CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

What is orienteering?

According to British Orienteering, the National Governing Body for the sport of orienteering in the United Kingdom,

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which takes place in varying terrain over various distances. The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. The standard orienteering distance is known as a ‘classic or long distance’ race however modernisation of the sport has introduced the ‘middle distance’ race and ‘sprint distance’ race.

Orienteering can take place over any kind of terrain, urban or rural, from your local park or forest to remote wilderness, on tarmac or open countryside.

Orienteering Control Flag. Source: Flikcr by Glutnix

Control points are normally marked with a special white and red flag. Attached to the flag is a hole punch which is used to stamp a hole in a competitor’s record card, confirming that the competitor has been to that point. Electronic devises are also used for the purpose.

What Outdoor Gear do I need for Orienteering?

This will depend upon the exact nature of the orienteering race that you are taking part it. Generally speaking you will need cross-country running shoes or trainers, shorts or lycra tights and T-shirt or baselayer. For orienteering races in the open country you might wish to take a lightweight waterproof, windproof or softshell jacket.

You will also need a map and compass. It is also a good idea to take an emergency whistle and a high energy snack.

For more information on choosing outdoor gear see our trail running advice page.

Are there any Organised Orienteering Events?

Yes, there are many local orienteering clubs whose contact details can be obtained from the British Orienteering website. In addition to organised events, local orienteering clubs may be able to provide orienteering maps for permanent orienteering courses in your area.

National Orienteering Events

The 2009 British Orienteering Long Championships and Relay Championships will take place in the New Forest on 28 February / 1 March 2009. Entries for these events are now open. These events are organised by British Orienteering and more information can found on the British Orienteering Championships website.

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Live for the Outdoors (LFTO) wrote a serious, advisory post following an article in Trail Magazine about reasons that should make you think about turning back before reaching the summit.  Whether you are a walker, mountaineer, mountain biker, skier, runner or other, these reasons are certainly worth considering:

1. Bad Weather - snow, rain, cold and wind can all come in severe doses, so make sure your prepared but sometimes preparation isn’t enough, so know your limits!
2. Weather Hazards - associated consequences from bad weather such as rockfalls and lightning
3. Avalanche Risk - make sure you check local avalanche reports right up to the point that you depart, and on an ongoing basis if at all possible.
4. Fatigue - tiredness can put a real strain on your senses, your alertness and obviously your ability to continue safely.
5. Hunger - food and drink is your body’s fuel to continue safely and can affect your physical performance, rationale and ability to think quickly.  Remember to account for enough food and drink reserves to return you back again.

LFTO

Avalanche Warning. Source: Flickr, Joe Shlabotnik

Although, we thought there must be more reasons to turn back as there are so many influencing factors on a successful climb, run or ride…or are we just being soft?

1. Injury - some people like to bag summits a little too recklessly, some injuries worsen if not cared for (think of the last time you continued to walk with a sprained ankle, and consider the bruising and swelling that continued to grow from not resting it properly).
2. Illness / Conditions / Vulnerability - without the suitably warm outdoor gear, such as a fleece or insulated jacket, it could very well mean that you become susceptible to cold and wet conditions which might bring on hypothermia.   Illness can overcome your body fast if you’re tired - a common cold can really effect your progress and make you even more vulnerable…be careful.
3. Without the right outdoor gear - that mac that you screwed into your pack might be OK for the odd shower but torrential rain and gale force winds are dealt with far better by a waterproof mountain jacket.  Another example could be needing crampons for more technical, snowbound climbs up hill-faces…
4. Broken gear or equipment - if you took the right gear, but broke it by accident, maybe it’s time to return back if you cannot fix it in any sort of semi-permanent way.  A broken tent pole for instance could cause a very unpleasant nights sleep under the stars if you don’t repair it or replace it sufficiently for the weather conditions.
5. Unsure of your route - you might have made it so far but inexperience or lack of clarity in the mapping might mean that it would be safer to return before you get lost.
6. Closed routes - similar to the point above, if you cannot follow the route that you intended then it’s worth considering returning or at the very least let people know that you will be changing your route.  For this reason it is often advised that you have a primary and secondary route that you share with someone who is not going with an estimated time of return (ETR).
7. The route is beyond your abilities - it might be that you set-off thinking that your route is within your technical and physical capabilities, but things may have changed or maybe your research was not comprehensive enough?
8. Broken-communication lines - there are some places people only like to venture when they know that they have support at a form of base-camp, or Without communication lines (mobile phones, satellite phone communications, etc) it can leave you alone and without the right support if the worst was to happen.
9. Make progress to the abilities of your weakest member - check around with your hiking, running or riding mates to see if each of the above are are all in check and there’s no reason to consider turning back.  it might that you’re OK, but what about others?

