Question - cameras

I am off to Island Peak in Nepal in November and need a wee camera that can do great views and people shots, and handle the temps of -20C and UV at 6000m. Any suggestions?

Many thanks,

Dave Stewart

dave@freshairlearning.com

A quick guide to navigation

"Do you recoil in horror when someone presents you with a map and compass? Are you looking at cryptic lines and symbols like a spider has climbed out of an ink jar and danced a polka over some paper? Then focus in fear on the crazily spinning needle of a compass which you're sure was pointing the other way just a few seconds ago?

Navigation can at times seem like a black art. However there are a few tips which can make sense out of the chaos. Always trust the compass. This is probably rule No. 1. Your compass will never lie to you. Depending on which type you use, one end of the magnetised needle will always point North, everything else to do with naving follows on from this unalterable truth. N.B. never wear mitts or gloves with a magnet in them while holding your compass I am speaking from experience. The map is a two dimensional representation of a three dimensional environment. Imagine your room if viewed from above, with line representations of all the furniture, contour lines and spot heights to show the shape and elevation of all objects above floor -level.

One common error is for people to try to make the terrain they can see in their surroundings fit with where they think they are - or want to be - on the map: You have a point on the map where you THINK you are, so you look and see what features are marked around it. You see a wood, some hills, a river and a road and then you look up from the map and try to find these around you. Wrong! You should always identify features on the ground FIRST and then try to find them on your map. Otherwise, wishful thinking can get in the way of objectivity. The best features you can use as reference points are the most obvious ones. Structures like power-lines, radio masts and bridges, their singularity and prominence make them great reference points like the pole star. In the absence of these try to find a prominent natural feature that you can use and always keep half an eye on it while you are steering/walking so as to maintain your course. Rivers and tracks or roads can be good but if you are right off in the ulu then you may have to find a prominent hill or mountain and use that as far as possible. Always orientate the map to the ground. If you turn the map so that the top is pointing North then it will help you to match up the features on the ground with features on the map, making it much easier to find your way. If you get lost, always retrace your steps to the last place where you knew where you were.

For equipment, a full-size clear plastic Silva compass is probably a good bet. Keep it on a lanyard and secured to you, either around the neck or on a mini-carabiner attached to a belt loop. Your map should be kept in a waterproof case, also secured to you. If your map gets wet or blown away it wont be much use to you. If you are planning to go off into the wilderness then there is no substitute for experience. You could read all the books, guides, videos and get a doctorate in theoretical navigation, but you still don't know diddly until you put it into practice. So get out there with a map and compass amongst the hills and do some routes on your own before you head off into the wilderness. One last tip - never use a green head-torch to read a map - try it sometime and witness all the woods and main roads vanish as if by magic!"

Fear of Failing of Failing from Fear

In response to the recent posts on Fear - I am something of a failure. There, I said it. On a number of occasions in the last year I have failed to achieve something through fear, most notably last year, while in Snowdonia I failed to reach the summit of Tryfan.

It wasn't through lack of fitness, or desire to reach the top and leap, gazelle-like, from Adam to Eve (or is it Eve to Adam, I forget) no, it was a simple case of getting about three quarters of the way up the north ridge, looking up at the wall of rock that remained and my bottle falling out of my arse. I have always been afraid of heights. Always. 8 years old, school trip to Durham Cathedral. Climb to the top of the tower. Going up the spiral staircase I can feel the tower swaying its not swaying and unless a major earthquake hits Durham it never will but I can feel it swaying all the same. Get to the top. Refuse to go anywhere near the parapet. Miss out on view of Durham. Two years later, 10 Years old. Family trip to Richmond in North Yorkshire. My Dad drags me to the top of the Castle Keep to cure my fear.

