www: Wet Weather Weight

This Bank Holiday's walk looks like being a cold and wet one.

So I have packed for the very worst conditions! Unusually for me, I have "double bagged" the precious stuff - a rucksack liner (albeit a bit old and strained) with the delicates in their own Exped bags. I just can't afford to get soaked on this walk as it's exposed and it looks like we'll be walking into sleet, rain and wind for most of it.

Who said this walking lark was fun then?

Coats: I like coats - have packed a synthetic-filled gilet, a thin windproof soft shell, my beautiful PHD Minimus down jacket and my new "Stealth" Paramo Velez Adventure. Between that lot I should be warm and dry enough. (Famous last words?)

Legs: Nice thick stretchy trousers, Berghaus Paclite overtrousers and also - a first for years for me, some proper Goretex gaiters. (I am not sure if there is going to be loads of snow on the tops)

Sleeping: My custom built PHD beautiful down bag (based on a 400 Minimus but with 450g of down), my lightweight bivi bag (just 200g) and my full length NeoAir matress.

Tent: Wanda. (Natch) But she does leak ever so slightly as I haven't fixed that leaky seam...! The bivi bag will sort that, Along with a J-cloth.

Boots: My Salomon Quest 4D-GTX. They should cope ok.

Poles: My beautiful Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles.

Food: I always take enough to feed an army, especially in the cold, but principally based on Real Turmat supplemented with cheese sandwiches and Granola bars, cuppa-soups, chocolate bars, more chocolate bars and custard for puds. And whisky: Yes. Of course.

Phew! All up weight? 30 lbs. Not too bad... All we have to do is just get there now and get out and do it... Ooo Err!