Top 10 gadgets

In case you`re wondering, we`ve managed to get our backpacks down to 10 and 11kg (that`s 22 and 24 pounds if you`re that way inclined).

Gadgets. Lots of them. Chuck out everything that doesn`t serve at least 3 purposes. Well, sort of. Here are the ones I`ve actually found to be useful:

1) LED lights. These are just the best, they`re tiny (keyring size), incredibly bright, cost a fiver and don`t seem to run out.

2) Gore-tex boots -so nice to walk through a river and not only have dry feet at the end of it, dry boots as well (even on the outside)

3) Trekking trousers - the ones that have 24.3 pockets and zip off to form shorts

4) Fleeces -much, much better than jumpers, lighter, quicker drying, warmer and breathable

5) Wine opener. Everyone always says take a penknife, the only things I ever end up using on it are the corkscrew and bottle opener.

6) Coffee bags (from Liz) - filter coffee, in a bag, add hot water.

7) Hat. Sounds boring, but very useful.

8) SIG bottle - aluminium, indestructable, we`ve chucked it in log fires to heat water up, pretty useful

9) Mini-leatherman. Although for some reason it appears to fold out into a pair of scissors, not pliers... I`ll find a use for it eventually.

10) Eau no. Picked up 2 bottles of this at glastonbury, they were handing it out for free. Its a environmentally friendly concentrated soap/shampoo/clothes detergent.