The September issue of TGO is out now. In my backpacking column I write about the joys and rewards of solo backpacking. I also review 16 two-person tents, report on the GoLite Jam, my current favourite pack, and describe an easy and lovely route up Sgurr a’Mhaim in the Mamores by way of an old fading stalker’s path that really deserves to be used. In the same issue Andy Stothert also looks at solo walking but from the point of view of a loss of confidence after illness. Other features include Cameron McNeish on a route linking Trotternish with the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, which sounds fabulous; an interview with Heather Morning, the new safety office for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, by Emily Rodway; Ian Battersby strolling round the Bob Graham Round in the Lake District; Judy Armstrong wandering round Elba and reviewing backpacking meals; John Manning on the new gear on show at last month’s Outdoor show in Friedrichshafen; Jim Perrin recounting Coleridge’s fell walking and how climbing mountains can help with personal crises and Eddy Meechan looking at fire lighting tools (I’m pleased to see he likes the Light My Fire FireSteel, which I’ve been using for several years now).
Photo Info: On a two-month solo hike on the Arizona Trail. Ricoh RDC-500 at 9.3mm, 1/125@ f13, JPEG tweaked in Lightroom 2.4.
Excellent piece in TGO Chris
ReplyDeletePity it didn;t get more space - you were just getting started
;-)
Thanks John. I have a 1200 word limit!
ReplyDeleteAnd there was me wondering why the piece petered out just as it started to work its way down the final page.
ReplyDeleteAnd a worthy subject.
Shall I petition Cameron for part two in the next edition?
;-)
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteI currently have a 2008 Jam2. How different is the new Jam compared to the Jam2? I mean are the extras worth upgrading. I really like the Jam2 as I am very fussy about packs, basically I cant do framed packs due to a slight curvature of the spine. Have been looking at the new Jam and umming and arring. The only letdown for me on the older Jam2 is the absence of hipbelt pockets which the new pack addresses. Just not sure if its worth splashing out for this
John, it never does me any harm to let Cameron know you like my stuff and would like more of it!
ReplyDeleteHi Dave,
ReplyDeleteThe big changes with the 2009 Jam are the hipbelt pockets and the mesh padded back. I like the latter as I don't get anything like as sweaty a back as with the Pinnacle. However it wouldn't be enough to make me replace a pack.
With hipbelt pockets you can buy detachable ones. Backpacking Light UK sell them - http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product291.asp
This is true Chris, I could always get detachable pockets as you say and somewhere in my gear room are a couple of MLD shoulder strap pockets. I really should get them out :)
ReplyDeleteDo you know if I could order a issue and have it sent to Finland? Haven't found it in the bookshops here, and this sounds like an issue that could be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHendrik - I have the electronic version of TGO delivered to the states. It's virtually unreadable even on a large screen, so try to get a paper based subscription.
ReplyDeleteHendrik, I guess you could order a copy from the TGO office, either paper or digital. The subs and back issues email address is tgo.subs@tgomagazine.co.uk.
ReplyDeletePhilip, that surprises me. It must be a software problem as I'm sent the digital copy every month and I can read it easily on my 17" screen.
ReplyDelete