It’s been a busy week for the postman with a good few parcels coming my way. There’s nothing better than getting a good bargain and there are plenty out there to be had Ebay defo being one of the best resources for picking up cheaper kit. Ive been looking at footwear for tthe ulster way, which I’ll be starting either in the middle or end of June and whether to go down the membrane or non membrane route. Theres been a got bit of coverage of the topic on OM and I finally decided for a modular footwear system , with a gore-tex sock which can be worn or removed whenever required, hopefully keeping my feet dry when required and help stop my feet oversweating too much.
After having a pair of Inov-8 MudClaws I knew that they would be my favoured choice of footwear, and without being too bothered on what model I got, I ended up with a couple pairs from ebay for the the same amount I paid for my claws. I have to say I’m really chuffed with them, I havent worn anything as grippy as Inov-8s and it really gives you confidence when descending/ascending, I’m sure being footsure has saved me from a good few injuries!.

My Roclite 295’s, proper bargain
The other important part of my footwear system is obviously the gore-tex sock. OM is a great resource for reviews and opinions on kit and those with experience of waterproof socks have said the same thing over and over; that Rocky gore-tex socks are the best thing out there, and that seal-skinz are a complete waste of money. On this basis the hunt for Rocky socks started, however, after months of trying to find a supplyer it appears that theyre not getting imported anymore, so whatever stock is in the country is it. Getting them from the states was a bit rich for my liking, so after seeing Martin Rye give them the thumbs up as well as seeing them for under £25 inc P&P I decided to give the trekmates ones a go.

Im led to believe that the Rocky’s are a far better fit, probably due to them being made to half sizes instead of to cover 2 whole sizes, however after some worries over how loose they are in places I was relieved not to have any hotspots or signs of rubbing after a days walking. Dry feet after walking through every bog in sight was also a plus. They are made of 3 ply g-tex so should hold up to the abuse pretty well,as long as I dont run into thorns and the tape doesnt delaminate. 
Last but not least is my new inflatable sleeping pad. I’ve been looking for a new pad for quite some time and was nearly going to go for the Pacific Equipment Aether, however wasn’t overly impressed when I read it was quite slim, and seeing that it is always going to be heavier than a foam mat, I didn’t see the point of not having all out comfort. Once againg OM influencd me and I was very much intrigued by the Big agnes Insulmat, which uses primaloft to add warmth to what is essentially a toughened lilo. I was quite taken back with how small it was rolled up, and again at how large fat and comfortable it is when inflated. There has been much anticipation for the Thermarest neo-air coming out, however I’m not so certain why, being a tall lad, I picked up the long mummy pad, and looking at the specs side by side, the BA is very similar ; theyre pretty much the same size and rated to similar temperatures and they have similar weights (the BA is heavier by a bag of McCoys.)
It must just be the marketing power of thermarest, and the lack of distribution of Big Agnes perhaps? However £60 extra seems a lot to me for a similar specced product which should give a similar amount of comfort. The Air Core was another bargain had through ebay, nearly paid 45 nupes for it from Freedom Outdoors, but instead got it from their ebay shop for a tenner cheaper, which made me a happy boy, great service too. 
The included repair kit has its own pouch within the stuffsack.
The only downside I’ve found with the air core is that it ain’t self enflating, something I’m sure I can live with I think, however could become a wee bit annoying. Yet to have a sleep on it outside but feels luxurious compared to my foam mat, not a hard task