It doesnt. The Keep is only 100ft high. I still hear the screaming when I close my eyes. In three visits to Paris I have never managed higher than the Second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Ski lifts usually these delightful contraptions skim along a mere 20-30ft above the heads of the merry crowds below, however there is (or was, its been 10 years) one lift in Teton Village that suddenly takes off and soars up a vertical cliff face, I have travelled on it once, and I tried to get off halfway. Had it not been for Mrs W halting my progress I would now be a greasy red smear on that cliff face. The London Eye fills me with dread, and a sense that it would be an enormous waste of money; as I would inevitably spend the entire revolution gibbering, face down in the centre of the pod. I know its a clich but I started climbing thinking it would maybe finish what my dad had tried to start and that by exposing myself (not that like you perverts!) to my aversion would rid me of the fear. It hasn't.

What it has done is teach me, to an extent, to control it. It still surfaces now and again, I climbed last Wednesday and tried to lead on an overhang, I got three clips off the ground and started to struggle. All I needed to do was bring a foot up onto a feature and step up bringing the next hold and clip into reach. But I couldn't do it, then I realised, I wasn't afraid of the height or the fall particularly. I was afraid of not doing it, of failing. I look back at my failure on Tryfan last year and thinking about it, I realise I wasn't afraid of the height; in fact I was sitting on a nice flat bit at the time, it was looking up and thinking what if I go further and then find I cant do it and get stuck. Failure. So now I'm afraid of failing, here we go again "

The only way is up (unless you're coming down)

When I'm asked what it is like to trek or climb mountains, I always compare it to my perception of natural childbirth from stories from the various mums I know. At the time it can seem like the most difficult thing in the entire world, but give it a while and youll be ready to do it all over again!

Perhaps the following is just the musing of an inexperienced adventurer or maybe I haven't taken on a climb tough enough to warrant such an opinion but I actually think the hardest part about climbing mountains is after you descend. More often than not the truly hardest part comes weeks, or even months later. I trekked Mount Kilimanjaro for the second time in 2010 in my role as a tour leader for a fundraising charity challenge organisation. The group was made up of 30 participants from all over the UK and Channel Islands fundraising for their local radio station children's charity plus a trip medic, me and all our fabulous local staff. The going was tough, with some of the group succumbing to the altitude related illness and exhaustion that comes with trekking to a peak almost 6000m high! Indeed, even I suffered the effects of mild acute mountain sickness which led to me being unable to continue to the summit for my second visit to Uhuru Peak.

The vast majority of people who climb mountains intend to reach the summit, but no-one tells you that physical training and acclimatisation doesn't prepare you for the mental strength you need when you have to be to admit to yourself and your guide that you have to turn back. You then have to deal with that decision in the weeks, months and years following your attempt. This decision is often more difficult than the actual climb itself. Getting altitude sickness and the awful feeling that goes with it wasn't the hardest part of the Kilimanjaro trek for me; at the time it was the only decision to make while I still had the ability to judge that continuing would put myself (and possibly my fellow team members) at risk. The hardest part came around three weeks later upon reflection of the trip as a whole when I started asking myself what more could I have done to have made it to the summit?, 'if only I had done X,Y or Z'. This thought leaves a sinking feeling in your stomach, a feeling that is more intense than disappointment, more helpless and powerless. 

Anyone who has attempted to summit a peak but been unable to reach it will surely relate to this; it haunts you. For those who are successful in their attempt at their summit goal, the hardest part still comes later (albeit in a much more positive way!). Short term, the adrenaline of reaching the summit wears off fairly quickly and then the tiredness hits, leaving your body fighting to keep you awake and moving down towards your camp, while the pressure on your knees builds and your pack digs into your hips and shoulders with every footstep. Long term, climbing mountains is very addictive, perhaps enhanced by the feeling of intense elation and happiness beyond belief once you hit the top, which leaves you with an itch which is difficult to scratch without a fairly significant amount of money and time depending on the mountain in question.

