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I got back from the R4nger5 meet yesterday. The weather was utter crap so I decided to bail, along with APIPA and Geddonia. Had wind, hail and rain, the ground was a bog and the whole thing was generally unplesant. Not to say that I didn’t have fun, enjoyed meeting new folks but the weather ruined the meet in my opinion.

Put my Caldera Cone though its paces and it performed really well. Managed to heat up my food with no difficulty (burned my macaroni cheese though) and used very little fuel (Especially considering I use too much).

Bought a stick of Swedish firesteel from Sloe which seems to work well. Gonna need to get a better knife for sparking with though, something with a high carbon content. Preferably a fixed blade suitable for bushcraft etc.

The first night I used my foam camp mat which is utter crap. coupled with a lack of pillow made for a very poor nights sleep. The next day I got a couple of pillows from Tesco and sold one to Jason as well as used the inflatable mattress I keep in my car. Made for a much better sleep. I now have a Gelert self inflating mattress suitable for camping with but have not tested it properly. It is quite comfy to lie on the floor though.

My experimental modular system wasn’t tested properly either but I’m thinking of abandoning it. The camp mat is getting chucked and the new mattress is too big. My tent is also too big and bulky (not to mention heavy, canvas is a bitch). Wanting to get a Kifaru ParaTipi but I need some serious cash for that ($507 USD is about £354). Anyone want to donate to the “Buy Kevin a decent light tent” fund?

Summary: cool people, shit weather, some shit kit. There is hopefully gonna be another one around easter weekend when the weather is better.