I've had the Olympus 'weatherproof' Mju 400 and it's been great. Combined with a CCS case it's been on the outside in the elements in all weathers and it's never been waterlogged. A4 prints are as clear as clear.
I did the old compact vs SLR thing ages ago and found that the SLR was too big and fiddly - too big to leave on the rucksack belt and too much of a fiddle to keep stopping to get the camera out. A compact camera in a waterproof pouch on the belt is so much better, IMHO.
The downside is that the new Mjus with 5 and upward megapixels don't have a viewfinder, just an LCD screen which isn't as good in the outdoor sunshine and uses more battery.
I've used Rohan's casualish winter trousers for years; were called Steppes and then Icelanders. Excellent stuff. Fleece lined microfibre. No DWR on my pairs but in practice they kept me dry in all but the worst downpours. HTH
I had a cheapo (Gelert?) thermarest copy for a while; too thin, not comfy and after a year the cover delaminated from the foam so it grew huge blisters and boils. Not something I could sleep on any more. Got a 3/4 length thermarest which was noticeably more comfy - more bouncy.
Bank robbery has been necesary but me and wench have just blown pots of cash on upgrading sleeping mats. I got the prolite 4 while she got the Exped downmat in the snow and rock sale. I'm stealing hers. 9cm thick. 9!!!
Richard Watkiss