You also tend to be attracted towards bigger and better mountains, to quench your increasing thirst! From my experience, while you are on a mountain you become part of a family with your team of guides, staff and climbing buddies and you bond with each other. In this unusual and often extreme environment you simply forget your day-to-day worries and concentrate on being part of a team and trying to reach the top. Weeks after your climb is when you feel the sad pangs of broken bonds, when you miss your climbing family and the experiences you had together, which to outsiders seem insignificant but to you are the small things that made a difference on your adventure. 

Just remember that what goes up, must come down and sometimes the time to come down is before you think you are ready.

F.E.A.R - False Evidence Appearing Real?

"F.E.A.R - False Evidence Appearing Real? Fear can be debilitating in the outdoors and fear can be debilitating in life. For sure it can be. It can stop you from trying something that you may think is beyond your capabilities. It is all too easy to put up barriers and to justify inaction based on the what ifs.

When we do this, when we listen to our fears and decide not to take a risk we close off the potential to achieve great things. If we only felt the fear and did it anyway, who knows what rewards would await us. But fear has its place too. Fear can also be extremely beneficial. It can keep us safe and in some situations, alive. It can be the primary motivating factor behind that all important decision to turn back. In this way, fear can be the sole mechanism that delivers us to the pub at the end of a day so that we can live to experience another day in the outdoors. So how do we separate the two?

How do we identify whether the adrenaline in our veins is telling us to just do it, or whether it is pushing our lives towards a rather messy and/or premature conclusion? Im not sure there is a definitive answer. I can only speculate that unhealthy fears are the ones that hold us back, and healthy fears must be those that preserve our existence on this planet. Being able to identify whether your quickened heart rate is pushing you onwards or telling you that it is time to retreat can sometimes be more important than our ability to navigate or our choice of appropriate clothing or gear. Quite frankly it is the skill that can separate those who enjoy a long and rewarding career in the outdoors from those who are, well, brown bread. My own relationship with fear is an interesting one. Just over a year and a half ago I was in a place where everything was upside down.

I was having panic attacks about things I wasnt even remotely scared of. Bizarrely, it was also at this time that I started to actually do things that other people would consider paralysingly petrifying. Stuff like rock climbing and mountaineering. It was quite frankly laughable that back then the concept of bumping into my ex in the supermarket would induce more feelings of terror than putting myself into a potential life or death situation on a rockface. Like I said, it was a confusing time. When I look back now it all makes perfect sense to me. The utter simplicity of being in the mountains overrode any fears that may have taken hold. The purity of the air, the awesome power of nature, and the friendships formed all combined to restore in me my sense of self and quietened my noisy head.

Here I was neither in control nor out of control it was a game of calculated risk. If I listened to the mountain, weighed up the options, focused, breathed appropriately, and looked only a few moves ahead, then I would succeed. It became a case of putting one foot in front of the other and in so doing it was suddenly eminently possible to reach the top of a Munro on ski in a total whiteout, to traverse the ridges of An Teallach in thick fog, and to succeed on a 6a route having only ever climbed twice previously. It was this adoption of the one foot in front of the other approach, together with a point blank refusal to submit to the irrational fears that got me past chaos and self-doubt, to the top, to fresh air, to calm, to the future. So where does this leave us with fear?

Well I guess the point Im trying to make is that where there is real risk there should be fear. And while you can never have zero risk in wild places you can minimise the risks by taking things one step at a time, immersing yourself in the moment, and enjoying the journey. And if you adopt this outlook on the mountain and in your every day life, then there is nothing to be afraid of. Sophie Nicholson Adventure Sports/Travel Journalist living in the French Alps "

Runner's High Plus

I tweeted a question earlier this week - If runner's have their high then what do we climbers have?

We couldn't have high even if it hadn't already been taken; it's just too bloody literal. I got a variety of replies including a four tweet epic from Mr NICAS himself, Iain McKenzie, but the basic gist of all the replies was that whatever we call that combination of superhuman and battered-to-hell set of emotions we experience after a session at the crag or after completing a grade-pushing pitch it's definitely a mix of elation at the achievement, the endorphin release from the strenuous exercise and the adrenaline shot of fear. My original question came from having completed my first overhanging lead during an evening at Craggy Island. It wasnt a tough grade (only a 4) and had it been on less steep ground I'd have danced up it, but, I find overhangs deeply intimidating.

