Tent etc
My tent turned up (Alpkit Soloist), along with a funky inflatable pillow and a Alpkit Cloud Base mat.
I’ve opted for cheap-ish gear to try out the concept and see if I can actually deal with 20+ days of camping (as I’ve said before, I’m not a huge fan but the flexibility it offers is too good to overlook).The tent is a bit more conspicuous than I’d hoped, but I think that’s what you get for £115. It’s pretty light all-in (1.2kg), and could be used without the inside which lowers the weight down by another 400g or so. I’m still contemplating the idea of a OR Helium bivvy if the tent turns out to be too big, but as it stands it’s good for having my bag/shoes inside and protecting from the rain with 2 layers. I forgot to tick the option for the footprint so I’m waiting to hear back from Alpkit about getting hold of one as I think it’s a good idea to have some extra protection at ground level.
Pack
I also ordered the bag I’ve been looking at – the Ultimate Direction Faskpack 30 (new for 2021, replacing the older Fastpack 35). Loaded with the tent, map, pillow, GPS, phone and a couple of bottles it still has plenty more room for the other bits and pieces I’ll need (big things like sleeping bag/quilt, fleece/down jacket, waterproof jacket & trousers and some food etc). I’m planning on starting to run with it next week for my commute (2 x 5 miles) to get a sense of the weight, how to adjust etc and whether I’ll get on with it for the run without anything rubbing etc.
Getting to Minehead
I’ve just had a quick look at public transport between home (near Poole – the end of the SWCP), and Minehead (the start). It turns out that Google reckons it’ll take around 21 hours by public transport… think I might have to ask someone for a lift (a couple of hours from the looks of it…)
Next Step
More running, more walking, kit tests etc are all obvious things to do.
There’s more planning – I’ve got to finalise my stage list (it won’t be the final-final one, but I’ll put one up as a starting point), and sort out things like where shops are (for food/drink but also sports shops in case I need some kit), water sources (so I can filter and fill up water bottles), potential camp sites etc.
Onwards and upwards!