David Rogers

Regular readers will know about my fetish for good quality outdoor gear.  When in Edinburgh last week, I decided to introduce my son to the wonders of the gear shop, and came across these North Face Gloves .  They have two static patches on the thumb and forefinger, allowing you to use your iPhone while keeping your fingers warm.  I tested them in Iceland scrambling up a glacier – nice kit!

So, there I am talking about some pebbles. What's that you say? How big is your bag?!? I come from an outdoor education background, and have been taking groups into the hills for around 14 years now.  I have to say that those years have been free of major incidents.  However, the everyday geography fieldtrip has often caused a few issues! Although I tailor the contents of my bag according to the trip, there is a fairly standard setting.  Here I'm going to list and explain the items I've been taking with me during the last few days.  I should add, that I am one of three staff. Another caveat is that we ensure that the pupils who go are well prepared - indeed, I won;t let them on the bus if they aren't. Many of these items are for comfort, enjoyment and, most importantly, safety. Clothing The Rucksack is a Mountain Equipment Diamond 50+ - I love this sack and have had it for 8 years.  It's been everywhere with me.  However, I use it on tr...

Although I have been advised to be a card carrying member of gadgets anonymous, this notebook is essential to me. At some point I will learn to type as fast as I think, stop thinking in images and have an unlimited battery supply. Until then, I will continue to write in this, especially when at conferences and meetings! Some of my ideas are below: You can guess what the Centre Related Assessment Proceedures are ;) The diagram relates to a display idea, as yet not fulfilled! Some ideas about ICT These are the notes taken during a GA Workshop run by Jeff Stansfield, who is always inspiring! This is where I started to develop the Geographical Back Back idea described in the last post. Jeff always emphasises that our pupils arrive in class carrying a whole world of experience with them. Jeff also uses the idea of Geographical Detectives, one which I have adopted. Just no one shop me into the white coat brigade ;-)

I decided to venture out on the bike today. A selection of photographs are embedded below. Got me thinking, that I couldn't do without the follow gear when our riding in winter. This is the second post where I share the kit I love . Who was that saying gear freak? ;) They are: 1. Berghaus Bladdered sack. Also graet for summer scrambles and climbs, it holds a nice 2 litre Platypus , spares, tools, wallet, keys and plasters! 2. Inov8 Flyrock trail running shoe. Again, great for summer on the hills. I favor these over clipless shoes as they are more vesatile. 3. Mammut Base Camp Pant . Great all round trousers. 4. Mammut Jacket - a freeby so forget the model number! Warm and toasty, although not as warm as a full down jacket. Keeps the wind out too. 5. Altura thermal cycling gloves. To keep my brake fingers nice and toasty!

There are various bits of kit that I couldn't do without. One of them is this external battery for the iPhone.

Just tested out a nice bit of kit for a camping trip. I love my coffee in the morning, although when camping (and wild camping) I usually have to make do with instant. Not good. So, got myself a nice expresso boiler stove top type device to take camping on my next trip in February. Probably heading to either Dol Gam in Capel Curig or to Wasdale Head.