They stir something visceral which just makes me want to run and hide. I've got to say it was bloody hard work, definitely not elegant and I made some glaring errors (including z clipping the second quickdraw and having to down climb to rectify) but I got to the top and I felt incredible. By the time Matt had lowered me off I was a quivering, sweaty mess. My legs and arms turned to jelly by the adrenaline and lactic, my mind singing from the endorphins and I was on top of the world. What I was feeling was akin to the runner's high but the extra loading of fear turned it into something far more powerful. It started me thinking of the concept of the sublime as described by Robert Macfarlane in his excellent Mountains of the Mind. This concept of sublime is not the modern use of the word so beloved of Loral and the like where Cheryl Kerl minces about telling us her hair feels canny sublime, pet This is the Sublime where you are elevated closer to your respective deity by proximity to the force of nature, the search for this Sublime is the force that drove respectable Victorians to swoon at the sight of a glacier and to haul cases of claret to the summit of Mont Blanc to quaff merrily in sight of their god whilst their toes (and servants) succumbed to frostbite.

To my mind this is what we Climbers are experiencing, this Runner's High Plus we attain, is actually a little bit of The Sublime. We know now, in the 21st Century, that this feeling is just the effect of a few molecules of hormone on our bodies and minds, but to reduce this awesome feeling to mere science doesn't, I'm afraid, do it justice so I'm sticking with The Sublime and I intend to keep grabbing little bits of it whenever I can.

This article was originally published on my blog -http://notevenbleeding.blogspot.co.uk/ but I've placed it on here in response to Glen Downton's article examining why we want to travel.

Jungle Equipment

Hot, wet, humid and full of bugs; the jungle requires some specialist kit and a daily routine that takes a bit of getting used to. In this article I will cover the clothing and equipment you will need before venturing into the trees. What I hope to do is to give you some guidelines to help you come up with your own jungle kit.

Jungle routine

The general routine for working and travelling in the jungle is to only take two sets of clothing, a wet set and a dry set. During the day I wear my wet set, all day, every day. This will get wet, from sweat and or rain and will generally stay wet for the duration of the trip. When I have set up camp in the evening and all the camp chores have been done, I wash myself and my wet set in a stream to remove any salt, which will cause irritation if allowed to build up in the clothing weave. I then hang my wet set on a line under my tarp, dry and powder my feet and change into my dry set. It is very important that you make sure you keep this set dry at all times, as having two wet sets is no fun! In the morning I pack away my dry set in a small dry bag and then put that inside my main dry bag. Its then time to put on my wet set, which will be cold and horrible, I don't think anyone gets used to this! However after five minutes its like you have never been out of them and its time for another exciting day in the jungle.

Clothing

Clothes need to be tough to survive the constant wet conditions, the spiny wait-a-while vines and also protect you from biting insects. I generally choose natural materials over synthetics as I find cotton does not pick up body odours as quickly, although it does take a bit longer to dry.

Clothing is a very personal thing and what works for me may not work for you. Wet Kit Underwear I prefer to wear Lycra running shorts to reduce rubbing caused by wet trousers on your inner thigh. Some people wear swimming shorts and some wear nothing at all - like I said, its a very personal thing!