Any others reasons for turning back?  Your mum calls and says that dinner’s ready, or that you forgot your hairbrush…?  Share your ideas with others…

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I like Nikwax.  I really do.  I think it is really good value stuff, especially when you consider the value of the outdoor clothing and equipment it protects.

Every so often we like to do a little write-up about the manufacturers of outdoor equipment, simply to show you why we choose to sell the one’s that we do.  And this time, lucky Nikwax has hit the limelight.

Nikwax for Protecting your Gear and Outdoor Clothing

Nikwax helps ensure that your clothing continues to do what it was supposed to well after you bought it. Over time, and wear and tear,

Nikwax Direct

The item I like the most from the range of Nikwax Gear Care products is the Nikwax TX Direct Spray or Nikwax Wash-in.  There are a load of other gear care produts in the shape of wax, sprays, lofters, proofers, etc, etc, but these are the most used by me.

Like most, I’m a big fan of breathable waterproof jackets - got a couple for different outdoor sports - mountain biking, running and general/other use. I think this works best, but I have to say, it’s my mountain bike jacket that get’s put through the worst of it.  The biggest test is the abrasion from the dirt that sprays-up I find…this kind of abrasion can do some serious damage and reduces the water repellancy of my jacket.

How Nikwax Works

OK, the techy geeks are going to love this, hold on to your hats!  Here’s a bit of blurb on how Nikwax was developed and why it works:

Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.

Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That is why Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash.

The TX.10i elastomer adds tear strength to fabrics as well. Enhanced tear resistance is achieved through lubrication of the fabric which allows the fibres to slide easily over one another. the treatments also coat the fibres with the elastic polymer that is resilient and allows the fibres to flex a limited amount and return to their original position. This reduces the stress at the intersection of the fibres adding tear strength to the fabric.In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The culmination of several years research, these new class of formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products, you do not need to heat garments to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new class of formulations is being carried across the range so watch out for even greater performance from Nikwax in the future.

Now, I’m not a Scientist, but that makes Nikwax one tough cookie.

More reasons to love Nikwax

• As proofers go they are amongst the best in their field
• Safer to the environment so ticks lots of eco-boxes too
• Easy to use, just a few instructions - even I can follow them!

Nikwax’s environmental stance:

If Nikwax were manufacturing petroleum-based or aerosol products, there would be an additional 500 tons of organic solvents and propellant gases evaporated into the atmosphere. Nikwax’s commitment to WaterBased emulsions does a lot to reduce global warming and ozone depletion. The so-called ozone friendly solvents and propellants used in aerosols are very powerful greenhouse gases. Weight for weight, petroleum solvents contribute far more to global warming than carbon dioxide.

In addition, Nikwax improves the performance and extends the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, thereby reducing the consumption of materials and energy that would be needed to replace these items. Fewer things in land-fills too!

Nikwax also doesn’t use fluorocarbons either, and as some research has suggested that they are persistent chemicals (i.e. they do not break-down in the foodchain), then we think that this is a good thing.

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It’s funny, we’ve had some awful weather this summer (can we really call it a summer?)…and yet the moment that I decide to write about the build-up to Christmas, the weather clears up and the ducks sigh. (Don’t be sad ducks, it will rain again!).

Outdoor People Love their Gear

We at the CheapTents.com blog, love the outdoors, and for me personally, gear is a big deal.  Some of us are even self-proclaimed “gear snobs”, as they only ever use the best outdoor equipment out there!

