Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Dowser on August 31, 2010

Title: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on August 31, 2010
So what is in my Ruck Sack.  I think I have finally got what I feel is my ideal kit set-up.  After two days of getting my gear dried after a very wet and windy over nighter on Binnian, on Saturday, I thought I would take a photograph of it all before packing it away.

I know it seems a bit nerdy but it kept me off the cigarettes for an hour or so.  Been off them a whole week now Whey Hey  :D

(http://i.imgur.com/33aov.jpg)

1.   Leki Walking Pole (389g) - £24.50
2.   1lt Army Issue Pattern 95 Water Bottle and Non Stick Titanium Crusader Cup (378g) - £15.95 & £17.95
3.   Knife (123g) £20
4.   15ft Para Cord (53g) - £3.50
5.   Binatone Action 950 Two-Way Radio (152g) - £45.00 per pair
6.   Recta Compass (32g) - £22.99
7.   Nokia N95 Mobile Phone (121g)
8.   Solar Charger for Nokia N95 (47g) - £6.00
9.   Nikon Real Tree Waterproof 10x25 Binoculars (287g) - £140.00
10.   Zippo Windproof Lighter (61g) - £14.99
11.   Karrimor Distress Whistle (11g) - £3.99
12.   Solitaire Maglite AAA Torch (25g) - £11.99
13.   Highlander Mosquito/Midge Head Net (21g) - £6.99
14.   Primus Omnifuel 0.6lt Fuel Bottle (625g) - £125.00 for complete stove.
15.   Energizer Head Torch Bright White and Red LED (77g) - £7.50
16.   First Aid and Basic Survival Kit (247g) - £11.95
17.   Tiso Gloves, British Army Issue Balaclava and Mesh Scarf (224g) - £25.00
18.   British Army Issue DPM Basha and 8 Aluminium Pegs (990g) - £40.00
19.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Bivvi Bag (800g) - £35.00
20.   Primus Litech Kettle (1lt Non-stick Pot and Frying Pan) and Omnifuel Stove (738g) - £21.00 excluding stove
21.   Micro-lite Mummy Sleeping Bag (853g) - £14.99
22.   Karrimor  ¾ Length Self-Inflating Sleep Mat (471g) - £35.00
23.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Gaitors (568g) - £34.95
24.   Collins SAS Survival Guide by John “Lofty” Wiseman (217g) - £5.99
25.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Waterproof Trousers (316g) - £35.00
26.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Waterproof Coat (745g) - £49.99
27.   Animal DPM Hat (118g) - £15.99
28.   35lt British Army Issue DPM Patrol Sack (1375g) - £35.95

Total Weight: 10,064 grams

All prices shown are the approximate retail price for new items (Not Pre-used).  If you shop around online you will definately be able to get most items a bit cheaper than shown above.  Most of the Army Issue items can be purchased in Used, Grade 1 condition at greatly reduced prices.

So now you know... What is in Dowser's Ruck  :o
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LandyLiam on August 31, 2010
there's something missing there, oh yes, you drank it all  ;D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: RedLeader on September 01, 2010
Looks like you've cut to the chase. Wish I could have got to my current kit list without buying so much crap - out of the gate the army stuff seems to have worked out well, it's nowhere near as heavy as I thought.

I did wonder what you needed a rectal compass for but then I realised I was misreading  ;D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
Looks like you've cut to the chase. Wish I could have got to my current kit list without buying so much crap - out of the gate the army stuff seems to have worked out well, it's nowhere near as heavy as I thought.

I did wonder what you needed a rectal compass for but then I realised I was misreading  ;D

It's for when your standing on Cove and the fog comes in and you realise you don't know your Arse from your Elbow when it comes to map reading.  :D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?

Jurys still out on the charger.  Worked well for the first couple of weeks and it was all I used to charge my phone but, this week it hasn't been as efficient.  Either I haven't give it enough time to charge or the interanal battery is duff.  I'll keep you posted.
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?

Jurys still out on the charger.  Worked well for the first couple of weeks and it was all I used to charge my phone but, this week it hasn't been as efficient.  Either I haven't give it enough time to charge or the interanal battery is duff.  I'll keep you posted.

Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done ;D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done ;D

Thanks Lenny... I have to say it's definately not as easy as I thought it was gonna be.  I'm really struggling but haven't give in.  :'(
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done ;D

Thanks Lenny... I have to say it's definately not as easy as I thought it was gonna be.  I'm really struggling but haven't give in.  :'(

Keep it going, if you need moral support give me a shout? "I have was of making you quit" (in a bad german accent lol) :D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: suspectmonkey on September 01, 2010
Thats really nerdy... but I like it :)

Good job staying off the smokes, actually I meant to ask at the weekend as I didnt spy you rolling up on Binnian!   
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Just noticed no Camera or food.
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: RedLeader on September 01, 2010
I'm just thinking that if you added rough prices to the gear list it would be helpful to those just starting out.
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
I'm just thinking that if you added rough prices to the gear list it would be helpful to those just starting out.

Will do.  I'll try and throw some figures up this evening  :P
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
Just noticed no Camera or food.

I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.  I'll be using the Nikon for the next few weeks, if I'm out, or my Nokia phone.  The Nokia actually has a great camera with all the usual options.

Food changes every time I go out... Sometimes it's Sirloin Steak with all the trimmings, other times it's Super Noodles and Kebab Meat.

Once I've developed the constitution of a Billy Goat I'll be able to survive on Wild Heather Soup and Nettles according to the SAS Handbook, therefore no need to carry food  ;D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 01, 2010
Just noticed no Camera or food.

I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.  I'll be using the Nikon for the next few weeks, if I'm out, or my Nokia phone.  The Nokia actually has a great camera with all the usual options.

