Taking a RISK With NEW Outdoors Kit (West Highland Way Preparation)
I head out into the Mourne Mountains to hike 15miles and camp overnight to test new kit that I hope to use on the West Highland Way in a few weeks. Including the Durston X-Mid, Altra Olympus 5 & Instinct Alpi 40 Pack
SOME KIT:
Fire-Maple Petrel Stove Set: geni.us/7RhNWT
Lock Laces: geni.us/BqE3B
Exped Mat: geni.us/cBrxp
Altra Olympus 5: geni.us/NcYUS
Foil Matt: geni.us/mwCfP
Pure Clear Filter Flask: www.pureclearfilters.co.uk
Harrier Helvellyn Poles: geni.us/MXSpQ
Lomond Insulated Jacket: geni.us/ch9gZbF
Exmoor Waterproof Jacket:geni.us/9aAA2Fq
Instinct Alpi 40: www.instincttrail.com/product...
Durson X-Mid 1 Tent: durstongear.com
DJI Pocket 3: geni.us/BYNsi
DJI Action 4: geni.us/OQqWM
DJI Mini Pro 4: geni.us/53PD7H
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Facebook: / stephenjreidfilm
Next video - Stephen trekking through the Highlands with a bandolier of carrots across his chest. Glad I'm not the only one who packs whole carrots as snacks! As someone getting on in years I've come to rely on hiking poles I had no idea that kind of tent existed. I'm definitely going to check that out.
😂 I brought the carrot as a joke but actually it was a great snack, wish I’d brought more of them! Yeah there are loads of different hiking poles tents. The X-Mid is one of the most popular ones
I will be interested to see how you get on with those Olympus, had my eye on them. Good luck for your walk Stephen 👍🏻
So far I’m very impressed on trails. On more technical terrain I’m less trusting of them. Not as grippy as my vivos and thanks!
Look at Topo Athletic...I switched from Altra’s & never looked back. More comfortable & built much better. Very sure footed on techy scrambles too. (Just my humble opinion).
I did the same tried the Olympus but very comfy but soles came apart
Fantastic watch, thanks.
Thanks Richard
I bought the XMID1 a few months back - I love it, mega light and you can pitch it in about 3 minutes flat. It's surprisingly stable in wind as well. I bought the solid and mesh inners (it's an import so got them both to save to postage) Condensation has been minimum for me but i've pitched with a decent gap under the fly so far as it hasn't been cold enough. Enjoy the WHW
Good luck mate .I did it last April in blinding weather & had a great time.All the best Simon
good to try out new kit before you go , just make sure you have a tic remover with you we have canoed the great glens and two of our friends got ticks , just be aware and give yourself a good check each night.. good luck 💪🏻⛺️
Well prepared for ticks, treating all my clothes, got repellent and a tick card. We have them in Ireland too and midges, it’s like a training ground for Scotland 😂
Nice video! Thanks for all the effort that takes. Here's a tip for the X-Mid: You 'hang' these tents. Make the ridgeline parallel with the horizon. The lowest pole will be longer than the short side, and the lowest corner guy lines will be longer than the shorter ones. You'll find you can get a really great fly pitch that way. Of course if you have to hunker it down in storm mode, you gotta do what you gotta do, but this would generally solve floppy sides. Keep your pitch higher; to help with condensation there's a lot of leeway in the length of the poles as you can adjust how the inner hangs. For the candle. While it'll weigh more, UCO makes a little tea candle holder version that will help quite a bit to make sure you don't set anything on fire and will keep it lit in a breeze. Might be handy if you can stomach the extra few grams.
Interesting! I’ll experiment a bit with the tent before I go
I agree. I have used the X-Mid 2P for three years now. The first couple of pitches are tricky, but once you figure it out, it's a great tent.
Just done WHW in six days but I’m old and fat. Used a Xmid solid and ate real turmat meals so we have something in common. Good luck mate, don’t underestimate the stretch along Loch Lomond would be my advice.
What’s the trail like after Loch Lomond? Is it fairly straightforward underfoot? Any technical or boggy bits? A few people have warned me about Loch Lomond but haven’t heard anything after so assuming it’s good trail. That was my first time trying the real turmat. Was tasty.
