Sierra Designs Cloud 800F 35°F Sleeping Bag

I’ve recently upgraded my Alpkit Skyehigh bag to this Sierra Designs bag. I’m a side sleeper so find normal side zip sleeping bags quite restrictive, whereas the Sierra Designs bag is zipless with a duvet-like flag that is perfect for me. I especially like the ability to put my feet out of the bottom through a clever opening. I get really hot feet at night so this has been a marvel!

This isn’t a 4 season bag and for me, someone who sleeps cold, I wouldn’t want to be using this under about 4 degrees (even though it suggests down to 2 degrees). I currently use a Trekology UL80 sleep mat which isn’t insulated (but suits side sleepers) hence the difference in degree of comfort. I do use an closed cell foam sheet too, which keeps the edge of the cold ground.

After a couple of trial uses I think this is a great bag and it packs down super small too. I’m off to do the Great Glen Way at the end of April so I’ll put it through it’s paces properly there!

Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX Mens Waterproof (Gore-Tex) Lightweight Hiking Boots

So my old trustee Adidas Terrex boots finally gave up on me during the West Highland Way. I initially purchased the same again – why change right? However when they arrived the subtle design changes in the latest version just didn’t sit well with my wide feet so after a lot of research I finally settled on the Inov8 rocklite boot. These are super lightweight boots – as light as a pair of trainers but with the added benefit of ankle support. I’m not the most nimble these days so trail runners just aren’t going to give me the support I need!

I’ve probably put about 200 miles into these boots already and so far they are great. The cushioning is superb and so far I’ve no complaints. As someone who has suffered from shin splits before I’m a little apprehensive to how these will perform on the first 2 or 3 days of canal walking on the Great Glen Way – I’ll find out soon enough I guess!

One slight worry is the fabric. Though the manufacturer states it’s ‘super-tough Schoeller ceramic-coated fabric for outstanding durability’ It does feel quite thin and a possible weak point at the join with the rubber toe area. I might be worried unnecessarily so I’ll wait and see how these wear over time.