About

Why Backpackingbongos?

Well the aim of this blog is to write about my backpacking trips.  So what is backpacking?

Usually it involves filling a rucksack with tent, sleeping bag, stove and food and heading into the hills for a few days.  Nights are spent wild camping or in bothies if they are available.

Wild camping in Snowdonia

snowdonia-sept-07-0141

To me it can also mean filling your rucksack with a few clothes and a passport and heading overseas for a few months / years.  Just as much fun and the weather is usually a bit better!

Dodgy boat across the Mekong in Laos

laos-079

And the Bongo bit?  Well last year we bought ourselves a Mazda Bongo campervan.  Strange name but a cool vehicle.  If I am heading for the hills and fancy a bit of luxury camping I will take the van, great for those long winter nights when a small backpacking tent is not always inviting!  I am now always on the lookout for potential sites that would make good wild camp spots for the van – remote picnic sites, mountain passes and the end of the road!

The bongo on a campsite in the Rhinogs – Snowdonia

rhinogs-easter-08-018

84 Responses to “About”

    
  1. Paul
    August 4, 2009 at 9:53 am

    Enjoyed very much browsing around your site; some great trip reports and photos.
    I also wondered if you could offer some advice?
    I have been thinking about a campervan for a while, mainly for the winter months. Your Bongo seems nice and tidy and looks like it would suit my needs. Is the Mazda something you would recommend and do you have any advice regards where to buy and what sort of prices I should be paying. Thanks Paul.

    Reply
  2. backpackingbongos
    August 4, 2009 at 5:11 pm

    Hi Paul, Cheers for your comment.

    I would highly recommend the Bongo if you are thinking about getting a campervan. We looked at all sorts such as VW’s before finally settling on the Bongo. What made us choose it? Firstly it would be our only vehicle and we live in the city, so we wanted something compact and easy to park. I had never driven a van before and the bongo is very easy to drive, as easy if not easier than a car as it is automatic. I also wanted something that had power to get up steep mountain roads and was quick on the motorway – with a 2.5l turbo it certainly fits that bill. Finally pricewise we felt we were getting more for our money with a Bongo than say a VW – we paid £4,600 18 months ago for an unconverted one with pop up roof and 70,000 miles on the clock.

    Cost wise it depends if you want one that has been converted or not – you can easily pay £10,000 and more then. If you go for a non converted one with pop up roof then we paid a good price at the time – however they may be cheaper now with the recession and all that. Tin tops when we got ours were going for around £3k

    A good resource is Bongofury – check it out on my ‘other links’.

    Any questions give me a shout.

    Reply
  3. aldo
    August 12, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    Hi,

    I stumbled across your site through the Google Blog Search.

    You have quite an intriguing blog here. I’ve always thought of backpacking myself and you’ve got me closer to pursuing it.

    Anyways, I digress. I’m interested in offering you a guestblog on cheapoair.wordpress.com.

    We’d love to share your experiences with our ever-growing audience.

    Thanks for your time,

    Aldo

    Reply
  4. backpackingbongos
    August 13, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Hi Aldo

    What sort of material would you be looking for?

    James

    Reply
  5. aldo
    August 13, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    I would love it if you could write a piece about backpacking in Ireland…

    Please let me know if you’re interested.

    Reply
  6. backpackingbongos
    August 17, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    Aldo, although I have travelled around Ireland in a campervan I could not really define it as backpacking. I could do something on ‘wild camping’ in the uk?

    Reply
  7. aldo
    August 17, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    That would be fine with me, please email me at asinger@cheapoair.com for further details.

    Reply
  8. warren sanders
    December 12, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    I can not believe this I have a twin. I am a Bongo driving light weight cycle touring woodstove burning longdistance traveling bloke. I knew it all feels right.

    Reply
  9. backpackingbongos
    December 13, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Hi Warren, its good to hear that I have got a twin out there! You drive the best vehicle there is alongside having the best combination of interests!

    Reply
  10. Jason
    January 28, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Hello

    Great new year blog…very envious. Is the bothy you stayed in open or is it a locked unit and for use only if you are in the know. 3 of us are taking a short 1 night stop over around the Waun Fach ridge soon and this bothy would be a perfect stop over spot…..looks a bit bigger than Grwyne Fawr bothy!!!