You will mostly be on tracks that could take a quad bike or proper 4x4. Not always but mostly. I personally found the stretch from tyndrum to kings house the most challenging, but this was a mental thing. While the surroundings are beautiful I found the hike quite boring relatively. It’s a lot of gradual up with miles between distinguishing features in my experience. I know others find the remoteness here very special. Once you get to Kinghouse it’s Hollywood shots nearly all the way really. Looking forward to your record of it. I wish you good health and weather! But in short most of it north of Inverarnon is runnable
Thanks! One of my reasons for fastingpacking is to avoid getting bored on sections like that as if I run I’ll get through them 2x as fast.
Last October I returned to the GR20 in the Corsican mountains and used a Salomon XA35 running pack, Pajak down quilt that is comfort rated to 9C but actually works for me down to 3C with a Nemo Tensor Ins. ( old version ). When it got colder I used to layer up with a puffy jacket. My tent is a Lanshan 2Pro but I would use a Zpacks Pocket tarp the next time- obviously you don’t get midges as you do in Scotland. My only gear that is overpowered and too big in size is the Soto Windmaster and a Evernew 1L Pasta Pot, but I already had those and love them. Leki sticks, they last 4ever Platypus 2L water bag. Hope you’re having fun
Thanks Andreas! Yeah I wish midges didn’t exist! I’d use tarp setups a lot more often if they didn’t. Been going over all my kit again and figuring how to cut with without being uncomfortable
My feet have never been happier, since I started wearing Olympus 4s (sadly the 5s don't fit me properly). Did the WHW last September in them.... but in a much more leisurely 7 days (plus a "rest" day to summit Ben Lomond). Good luck with your 4/5 day journey
Thanks! Might go check out your videos to see what the route is like.
@@StephenJReid Hopefully the videos give you a decent idea of the terrain. It's all on good paths / tracks. There's a few short, sharp climbs, but nothing crazy
Good luck Stephen and enjoy!
Thanks David!
Casual munching on a carrot like nobody’s watching 😂😂 Great job
Going to carry carrots more often.🤣
@@StephenJReid they have a multiple of uses 😂😂 And if you see a rabbit with fangs this 👆🏻big you can always tease it
Stephen .. great video. Loved this. Totally agree with your weight loss strategy too… I am in the process of putting together some more “fast packing” stuff so this was very helpful. I also have the Olympus 5 - love them … although the clog up with mud pretty quickly …
Great job you put a lot into you videos and it shows.
Thanks Joe! Was going lightweight and still managed to use 4 cameras for this!
Great video. Love watching. ❤❤
Thanks Alan!
Thanks Stephen 👏 All the best in 🏴🤞🙏
Thank You!
Good Luck for the WHW looking forward to seeing the videos!
Thanks! 🙂
Thanks Stephen. I'll watch with interest 👀 Great channel 👍
Thank you! 🙂
Great video thanks Stephen!
Thanks!
Citronella tea-light candles; that's a good idea. I read somewhere that a mesh bag with crushed up garlic cloves hanging in the eaves of your tent work well against bugs too? Plus, it'll keep the vampires at bay!
and provide a midnight snack!🤣
Ah that’s my usual trail running route! The new path along the top to red big is class isn’t it! Glad to see you on the poles, when I run with mine people look at me like I’ve got 2 heads! Good luck with the west highland way!
Don't know why I haven't run there more, I think maybe I thought it wasn't very runnable because of the steep climb from the carpark, but depends on the route. Typical NI cynical distrust of anything new. I've been using poles on and off for the last few years and I've had a few curious questions from runners. The way I see it is that they let me go further, faster. I don't use them on every hike/run but very useful for long distance or when carrying weight.
Be interesting to see how you get on with those Olympus 5s. Good discounts on them atm but I have heard of durability issues with the soles. Probably would be worthwhile to bring trail gaiters with some sort of repellent treatment for the WHW. No ticks on the main trail but I came across hundreds of the tiny ones when wildcamping.
Thanks! Just ordered a set of the trail gaiters, I’d forgotten they had ones designed for their shoes.
😂😂😂loved the carrot bit. Loads of pubs/inns/cafes on WHW, you are going to love it !!! Agree with you on Down jackets and the NI/English climate, my children bought me a very expensive down jacket and tbh it’s really not up to my Pennine weather 😢
I’m going to carry carrots more often 😂 great for befriending horses and deer too. Yeah I went off down jackets for hiking and camping after I got a serious chill on a summit one night after the jacket got damp. They are great for casual use I think and places with drier cold. Good to hear there’s loads of places to eat as I’m only going to carry about 2 meals at a time.