Food changes every time I go out... Sometimes it's Sirloin Steak with all the trimmings, other times it's Super Noodles and Kebab Meat.

Once I've developed the constitution of a Billy Goat I'll be able to survive on Wild Heather Soup and Nettles according to the SAS Handbook, therefore no need to carry food  ;D


Nettles soup  :( would not be going near that
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: suspectmonkey on September 01, 2010
I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.

I've been looking into the same thing, as my 50D rarely makes it into the hills as its pretty bulky and quite heavy.  Been looking at a Panasonic LX3 for awhile now, and I think now is the time to buy as the LX5 is on the way and the price difference is fairly significant!  Best deal I've spotted is on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMCLX3-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B001D2NHE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283370920&sr=8-1).
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: RedLeader on September 01, 2010
You're just looking for an excuse to get a Nikon ;)

I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.

I've been looking into the same thing, as my 50D rarely makes it into the hills as its pretty bulky and quite heavy.  Been looking at a Panasonic LX3 for awhile now, and I think now is the time to buy as the LX5 is on the way and the price difference is fairly significant!  Best deal I've spotted is on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMCLX3-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B001D2NHE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283370920&sr=8-1).
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
I've been looking into the same thing, as my 50D rarely makes it into the hills as its pretty bulky and quite heavy.  Been looking at a Panasonic LX3 for awhile now, and I think now is the time to buy as the LX5 is on the way and the price difference is fairly significant!  Best deal I've spotted is on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMCLX3-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B001D2NHE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283370920&sr=8-1).

Think I'm gonna go for this Bad Boy:  Leica Digital D-lux 4 (http://www.wilkinson.co.uk/store/product.php?productid=18289&cat=342&page=1&gclid=CKTxtueE56MCFY1k4wod4VG7YA#)

Maybe not from Wilkinson's but I will shop around  8)
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 01, 2010
I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.

I've been looking into the same thing, as my 50D rarely makes it into the hills as its pretty bulky and quite heavy.  Been looking at a Panasonic LX3 for awhile now, and I think now is the time to buy as the LX5 is on the way and the price difference is fairly significant!  Best deal I've spotted is on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMCLX3-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B001D2NHE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283370920&sr=8-1).

Okay... The rethink has been done and I actually decided against the Lecia.  However, I did go for the Lumix 5. Got quite a good deal here:

http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=11394

And if you use the Promotional Code "BTS6OFF" you get another £6 off your order  :o

Turns out they were useless.  Do not go anywhere near Simply Electronics.  Hong Kong based pretenting to be UK based.  Was lucky to get my money back!
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: suspectmonkey on September 02, 2010
Okay... The rethink has been done and I actually decided against the Lecia.  However, I did go for the Lumix 5. Got quite a good deal here:

http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=11394

And if you use the Promotional Code "BTS6OFF" you get another £6 off your order  :o

I think you were wise not to go for the Lecia.  I know we discussed this a while back in a different thread, but essentially the compact digital Lecia's are just re-badged Panasonics with a premium price added for the iconic red Lecia symbol.  I love Lecia cameras as much as the next person, but I just can't justify the extra cost.

Great price you got on the LX5, thats a good deal.  I had seen them priced much higher, which is why I was looking at the LX3, but at that price there is so little in it that its worth getting the newer model.  Looking forward to seeing it :)
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 02, 2010
I think you were wise not to go for the Lecia.  I know we discussed this a while back in a different thread, but essentially the compact digital Lecia's are just re-badged Panasonics with a premium price added for the iconic red Lecia symbol.  I love Lecia cameras as much as the next person, but I just can't justify the extra cost.

Yeah... I had the exact same converstaion with J this morning on Messenger.  This review, from somebody who seems to know what they are talking about swung it for me:

"There is no difference between the LX3 and D-Lux4. There was a rumor about different lens coatings and some other nonsense, but the only differences were the warranty (length and coverage), packaging, perceived resale, and software. I have owned both, and still have the D-Lux4. Excellent P&S cameras, but the D-Lux4 is not a Leica in the traditional sense. It's a Pany. The only compact camera (digital) that is a true Leica is the X1.

Considering the price difference and feature set differences between the LX5 and LX3, I would probably get the latter. If the Red Dot is important, get the D-Lux4.

If it would be your only camera, it might be worth getting the LX5 (or waiting to see if a Leica rebadging appears)."


You would need to be insane to pay £200 for a red dot.  My 2 year old can draw me a red dot with a crayon and I'll stick it on with Prit Stic  ;D

From what I've read my Nikon SB-600 Speedlight will also fit snuggly on top of the LX5 and be fully funtional in manual mode, not TTL mode.
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: chris on September 02, 2010
Your missing the point though, It's £200 for a leica much more than a dot! ;D
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 03, 2010
Did you get the prices on you kit????

I was gonna do the same thing with mine just to see what mine would work out as.
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 03, 2010
Did you get the prices on you kit????

I was gonna do the same thing with mine just to see what mine would work out as.

I've been very busy with work this week... I will try and get something up this evening.  No promises though  ::)
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 03, 2010
Did you get the prices on you kit????

I was gonna do the same thing with mine just to see what mine would work out as.

I've been very busy with work this week... I will try and get something up this evening.  No promises though  ::)

ach come on man, no excuses (only messin). Not a problem
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 03, 2010
forgot to say, did you get a compact camera?
Title: Re: So whats in Dowser's Ruck?
Post by: Dowser on September 03, 2010
forgot to say, did you get a compact camera?

Yeah... I went for the Lumix LX5: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77963/show.html

Looks like a great piece of kit... If Royal Mail get their finger out it should be in my Ruck by tomorrow  ;D

I will try and get most of the prices up tonight for my gear.  I'm just gonna edit the original list in my first post, so keep an eye out there.