    Keep up the good work and i’ll be checking back often.

    Cheers

    Jas

    Reply
  11. backpackingbongos
    January 28, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    Hi Jason. Thanks, it was a great start to the new year. The place that I stayed in is very private I’m afraid, belongs to a friends uncle who kindly let us it. Some great campspots around Grwyne Fawr bothy just on the otherside of the stream on a hidden ledge. Hope that you have a good trip.

    Reply
  12. Marky
    February 22, 2010 at 5:50 am

    Hi,
    Happened upon your site, and glad I did too! It’s just what I was looking for. I enjoyed the whole site. I love the trip reports, and pics! Great job! I almost feel like I’m there with you. I’m actually preparing to leave for 6 months (or more) backpacking (wild camping) around the UK, spending most of my time in Scotland (going wherever the wind takes me). I was hoping to ask you a couple of Q’s reguarding the “local wildlife” i.e. ticks, midges, and now adders (I thought there were no poisonous snakes in the UK?) Sorry, but you’re a wealth of backpacking knowledge so… Whatever you can tell me would be most appreciated. Hope to see you out there!

    Cheers very much!
    Marky

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      February 22, 2010 at 8:06 pm

      Hi Marky, glad that you liked the site, thanks for your comments.

      The ‘local wildlife’, well most of it does seem to live in the Highlands of Scotland. The most famous is the Midge, a tiny bloodsucking insect. When these come out to play you really know about it! They are at their worst in July and August but can come out as early as May depending on the weather. Basically they love damp cloudy and windless weather conditions which you get alot of in the Highlands of Scotland. They are not dangerous but can send you mad when they appear in their millions. When they are biting head up high into the hills where there is a breeze!

      Ticks have started being more of a problem recently. Some areas seem to be more of a hotspot than others. Recently on Jura I got covered in them. They seem to like bracken and areas where there are red deer. It can be real pot luck wether or not a particular camp spot is infested. Again high up in the hills I have never had a problem. Its low down where there is lots of vegetation that they hang out! Lymes disease is on the rise in the UK.

      Adders should not be too much of a problem, I have only ever seen two whilst in the hills. They are very well camoflaged though! Some areas have more than others and it appears that spring is the time when they are out basking. Just be careful when sitting down in tussocky grass. They may be poisenous but they are rarely fatal.

      Finally horseflies can be a real nuisance come July, big biting flies that really hurt if they get you. They can stalk you for miles and can bite through clothing.

      If you want any other info let me know. Where are you travelling from by the way?

      James

      Reply
  13. Marky
    February 28, 2010 at 4:22 am

    Hello James,
    Many thanks for the info. Your recent trek was great, and how is it you always seem to get the bothies to yourself? Ok, I have a head net for the midges should they drive me mad. As for the ticks…well, I have waterproof gaiters for my lower legs which help keep me dry crossing streams and such, perhaps they’ll help keep ticks off me too! (2 birds/one stone), I’ll also have to get on my hands and knees and perform your patented ground check before setting up my tent (I’d never have thought of doing that!), and will check myself thoroughly every evening while cleaning myself. What can you do about snakes except watch where you step, sit, squat…etc. As for the horse flies, we call them “greenheads” the bastards! There is only one product known to man which keeps them at bay, Avon’s “Skin-so-Soft”. There’s an ingredient in it which they hate, and I’ll have plenty with me now that I know they’re going to be a problem. Give it a try! If you cannot get it where you are James, give me a jingle and I’ll send you a few tubes, no cost (that’s for the heads-up/info). No worries!

