Kit I need, your recommendations? [Archive] - BushcraftUK: Community Forum

Nightwalker

27-09-2006, 20:52

Below is a list a kit I need to get either because I dont already have the item or the one I have got isnt good enough for the job and needs replacing. I've just finished my summer-job and im looking for full-time work; so im between jobs which means I need to ration my cash and not buy all the gear in one go :rolleyes: I think the most important kit I need to get next is; Bag, Tarp & Sleeping-bag, so I'll probably pick them up in the next month. I'd greatly appreciate comments / recommendations on individual items of kit.

Kit I plan to get:

Bag/Rucksack (Got one on the way thanks to Tengu!)
Knife (Im falling more and more in love with my Mora knife, so wondering If I need to get a another one at all)
Walking Boots
Cooking/pot set
Cutlery (Titanium?)
Head-torch (Petzl XP Tikka, coming Xmas!)
Hat
Titanium mug?

Recently Purchased:

Sleeping bag (Vango NiteLine - Down from £40 to £20)
Tarp (3x3 Cotton Version from www.outdoorcode.co.uk)
Folding Saw ("Bahco 396 Lap Laplander Folding Saw" for £14.75)
Fire Steel (Light My Fire | Swedish FireSteel)
Sleep roll/mat (Nice military one with holding-straps)
1L Platypus waterbottle (Collaspible)

Not Sure / Optional:
Hammock (Not sure yet)
Fire Bag/Tin? (Currently got a few plastic tubs with tinder. Maybe a hand-made leather one?)

Tengu

27-09-2006, 21:21

I too, am perpetualy short of money.

I go to car boots a lot.

What sort of sleeping bag are you looking for? I have a 58 pattern down mummy bag, which is good in the cold but not on hot nights. Something like that might be a start. They are readily availible and should not be too expensive.

Cutlery set...cant you just `borrow` one from the canteen??

for a cook set I have mess tins (Id like that Lidis set but cannot afford it as its not a real priority)

you seem to have gone down the `best you can afford` route, thats a good thing, especialy for boots and rucksacks

Graham_S

27-09-2006, 21:54

check the pound shops for mugs, and stuff, i got a 1pt s/steel mug for a pound. bargain.
other stuff, surplus shops are your friend.
you can get a decent sleeping bag in there.
for cutlery, all you really need is a spoon, and you can carve one of them.

Doc

27-09-2006, 22:06

In Asda the other day, I noticed they have 65 litre rucsacs in a fairly eco-friendly green colour, for £19.95. I didn't check out the quality in detail, but if its ok that seems a good deal.

There have been various threads about highlander rucsacs with some conflicting views, but I think the majority opinion was that they are very good for the price.

I like my 58 pattern bag and they can be obtained very cheaply - but anyone over 5'8 will need the long version, and used ones can smell of ripe squaddie. They are also a bit bulky and heavy, but will keep you warm in winter. As mentioned, perhaps too hot for summer use.

Snugpak softie sleeping bags sometimes go for lowish prices on ebay. They pack very small. The temp ratings are too optimistic, but the softie 9 would be ok April to October. If you sleep warm a softie 6 might suffice.

Cooking wise, its hard to beat the Swedish army trangia. £7 to £15 new.

big_swede

27-09-2006, 22:22

Kit I plan to get:

Bag/Rucksack (60-80L in size? I like "Vango Sherpa 60+10" [All Green] (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=15733) )
Tarp (Helleberg XP 10) ??
Sleeping bag (No idea; never bought one, need help!)
Knife (Dave Budd's new Bushcraft knife (http://www.davebuddknives.homestead.c om/Bushcraft.html) for Xmas?)
Cooking set
Cutlery
Head-torch (Petzl XP Tikka, coming Xmas!)
Hat

Not Sure / Optional:
Hammock (Not sure yet)
Fire Bag/Tin? (Currently got a few plastic tubs with tinder)
Walking Boots

I would go for another rucksack, most certainly a external frame one. Always worth it. Since your winters can get quite wet and rainy (my small experience of it at least) I would buy a good synthetic fibre filled sleeping bag, one for winter/autumn and a summer bag, if you need one in the summer. Go for a known brand, sleeping bag is a long term investment.

