Planning and preparation
Planning the route on the map was easy. This was only a short and relatively simple trip. But the potential complexities of the weather and conditions meant that planning gear required some thought.
The weather forecast was for calm, dry weather with some sunshine. As this was a spring trip, that probably meant sub-zero temperatures at night, so a warm sleeping system was advisable.
As there was still some snow on the hills and the ground would be wet from snowmelt, I might have needed ice axe and crampons, and boots would probably be more comfortable than shoes. Playing safe, I went for similar gear to what I would have taken in midwinter, other than lighter boots and, given the forecast, a lighter tent.
As always some of the items were wellproven, some were first-time test gear, and some were long-term test gear. This meant the pack was a little heavier than it could have been, but at 14kg with three days’ food it was still quite manageable. I was only going to carry the full load for a few hours to camp anyway, leaving the camping gear behind for the day on the hill.
Would I have changed anything? I’d have taken a lighter pack if I hadn’t needed to test this one. I should have taken waterproof socks so I could wear them in wet boots round camp. I didn’t need the ice axe or crampons, but I almost did, and I wouldn’t leave them behind with snow on the hills. I didn’t need my warm hat or several pairs of gloves either, but again at this time of year I wouldn’t go without them. My waterproofs never came out of the pack but of course I’d never leave them behind.
“I breakfasted from my sleeping bag, delighted to be here.”