I’d def take a sleeping bag liner or a fleece blanket a hot water bottle also can get cold at night even in may on the whw
Going to bring a few chemical handwarmers. They don’t weigh much and add 5-8hours heat to a sleeping bag
@@StephenJReid atb . You got this .
Hi Stephen, great video! I'm rocking the Olympus 5 mids for hiking around the Mournes - so far so good. I completed the WHW in 2019, I would say don't rush through it - there's a lot to take in. Enjoy!😊
Thanks Alec.
That was interesting. A nice location that I've not been to. Definitely worth a visit. Shame about the shortcomings of the rucksack.
Yeah the area around Kilbroney is amazing. Thankfully that Velcro didn’t really help that much so it’s no big loss but it makes me concerned about the rest of a pack.
Great tent once you get the hang of it.
Haven't found it too bad so far was worried because I'd heard some people found it difficult to pitch.
Can't wait for the big yin. Trekking pole tent might be perfect for pitching over the yard on my wee boat, might give it a go
Thanks David. A normal camping tarp might be a better option for a boat, although that's just a guess.
Nice part of the world ;) Great video as always
Thanks! 😁 You familiar with much of it? 😜
@@StephenJReid 🤣🤣🤣
Great video. Nice to see you’ve finally started using trekking poles. I find with comfort ratings that you need to add 5C
I’ve been using poles for a few years, just haven’t talked about it much and don’t use them on shorter/lighter trips. The comfort rating was bang on for this kit. What I find confusing is that the main named rating ie Exped Ultra 0c, isn’t actually the comfort rating.
@@StephenJReidyeah that is confusing
Just stumbled on your channel...you’ll love the WHW. I walked it in 3.5days so you’ll pi$$ it if you can run/fastpack. I’d suggest a higher pitch to allow more ventilation to reduce the amount of condensation...but I use an Xmid pro2 so have the luxury of easy drying as dcf doesn’t absorb water. I’ve mentioned it elsewhere but look at Topo shoes...I’ve literally just come back from doing the Coast To Coast & my MTN Racer3’s beat anything I’ve worn before hands down. Have a blast in the Highlands...!
Good tips! I mean to experiment a bit more with the x-mid, heading out again a night this week.
Great video and fun to watch as always. Hope you sort the problems out on the backpack I will now admit, I still regret not getting the Harrier Men's Exmoor Waterproof Jacket from the Outdoor Expo from the NEC. I now don't have the money, due to car problems and will have to wait a very long time. It's on my wish list with many items
Thanks Bruce! 🙂 yeah I’m going to email them with photos and maybe send them this video. It’s been a great pack otherwise. The Exmoor is a very versatile jacket I’m finding. Also use it on the bike. I’d like a forest green version though
@@StephenJReid Great stuff. Good luck and have fun on the Highland Way. Looks an amazing adventure for everyone. I remember trying on the Exmoor and it felt like a great jacket. Just a shame I didn't purchase it at the time. Although, I will try and save up for it now my car is repaired (My clutch broke and now so is my bank balance after getting it repaired... 😂) May try looking at ex-demo or second hand if I'm lucky.
For info I bought that fire maple pot it works extremely well with the soto wind master (three prong support) however due to the angle of the supports on the pocket rocket 2 and the Msr stash stoves the pot won’t fit on them.
Nice vlog and review. WHW...Some people say that the first walking day is pretty boring so you could start further along if your schedule is tight? I have walked it, starting from Bridge of Orchy railway station. Its a great trip!
thanks! My Plan is to start really early on day one and put in a really long day, 5am - 10pm, 15hours. My goal is to cover 30mi+ on day one with plenty of stops,, but I'll see how it goes. If I manage it, it'll mean I can do shorter days for the other 3 days and enjoy the locations better.
@@StephenJReid Yep! That's a plan! All the best on your trip.
Another awesome video and location Stephen. From what I've seen of others doing the West Highland Way, you will most definitely wipe it out in 4 days easily but the weather could be the deciding factor
Thanks Mark! I hope so but the filming part will slow me down a lot if I’m not careful. I can be as slow as 1.5mph when making a video at the same time 🙈
Yea I forgot to factor in the filming side lol and you are a bit of a perfectionist 🤣
Haha yeah, I dont want to make just another Action Camera West Highland Way video. Will be using a combo of 4 small cameras.