Further on, I would reprioritise (is that a word?) and save money on the knife and tarp, by buying some cheaper ones (a mora is more than enough, and hilleberg tarp? naah..).

Cooking set: buy army surplus or trangia, good enough unless you need to melt snow or cook in well below zero.

I don't know how you intend getting around, but for me, walking boots are always higher prioritised than hats. Fullgrain leather, vibram or skywalk soles, and high rubber edge should do the trick, unless you're after silent, smooth tracking boots. Most important concerning boots though: NO GORETEX MEMBRANES!!

"well that's like, like, uh uh, like, your opinion" -The Dude in big lebowski

Nightwalker

27-09-2006, 23:59

I should clarify a few things;

"What sort of sleeping bag are you looking for?"
- Im not sure, I've never bought one in my life! Im pretty sure I want one that is high quality (branded), synthetic fibre filled and packs small.

"I would go for another rucksack, most certainly a external frame one."
- Why? I've used numerous sacks all of which have been internal frame and have been fine for my use, I cant see what more a external frame could do for me, whats the benifits?

"Further on, I would reprioritise (is that a word?) and save money on the knife and tarp,"
- Sorry I didnt say; the list of kit isnt listed in priority. There is stuff on there that I already have (so therefore isnt a priority) but I just want a better one. ie. Like a new knife; I already have a cheap one, but it is far from my perfect ideal of a bushcraft knife, so my other half will be kind enough to get me Dave Budd's one at xmas. So I dont need to worry about spending on that.

"I don't know how you intend getting around, but for me, walking boots are always higher prioritised than hats."
- Again its not in priority and the reason I dont need them urgently is because I already have a pair :rolleyes: The reason a new pair is on my list is because my current ones are like six years old and well used, could do with replacing :D

"save money on the knife and tarp, by buying some cheaper ones (a mora is more than enough, and hilleberg tarp? naah..)"
- Being a Cornishman, I love to save money, mostly im one of those people who gets the cheaper of everything and dosent care much for branding as-long as it does the job. However with the remainding bushcraft-kit I still need I see them as important items and want to get high quality ones: Tarp, Sleeping-Bag, Rucksack. I have read good things all over about the "Helleberg XP 10 Tarp" and at first when seeing the price tag I wasnt willing to pay that much, but now I realise how an important item it's going to be to me (seeing as im not going to purchase another tent) I am now considering paying that price-tag for the reassured quality of build & brand etc.

Thanks for your recommendations on boots & sleeping-bags big_swede! & for everyone's help! :)

kb31

28-09-2006, 00:34

i don't know if ya got a BLACKS out door shop near you but they were doing
karrimor kbs boots for £40 cos there's a new ones out- i paid £110 for mine! nearly 2 years ago n there still going strong
if ya go in outdoor shops in jan n sep ya see stuff half the price.
don't go in summer (only to see how much ya going to save but don't buy nout ) i don't know why-old stock i would say but it's the best time to buy stuff ...karl

rik_uk3

28-09-2006, 02:24

I got KBS shoes for £19.99 at lillywhites in London this year, great walking trainers where ankle support is not vital, the boots were not much more, going back to London in November, I'll see what they have in stock then :)

Bjorn Victor

28-09-2006, 08:30

I have a Hilleberg XP 10 tarp. Love it. I can recommend it.

Look at Lowe Alpine for backpacks. I have 10 year old Alpamayo 70+20 (now discontinued) and it has seen any abuse you can name and it still looks new...
I do not know why people still go for external frame packs. Maybe it is more convenient if you need to haul logs or barrels or something huge and bulky, but I never needed that. Internal frame is great for me.

Knife: try a fallkniven F1 or H1 (or Mora is money is tight). You can consider getting a small swiss army knife to complement the fixed blade. Scissors and bottle opener can come in handy from time to time...

Flashlight: I have a tacktikka. Very nice. I like the red filter.

