tgo magazine live letters archive

Well I went yesterday to the show, it was getting warm then, today is going to be a scorcher.
It was alot different to what I expected. It was more like a county fair. All the stands were tents really.
It wasn't very crowded when I got there, and to be honest the walking section was tiny (well they all were). Not much gear to look at, so disappointing on that front. But it was great going to the Alpkit guys stand, they were really friendly (their customer support is a lesson for all to follow), and bought the AlpDream 900 sleeping bag from them. Saw the new down jackets they will be selling soon (the final version should be at the July Super Meet), and they looked good value for money as well. The self inflating sleeping mats looked good (and will be getting one soon for Kate once I know our hliday plans).

Bumped into Cameron, and had a chat with him. And I hope he's managed to get hold of some shorts for this hot weekend.

Not sure if this was an event that warranted camping at or spending a whole weekend there.
But thanks to OM for the free tickets. I don't think having seen it I would of been happy spending the money on a ticket for the event, I would of felt cheated. It needs to grow abit in the number of stalls and people selling gear to be of real use.
Not sure how this fits in, as we now have 3/4 outdoor type events in and around London now through the year. Which with Head for the Hills a couple of weekends before and The Outdoors Show may just be over kill. I think this has the possibility to be a good event (especially if weather is good).

i wanted to go to Urban Escape but am unfortunately tucked up in a blanket with flu. I did go to Head For The Hills though (I happened to be in the area). Apparently all 10,000 tickets were sold out but I don't believe that for a second. I am a bit of a cynic and was expecting it to be stuffed with outdoor retailers trying to make me part with my cash but it was not as bad as that. A lot of the stands were for adventure trips such as Doug Scott's Community Action Treks which I think are well worth looking into. There were plenty of interviews that were very interesting esp Simon Yates & Doug Scott...clearly a man who engages his brain before he opens his mouth! No Alan Hinkes or David Hempleman-Adams though which was a shame. Another highlight was the Bushcraft stand. These guys seem like the real thing (some of them were affiliated with Ray Mears apparently). Check them out at woodsmoke.uk.com. However (putting on my grumpy old man hat) in the evening we were subjected to some very loud live bands which seemed very inappropriate for the area. I wouldn't have wanted to wildcamp at Grisedale tarn that's for sure. All in al it was a good day out.

Did anyone else go to this, especially over the weekend? Would love to hear your views of the event.

I was there - well someone had to be - and unfortunately have to report that Cameron failed to find any shorts and spent successive showtime in running shorts.

And Mr Weird, it has to be said that those who paid their entry fee got an awful lot of space for their money!

Jay K, sorry to hear you had the flu - be relieved to know that you missed little. Other than Cameron's running shorts.