Trousers

British Army lightweights or cotton cargo trousers are the best option. Keep them loose fitting to allow freedom of movement and also allow wait-a-while to catch fabric rather than skin. Having a few pockets enables you to keep important items on you at all times. I tuck them into the tops of my jungle boots to stop leeches getting in. Shirt I prefer to wear a long sleeve shirt, which allows me to have the sleeves up during the day then roll them if the mosquitoes are a problem. The 5.11 Tactical range make a very good cotton shirt that is tough enough to stand up to the rigours of jungle travel. It has good chest pockets, which can carry a lot of gear and a good vent at the back to help keep you cool. As with trousers it is best to keep your shirt baggy and tucked in. Socks I go for a good pair of thick high percentage wool hiking socks without seams on the heels, as this reduces blisters on pressure points. Wool does not start to smell as quickly as synthetic socks. Some people prefer to wear one thin pair of socks under the thick pair to reduce friction, but I find in the jungle my feet get too hot with both pairs on. It is important to clean your socks each evening, to remove sand build-up, which can lead to very painful feet.

Boots

There is no point trying to keep your feet dry in the jungle, it just will not happen! I have seen people feet fall apart in waterproof boots, as once in, the water cant get out. It is a better bet to accept wet feet and choose boots with this in mind. I wear US Military jungle boots with a good chunky Panama sole, draining eyelets and a canvas upper. The ones by Altama are good. Jungle terrain can be very muddy and slippery and normal hiking boot soles cant get enough grip. The Panama sole allows good grip and it also pushes the mud out of the sides to keep the tread clear. The two eyelets allow the boot to quickly drain any water after submersion during say, a river crossing. The canvas uppers also aid the removal of water, as well as help ventilation. Any foam or padding in the boots will just hold water and make them very heavy. Belt Avoid leather, as it soon turns mouldy in the damp conditions. I use an old roof rack strap! Hat I am not keen on wide-brimmed hats under the canopy as I find they restrict my vision too much. I always take a baseball cap but only ever use it if I am in the sun, for example on a HLS (Helicopter Landing Site) or travelling by river. Poncho I carry a US poncho that packs up nice and small and weighs very little. It allows plenty of air to circulate so you dont become sweaty, unlike in waterproof jackets. I only really use this when it has been raining for a long time. A short downpour is more refreshing than anything else!

Dry Kit Shorts

I carry a pair of cotton cargo shorts to wear in the evening. They pack down small and still have pockets to hold useful items such as a head torch.

T-shirt

A cotton T-shirt is all thats needed in the evening. If mosquitoes are a problem I just apply mosquito repellent. Crocs It is nice to powder your feet and give them a chance to air and dry out in the evening. However some people prefer to take trainers or lightweight converse shoes as they offer more protection.

Equipment

You need very little equipment in the jungle, but what you do choose to take with you is very important. Rucksack An external frame pack has an advantage in the jungle as it increases air flow and therefore reduces the risk of getting a sweat rash on your back. Having external pockets means you can easily access commonly used items such as your brew kit or first aid kit, without having to go into the main compartment. Anything you want to stay dry needs to be put into dry bags as no rucksack is 100% waterproof. Depending on the length of your trip a 50-80ltr rucksack should be big enough. Remember the bigger your rucksack the more you end up taking!

Dry Bag

I find dry bags made by Ortelib to be the toughest. I prefer to put things into lots of little bags instead of just one large one in case it gets punctured. Make sure you label the outside of each bag so you can tell whats inside at a glance. Shelter There is no better shelter for use in the jungle than the tarp and hammock; it was designed for use in this warm wet environment.

What credentials are expected to be held by an 'expedition medic'?

Hi all, What credentials are expected to be held by an 'expedition medic'? In general is it expected to have just done an expedition medicine course, or to hold that in addition to being a qualified doctor or paramedic? There are lots of different companies doing exped medic courses, but is there an industry standard?

All the best,

James

Exploring the Yukon: 24th May to 3rd Aug 2011

Tom, Teo and I set ourselves the goal of paddling 3000 km down the Yukon River last summer. This unguided and unsupported adventure across North America took us 6 weeks and through some of the world's most beautiful and scarcely populated wilderness areas.

Our total lack of kayak/canoe experience made it that much more exciting (daft). Highly recommended!