Sleeping bag: I would go for synthetic. Down is lighter and packs smaller, but you need to baby them too much. In a damp rainy climate, the bag soaks water from the moist air. You loose insulation and so on... Not a real problem if you are away for 2-3 days, but after a week you will notice a difference.
Buffalo, Ajungilak and Nanok are held in high regard here.

Boots: your choice actually. Try them all and pick the comfy one. Gore tex will keep your feet warmer (= sweaty). I like them without the gore membrane. I feel it breathes a bit better and my feet are cooler. Vibram soles on the boots are a good sign.

Cookset: where are you going and how long? Travel in the world and methanol is hard to find (look for multifuel burners like Primus). Stay closer to home and be fine with a Swedish trangia.

Cutlery: one pot and 1 spoon or spork is more than enough.

Hat: if the jacket has a hood, do you need one?

Just a remark: "Get the best you can afford" is good advise, but also watch the weight of things. If the best is also the heaviest, you might want to reconsider some items...
Military stuff is good and cheap, but some civil items are (a lot) better. Swedish special forces use Hilleberg, fallkniven, Mora and Primus. I believe that says a lot.

Hope it helps.

Bjorn

cyclist

28-09-2006, 08:45

meth. spirits may be hard to find in arabic countries, in other parts of the world I´ve had no probs. so far.
If money is an issue try to make the burner, pot holder & windshield yourself www.zenstove.net

Maybe a woodstove (like Kuenzi Magic Stove etc. - links at zenstove) is what you´re looking for? That way you don´t even need to carry fuel

scanker

28-09-2006, 09:28

Cyclist makes a good point - I've an primus omnifuel, Swiss volcano stove, Tatonka/clikstand and others, and by far my favourite is the cat stove I made myself. Instructions are at the link above.

drstrange

28-09-2006, 11:06

You might find the kit-list thread helpful, lots of the guys and girls have put the entire content of their bags on there, some with prices and comments.

Nightwalker

28-09-2006, 11:45

Thanks for all your input.

I've got my mind between two tarps at the mo; "Hilleberg XP 10 tarp" for £75 or the "3x3 Tatonka Tarp" for £44 from www.outdoorcode.co.uk

Regards a knife; I've already got one that I've had a long-time and want to change for a better designed knife, and in theory all I have to do is weight until xmas for one to come from my other half, however now your tempting me to spend my own money on getting the F1 aswell! :rolleyes:

Thanks for a lot of useful info Bjorn.

And I'll find that "kit-list thread" now, thanks drstrange.

addyb

28-09-2006, 15:58

A random question:

How is a Woodlore or a Dave Budd knife any better designed than your average Mora knife? (Other than the price difference)

Adam

scanker

28-09-2006, 16:07

I have no knowledge of a Dave Budd knife but I think you could argue that the Woodlore, being full tang, has certain advantages over a Mora.

big_swede

28-09-2006, 16:12

- Why? I've used numerous sacks all of which have been internal frame and have been fine for my use, I cant see what more a external frame could do for me, whats the benifits?

First of all, I didn't know you already had some kit, so that's why I recommended bying boots and all that. Thought you started from scratch :D

My love for the frame-rucksacks is based on their versitality. And the fact that you can cary much heavier loads if you have a rigid, stable frame. It's hard to explain but the weight gets distributed in a more comfy fashion, and usually the center of gravity gets higher up on the back.

You can almost always remove the bag and carry bulky loads attached to the frame, for example firewood, jerrycans, kayaks, game and so on. The ability to strap ANYTHING on the frame, with or without the bag is something I wouldn't trade away. I mean, the tent, sleeping pad, hide, shovel and axe, everything just snap right on there. Another great benefit is the cirkulation. Since there is a great deal of free air between the frame and the back you don't have to accept the sweaty back syndrome, you can actually wear the field shirt for more than a walk before you have to dry it.

(and another important factor, here I can get used ones or issued ones for around £10 for a 70-80 ltr)

Spacemonkey

28-09-2006, 20:01

- Again its not in priority and the reason I dont need them urgently is because I already have a pair :rolleyes: The reason a new pair is on my list is because my current ones are like six years old and well used, could do with replacing :D

My Danners are 15 years old or so, and get regular bashings. Still fine though, and the Goretex still doesn't leak!