@@StephenJReid nice Stephen, looking forward to it
The WHW is the best -pub crawl- walk in Scotland. Used to recommend the station cafe in Crianlarich as a place for lunch to folk, but I think it closed up last year which is a shame.
😂 definitely going to be relying on buying food along the way. I’ve heard there’s tons of options.
It’s been a few years since I was in Kilbroney , used to be up round kodak corner quite a bit in my Mountain Bike days . Can’t believe someone tried to cut down those trees . 😡. Would love to do the west highland way but don’t think I could hack the distance 😂
I reckon you could do it. Most take around 7days to do it. Which is about 14miles per day and only about 400m climbing per day
@@StephenJReid Maybe next year 👌If the wife allows me lol
didnt know about the mourne was so thanks for tipping me off about it. looks worth doing some free weekend. all the reviews say its very badly signposted, i assume you knew the route from previous trips?
I was only on a small part of it. It runs from Newcastle to Rostrevor. I use the HiiKER mapping app and a physical map to keep me right. I think a few parts are badly signposted. The bit I was on was easy
Great entertaining video Stephen, WHW very popular for KZheadrs in 2024. Sure you could do it in 4 days but you might enjoy the hike more if done over 5. Northern Ireland looks lovely❤
I think everyone has spend the last year talking about how they want to do more than just single night camps and the WHW has been the obvious choice. I have a few ideas to make my videos different. Going to see how I get on day 1 and then decide to length to 5days if needs be. Going to basically start at sunrise day1 and move until near sunset with plenty of breaks and food in between
You should try citronella incense stick I used them last summer worked really well
I’ve tried those but they are a bit intense for inside a tent. I’ve used them when forest camping in the past
Crackin video Stephen really enjoyed it even though im more of a back packer just wondered hows the sizing on the insulated jacket is? it looked pretty roomy All the best mate .😎👍
I’m in between sizes so I went a size up on the jacket so I can wear it over other layers. It also makes it more comfortable if I need to sleep in it.
Thanks for the great vid Stephen! BTW that pack looks mint! Would you recommend this pack for people who are not speed hikers of extreme outdoor sportsmen? I am asking this because I'm more of a normal pace hiker but am always on the lookout for interesting gear like this pack. I would love to own one of these, seems super comfortable, nimble and a perfect capacity. Cheers!
Yeah it would work for anyone although I wouldn’t want to carry more than about 10kg in it. Also it is very expensive, might be better options for you. It just perfectly suits my needs
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting the 🥕and I may have giggled a little more than was appropriate
It was a refreshingly tasty hiking snack
I’m packed for the WHW and can’t get my pack below 15kg so I’d love to know what yours will weigh fully loaded with toilet stuff, first aid, water, etc.
This was 9.2kg including first aid, toilet kit and the poles. Also about 1.5kg of that is just cameras and accessories. I’ll only carry 600ml of water at a time but I have the water filter. I reckon for the real thing I’ll still be under 10kg. Maybe 10.5 including water. A few more places I think I can drop a bit of weight.
Excellent vid. "The more weight you carry, the more you'll enjoy your camping, the less you carry, the more you'll enjoy your walking. I don't understand "fastpacking" thr WHW You will miss out on the point of the 97 mile walk. The social interaction with other walkers from all over the world. The appreciation of the walk itself. Just sayin'
I’m searching for the sweet spot. I saw some guys ran it in 30hours pretty much non-stop. That seems mad. 4days seems leisurely by comparison. I’ll mostly be walking, but I’ll run when I feel like it with long days and lots of stops planned. But open to it becoming 5days. I think “the point” of any long distance trail varies from person to person, some just want the speed bragging rights, others to fully explore and take their time.
@StephenJReid I've done it 3 times. 2017/18/19 only stopped coz of covid nonsense. I didn't want to rush it, I wanted to experience it. Each to their own. Enjoy.
@@waxman4207 what do you think the best section is? Or which part did you look most forward to when you walked it again?
@StephenJReid it's all great. The hardest part is the walk along the shores of Loch Lomond. Conic Hill is not so bad. The devils staircase is not too bad. It's the ones they don't tell you about (because they can't breathe) like climbing out of Kinlochleven. It's the walk of a lifetime, don't rush it. Whatever, enjoy.
I ran the Ring of Steall sky race back in 2022, views were incredible. Really looking forward to being in that area again.