Visit the website: http://www.exploringtheyukon.com/ 

Atacama Crossing - does anyone have any advice?

Hi In March 2013 i will be taking part in the Atacama crossing in Chile, this is a multi stage self supported event where competitors run or walk across 250km of the Atacama desert in 7 days.

The Atacama is the most arid inhospitable desert on earth and the whole race is at an altitude of between 2300-3300m . I am very excited about this event, I've waited all my life to take part in an epic hardcore challenge.

Has anyone out there done this already?

I'm always open to hints and tips .

Many Thanks

Emrys

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SouthWalesfirerescue

What makes an Adventure Traveller?

"At last weekendsAdventure Travel Film Festival, I spent a brilliant few days hanging out with fellow adventurous spirits from far and wide. Some were high-profile adventurers like Tim Cope, Jon Muir, Lois Pryce and Austin Vince.

But many were unknown explorers, trekkers, mountaineers, motorcyclists, rock-climbers, off-roaders, overlanders, kayakers ordinary people with an insatiable hunger to see the world or experience the great outdoors in its broadest sense. It struck me what a diverse group we all were. No type, no particular age, height or build. Adventurers, it seems, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are super-fit athletes for whom physical endeavour and achievement is a huge part of what drives them. For others, its the compulsive desire to break away from the nine to five and propel themselves into unknown places and cultures to learn in some way about the world and the people that inhabit it. For others still, its the need to get back to basics, to live off the grid and escape the stresses and trappings of modern civilised life to experience life in the raw. In fact, the more time I spent talking to people at the festival, the more reasons I heard as to why certain individuals give up the safety of the sofa, whether for a weekend or a lifetime.

But there was, I think, a uniting theme.In their own unique ways, most of these people had gone out there and DONE IT. Not just talked about an adventure, but actually given it a go.I met one couple in their 50's just back from a week motorcycling in Morocco's Atlas Mountains they'd always wanted to do it but weren't sure they'd be up to the long days of gruelling off-road riding in desert heat. Now they have the photos to prove they did it, and boy do they look good! At the other end of the scale, adventurer Jon Muir talked about his solo trek across Australia it took him FOUR attempts, but he said failure was all part of the adventure and it was something he just had to do. (This from the guy whose first thought when he arrived at the top of Everest was that he desperately needed a piss and a cigarette!). And I'd say to anyone that thinks they're too unfit, too old, too cash-strapped, too tied-down, or too scared for adventure think again!

People like you are out there dreaming up and then pursuing their own challenges great and small. You don't have to break a world record or be the first to do something (although if you do, big respect to you!). Your adventure is unique to you, so own it then get out there and do it!It was an inspiring weekend and I certainly came back with renewed vigour to keep pursuing my own adventures whenever and wherever I can (Im cooking up another one now......yeeha!). You wont regret it, I certainly haven't."

What should go in an Outdoors First Aid Kit?

When we are working or playing in the outdoors, the remote environments presents certain complications that would compound an otherwise simple injury in an urban environment: A greater likelihood of injury A greater severity of injury Longer term care for the casualty because of our distance from definitive care.

We are in the habit now of attending specialised First Aid training courses for remote environments which help us prepare for these complications. Similarly our First Aid kits should also be adapted. The contents of a First Aid kit should be determined by its intended use. To that end it is usually better to make up your own kit rather than to buy an 'off-the-shelf' product. To decide what is to go in your first aid kit you must ask yourself the following questions: Who is this intended to treat? How you treat yourself may be very different to how you treat colleagues or people in your care. As a rule medications should never be given to anyone but yourself. Are there many people in your care or do you work with small groups? What am I likely to encounter?

