Standing at the entrance of the outdoor expo, I felt the air buzz with anticipation. As the doors opened, marking a ribbon-cutting moment, we ventured inside. Our first stop? The wild camping exhibits, featuring a captivating nature tunnel.
Then time for a quick lap of the exhibit before setting down to listen to some of the talks. The Isle of Wight’s stall caught our I and is now added to the list of places to go back to. Then, sampling Honest-Bean.co’s nuts and Idahoan potatoes we carried on our way. Exploring Paramo’s innovative jackets to discovering that my favorite FiveFingers shoes had been discontinued, it was a great opportunity to see Terra Nova’s tents pitched—often the best way to gauge what lightweight mountain adventure tents are available is to wander around a wild camp at a mountain marathon.
It was great to see the scouts with a stand and to witness the camaraderie among Scouts toasting marshmallows and children embarking on bushcraft adventures.
Capturing the Wild: A Lesson in Photography
With the initial whirlwind tour of the stalls behind us, it was time to shift our focus to the much-anticipated series of talks. Our first foray into this educational enclave was a session dedicated to the art of wildlife photography, led by Rachel Bigsby.
Renowned for her ability to capture the essence of the wild, Rachel took us through her lens, offering insights into the meticulous art of framing and setting up shots. Her portfolio, a testament to her skill, featured a stunning array of images—from the raw beauty of cold environments to the dynamic vitality of wildlife, each piece resonating with the finesse of fine art photography.
The Art of Fastpacking: An Expedition Across the Pyrenees with Jamie Ramsay
Then we hastened towards our next source of inspiration. Arriving at the Inspiration Stage, we eagerly anticipated an immersive journey into the world of fastpacking by the seasoned adventurer, Jamie Ramsay, who took us through his journey south to north across the Pyrenees over 18.5 days of fast hiking. His tale was a vivid tapestry of experiences, woven with anecdotes from other expeditions—be it arduous bike packing across Morocco, the challenging Hay Duke and Monkey Trail, or majestic of Gavarnie in France.
Next we took a brief detour—next, we were set to immerse ourselves in the world of wild camping with Tom.
Wild Camping: A Gateway to Nature with Tom Backhouse
In the wake of Jamie Ramsay’s exhilarating discourse on fastpacking, our expedition through the expo’s myriad enlightenments led us to a session that promised a return to the basic joys of the outdoors “Wild Camping is for Everyone” was the call made by Tom Backhouse, the founder of CampWild. Tom’s presentation was an open invitation to all—novices and seasoned campers alike—proposing wild camping as an accessible portal to the wonders of the natural world. With a compelling blend of enthusiasm and expertise, he unveiled the ethos of wild camping: a liberating escapade that strips away the complexities of modern life, beckoning the soul to commune with the wilderness.
Mastering the Art of Fastpacking: Insights from Jamie Ramsay
He began his talk by posing several questions fundamental to fastpacking preparation.
- Where am I going to sleep?
- What is the weather expected to be, or what could it be?
- Where am I going to go to the loo?
- How am I going to deal with my rubbish?
- How am I going to purify water?
- What happens if I get injured or need to contact someone?
- How am I going to resupply?
- Do I choose weight or function?
- How am I going to navigate?
Jamie began with the foundational philosophy of “carry in, carry out,” This ethos not only pertains to litter but extends to managing waste responsibly, suggesting the use of dual bags for toilet paper—one for clean and one for used—to ensure we leave no trace.
Understanding the paramount importance of safety, Jamie highlighted the significance of being able to contact help if injured. He recommended carrying a reliable satellite communicator, underlining that in the wilderness, preparation can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a crisis.
Choosing the right backpack involves balancing space and comfort. Jamie advised against selecting the smallest backpack, recommending leaving room for essentials like food. The Talon 45 emerged as an all round usage favoured choice, despite its straps not being ideal for running due to bounce.
