Woodlife

There’s been quite a few comments generated as a result of me taking quite a bit of kit and a few blades to the moot, so I thought I’d start the moot review with what was and what wasn’t used. I should also explain that for those who haven’t been to moots that they (amongst other things) provide an opportunity to learn, test kit, play or at least inspect other people’s kit and allow other people to have a go with yours. Vehicle parking is usually right on top of the site, so there is no need to carry anything any great distance. I tend to set up like a semi-permanent camp and not really too minimalist like a 24 hour excursion, therefore I’m not too bothered about how much kit I take along (hence the folding chair and archery kit). Nevertheless, all my kit went into a 75 litre (with room to spare) and a day bag (for food).

So what did and what didn’t get used? The clipper didn’t get used at all. Yes, it’s time this was sent to the great rucksack in the sky. You know… the one which is stuffed full of spare webbing straps, the other half of ‘get one free’ items, bits of wood, flint and pouches that are no longer used. The Opinel No 8 – This sits happily on my belt next to my possible’s pouch. I’ve never really used this and didn’t use it at the moot at all, so… yep, that’s going as well. The SAK Hunter – This did get used, primarily as a bottle opener (!) but I also lent it to a young lad who was making a leather sheath for his knife. The awl came in handy for this purpose. This then will stay in my trousers pocket. The spoon knife – This was used to help make the traditional moot spoon and will stay in the shoulder bag. The folding saw – Yep. Used on a number of occasions to cut some hazel and other wood for camp ‘furniture’. It provides a nice clean cut from the tree. This stays. The Companion – I was pleased with the Companion. It performed admirably on a number of tasks. I just need to hone the edge a bit more. I found that it just wasn’t as sharp as other people’s knives. The mini axe – Again I was very pleased with this little fella. As soon as we arrived, I brought it out to trim around the trees for hanging the tarp and hammock and clearing away some evil looking thorn bushes. It was also involved in spoon carving and preparing kindling. It sat happily in its pouch on my belt most of the time. Could I have used the SFA? Probably, but using the heavier SFA for the fine carving work does tire the hands and fingers. The SFA was used probably more than anything. At an early stage we decided to use the round metal containers provided for fires. This meant an endless stream of wood chopping, which was good practice and put the SFA through its paces.

As for the rest of the kit, apart from the spare T-shirt and trousers, it all got used. Even the shemagh, not previously used, proved indispensable as the temperature dropped and the wind strengthened. I was pleased that I decided to take the double layer fleece despite setting off with the temperature in the 20’s. I did, however, forget a rain jacket (I wished I’d brought along the wax jacket) but luckily I had a poncho. Although it kept the majority of water out, I did find it got damp on the inside. Perhaps it was condensation. I’ll have to investigate this further.

After the first night, I swapped out the BCUK group buy hammock for my trusty DD hammock. I just can’t get on with the group buy hammock, although people swear by them. It’s just too big for me. I feel swamped. I’ll probably keep it as a spare though.

Even though we used the fire container, the Swedish Army Trangia was still used for brews. I liked the luxury of having a plastic insulated Aladdin mug. The brew tasted better than out of the Crusader cup.

Next time I’ll talk about the activities at the moot.

See you later.

Pablo.