Go for the Tatonka 3x3. The synth one is considerably lighter and apart from aesthetics and spark potential (realistically? In the UK?? I've never even come close to this problem) a better bet. I love mine and it's plenty big enough for diamond formation above hammock or square for a bivvy bag. Add some long thin bungies and you'll have it up in seconds.

Bag? I, and a few others, can thoroughly recommend the Karrimor Sabre 75. See here: http://72.36.134.230/community/showthread.php?t=13043 Scroll down to one of my posts and find the link to my gallery for shots and mini reviews of the Sabre 75 and also shots of the Tatonka tarp on action. I have just bought the Karrimor side pouches and this takes it up to 100 litres and the possibility of a small day pack too. I have also bought the Sabre 45 as I liked it so much and this is great for non camping weekends away.

If you don't mind surplus gear, then head down to Plymouth to that big surplus store (can't remember the real name-we call it Bogey Nights for some reason..) on the waterfront as they have some amazing stuff in there and very cheap. Last weekend I picked up an unissued SBS 35l pack for £15! The abused ones were £10 so a result! They have bergens etc in there too. The top bargain of the day was a pair of surgical retractors for 20p!! I normally have to pay about 20 POUNDS for these! Lots of drysuits in there at the mo' for £25... Best to pop in after the ships roll in for obvious reasons....

Nightwalker

28-09-2006, 23:49

A random question:
How is a Woodlore or a Dave Budd knife any better designed than your average Mora knife? (Other than the price difference)
AdamI have used a few knifes and there are many attributes to their design that affects how "good" one feels to my use. I am currently looking for a overall smaller knife, and I want it to look and feel exactly how im comfortable with. I havent used a F1, would love to give one a try :rolleyes: The main knife I use is one that my other-half bought me many years ago:
http://www.acnetwork.co.uk/forums/images/kh1833.jpg
16cm full tang hollow ground blade with spear point. Nickel silver fittings, oiled contoured hardwood grips. Stitched leather sheath.
The knifes (flat) bottom edge is about 10cm. It has served me well but I wish to undertake new more crafty tasks; so overall the knife is a bit to large and clumsy.
A Fallkniven F1 or dave budd's GreenMan Basic (http://www.davebuddknives.homestead.c om/GreenManBasic.html) or GreenMan Pro (http://www.davebuddknives.homestead.c om/GreenManPro.html) look perfect, currently got my set on one of Dave Budd's knifes for xmas, but of course open to your input.

Thanks for all your input on other kit, I'll be browsing soon!

sandsnakes

30-09-2006, 10:34

Kit is odd stuff.

I have gone from expensive northface to surplus. From a hand made tanto to a cheap knife.

So my knife is a 'Drop point bowie' off of ebay for about £9 at auction. Looks nice and is nice in the hand. Has lasted and works well, if it gets lost its cheap and I can get another.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Clarendon-Imports-SWORDS-KNIVES-UK

German army surplus goretex suit with badges removed. I like the splodge pattern camo for no other reason than its a splodge pattern.
USA tricolour desert rip stop camo dyed deep green so its one colour, light tough quick drying.
Goretex bivvi bag and a milletts eurohike two season bag.
I did not get on well with a hammock so I use an inflateable sleeping mat in the bivvi bag.
Standard uk desert pattern tarp, i like the pretty colours!
I got rid of my berg rucksack and went for a cheap adjustable from ebay £20, its actually more comfortable!
German hexi stove.

So there you go, its just what you like and suits your needs.

Sandsnakes :)

wanderinstar

30-09-2006, 11:10

Would second the Tatonka 3x3 Tarp. I bought my rucksack of ebay. A Regatta Survivor 85 for £10. You can get some bargains, just find out what things retail for first. Sometimes s/hand items sell for more than you would buy new for.