Beware.. the wee beastie midge is already out !!. Hope their not too voracious. 🙏. 👍🏼👍🏼
They've been out here too since last month, seem to be early this year. One advantage of doing big miles each day is I'll not be hanging around not moving too much.
Hi pal. Interesting video! Ive done WHW & Great Glen Way last year with X-mid and Olympus 4 but ended up with some really bad blisters, some people Ive met also complained so changed to Timp 4 + Superfeet insoles and worked awesome on my last 170km+ Rob Roy Way. I bought that Fire-Maple Petrel Stove that you use with Soto Windmaster + 3 fold, best combo ever. No worder its getting so popular, works amazing! Btw. im Interested in fast packing also, have you ever tried Ultimate Direct 30-40L fast pack or Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L by any chance? They look pretty good and more affordable so just wondering. And thats Exped mat was it comfy? I looked at 5R warmer one and people say they are more comfy then thermarest ones? I have Rapide SL myself and like it alot but its 700gram so quite heavy. Good luck on the trail!
So far no issues with the shoes but I've found different people often have different experiences with footwear. Just came across that stove last week, it's great, like a mini (much cheaper) version of the jetboil stash. Exped mat was mostly comfy although I was lying at an angle so wasn't ideal. Heading out with it again this week for test 2. I plan on getting on of their rectangular ones for next winter, I'm done with mummy shaped mats in winter, I want maximum comfort!🤣 I haven't tried those fast packs, only other I've tried was OMM Phantom 25 which I didn't really like, never found it ver comfortable.
Hey, are you using your DJI Mic 2 via bluetooth or still via receiver? Thanks for the content ;)
connected to the Pocket 3 directly for this.
Did you see what happened to Paul M's Barefoot boots? I was just about to pull the trigger
I did but to be fair that was his own fault for not tucking the laces in properly and tripping over his own feet 😂 something had to give and laces are stronger in a tearing competition than leather.
First thoughts were who did you rob ?!
Didn’t ask their name 😂
Top Tip - Wash the clothes you are taking in Plemetherine. Help keep the midges at bay but there are millions of em; all waiting to gorge themselves on human blood🤣 Top Tip - Don't forget to put your "warmers" kit into waterproof bags for your trip. Top tip - Have a look at the kit the hikers take on the Appalachian Trail for ideas on what kit to take and what to leave behind. 🤔 Understanding that you are not without some experience but this is your first real multiday long-distance hike. Having walked a 250-mile section of the AT myself😍
I could cut nearly 2kg instantly if I just left the camera kit at home 🤣 Just ordered some permethrin spray for my clothes. Got covered in ticks last year in Scotland too! And good tips! I'm being quite ruthless
@@StephenJReid Enjoy your "yomp." It will provide you with a huge sense of achievement at the end. If you get the taste, suggest walking along the Hadrians Wall LDP.
which bone conduction earphones do you use?
it varies, I have Shokz OpenRun Pro, also like the Oladance OWS Sports (open ear not boneconducting) but I'm being sent a pair to try from Suunto.
Out of interest, did you get asked to feature this tent? Another channel I watch just used it for the first time and I’m interested to know if it’s just fashion/new release coincidence or is it a pr push? Looks like a nice summer tent to me but not one I’d be interested in really. I love my Fjallraven too much
Nope, bought it with my own money. I've had zero contact with the brand. I did a lot of research and it came out on top of the various options of hiking pole tents. It's extremely popular in the US but it's just starting to become more popular in the UK recently.
@@StephenJReid it’s funny how these things sync up, timing wise! It was wildbeare i think.she always loves the hiking pole tents so i kinda assumed it wasn’t a brand request, doesn’t bother me either way just interested is all 👌 i want to do the west highland way can’t wait to see your experience
New kit is always "fun"... 😂 I swear I asked this before, but I don't remember. What were the earbuds you use?
I use a few different ones. These are the Oladance OWS sport. Although I might have different ones for the actual trip as a brand is sponsoring me. I prefer ones that don’t go into my ears
@@StephenJReid I do remember that conversation :-) we were both talking about bone conducting buds. Thanks!
Doubt you'll need to carry 2lit of water on the WHW.... it's Scotland there's water everywhere... mainly falling on you from the sky!
Only plan to carry 500ml and a filter
@@StephenJReid good plan!
Given the price of this pack I would be complaining.
Yeah I am, I’ve sent them photographs. Unacceptable at that price. It’s crazy expensive but it’s the bag that best suited my list of requirements