started reading or will be doing so soon. (I read too many books at once!).

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews (Reaktion Books, 2020)

Restoring The Wild: Sixty Years Of Rewilding Our Skies, Woods and Waterways by Roy Dennis (Collins, 2021)

The Black Ridge: Amongst the Cuillin of Skye by Simon Ingram (Collins, 2021)

Chasing The Deer: The Red Deer Through The Seasons by Neil McIntyre (Sandstone Press, 2021)

The Fox of Glencoe by Hamish Macinnes (Scottish Mountaineering Press, 2021)

Thoughts on choosing backpacking gear & why I haven't been for a hill walk yet this year

A picture from 2020 - I hope we all have views and days like this in 2022

My first post of the year usually describes either the last walk of the previous year or the first of the new one. I feel this starts the year off in the right way. This year that'll have to wait though as I currently have a hole in my hand from an operation for Dupotryans Syndrome just before Christmas. The hand is bandaged and holding a trekking pole or ice axe would be awkward and painful, and also not a good idea as I want the wound to heal, which means doing as little as possible. Maybe next week I'll be able to do more than short local unburdened walks. 

In the meantime here's the last of the four pieces I wrote for The Great Outdoors last year in conjunction with Hilleberg. This one is an introduction to selecting backpacking gear for both comfortable walking and camping. 

To enjoy backpacking you need to be as comfortable as possible both when walking and when camping. This means compromises are necessary when selecting your gear. With a minimum of ultralight gear you may be very comfortable on the trail but not so happy in camp. Take heavy gear for camp and walking may be painful due to the weight of your pack. The former may be acceptable if you’re going for fast times and high mileage, the latter if you’re only a walking a short distance to a camp where you’ll stay a few days, but for most backpacking a middle way is best so you can be reasonably comfortable all the time. It’s all too easy to suffer unnecessarily.

Whilst cutting any unnecessary weight is always a good idea it’s the big items – pack, shelter, sleep system, cooking gear – that make up most of the weight. If there’s a choice between two items that perform the same I’d always go for the lighter one.

Solo hikers have the most difficulty in compromising between weight and comfort as you can’t share items. Duos and groups can split tents (poles, pegs, inner, outer) and cooking gear (stove, pots, fuel) between them.

Pack

The pack needs to be big enough to easily hold all your gear and comfortable with the weight you’ll be carrying. Ultralight packs are great with ultralight loads but usually unsupportive with heavier ones. I’d always go for comfort when choosing a pack. Cutting some weight doesn’t make up for sore shoulders, hips or backs. 

Shelter

The key with your shelter is that it should be capable of standing up to the expected weather conditions. Knowing the limits of your shelter is important, especially for mountain camping in winter. Then there’s space. Can you sit up, stretch out, store all your gear, cook in the porch in bad weather? For short trips a tent without much room may be tolerable to keep the weight down. For long trips I’d rather have more space and a little more weight.

Sleep System

A warm night’s sleep is essential for enjoying a trip. Shivering through a long night (and they always are long when you’re cold) is miserable. And hiking the next day when tired is dispiriting and could be hazardous if you find it hard to concentrate. For a good night’s rest your sleeping bag and sleeping mat both need to be warm enough for the lowest likely temperatures. For comfort a thick inflatable mat is a good idea, though this isn’t necessary for warmth. 

Cooking

This is perhaps more personal than the other choices as it all depends on what you like to eat. If you’re happy eating quick-cook one pot dried meals a tiny stove and a small pot are all that’s required. If that thought makes you shudder and you’re prepared to carry the extra weight of fresh food and do more complex cooking then larger pots, maybe even a frying pan, will be worth the weight.

Clothing & Other Items

Clothing is an area where it’s easy to take more than you need. Other than socks and underwear duplicate items aren’t needed. Garments should all fit over each other so if it’s exceptionally cold you can wear them all.  

Other items can be divided into the essential – e.g. map, compass, head torch, first aid kit – and the optional – e.g. camera, books. The latter may be regarded as essential by many (including me) even though they’re not needed for hiking or camping. But remember the aim is enjoyment so a few luxury items are a good idea.

My Photography In 2021: A Favourite From Each Month

January: The Cromdale Hills from Tom Mor, a little hill close to home

Like last year, for 2021 I'm choosing one favourite image from every month. Also like 2020 I never left the Scottish Highlands once and didn't undertake any long walks - four days was the longest. Many of my photos were again taken not far from home. Maybe 2022 will be different. All these photos hold memories for me. I hope you like them.