Nightwalker

30-09-2006, 15:03

Thanks for that, I'll try second-hand gear and I'll have a look on eBay. The eBay shop "Clarendon Imports" you linked us too, thats about 1.5miles away from me in my town Newquay. :lmao: They're are regarded as controversal within our county as they sell fighting knifes, crossbows & drug equipment. They probably have useful knifes & gismo's too. I'll take a look.

Tengu

30-09-2006, 20:53

Nightwalker

30-09-2006, 23:27

I wouldnt buy a knife on Ebay as I think its something you have to feel first.
(says she who bought a car on Ebay once, to the horror of all)
And Wandering star is right, check your shops first, as some things are overpriced on Ebay.
But if the price is right, go ahead.I agree usually a knife is something you need to feel first, however with some of eBay's cheap prices some of these knifes look great and at under a tena you cant go wrong and loose a lot :) Another thing is with handling knifes, even if its not the one for me each one I handle seems to teach more about the things I want and am looking for in a knife. I should get out and handle more :rolleyes: im looking forward to a knife passaround.

sandsnakes

01-10-2006, 15:47

Tengu I understand where you are coming from totaly. But your comment of 'I wouldnt buy a knife on Ebay as I think its something you have to feel first' is very interesting, considering how many people by a mora or woodlore knife just because they are talked about.

I suppose it is, as with all kit, start at something and then discover what you do or dont want based on use. So starting cheap with a reccomendation is as good a place as any.

Sandsnakes :)

Nightwalker

01-10-2006, 20:54

considering how many people by a mora or woodlore knife just because they are talked about.Yeah, interesting point!
I suppose the popularity & growth of such items through feedback, reviews and forums usually mean that they are of "good quality" or "will do the job well" (well thats what people take for granted) however each person use's knifes differently so that will affect your performance with certain knifes.

Quote: "For example, the way I use a knife will differ from the way you use one. I am tall; you might be short. I am right handed while you may not be. Is it unreasonable to assume that we would both be better off with a different type of knife, based on our different usuage?" Page 18 - Bushcraft UK Magazine - Article: "Bushcraft! what's that all about?" by Barry Scott

:D I love this magazine!

Nightwalker

01-10-2006, 23:30

lmao @ this knife: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Huge-Masterbuck-survival-bushcraft-hunting-Bowie-knife_W0QQitemZ170035212082QQi hZ007QQcategoryZ72046QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting
:lmao: "Ideal for the Budding Rambo or bushcrafter" :lmao: I think not. :eek:

Tengu

01-10-2006, 23:40

A grapnel??

Methinks this item is overengineered.

Nightwalker

01-10-2006, 23:43

Made me laugh :lmao:

Nightwalker

02-10-2006, 00:27

Just been shopping @ www.OutdoorCode.co.uk :D
Bought a 3x3 Tarp (poly version) & the swedish Mora knife:
http://outdoorcode.co.uk/catalog/images/frosts2.jpg
Cant wait for it to arrive :)

Tengu

02-10-2006, 00:29

looks good.

Nightwalker

03-10-2006, 18:33

Got my Mora knife & Tarp this morning :D Initial thoughts are its superb!
It came razer sharp and lightly oiled, here is a photo I took below:
http://www.acnetwork.co.uk/forums/images/MoraKnife.JPG

The knife feels great, the knife can go into the sheath either way and secures with a nice click. The blade design, length & bevel looks just like I was looking for. :) Cant wait to give it some proper use.

As for the Tarp I havent so much as unravelled it yet. Been out all day shopping for the mrs birthday :(

I can now recommend www.outdoorcode.co.uk the service I recieved from them was very fast and friendly. I placed my order on Monday, recieved both the tarp and knife Tuesday morning! :eek: Great stuff! :cool:

beachlover

03-10-2006, 18:45

I can now recommend www.outdoorcode.co.uk the service I recieved from them was very fast and friendly. I placed my order on Monday, recieved both the tarp and knife Tuesday morning! :eek: Great stuff! :cool:
Just wait.
Once he gets a hold on you, he'll know what you want before you do :lmao:
Beats most suppliers hands down from my experience. I was on his site checking the progress of an order the other day and my mobile rang. Yep, it was Andrew, who had spotted me online and rang to tell me the answer before I could type the query. :eek:
Now that is customer service!!