Outdoor sports are typically low in regards to outlay, i.e. once you’ve paid for the gear, it will last you for a long time, as the top brands will design them for endurance, build-quality and a range of technical features that make you happy you own it for many years to come.

My Favourite Bits of Gear (hints for presents!)

Without meaning to sound like I’m putting out hints for particular Christmas presents to anyone reading this post (but secretly I am), here’s a few of my favourite bits of gear.

For hiking, I know I should be saying walking boots are the best bit of my kit, but really my favourite bit of gear are my socks - and one of my all time weaknesses is buying new socks!  Sad I know.

For riding and most other sports though, it has to be baselayers (or ‘base layers’).  They’re the bit of kit that I found most versatile and control my body temperature most effectively.

It’s winter now though, so my favourite bit of gear might well be proper wooly hats, with a fleece lining.  Have you ever had that thing when your running in the cold and the top of your heads feels like it’s frozen and is about to fall off?  I get that sometimes, but a nice selction of hats to match all my running gear sorts that!  …only kidding!!!

What are your favourite bits of gear?  And, most importantly, what’s on your wishlist for this Christmas?!

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You may remember, a while ago we wrote this fun quiz asking whether you are serious about reducing the weight of your backpack, when out running, walking, climbing or riding, asking: are you a lightweight?

Ultralight Specialists

Years and years of working in the outdoor industry, has led us into our very own niche…one that we proudly can say that we are probably the biggest and best and doing what we do: selling the lightest gear at reduced prices, throughout the year. No seasonal discounting for us - low prices all year!

One of the best things about working here is that I am exposed to so much outdoor gear, that all you outdoor junkies out there would be drooling over!!  Better yet, is that all the ultralight and lightweight gear around me is by some of the best and most trusted brands in the industry.  It’s quite a privilege, I must say!

Outdoor Sports

Outdoor sports across the board can benefit from lightweight and ultralight equipment.  Many of whom need their gear with them in case the weather changes, or, because they are en route to their next camping site.  However few people consider the weight of the gear they are going to be putting into their backpack and carrying with them.  If you’re into any of the following outdoor activities / sports, maybe you should consider lightweight gear as your next replacement:

• Mountain Biking / Cross Country Cycling / Commuting
• Mountain Marathons / Adventure Running / Trail Running / Fell Running
• Walking / Hiking / Backpacking / Travel
• Climbing / Mountaineering / Orienteering / Expeditions

Not just tents!

Our specialist area has always tents, it’s even in our title.  I must say though, that we are certainly no longer just tents, and are well beyond being so, with a range of outdoor sports gear to make a life-times worth of Christmas wishlists!

But if you are looking for a lightweight tent, maybe you should be looking at the ultralight tents too.

Lighter than lightweight gear

Lightweight camping, travel and outdoor sports need the same capabilities that you would expect from ‘normal’ weight gear but trimmed down / cut down / hack-sawed down, to be that perfect weight.  No excess, no extras, no frills, no cosmetics, just pure functionality.  For this reason we’ve provided a range of ultralight gear advice for those seeking to reduce the weight of their rucksack or backpack.

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Berghaus Short Sleeve Tech T came 1st in Country Walking magazine’s test of baselayers / active outdoor t-shirts.

Baselayers and Thermalwear

Your baselayer is one of the most underestimated items of gear.  You should read more about  the importance of baselayers, but the generally you need to make sure they are part of your gear list, in addition to a thermal / fleece mid-layer or insulated layer and a shell / waterproofs.

Berghaus Tech-T Baselayer Product Specification

Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.  Argentium offers permanent moisture management and wicking properties through the use of a denier gradient knit structure and channeled yarns.

Berghaus Tech T Baselayer T-Shirt

Interestingly, Argentium has permanent odour resist properties through the use of a silver ion technology. The knitted fabric structure in these tees has been body mapped to maximise air flow, hence creating the breathability quality we see.

• Permanent moisture management and wicking properties.
• Permanent odour resistant properties through the use of a silver ion technology.
• Permanent UV blocking properties (SPF>30).
• Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.
• Weight: 185g.
• RRP: £20.