February: Clouds over the Cairngorms

March: Birches, Craigellachie, above Aviemore

April: Cairgorm Weather Station

May: Dotterel

June: Corrag Buidhe & Sgurr Fiona, An Teallach

July: Beinn an Eoin & Baosbheinn

August: Clouds over Strathspey

September: Sgurr nan Clach Geala, Fannaichs

October: Glen Feshie, Cairngorms

November: after sunset, Cairn Gorm

December: Creag Meagaidh from the Moine Mhor, Cairngorms

Favourite New Outdoor Gear of 2021

Sea to Summit Ultralight mat, Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Plus inner tent, & Jetboil Stash stove, plus some old favourites - Alpkit Woodsmoke shirt & Tilley Hiker Hat

Here are my favourite new items of gear for 2021 after another year testing gear for The Great Outdoors. As in previous years they don't necessarily replace old favourites and they're in no particular order. More detailed reviews of some of the items can be found the TGO website.My online reviews were suspended for a year due to the pandemic but returned last March. I've given links to these reviews. For other items the link is to the company page.

Black Diamond Highline Stretch Shell

This is a functional, lightweight (375g) waterproof jacket with a superb long-lasting DWR treatment. The fabric is soft, comfortable and breathable. There are pit zips and roomy pockets.  The DWR is what makes this jacket stand out.

 

 

 

 

Osprey Talon Pro

Stable, comfortable, lightweight (1.12kg) and with water-resistant zips and plenty of pockets the 30-litre Talon Pro became my most-used day pack of the year. The material is tough too and it looks like it will last well.

Merrell Moab Speed Trail Shoes 

I wore these shoes for just about every hill walk and backpacking trip from spring to autumn. They went all over the Cairngorms plus along An Teallach  and up many other NW Highland summits. They fit me perfectly and are very comfortable. The grip is good and they've proved very durable with much life left in them. At 624 grams for my size 9s they're lightweight too. 

BAM Graphic T-Shirt

Available in various designs this colourful T-shirt is made from bamboo viscose and organic cotton and is superbly comfortable in hot weather.  It doesn't smell after several days of sweaty walking either. 

Hilleberg Anaris 

Pitching with trekking poles this transverse ridge tent is very light for the space - just 1.4kg. It's designed for two but light enough for one. Stability is good, as is ventilation, and there are two big porches. 

 

 

 

NEMO Riff 30 

Moving away from the standard mummy shape this down sleeping bag is hourglass shaped with more room at the elbows and knees. There are two long front zips with uninsulated fabric behind them for ventilation too. I loved the freedom of movement and found this bag very comfortable.

Motorola Defy Rugged Smartphone

 

I love smartphones that don't need cases or special care. The Defy is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and functional. It's tough and does everything I need. It has a massive 5000 mAh battery that lasts for hours. It's low cost too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Alex Roddie

Columbia OutDry Extreme NanoLite Shell Jacket

 

The NanoLite is an ultralight waterproof jacket, weighing just 225g. It's ideal for summer and for long-distance walks. It's unique feature is having the waterproof layer on the outside, which means no DWR is needed. It works fine and has proved durable so far.

 

 

 Faff Coffee Bags

Coffee bags are the simplest way to have decent coffee in the hills.Most are fairly small however. Faff coffee bags are much larger than others and make a decent size mug.. The coffee is tasty too.

 

 

 

Montane Prism Jacket

 

Filled with recycled Primaloft this lightweight (440g) insulated jacket is comfortable and functional with a much better hood than found on many similar jackets.

Atom Packs The Mo EP50

 

Made in the Lake District this ultralight (925g) this 55+ litre pack is designed for long-distance hiking. It's made of tough materials and has excellent pockets. It carried comfortably and is stable.

Julbo Shield Reactiv Performance 2-4 lens

 

With lenses that turn darker or lighter to match the brightness these glasses are good when you go from sunshine to shade and back again. They have removable side shields and comfortble curved arms. I've found them excellent on snowy winter days and sunny summer ones.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Mat

 

Sea to Summit's unusual dot-weld patterm of interconnected chambers makes its sleeping mats very comfortable. The Ultralight is the lightest of these mats at 392g. It's great in warm weather and with a closed cell foam pad under it when it's cold.

Jetboil Stash Stove System

 

I've always liked Jetboil stoves for the fuel efficiency due to the heat exchanger on the pot and also for  the ease of use. I didn't like the weights though. At 200 grams the Stash changes that. It's ideal for one and just big enough for two. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL20

 

The Sidewinder is another sleeping bag designed for those of us who don't sleep on our backs. It moves with you when you shift from side to side. I find it very comfortable. I like the centre zip too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spektrum Ostra Optical White Goggles 

 

In flat light and white-outs goggles with orange or yellow lenses give better contrast and clarity than ones with dark lenses. They also protect the eyes from spindrift and driving snow. I always carry a pair in winter. These Swedish ones are superb. Very comfortable to wear and with good ventilation.

Rohan Ventus Jacket

The Ventus is a midweight (515g) waterproof jacket suitable for year-round use. It has an excellent hood and roomy pockets and zips and drawcords that can easily be used when wearing gloves. The fabric is soft and comfortable. In a blizzard it's excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Plus

With two porches, a spacious inner and good headroom due to the unique upward curving ridge pole this is a great tent for solo or duo use. It only weights 1.4kg too.