Nightwalker

03-10-2006, 19:31

preemptive customer service, can it get much better? lol.

Yeah Andrew gave me a friendly ring to give some advise on equipment and I decided to have the cotton version of the tarp instead. Im really please with the kit and service from www.outdoorcode.co.uk thanks to BushcraftUK I have found this good supplier!

Dave Budd

06-10-2006, 15:34

Hello, my ears were burning ;)

I won't try to plug my work or denegrate the work of others here, but when choosing any kit you need ot think about what its for, how its made and who made it.

For me, a Mora is great for a first knife when getting into bushcraft or knives in general: its cheap it works, but I wouldn't depend on it. A woodlore clone depending on the maker could be anywhere from rubbish to great work, but I don't like the design myself, but ask me in private for my opinions if you like.

There are some fine knifemakers making knives these days, but often they don't use them much. I would choose a bow from a bowyer that I have met at competitions. I would choose a pair of boots from a company who supply those boots to the people who depend on them and swear by them. Likewise, I would choose a bushcraft knife from somebody who actually does bushcraft activities regularly and knows there tools inside out. My GreenMan knife is continually evolving, I'm never going to get it perfect but i will keep tweaking it as I go.

I've never been a kit freak, so I don't make wish lists and rarely get around to looking at other folks gear. That said, I do need a new sleeping bag :yelrotflm

Nightwalker

19-10-2006, 22:14

Right for my latest update on my search for kit; today I purchased from Millets for the first time! I found a half-price deal on a Vango Sleeping bag. Was £40 down to £20! :lmao:

Vango NiteLine
Extreme Temp: -10c
Comfort Temp: 4 to 20c
Length: 220cm
Width: 80cm
Weight: 1,580g

Had a little search round on the Internet and from what I can tell it dosent seem to be a popular model, ie. Not to be seen on Vango's website or brochure and not many other sites. However, its a the right price and configuration for me so it looks like it'll do the job nicely. I've been in a few shops and held off buying a sleeping bag because I've never purchased one before and I never fully trusted the expertise of the sometimes spotty shop-assistant :rolleyes: however I just thought I'd go for it today. Prehaps now this means I can get rid of the Turtles one my parents got me as a child. :sulkoff: lol.

Nightwalker

19-10-2006, 22:16

Oh also, just this evening I purchased a larger firesteel that my exsisting one, from http://www.firesteel.co.uk/ :D

Ogden

20-10-2006, 01:16

So, what else do you need?
A Boonie Hat and Lowa Mega Camp Boots.

Scuba Pete

20-10-2006, 10:47

Maybe its just me, but the sparks from those fire steels look alot colder (orange) than mine.

Nightwalker

20-10-2006, 12:10

So, what else do you need?I've updated the kit-list on the first post of this thread.

Maybe its just me, but the sparks from those fire steels look alot colder (orange) than mine. I'll let you know what the sparks are like (when I get it) in comparison to my Swedish Firesteel.

Zammo

20-10-2006, 16:48

For the cooking/ pot set why don't you go for a Trangia?

http://www.trangia.se/

For the titanium mug, I have one of these and its great:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=14646

Team it up with a home made Super cat stove and you have a quick and easy way to heat water.

Too Much Kit To Carry

20-10-2006, 19:24

Walking Boots[/list]

IMHO - and I have done a bit of long distance walking: -

Lowa, Lowa, Lowa - I've found nothing better or more comfy. After some serious tabbing I find them still the best thing to put on my feet at the end of a long day.

They are worth every penny, last for ages and will do the business all day long

Phil.

Nightwalker

20-10-2006, 22:45

Too Much Kit To Carry

21-10-2006, 12:03

Thanks for that recommendation. Your not the first to point me in that right direction, and I will definatly follow that up now. My step-mother was nagging me this evening what do I was for xmas, lol, I said a pair of walking boots, she said what size are you? I said forget that im coming with you when your getting them :rolleyes: Do they have them in Millets? I've only been in that store once (and I never focused on boots on my visit).

