Keela Belay Jacket Review

 

Introduction

 

Keela  have now split the Belay Jacket into two variants, an Advance Jacket which is back to basics. And an all singing and dancing version, the Pro Jacket. The older version I am reviewing here, a pre 2013 single variant, was purchased in September 2011 and has had extensive use. I've used it for work nearly every day, especially in the winter. Or around camp when I am off in the Lake District, Dales, or where ever.

 

 

A doorman discovered in the Peak District

Bio-ethanol Fuel, a Methylated Spirit alternative?

Based only a stones throw from myself, in Sheffield South Yorkshire, Fuel 4 produce a range of bio-ethanol items, including a fuel gel, liquid fuel and cook sets. To be honest, the cook sets look too bulky for my needs. But looks like a possible competitor to the Trangia systems. In this review I will look at the liquid bio-ethanol with a review of the gel to follow once I have done some tests. So what's the spirit fuel like?

 

 

Eyam - On The Edge

Famous for sealing itself off from the rest of the world following the discovery of the plague reaching there in August 1665, Eyam is a Derbyshire Village only a fairly short drive south west of Sheffield. So there is an historical attraction, but what about for walks? The walk for today was based around Eyam Edge, with the hope of some views.

 

Five Weirs Walk: Sheffield

The Five Weirs Walk follows the River Don through the lower Don Valley in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. The section I walked with a friend who had recommended the walk was from Meadowhall through to the Wicker area of Sheffield. This covers the five weirs the walk is named after. It's not a scenic walk in the strictest sense, like say a walk in the Lake District, or Peak District. But it is a very interesting walk with a lot of history and some little gems. There are some nicely carved benches, historical buildings covering Sheffield's primary industry, steel works. There is a Bailey Bridge and the Cobweb Bridge running through the Wicker Arches.

A Walk Along The Edge, with Lunch Thrown in.

I'd been to Snake Woodland a couple of times before. I'd been up Snake Path before. But I'd never walked along the ridge overlooking Ashop Clough, the northern edge of the Kinder Scout plateau. Today was the day.

 

 

My first Autumn walk around Langsett and some gear testing.

I took the opportunity at the weekend to get out around Langsett Reservoir and test out some new boots and the Food on the Move meal previously reviewed. Autumn has finally set in properly around here. A very late year.

The batteries on my camera decided to run out early into the walk so I had to revert to my phone. I was surprised to find it has a pretty good panoramic setting. A quick preview and initial impressions of my new boots to follow.

A New Kid on the Block........Mountain Trails Moroccan Cous Cous with Chicken.

The colder months are here and I like to take a stove and something to eat with me. It's a good way to warm up and get some energy. I like to take a freeze dried meal with me, Fuizion being my favourite. But these meals are quite expensive for a quick meal out on a walk. Well I've found a cheaper alternative, Mountain Trails.

Good News............Their Back, Fuizion Freeze Dried Food!

Fuizion are back. The makers of what I think, and a lot of others do too, of the best freeze dried meals out there, have stock again. It's good news to hear, and below is a photograph of my order that arrived this morning. Thanks to Hendrik Morkel at http://hikinginfinland.com/ for spotting their return and posting on his blog.

 

 

Fuizion freeze dried meals can be purchased at http://www.fuizionfreezedriedfood.com/

 

One of the best even better? A Quick Look at the Sawyer Squeeze Mini

They've gone and done it, Sawyer have made a lighter version of the Squeeze filter. Called the Sawyer Mini, it costs a little less, and you guessed it, it's smaller.

 

 

Product Updates - Good and Bad

Mountain Fuel

Mountain Fuel, the Welsh supplement and food company are currently in the process of updating their website. According to the email I received, they are also updating their product line. Hopefully, the energy bar they had mentioned quite some time ago on their website will appear. The new website hasn't appeared yet, I was told the end of September. So possibly another few days and something should be online. Time will tell.

http://www.mountainfuel.co.uk/



Fuizion Freeze Dried Meals

This isn't good news. Having looked through the entire product range on the Fuizion website they have nothing in stock. Looking at their Facebook page, they have ceased trading. They say they are unable to make a profit, which would permit further investment. This may be down to what I consider quite a low price compared to the quality of the meals when considering similar products. This is a great loss to the outdoor industry, and my taste buds. I wish Tony and Alison, the people behind Fuizion, all the best.

https://www.facebook.com/Fuizion.Freeze.Dried.Food?v=wall&
http://www.fuizionfreezedriedfood.com/