    Thanks again James!
    Marky

    Reply
  14. backpackingbongos
    March 1, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Marky it is luck that I get bothies to myself, more often I don’t though!
    A head net is good to have in your sack just in case, I rarely use mine but when I do I am really glad I have it. Gaiters are a good idea especially if going off path, keeps the bogs out of your boots!
    Skin so soft is meant to be great, it is available on the internet here, will get stocked up for the summer.
    Cheers

    Reply
  15. Marky
    March 2, 2010 at 4:30 am

    James (and others),
    You can go to Avon.com and order “skin-so-soft” bath oil, which you would apply to your skin full strength as you would a moisturizer (be sure to wash off at night or it will clog your pores). Or, you can mix equal amounts of SSS/water/and a few capfuls white vinager into a spray bottle. They also have a new product called “Expedition” for keeping horseflies/stableflies/greenheads (call them what you will) at bay, it’s also good for no-seeums, ticks, chiggers, and midges too! Also, go to greenheadfly.com and you find a product that is so good for those same insects it’s used by the British Royal Commandos, though I couldn’t say.
    Bottom line…just type in ‘skin so soft uses’, and you’ll find all the info you need.
    Trek on!

    Reply
  16. backpackingbongos
    March 3, 2010 at 7:47 pm

    Cheers for the info Marky

    Reply
  17. natguest
    March 16, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    Hi James – great site, keep up the good work 🙂

    As a keen camper & blogger, I wondered if you might fancy reviewing an product of ours for your site? It’s a WindUp Phone Charger & Torch which ensures that you don’t run out of charge or light when needed, making it perfect for weekend camping trips.

    I’d be happy to send you out a free sample of the product in order for you to review it.

    Looking forward to hearing from you

    All the best
    Nat
    Online Copywriter
    mobilefun.co.uk

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      March 16, 2010 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Nat I would be more than happy to review your product on my site, although only as long as you dont mind me being totally honest when I do so. I currently use an iphone, would your wind up charger be able to charge that? Cheers James

      Reply
      • natguest
        March 19, 2010 at 1:09 pm

        Hi James
        Absolutely, total honesty is appreciated! I believe the charger works with the iPhone, why don’t you drop me an email at natalie.guest[at]mobilefun[dot]com and we’ll sort something out

        Nat

  18. Ruth
    June 5, 2010 at 10:49 am

    Hi,
    I came accross your blog whilst looking at walks in the Black Mountains. I can see a similar question has already been asked, but I was wondering if the bothy you stayed in is available for private hire? We often walk in the area with my daughter and it would be great to stay somewhere so peaceful,

    Ruth

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      June 5, 2010 at 3:20 pm

      Hi Ruth

      Unfortunately the place we stay in is not available for private hire. I only manage to get to stay there because it belongs to the uncle of a friend of mine.

      James

      Reply
  19. luxury camping
    June 24, 2010 at 10:25 am

    Great blog. Keep up the great work.

    Reply
  20. Maz
    August 15, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Your view of “backpacking” and mine coincide – it seems to me it is the act of strapping a pack to your back and simply heading off somewhere. – but somewhere where you will learn about the world in which we live and your place in it. It’s all about experience and the journey. I don’t always get to go out as much as I would like, but now I force myself to as much as possible. It might involve hills or, as it seems to have done for both of us, some independent travel. I loved SE Asia and would love to hear more about your time in Laos. I am looking through your site – hope to read more about it! We also have a campervan but it’s a little bigger than the Bongo (I refuse to call it a motorhome as that makes me feel old!) Great blog!

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      August 16, 2010 at 6:51 pm

      Cheers Maz! I have been meaning to do more on my travel posts but time keeps getting in the way. Laos is a stunning country, did you go? I secretly hanker after a motorhome everytime I go to a campsite and see through the windows when it is raining at someone sitting on a comfy sofa eating their dinner. I meanwhile slope off to the Bongo to sleep on the floor! Noty that your camper is a motorhome mind! I have been dreaming of another extended ‘backpack’ somewhere far away again……………….

      Reply
  21. Maz
    August 16, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    Have a look at the SE Asia part of my blog – think you’ll enjoy it. I loved Laos – probably my favourite part of Asia with the exception of the more rural parts of Nepal. Not a fan of Kathmandu or Pokhara (you’ll probably guess that from the posts) but some of the rural parts were amazing – the people were friendly, welcoming and even though they had nothing they would pour you Chai tea and try to speak to you. It broke my heart to compare it to the squandered wealth of India. Laos was somewhat similar to Nepal in that respect – friendly and welcoming. I will certainly be going back one day, to Vietnam and Cambodia as well, but I can take or leave Thailand.