Millets don't sell Lowa boots to my knowledge.

Ebay is worth a look. My boots of choice would be these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LOWA-Combat-Boots-Gore-Tex-Waterproof-Full-Leather_W0QQitemZ270042481039Q QihZ017QQcategoryZ1262QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem) But then I find a high top boot more comfortable - which is not everyones cup of tea.

You might be able to find a Grade 1 used pair that you will still prolly pay £50+ for!! From memory the German army issue them only if the soldier has a foot problem - this might put you off a used pair :lmao: I also belive that the German army used "Lowa" boots are made are made by 4 companies including Lowa - so it's pot luck that you will receive actual Lowas :( But on the plus side they are all made to the same standards - although there are some slight design differences.

Have a look at the used boots on ebay here (http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=lowa+boots)

Hope this helps.

Phil.

Zammo

21-10-2006, 15:59

I just have a pair of Hi-Tec magnums the water proof ones. I bought them quite a while ago and don't really know if they'd be any good for hiking and such, as i've only used them for paintballing (a few years ago).

Nightwalker

21-10-2006, 17:06

Millets don't sell Lowa boots to my knowledge.

Ebay is worth a look. My boots of choice would be these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LOWA-Combat-Boots-Gore-Tex-Waterproof-Full-Leather_W0QQitemZ270042481039Q QihZ017QQcategoryZ1262QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem) But then I find a high top boot more comfortable - which is not everyones cup of tea.

You might be able to find a Grade 1 used pair that you will still prolly pay £50+ for!! From memory the German army issue them only if the soldier has a foot problem - this might put you off a used pair :lmao: I also belive that the German army used "Lowa" boots are made are made by 4 companies including Lowa - so it's pot luck that you will receive actual Lowas :( But on the plus side they are all made to the same standards - although there are some slight design differences.

Have a look at the used boots on ebay here (http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=lowa+boots)

Hope this helps.

Phil.
Thanks for more info.
I dont have £120 to spend on boots :o however my family have been asking what I want for xams. If I were going to spend over a £100 on boots for xmas, wouldnt I want to do it somewhere else other than eBay ideally? I mean with size & fitting etc. you can just take back to a shop and swap if need be?

SMARTY

21-10-2006, 19:12

Hey Nightwalker have you tried "the Bunker" near to Mole Valley Farmers at St Columb major. There are some fairly good boots at Trago at the moment.

Too Much Kit To Carry

21-10-2006, 19:47

Thanks for more info.
I dont have £120 to spend on boots :o however my family have been asking what I want for xams. If I were going to spend over a £100 on boots for xmas, wouldnt I want to do it somewhere else other than eBay ideally? I mean with size & fitting etc. you can just take back to a shop and swap if need be?

Hi Nightwalker,

I know that boots may seem to be expensive - but i believe, to a certain extent, that you get what you pay for. I've had many pairs of boots over the last 20+ years - but I've never had anything as good as Lowa's. I've couldn't bring myself to part with £150 for a new pair so I bought used from ebay, think I paid about 55 quid for them and they were Grade 1 - but they had seen plenty of action before they came to me. I also bought my other half a pair - she is a size 8 and her boots were stunning - virtually brand new.

As for trying boots on in shops - I can understand you may want to try various styles, sizes etc.

Perhaps it's worth contacting a couple of ebay sellers to see if they could sort you out a really nice pair in your size?

BTW - my Lowa's are gonna either need to be resoled - or put into retirement and I am now saving up for a new pair as a Christmas pressie to myself :)

Phil.

Nightwalker

21-10-2006, 19:50

Hi Smarty, no I've not tried that yet! I first learnt of "thebunker" warehouse not long ago from a friend of mine who designed their website (http://www.thebunkerwarehouse.co.uk/) I dont think its complete yet. But I certainly never knew it was: (quote from their website) "One of the largest military warehouses in the country." if it really is im tickled to have it so close to me! I only have to take 1 road for 5miles and im there! I'll show go there and check it out Monday. I will also checkout trago soon, thanks!