The most common injuries are often the simplest: cuts, grazes, sprains and strains. Stock your kit accordingly. In the outdoors the injuries can be more 'environmentally specific'; Walkers will invariably get blisters. Paddlers are likely to catch sunburn. Cavers are likely to encounter grit and foreign bodies in their eye and open wounds. What is the environment I am in? In hot environments you want to be prepared for heat stroke and dehydration. In the cold you will need to prepare for hypothermia. Abroad you may consider stomach upset to be the most likely ailment. Will your kit need to be waterproof or crush-proof? The Bare Minimum Simply by being in a remote or industrial environment, the probability of a serious injury is increased as is the severity of that injury. As a bare minimum always have at decent sized trauma dressing and a pair of 'Tuff Cut' EMT shears to hand, be they in the glove box, buoyancy aid, jacket pocket or rucksack lid. In terms of life-threatening-injuries, Serious Bleeding is the most significant risk in industry and in the outdoors. The First Care Israeli type trauma dressings are ideal for these environments: Double shrink wrapped, they will last much longer languishing in the bottom of your rucksack or kit bag than conventional plastic wrapped dressings. They are purposefully designed for significant blood loss, much larger than traditional First Aid dressings.

Their wide, elasticated bandage also provide enough support to protect a wrist, ankle, elbow or possibly knee injury. The Ouch Pouch On most occasions there is little need to carry a full first aid kit considering the likelihood of an injury and the type of injuries one can expect to sustain. In many situations a small, lightweight 'Ouch Pouch' is preferable to an large, cumbersome or complicated kit. This type of kit is intended to stop serious bleeding, protect minor bone/joint injuries and provide a few extras to manage longer term wound care. This style of kit is favoured by Bushcrafters who encounter frequent nicks and grazes and Adventure Racers who are happy to sacrifice the luxuries in order to move lightly and quickly. Antiseptic solution- 25ml sachet Cleaning wipesx 4 Cohesive bandage- 6cm minimum Gauze swabsx 5 Non-adherent dressings( e.g. Melonin)5cm x 5cmx 2 Non-adherent dressings 10cm x 10cmx 2 Plasters- assorted Saline solution -25ml sachet x 2 Steri-strips - 6mmx 2 packets Tincture of Benzoin(also known as Friars Balsam, a sticky brown resin with antiseptic properties that is applied to the skin before steri-strips to help their adherence. Especially useful in hot, sweaty environments). Transpore tape- Stronger and easier to use than Micropore Zinc Oxide tape The Personal Kit We are frequently asked what should be in a generic First Aid Kit for outdoor activities.

This recommended list was produced and tested in consultation with a Mountain Rescue Team member, an Accident Emergency trauma specialist, a Mountain Guide and a Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach. It is a versatile combination of small and light yet functional and practical. Everything inside has been thought out and tested. It has been designed to cope with as much as possible using as little as possible. But remember - practicality must dictate. It is unlikely that any first aid kit will be able to deal with every possible situation and even more unlikely that you would be able to carry such a first aid kit!