    I have a post upcoming with our trip to Europe in the ‘Van. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it. I do like the ‘Van – when it’s inclement outside, it’s very cosy inside. The Danes have a great word for a night by the fire, with a bottle of red wine (or that sort of thing) – hyggelig. Love that word…

    Reply
  22. Jim
    November 9, 2010 at 12:11 am

    I had a nasty incident yesterday with a farmer in the Pysgotwr area in Mid Wales. Determined that something should be done about him, I found a number of references to him including your interesting article about the two young lads. I am sure that this is the same character as he had his two young thugs with him.

    I’ve not managed to track down Jim Perrin’s article you mentioned. Any more information you can give me would be gratefully received. Thanks Jim

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      November 9, 2010 at 6:25 pm

      Hi there Jim. Sorry to hear that you had a nasty incident in the Pysgotwr area. What happened if you don’t mind me asking?

      I recently had some email correspondance with someone who visits the area frequently but did not want to be named on the article that I wrote. I think that the farmer in question is John Charles who apparently has been intimidating people for 30 years or so. He is well known to the police and I think that Emyr Lake is the officer who knows all about him. John Charles ownes a huge amount of land in the area and is not too keen even if you are on rights of way, even been know to stop people using the actual road!

      I am sure that the Jim Perrin Article is something I read years ago in TGO magazine, although I may have confused it with something else.

      Let mw know how you get on, also interested to hear what happened.

      James

      Reply
  23. Gareth
    November 9, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    Hi James, Gareth from http://www.webtogs.co.uk here, been trying to find your mail address on here with no luck. Could you mail me here g(AT)webtogs.com with your mail address please? Many thanks!

    Reply
  24. Jim
    November 9, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Thanks for your reply James. I have been in contact with the Footpaths Officer for Ceredigion County Council and she told me his name was John Jones (sounds like the same man) They have approached him in the past and he has appeared reasonable. As the rights of way are open, she thinks there is nothing else she can do but suggested I contact the Police, which I have now done.

    In brief, a group of nine of us were following the Pysgotwr river from just above Troed Rhiw Cymmer. When it became impossible to follow the river any further, we climbed the slope up towards the track near the standing stone. The leader of the walk was using a 25k map showing that we would be on access land for some time. I was the first one to near the track when a vehicle on it stopped and the man in the passenger seat shouted repeatedly “Get off my f***ing land” At that moment I suddenly had a doubt (I only had a 50k map).as to whether we were still on access land (we were, by a long way) I tried to reason with him that I was looking for the footpath. He screamed at me that there was no footpath, we had no right to be there, that I should go back to where I came from (I have an English accent) etc, etc all interspersed with some extremely colourful language and very aggressive posturing. Because he then realised he was not intimidating me, he told me that he had been in the SAS, to which I started verbally pushing him as to which regiment and squadron that had been. He didn’t answer but continued with the abuse. I asked him several times more and then put it to him that he was lying. He admitted that he hadn’t been in the SAS and drove off still shouting abuse. There were two youths in the back of the vehicle and a woman at the wheel. I now know that several local walking groups have had problems with him and in general, people back off to avoid confrontation which must encourage him. It does worry me that he is unstable and sooner or later this sort of thing may lead to something serious. By the way,he also objected to us being parked in a layby on the public road and had taken our registration numbers!!

    If you or anyone reading this can give me any more information, I’d be very grateful.

    I’ll keep you posted

    Jim

    Reply
  25. Jim Shadbolt
    November 12, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Hi James, There are now three authorities investigating the incident with our farmer friend. It would be really useful if we could contact the person you mentioned who wished to remain anonymous. I can understand his wishes and can assure him of complete discretion, however his evidence would be really useful. Is there any way you could put the two of us in touch please? Many thanks

    Jim

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      November 12, 2010 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Jim

      Good to hear that the ball is rolling so to speak about the farmer. I will email that person and ask if it is ok for me to pass on your email adress so that you can get in contact. I’m just about to go away for a couple of days so will do that on Sunday.

      Cheers

      James

      Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      November 14, 2010 at 5:16 pm

      Hi Jim I have passed on your email address.

      Reply
  26. luxury camping
    March 8, 2011 at 6:08 am

    Thanks for sharing your backpacking experiences. I could definitely try it out some time.

