Look for a route near a campsite and see if you can pay for overnight parking. I did this in the lake district and got to use the shower when I returned, which is a nice bonus.
In other words, you've done the lion's share of ascent. You've gained 2,000 feet from the valley floor in under two miles of steep slogging. From there your choice of route(s) may well be undulating but you can avoid any other long steep ascents.
I've heard this line of thinking before, always from people far fitter than I am. Personally I'd rather do 10 miles and 2,000ft. I can walk all day on shallow gradients, but one steep slope with a pack is all it takes to do me in for the day. I really need to get fit this summer!
Last year with my 4.1kg tent and 2kg sleeping bag I was still only up to a total weight of 13kg and that is way too much weight to be lugging up hills. I'm now down to about 10kg with 2 litres of water (2kg).
How much do your tent, pack and sleeping bag weigh?
I always carry my own water for a single day, as it's less hassle and I never drink that much anyway.
Can I go far wrong with the Zephyros 2? It's within the budget, looking to spend no more than £150 and seems to tick all the boxes in terms of size (for 1 or 2 people, depending if I can drag the missus along) and weight. Or, is there something else to consider?
I was all set on buying the Zephyros until I saw this tent. It's a bit heavier than the Zeph, but the fly and the groundsheet have a higher HH rating. In fact I prefer the Robens groundsheet as it is a proper bathtub design unlike the Zeph with no bathtub.
The pole clips to the outside which means there's no need to thread it through tent fabric. I much prefer it this way as I've damaged a few tents in the past threading poles.
It's been discontinued so it's quite cheap now at £95.
One caveat, however. If it's been a long while since you've been on steep ground with a pack it might be worth getting in training before your trip. On those infrequent ocassions when I tackle big ascents with a full pack (usually around 9KG) I'm taken aback by how much harder it is than walking with just a day sack.
Enjopy your trip whichever route you choose
How right you are!
Last April after doing nothing physical all winter I set off from NT langdale heading towards Angle Tarn for a wild camp. My pack was in the region of 13kgs (4.1kg tent and 2kg sleeping bag) and Rosset Gill was an absolute killer.
I started quite late and I was aiming to pitch at Angle Tarn before dark. So had little chance for rest stops. I was so beat I was actually contemplating pitching on the path up at one point. Believe it or not there were a few flat spots. I only just made it to the tarn before dark. I slept well that night.
I've replaced the tent with a much lighter version now. I just need to get fit before I tackle anything like Rosset Gill again.
Mac12