Accident Casualty Cards Antiseptic solution -25ml sachetx 4 Burns dressing- at least 10cm x 10cm Cleaning wipesx 4 Cohesive bandage -6cm minimum Duck tape Tuff Cut Shears Gauze swabs- 5cm x 5cm x 5 Gloves Iodine dressings ( e.g.Inodine) -10cm x 10cm x 2 Light stick Needle Syringe- A wide bore, blunt needle (i.e. 18G 'Pink' Mixing Needle) and a 20ml syringe is used for wound irrigation. Non-adherent dressing -5cm x 5cm x 5 Non-adherent dressing -10cm x 10cm x 5 Plasters -assorted Saline solution- 25ml sachets x 2 Blunt/ Sharp Scissors- 'Nurses scissors' with one blunt and one sharp tip. Steri-strips -6mm x 2 packets Steri Strips -3mm x 2 packets Surgical blade -#20 is a usable size and shape. Tegaderm- 2 (Tegaderm is an advanced dressing; it is a thin, stretchy, flexible and low-adherent plastic film which is ideal for covering wounds on traditionally awkward places such as knuckles, jawline, elbow or places which experience constant movement. Being transparent it is ideal for monitoring wounds without having to repeatedly expose them.) Tincture of Benzoin x 2 Transpore tape Triangular bandage Tweezers Waterproof pen Wound dressing -Trauma bandage as above. Zinc Oxide tape Group First Aid Kit If you are responsible for a group the Personal Kit would not be suitable given that it is designed for one person and may contain medication. With large groups you need to prepare for serious bleeds and bone / joint injuries. The emphasis is on practicality so stock up on cheap, absorbent dressings and bandages for immobilising injuries. Accident / Casualty Cards Antiseptic wipes Cling film Conforming bandages Gloves Non adherent dressings Tuff Cut Shears Triangular bandages Wound dressings Zinc Oxide tape Waterproof Containers For watersports, a waterproof container is essential. There are a few options. BDH containers are relatively cheap and can be made more water resistant by using a wide rubber seal that is available, however they are not waterproof and the small, transparent, ones do crack. The larger, black containers are much more durable. Roll top bags are more expensive but much more waterproof and being soft they are easy to stow in bumbags or in kayak cockpits. Pelicases and Otter Boxesare the gold standard. They are completely waterproof and very strong but they are significantly more expensive. We have recently discovered Aloksaks and have since been testing our First Aid kits in these bags. They look like standard resealable plastic bags but are much more durable and about as water tight as they come. These are our thoughts. What are yours?

Moon regan transantarctic crossing

I was part of this ground breaking crossing, representing Imperial College London as science partner. Primary goal was to take wheeled vehicles coast to coast and back, this was achieved using two modified Ford econoline 6 wheel drive trucks.

The additional task was to take a Bio-fuelled vehicle to the South Pole this was achieved with the Winston Wong BIV (Bio Inspired Vehicle) this was driven from Union Glacier to the South Pole using E85 bio fuel. Additional science tasksincluded heart/cortisole monitoring , Weather data collection. In 2011 I had the honor of taking the BIV to Taiwan and installing it in an environmental museum in Tianan city, lecturing to students on the expedition and getting to meet the President. I have also had the pleasure of recounting this expedition to many hundreds of school children and college students.

In November 2013 on the third anniversary of the expedition I have Installed the BIV at the RAC club in London for ten days, and have the pleasure of giving my lecture on the evening of Monday the 18th of November, to club members and guests. Additional video is on youtube, user LVADMAKER"

Outward Bound Oman Salalah-Muscat expedition photographs

Here is a short showreel of images from my time spent as expedition photographer for Outward Bound Oman.

In January, I covered the last thirty days of the trip which took in desert, mountains, and the last ten days by sea, arriving in Muscat on the 5th February.

Click on the link here - vimeo.com/37111333 Now looking for the next adventure!

Hiking in Les Calanques, Marseille France

I'm planning a long weekend in Marseille to hike the Calanques. The initial plan was to go from Marseilles to Cassis along the GR98 which looks to be about an 11 hour trek. With 10 people of varying abilities, it seems a bit ambitious for one day but it doesn't appear that there are accommodations along the way in order to break it into two days.

I've since decided that we'll stay in Marseille and take the bus to a point about mid-way and hike to Cassis one day and Marseille the next - is that the best approach? Additional recommendations for treks or other activities in this area are welcome.

Vatnajokull expedition

Hello all, I am fairly new to EC having only found the website a few weeks ago. I am looking for a location where I can practise polar skills by myself, by that I mean unguided only with a friend. We are both competent alpine climbers, but would like to practise the skills of pulk pulling etc that would be needed in anything more 'extreme'.

My current thought is the Vatnajkull in Iceland. Could anyone advise on this or a suitable alternative? My aim eventually would be to build up slowly to a longer expedition in either Russia or Greenland.

Thanks,

Hugh

What is a professional explorer?

What is a professional explorer?

What and how do they do it as a job? how do they get paid? Bruce Parry for example or Sir Fiennes? How do you go about becoming one?

Please let me know