This was a short walk designed as a reconnaisance trip to help with a planned longer circuit of Eastern Galloway. The last minute post-lunch decision saw me hurriedly packing and steaming north to Galloway to gain high ground for a pitch, mindful of the cold easterly weather stream that may or may not extend this far west but could give clear air and dramatic skies for pictures. It was mixed in the end, some gloomy misty views but some very clear photos.
It was also the first field trial for the new Terra Nova Laser Competition tent, which I’ll summarise in due course in a separate post and in full on the main site.
9 Comments
Great report Geoff.What are your thoughts on the Laser competition compared to the Akto and did you find that the rain cover over the pole section added any value?
Sorry I jumped the gun on this one.Look forward to reading your full report on TNLC in near future.
Jeff,
Hello again. I’m just gathering my thoughts on the Lasercomp, but briefly: it’s very sensitive to the way it’s pegged out, and I hate that rain cover - I really do!.
Next time I take my Laser out, I’m not going to bother with the rain cover. I’m going to seal the seam. I’m probably not going to take it on my next trip as I want a bit more space and stability. However, I’ll take it out again in the summer when weight is more important. I need some practice pitching it as you might have seen from my blog!!!
Robin,
I’m considering sealing the seam and discarding the rain cover too, and attaching guylines directly to the loops that previously held the rain cover tie-cords. I’ve spoken to TN about this idea, and they correctly point out that those loops are not designed to withstand significant tension, so the guylines must not be too tightly stretched.
Just want to say thanks for the site, lots of useful info for people like myself who are looking to start wild camping. I’m looking forward to the review of the TN Laser Comp, I’m currently trying to talk myself out of sticking it on the Visa Card, but simultaneously desperate to get out into the hills for some wild camping. Keep up the good work!
vorlich,
Thanks very much for the kind feedback on the site.
The LaserComp review will follow the same pattern as the Akto review: first thoughts after a field trial, then adding more observations after more trips. I should have something uploaded by tomorrow night or Tuesday.
Hi Geoff - Looks like another great walk - the problem is, you are turning me into a lazy bugger! I really should be planning my own!
Off on Thursday for a three day walkabout in the Lakes with some Challengers for our annual PreWalkDaunder - a trial for the liver and legs…
Great pictures again Geoff: Cheers, Alan
Alan,
Great indeed, a wild area and hardly any people. I see you’re not getting out enough, you must remedy that - chop chop!.
Have a good hike in the Lakes.