After a very successful inter club trip to the Berger, I have just listed some of my personal thoughts and tips to add to the previous wealth of really useful ideas, hopefully this thread will prove useful to people in the future.
A big thanks to all who provided tips they were extremely useful. A special thanks to Mark Wright for the loan of 20 tackle sacks.
My Berger personal top tips.
1. Don?t under estimate the trip. Technically there is nothing too difficult BUT it is big and requires a positive mind set.
2. Build up your stamina. (Lots of walking up hills with a heavy pack)
3. Rigging takes longer than expected
4. Make sure your harness is comfy. (Especially if rigging)
5. Use anti chafing cream (cycle ?butt cream?)
6. Have adjustable tethers on kit bags, this helps greatly on the meanders.
7. Take plenty of food and snacks
8. Canyon boots (bestard canyon guide) were amazing to use and really helped on the canals etc and were supportive for the many walking sections.
9. A Petzl ?adjust? cowstail made progress on the canals significantly easier.
10. In low water it is easier to wade and free climb some of the canals and cascades missing out some strenuous rope work.
11. Bivouac 1 has sleeping mats in place , no need to carry your own.
12. A courdura oversuit with a cheap ?pac a mac? to put over when required was a good combination.
13. Leave an exit beer at the bottom of the (cold) first pitch, it tastes amazing !
14. Use a tackle bag that is comfy to carry, one with padded straps would be good.
15. Plan proper rest days between trips, it is tiring on the body !
16. For a big trip day, take your kit to the entrance the day before and have it sorted ready for an efficient departure.
17. Use plastic bags to collect and purify water at Bivouac 1 on way down, you then have plenty of water when you return there.
18. Have a set of dry clothes at Bivouac 1 including socks. Put plastic bags over them and then put your wellies back on to walk around.
19. A couple of long burn night light candles make a pleasant light during the ?night? at the Bivouac for any awake periods whilst sleeping.
20. Keep teams to small numbers (3-4 people)
21. Enjoy !!
Thanks again for everyone?s input
A big thanks to all who provided tips they were extremely useful. A special thanks to Mark Wright for the loan of 20 tackle sacks.
My Berger personal top tips.
1. Don?t under estimate the trip. Technically there is nothing too difficult BUT it is big and requires a positive mind set.
2. Build up your stamina. (Lots of walking up hills with a heavy pack)
3. Rigging takes longer than expected
4. Make sure your harness is comfy. (Especially if rigging)
5. Use anti chafing cream (cycle ?butt cream?)
6. Have adjustable tethers on kit bags, this helps greatly on the meanders.
7. Take plenty of food and snacks
8. Canyon boots (bestard canyon guide) were amazing to use and really helped on the canals etc and were supportive for the many walking sections.
9. A Petzl ?adjust? cowstail made progress on the canals significantly easier.
10. In low water it is easier to wade and free climb some of the canals and cascades missing out some strenuous rope work.
11. Bivouac 1 has sleeping mats in place , no need to carry your own.
12. A courdura oversuit with a cheap ?pac a mac? to put over when required was a good combination.
13. Leave an exit beer at the bottom of the (cold) first pitch, it tastes amazing !
14. Use a tackle bag that is comfy to carry, one with padded straps would be good.
15. Plan proper rest days between trips, it is tiring on the body !
16. For a big trip day, take your kit to the entrance the day before and have it sorted ready for an efficient departure.
17. Use plastic bags to collect and purify water at Bivouac 1 on way down, you then have plenty of water when you return there.
18. Have a set of dry clothes at Bivouac 1 including socks. Put plastic bags over them and then put your wellies back on to walk around.
19. A couple of long burn night light candles make a pleasant light during the ?night? at the Bivouac for any awake periods whilst sleeping.
20. Keep teams to small numbers (3-4 people)
21. Enjoy !!
Thanks again for everyone?s input
