Please note that this page is a work in progress – we can’t pretend we’ve read all the gear reviews, meticulously researched every available option and carried out extensive field tests. We’ve learned a bit about gear from our experiences on previous hikes, but every hike is different – lightweight gear that’s perfect for southern California is unlikely to do the job in Ireland in March!

Footwear
Waterproof clothing
Rucksacks
Tent
Sleeping bags and mats
Cooking and water treatment

Footwear

Probably our biggest concern. We usually hike in lightweight boots, but with lots of road-hiking expected in Ireland we may need more cushioning to avoid bruised soles.
Tanya will set off in Vasque Breeze boots, to be used with Sorbothane insoles on roads, but will take Superfeet insoles for arch support on rough terrain. Strong possibility of throwing Brooks trail shoes into my rucksack at the last minute – great cushioning, but a bit low in the heel leading to a sore achilles after a few miles on tarmac.
Neil will take Lowa Renegade boots and Asics running shoes, and Superfeet.

Waterproof clothing

Tanya – Arc’teryx Beta AR Goretex jacket, Berghaus Helvellyn waterproof trousers, Marmot waterproof mitts.
Neil – Marmot Interfuse Goretex jacket, Berghaus Paclite waterproof trousers, Marmot waterproof mitts.

Rucksacks

Tanya – ULA Catalyst rucksack – 50 litre capacity and only weighs 1.25 kg, also has nice large hip belt pockets which are big enough for camera, compass, penknife and snacks. But it’s fairly lightweight and has already done about 1600 miles – just hope it’s good for another 1600 or so!
Neil – Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 rucksack, 60 litre capacity,1.3kg. As yet untested on a long distance hike.

Tent

Force 10 Helium 200 2 person tent. Single transverse hoop design, so hopefully it will have enough room while still being very light (weight is 1340g).
Also, very importantly, the inner and outer pitch together -an advantage when it’s raining. Not yet tested.

Sleeping bags and mats

Tanya – Thermarest Z-lite Sol (original Z-lite used since 2010), and Rab Neutrino 600 W.
Neil – Thermarest Z-lite Sol and Mountain Equipment Xero 550 down sleeping bag.
The mats will go underneath the tent to protect the groundsheet from sticks, brambles etc while still providing us with insulation from the ground. Keeping our down bags dry in a damp climate is going to be a challenge – we’ll need to pick our campsites carefully and make sure we have enough ventilation in the tent.

Cooking

Caldera Cone stove by Trail Designs, and an MSR Titanium Titan 1.5 litre pot.
Used with two small plastic bowls from Asda, and titanium Sporks.