    Reply
  27. Tor
    March 23, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Hi all I’m Tor, a keen outdoor person and I work for Compassion in World Farming.Firstly can I say what an inspiring and welcoming blog! Very engaging. I hope that you will forgive the fact that this is a little ‘off topic’!

    I would like to invite everyone to an upcoming sponsored short walk event ‘Walk with Compassion’ to be held on Saturday 7th May 2011. Let’s help stamp out factory farming, with a good stomp across the lovely South Downs, West Sussex. The event starts at Goodwood (horse) racing course, Chichester.

    If you haven’t heard of Compassion before by way of an intro: We campaign peacefully to end all cruel factory farming practices. These systems impose mindless suffering on billions of farm animals reared for food around the world. Farm animal welfare and wellbeing is at the heart of all we do and all we do is founded on scientific fact.

    Please see the following link for further information about the event:
    http://bit.ly/hkAQwO

    All the best,

    Tor

    Reply
  28. Moonlight Shadow
    March 29, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    An excellent blog, your comments on Little Stand caught my attention and I went to see for myself yesterday. Cracking spot indeed for a night in the fells…

    Most interesting to read your bothy adventures, I did not suspect there were so many in the Pennines.

    Have fun!

    Y

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      April 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm

      Hey Moonlight Shadow, thanks for your comment. Are you the same Moonlightshadow who appears in Terry’s blog?

      Reply
  29. Moonlight Shadow
    April 3, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    The very same! 😉

    Reply
  30. John Bell
    April 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    Hi James, I stumbled upon your blog this evening (I was intrigued by the ‘bongo’ in the name of it!) and am delighted that someone other than me enjoys the delights of wild camping AND the delights of ‘camping’ out in a Bongo. Like you, we bought an unconverted Bongo and think they’re brilliant for just throwing your walking gear into and getting to some cracking spot that other campervans would be just too big for.

    My girlfriend and I toured around Ireland last summer in ours and didn’t stay in an ‘official’ campsite once. It was bliss!

    Keep on blogging (and camping…and Bongoing!)

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      May 2, 2011 at 2:45 pm

      Hi John, its good to know that there are other wild camping Bongo folk out there! Cracking little vans they most definately are, use it for work during the day then escape to the hills that evening. Will have to check out your blog and your wild camping Bongo exploits!

      Reply
  31. surfnslide
    May 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Hi James. Just come across your blog while looking for some information on Jura as we’re planning a trip next Easter to explore the coast and bag the paps as it were. Excellent blog that really resonates with the sort walking and backpacking I like to do. I really like the way you’ve laid things out so I’ve pinched a few ideas for my blog as it’s still in it’s early days (only been blogging a couple of months). I live near Hereford so I’m especially interested in your trips to the Welsh Hills as I’m always on the lookout for new routes off the beaten track for a day out or an overnight. I’ll add your site to my blogroll – feel free to check mine out at http://surfnslide.wordpress.com/
    Cheers
    Andy

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      May 9, 2011 at 3:11 pm

      Thanks Andy. You will love Jura, it is simply one of the most stunning places I have visited. Cheers for the link, I have added you to my blogroll as well. You have got a fine blog there, lots already for me to catch up on!

      Reply
  32. surfnslide
    May 9, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Likewise with catching up on your stuff as well – masses of ideas for trips.

    One question you might be able to help me with. I’ve been looking for a nice wild campsite somewhere in Mid/North Wales to take my 11 year old son to introduce him to the delights of backpacking. Needs to be somewhere reasonably close to a road (I’ll have to carry most of his stuff as well as mine) but still have that wild canmping vibe. Brecons aren’t really suitable as they are too well populated or don’t have a reliable water supply. I was thinking somewhere like the Arans, Berwyns, Arenigs or Rhinogs. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  33. surfnslide
    May 10, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Thanks for the tip. I’ve not walked in the Arans for several years so I’m planning a day out there in the next few weeks so I’ll check out this spot. Also planning a trip to the Berwyns although I hear that the corrie with a lake under the main summit has some of the largest tussocks on the planet! I’m also working my way through your backpacking blogs for Wales – loads of material there as well

    Reply
  34. Jim Shadbolt
    May 12, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Hi Andy,

    Some other thoughts that might meet your wilderness camp criteria:

    There is a lovely small lake called Llyn Morwynion at the top of the Roman Steps in the Rhinogs. You can approach it from different directions, one of which is only a mile or so from the road.

