basha

[newtrekker]

hey, wonderin if anybody has an good tips on the best brands for jungle survival equiptment?

[David]

Welcome to GoXplore, newtrekker!
I don't think the brand of basha you get is super important, as long as it has all the right stuff (loops in the right places, poppers) and is nice and cheap. I get mine off ebay. Did you have any other equipment in mind?

[newtrekker]

thanks david, hows it goin? just in general really like the best method of purifiying water and the most comfortable boots things like that really?

[David]

Ah, boots is a hard one mate. You get the whole big heavy strong verses lightweight debate. Also, it really depends on what shape your feet are. I honestly think the best advice is that you get something that fits your foot well and feels good to walk in. I expect people will be able to name some good brands, but since everyone's feet are different, they might be durable and so on, but not fit well. Also, wearing them loads before doing serious walking is always a good idea (maybe you know already).

http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=2121
http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=1261
http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=2167
These threads will give you a pretty good introduction to the various water filtering methods. To go on to more specific info on specific products and appropriate uses, I think getting first hand experience and reviews by people who have used the purification systems is the next step. Once again, it is more of a balance of relative advantages and choosing what is most suitable, rather than a 'best and worst' unfortunately.

[MariaD]

Yeah - best fit is the best option, as the fanciest boots in the world will be a nightmare if they don't suit your feet. You're best off going to your nearest decent outdoors store (not Millets or Blacks), trying on loads of different ones & asking advice.

[ollyhol]

maria if not blacks where do you suggest, eliss brigham? aside from phsycho militaria collecting ex army and navy shops and more fashion revolving blacks and north face, where do you go?

[ollyhol]

also its better to be light of supportive mate, unless you still insist on taking that 85l sack ;) ; but seriously ye try and save on boot weight,

[MariaD]

I'm based up north, so obviously the shops I use are up north, but the places I would try are:

Ellis Brigham
Nevisport
The Climbers Shop (http://www.climbers-shop.com/) - Have had excellent service & good advice there
Lakes Climber / Lakes Runner (http://www.lakesclimber.com/welcome-lakes-climber-online-ambleside-shop-c-124_356.html) - Really helpful & good selection of climbing boots & fell shoes that are suitable for walking in (although not so good for straight walking boots)
Needle Sports (http://www.needlesports.com/) - Excellent shop
Backcountry UK (http://shop.backcountryuk.com/) - Very local to me, and have always been brilliant
Inglesport

The main thing I would say is that if you're not sure what you're looking for, good advice from people who know what they're talking about (and expert fitting, in the case of boots) is very important. The staff in Millets / Blacks are often (although not always) fairly ignorant and more interested in selling you something than making sure that you get the right thing. My local Nevisport & Ellis Brigham are a lot better, but it entirely depends on the quality of the staff at a particular branch. TNF stores are not even worth mentioning.

A decent store will give you good advice and recommend you go elsewhere if their stock doesn't meet your requirements, so the best thing to do is to build a good relationship with any decent ones in your own area. That way, when you need advice, you have someone reliable. The really good stores tend to be based in mountain areas (Peak / Snowdonia / Lakes), but there are ones in other areas too. Maybe check out this thread for ideas? (http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=620)

[clunk]

is inglesport that big green shop in ingleton maria , we went in there last year and found the prices a little on the high side , its very dull inside too and staffed by school leavers ,

[ollyhol]

who else do you expect to work for 5.60 an hour? its a shame because their more like clothes salesmen, though to be fair the blacks in manchester isnt bad

[MariaD]

As with everything - different shops are good for different things. Inglesport is good for some things, but not good for others. Some prices are high, but they usually have a decent sale rack which is worth a butcher's. Bernies next door is cheaper for some things, but doesn't have the variety.

It's not green though (the outside of the building is painted white), so we may not be talking about the same place. This is the one I mean. (http://www.inglesport.com/)

Not sure what you mean when you say it's staffed by school leavers - everyone I've spoken to there has been well over 20 and pretty knowledgeable. Not sure what you mean by dull either - it looks the same as any other gear shop inside.