For tents, Jamie stressed the importance of considering the pitching location and opting for a standalone, easy-to-assemble shelter like the Hubba™ NX Solo Backpacking Tent.
Through anecdotes and personal experiences, Jamie underscored the pitfalls of prioritizing weight savings without considering functionality and performance. He shared a memorable encounter where his well-equipped preparation allowed him to enjoy a comfortable. A good night’s sleep is crucial. Jamie advocates for the smallest possible sleeping bag, combined with a heavier poly cotton liner for added warmth, like the Sea to Summit Reactor. He also suggested the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow for comfort, using it to wrap his thermarest before packing it in a waterproof bag. His packing approach was modular, aiming to access his sleeping equipment quickly.
Layering is key in fastpacking. Jamie wears Icebreaker long johns and a Mountain Phase jacket for versatility in changing conditions. For footwear, he trusts the Hoka Speedgoat for its cushioning, essential for those with historical injuries, although commented that they are not that durable.
A minimalist kitchen setup includes the Jetboil Stash Stove and 2 to 3 gas canisters for efficiency. For hydration, Jamie praised the HydraPak water filter system for its reliability.
For navigation and emergencies, Jamie carries an iPhone with the MapOut app, a Nitecore NB10000 power bank, and a Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator. A pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones serves as his connection to music and podcasts, providing comfort during solitary stretches.
A well-thought-out repair kit contains electric tape, duct tape, super glue, and cable ties—essentials for on-the-go fixes that can save the day.
Jamie shared his meticulously curated packing list: https://www.jamieramsay.net/blog/pyrenees-haute-route-kit-list/
Megan Hine: The Survivalist’s Journey into the Wild
We were privileged to attend back-to-back fireside chats with two remarkable women who have not only ventured into the heart of the wilderness but have also brought its stories to life for millions.
Megan Hine’s session delved deep into the essence of survival and the art of crafting narratives in some of the world’s most remote areas. Megan, a revered survivalist and adventure TV producer, shared her profound journey into the outdoors—a journey that began as an escape and transformed into a lifelong vocation.
Megan illuminated the complex relationship between the human mind and nature. She spoke candidly about childhood trauma and how the primal parts of our brain, attuned to survival, are taxed by the modern world’s complexities, leading to chronic stress. This connection between stress, anxiety, and environmental awareness was a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for resilience and life skills in navigating both nature and life’s challenges.
In discussing climate change, Megan urged a shift away from fear-mongering towards practical, actionable solutions. She highlighted the ingenious adaptations of communities facing environmental crises, from innovative farming techniques to navigating the melting ice plugs in the Arctic. Her message was clear: humanity’s adaptability and resilience are our greatest assets in the face of change.
Megan touched upon the bureaucratic and societal hurdles in fostering a connection between children and the outdoors. Despite these challenges, she championed the numerous benefits of outdoor activities, from climbing clubs to wilderness camps, in building resilience and skills for life among the younger generation.
Michaela Strachan: A Life Dedicated to Wildlife Conservation
Following Megan, Michaela Strachan took the stage to share her journey through the lens of wildlife conservation and her illustrious career in television. Her talk, rich with anecdotes from her early years on TV, transitioned into a poignant discussion on environmental conservation efforts.
Michaela introduced the audience to the critical role of natural habitats like salt marshes in carbon capture. This discussion served as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world, urging a collective effort in preserving these vital ecosystems.
She also previewed her upcoming projects, which include tackling issues like sewage in oceans and the effects of climate change on ancient ice landscapes. Through her work, Michaela aims to bring critical environmental issues to the forefront, advocating for meaningful change and conservation efforts.
A Reflection on Resilience and the Outdoors
Our day concluded with a final lap around the exhibitors, where conversations with the likes of Sea to Summit and Life Adventure offered glimpses into the latest in outdoor gear and conservation initiatives. Walking back to the train station I had time to think about the theme to me of the talks around developing resilience and life skills, especially among the youth.