    Also, don’t write off the Brecon Beacons area. If you look, there are several places that would meet your requirements, but most notably Llyn y fan fawr, just below the Carmarthen Fan. It’s not that far from a road, it’s great for a swim and relatively quiet. I have spent a few nights there on the way through on various treks on one occasion with my son who was 12 at the time. If you are interested I could send you a couple of others.

    Jim

    Reply
  35. surfnslide
    May 12, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    Thanks Jim – I need to explore the Rhinogs – apart from one failed attempt when I had to bail out as my dog kept getting stuck in the holes between the boulders I’ve never really explored them. I hear there is some pretty rough terrain up there. I’d thought about Lyn y Fan Fawr before but there isn’t much running water up there although I could use the lake water and boil it or invest in a water filtration device. Keep the ideas coming – really loving sharing ideas, plans and routes through the blogs I’m finding

    Reply
  36. Celtic Rambler
    May 16, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Great site you got here, I came across it searching for backpacking blogs, but was hooked by the Bongo bit… my partner and I were thinking of getting a Bongo ourselves – but with the recent news that we have a baby on the way and seeing the price that Bongos are fetching now, we’re having to have a rethink!

    You mention in one of your replies you think your Bongo will have lost value – I think you might find it’s gone up in value! They’ve become very popular recently it seems.

    One question about the van… have you found the pop-top genuinely useful? We were going to plump for the pop-top, but we’ve spoken to a few owners who’ve said they wished they’d bought the tin-top because they don’t use the pop much and it makes it difficult to get into some car parks.

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      May 27, 2011 at 2:10 pm

      Hi, I can’t recommend getting a Bongo enough they are brilliant. I have not checked the prices of them for a while so will be nice to see if it has gone up in value! I only use the pop up roof a few times a year when say at festivals and need the extra room, when on my own in the van I don’t bother. However glad that got a pop up roof as more flexible, just can’t get into multi story car parks!

      Reply
  37. roger sharples
    July 22, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Hi,
    I am planning to retire from work and get rid of all my belongings ( I will be a no fixed abode person ) and permanantly Back Pack for the rest of my days.
    My plan is to back pack the north of Scotland and spend a winter there, then go to Scandanavia and into Russia.

    I did a lot of pack packing in my 20`s but equipment has come on leaps and bounds since then.

    I have been advised to get a Heavy Duty Quaser due to the permanent use the tent will undergo. But somebody said it probably be too heavy. Another advice I had from an equipment supplier was that a back pack should not exceed 35% of body weight.

    Also any suggestions on the best rucksack that is designed with correct orthopaedic considerations.

    Sleeping bags is another area where there is so much variation. ( the best I have seen is £400 from Cotswold Outdoor yet Ray Mears`s site lists a Scandanavian bag that seems to be the equal of the former at only £170 ? )

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      July 22, 2011 at 6:45 pm

      Hi Roger, that sounds like an amazing plan in has to be said! If you are carrying everything on your back then you would probably want to go as light as possible. The Quasar is a cracking tent but it is pretty heavy. I used a Hilleberg Akto for about ten years and it still has life in it, nice and durable and much lighter than the Quasar. I am sure that others will disagree! I think if you are looking at orthopaedic considerations for a rucksack it may be best ton try loads on and see what fits you the best. Once again try and go as light as possible. Rab make good sleeping bags, plenty to choose from depending what temperatures you will be sleeping out in.

      Good luck!

      Reply
  38. Jim
    July 22, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Roger, I’m sure you will get lots of good advice on the latest kit on this site. A couple of points you may want to consider from my experience:

    I have been used to carrying large amounts of weight up and down mountains as part of what I was doing for a living, Now in my sixties and liking to think that I am still fit, I was carrying roughly 35% of my bodyweight on a trip through the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain last September and would suggest that this should be the absolute maximum. If you are not going to cause yourself pain, I would suggest you keep it below 30%.