Here’s Country Walking’s review of the Tech-T’s performance…

COMFORT & FIT 8/10

Perfect cut and length, but I’d have preferred slightly longer sleeves.  The polyester fabric felt great next to the skin.

PERFORMANCE 10/10

Dealt with perspiration and dried as well as any, but with less noticeable odour after use than the runners-up.  Appealing sporty yet casual looks.

VERDICT 18/20

About as good as a crew neck synthetic T-shirt can be and at an excellent price to boot!

…looks like it’s a winner!  You can find a range of reduced baselayers and thermals in the outdoor shop.

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Headlines over the weekend have been highlighting what has been some of the worst storms to face ‘The Original Mountain marathon’, causing it to be called off for the first time in it’s 40 year history.

The Original Mountain Marathon, near Keswisk, Cumbria

Each year several hundred people take part in this mountain marathon, a fell run over very challenging terrain in the Lake District.

It involves teams of two, carrying all clothing, equipment, tent, sleeping bag, and their food for 36 hours, during the run. They must also navigate their own route and camp out overnight.

The race course follows the route along one of England’s steepest passes in the Borrowdale Valley, rising to some 2,000ft in height (610m).  The longest route of the 7 available is for the Elite class which is literally 2 consecutive marathon lengths and c2,500m of ascent over 2 days.

The race is typically for experienced mountain runners and most of whom were prepared to cope with adverse conditions.  Many though were without the right gear and could not find the adequate shelter, and suffered  with hypothermia from the severe conditions.

Horrific Weather

The race saw the worst weather it has ever seen.  Since Thursday, more than 1ft (40cm) of rain has fallen there, according to the Environment Agency.   The best way to gauge the weather is via footage, here’s a snippet along the Honister Pass, courtesy of Paul Dodd:

Overnight Stays

Because of the intensity of the storm, many runners opted in to hole-up for the night, taking refuge in barns and other building along the course of the race.

Missing Runners and Mountain Rescue

“Race director Jen Longbottom made the decision just before midday after several hours of torrential rain had resulted in extreme conditions on the mountain and severe flooding,” it stated.  Actually canceling it was harder said than done, having experienced a huge amount of torrential rain and winds across the hills where runners were scattered.

Although weekend reports were claiming that up to 1,000 runners were lost, sleepmonsters.com reported that there was more likely to be fewer:

Despite media reports of over 1000 competitors being ‘unaccounted for’ the true facts as of 02.00 in the morning were that 44 competitors had not been located, and by 12.00 this was down to just 8 pairs.

(At any normal OMM there are usually this number not checked in after the race has finished at around 17.00 and more often than not they have set off home without checking in.)

About 12 people have been taking to hospital with hypothermia and minor injuries, Northwest Ambulance Service have said.

Share your thoughts…

For all those that took part or have been interested in the news,

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We love discounting gear and providing excellent customer service - that’s why people come back!  Here’s a few more for you to take a look at…

Needing winter gear? Getting wet?  Wanting a bargain?

Check out the camping gear sale and discounts on clothing and gear…along with extra discounts on waterproof clothing!

There’s nothing better than getting a bargain!

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Feedback and Ideas

We love to hear from our visitors, whether it’s a review of some gear you’ve just bought, a subject you think we should be covering or simply hearing your views via the comments box of each blog post.  Always feel free to contact us which will help us to continue to provide the great service we think you guys deserve!

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Outdoor People

Outdoor gear, sports and camping are definitely our thing.  Each of the team at CheapTents.com, enjoys their own range of outdoor sports and activities from leisurely walking to travel and triathalons, or from climbing to mountain biking and bivouacking.  For this reason, we take a great interest in a wide range of outdoor gear and how it performs for it’s designated purpose.  So for this matter we thought we would plant this knowledge down into a library of outdoor resources for others to share…

Outdoor Resources Galore

In addition to the resources available on our outdoor blog, we also provide extra helpful tips and advice on a wide range of camping and outdoor topics, including:

• Tent Advice
  • Mountain Tent Advice
  • Lightweight / Ultralight Tent Advice
  • Bothy Bag Advice
• Sleeping Bag Advice
• Outdoor Clothing Advice
• Walking Boots and Footwear Advice
• Camping Advice
• Camping Equipment Advice
• Ultralight Backpacking Tips
• Travel and Gap year Advice
• Glossary of Outdoor Terms
• Scout Info and Discounts
• Climbing Gear Advice
• Camping Stoves Advice
• Ice and Walking Axes & Crampons
• Head Torch Help and Advice
• Festival Gear Advice

…and that’s in addition too all the great products we have available in the outdoor shops of outdoor shops!  We continue to discount year round in order for you to be reassured that you’re getting a great price, always!

And for those seriously into lightweight gear and who consider themselves to be an ultralight backpacker, runner or mountain biker, take the ultralight quiz to find out!

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• Are you a heavyweight, lightweight or ultralight?
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Here’s a summary of the big news stories in the Outdoor Industry so far this Summer:

The North Face

The North Face sponsored ultra-marathon. Jez Bragg broke another record by winning The Devil o’ the Highlands on the 9th August by knocking an astonishing 46 minutes off the existing record, finishing in 5 hours 22 minutes.

The Devil o’ the Highlands features some of the best competitors in the challenging sport of ultra-running, where each runner is given 12 hours to complete the course, over mountain and vale running from Tyndrum to Fort William.

Jez Bragg comments:

“I had a great race, especially with the exceedingly high quality of competitors… 2008 has been a personal triumph so far, but there is no time to rest on my laurels, I want to be at my best for The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc at the end of August”

Holding records for all three of the West Highland Way ultra-running races: The West Highland Way, The highland Fling and The Devil O’ The Highlands, Jez Bragg is really making a name for himself in this long-distance endurance form of ultra-running.

First on the Beka Brakai Chhok Summit in Pakistan

The North Face sponsored athletes, Simone Moro and Hervé Barmasse, were the first to summit the Beka Brakai Chhok in Pakistan, part of the karkorum chain of mountain and stands just shy of 7000m at 694om.

Challenges to these alpinist climbers included no support from an advanced camp - commencing from 4750m, overcoming jutting out ice streches, numerous sheers parts, some mixed parts and several crevasses, sleeping without a tent or sleeping bag or camp stove, and all carried out in under 48 hours.

“It’s a climb that gives us great satisfaction and awareness of our skills and that puts an end to the several previous attempts…We are glad we are providing some good news from the world of Alpinism, after the tragedies we have witnessed in the last days. We hope that our expedition will help remind people and climbers that alpinism is not only about death, tragedies, survival and heroism. We, as many others, go to the mountains sensibly, to live, enjoy, grow, accept life, sport and sometimes also destiny, never questioning or lacking respect for what allows us to carry on all this, the value of life.”

Simone Moro and Hervè Barmasse

Berghaus Sponsors Charity Endurance Race at Catterick Garrison

Berghaus has pledged to sponsor the Paras 10 endurance race on 14th September at the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.  This grueling multi-terrain race hopes to raise money for The Airborne Forces Charity and Help for Heroes Campaign.

Participants will be competing with some of the fittest and most elite soliers in the British Army in this grueling ten mile race, following the Parachte Regiment’s ‘P’ Company selection march, marked as one of the world’s toughest challenges.  Competing in this race requires a great deal of endurance, especially as competitors will be wearing army-style booots and 35lb rucksacks.

Berghaus will supply each marshall with a branded performance t-shirt and prizes including rucsacks and footwear to the winning competitors.

Camelbak and Platypus Bladders are BPA-Free

All of Camelbak and Platypus hydration bottles and bladders are now BPA-free, having made this announcement back in August, they are now designed with a new material that avoids this

What exactly is Bisphenol-A (BPA)?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic resins, epoxy resins, and other products sometimes used in the manufacture of water bottles, bladders and hydrations packs.

Mixed Reports on the Safety of BPA

There has been some negative press on BPA but some researchers state that it is not damaging to health.  Manufacturers such as Platypus and Camelbak have moved away from BPA in response to consumer research, and so are both BPA-free.

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