    I’m not going to comment on what sleeping bag you should get, but do bear in mind the weight and bulk of a bag to see you through a Scottish winter, will be too warm, heavy and large during the summer months – just a thought, hope I’m not stating the obvious..

    Reply
  39. Chinook Country Chick
    July 28, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    I just found your blog on WordPress and am really enjoying reading about all your hikes- keep it up!

    You should check out my blog http://www.bettylivin.com that talks about hikes, camping, fitness and fashion.

    I just bagged my first peak at a maximum elevation of 4000 ft in Waterton lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Check it out here: http://bettylivin.com/2011/07/27/hiking-to-mount-vimy-peak-in-waterton-alberta/

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      July 28, 2011 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks! That is some hill that you climbed, looks absolutely stunning. You are lucky to have such scenery close to home, I’m jealous!

      Reply
  40. thirdeyemom
    August 31, 2011 at 3:04 am

    Where are you from? And where are you traveling now? I found your blog one day on the FP and since I love to do hiking/trekking, subscribed. But I still can’t figure out where you are from and where you are hiking now…..
    I look forward to reading more of your posts!

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      August 31, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      Hi there. I am not travelling at the moment (although I wish that I was!). I live in Nottingham in the UK. I do my hiking in my local hills at the weekend. Good to hear that you like the blog!

      Reply
  41. keirgibson
    October 14, 2011 at 11:28 am

    Hi just wondering if you can send me your email address? I might have some treats to send to you 🙂

    Reply
  42. Karen Roden
    November 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Hello. I have been reading your website for a few weeks now, and I was wondering if you could please include something about plans by ScottishPower Renewables to put a 25 turbine wind farm on the slopes of Mynydd Mynyllod near Llandrillo and Cynwyd. This is directly across the Dee Valley from the Berwyns and in clear view of the Snowdonia National Park. This beautiful area is NOT in a TAN8 area, which were seven sites designated by the Welsh Assembly for large scale wind farms to avoid their proliferation in Wales, and so this even more concerning as, if this gets the go ahead, greedy developers could put plans in for so many other equally remote and scenic parts of the Welsh countryside. We have set up an opposition group, STEMM (Stop The Exploitation of Mynydd Mynyllod) and have a website on http://stemm.org.uk. Any support we could receive would be fantastic. Thank you.

    Reply
  43. severnmeadows
    March 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    I really enjoy this blog! I’m interested in the comments on the Bongo. We are planning to buy a Citroen Romahome for our wild wanderings! It’s smaller, but very cosy inside. (This is a link to a picture of one! http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/105250529/romahome-duo-2002.html).

    Reply
  44. steffanjoneshughes
    June 8, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    Love the van! How does it do on fuel?

    Reply
  45. fellrunningguide
    October 30, 2012 at 8:29 am

    Great blog! Got a Bongo too, had some great trips home and abroad.

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      October 31, 2012 at 7:08 pm

      Many thanks, good to hear that you like it. The Bongo is a great vehicle, I do need to stop neglecting ours and take it out a bit more.

      Reply
  46. nicky atkinson
    July 4, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Found another Bongonaught! Changed my life so much I gave up a Corporate Career to rent them out!!

    Reply
  47. John Meed
    May 22, 2014 at 10:23 am

    Hi there
    I came across your blog about Saddleworth Moor (I’m a Rochdale lad, or was a long time ago) as my son is heading up there this weekend and wanted ideas for a walk – it’s a really useful blog (the maps are great) and many thanks. From there I went over to one of your walks up Kinder – we were there at the weekend with the boys for Isabelle’s 60th birthday. Rather a lot warmer than in your description, with no snow drifts (though I love Kinder in the snow) but despite the warm weather Crowden was almost empty. I’ll write a blog about it soon.
    In the meantime, you might be amused by my Camper van song – though it’s about VWs rather than Bongos, I’m afraid. There’s a live video at my blog at http://www.johnmeed.net/its-summer-must-be-camper-van-time/.
    Cheers
    John

    Reply
    • backpackingbongos
      May 26, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      Hi John, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Great song, you will have to do a Bongo specific one! Just back from spending 12 nights in ours whilst visiting the Outer Hebrides. Glad I was in that and not a tent, the weather was pretty awful………..

      Reply

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