Meet our new Kit Expert: Andrew Sagar

Hi everyone.

My name is Andrew Sagar. I work for outdoor specialists Blacks and I am Gapyear.com’s new on-site Kit Expert. I’ll be posting advice on the site and responding to questions through the boards and my profile.

I’ve trekked and travelled though quite a few different countries, such as Australia, Mexico, Poland and Peru, but I spent a full two and a half years in New Zealand travelling, working, climbing and learning to snowboard. Recently I cycled from England to Finland.

I wouldn’t describe myself as any kind of travel kit authority, but I have experience which I hope will be useful to people that come to Gapyear with queries about what to think about when preparing for a big, exciting trip.

I’ve been a big fan of the site for some time and I know there are lots of knowledgeable members on here. My advice is not intended to replace the contributions of others, but to compliment it. I have seen some fantastic posts and replies about specific kit, so hopefully I can add to that. 

Nice to meet you all, and I look forward to helping you guys!

Lastly, the guys at Gapyear have put up a little interview with me - check it out: http://blogs.gapyear.com/index.php?op=vt&t=5351&u=Gapyear_guru

welcome mate

hope you like banter,haha. I might pick your brain at some point on your England to Finland ride though!

welcome mate

hope you like banter,haha. I might pick your brain at some point on your England to Finland ride though!

Seconded :)

Welcome, looking forward to some more excellent advice!

Good to see you, Andrew. Welcome! I’m sure you’ll be able to help loads of people with travel and gadget questions.

Thanks guys.
I’m excited to be on board.
Please feel free to pick away!

hello handsome. welcome to gy.com

not really got any question just now but i did buy a pot grip (aka pan handle) from blacks the other day. and its awesome lol

:D ttfn

Glad you like the pot grip. The small things always bring so much joy!
Last year I bought a small tripod for my gas cooker, just pops onto the gas cannister, it made the stove so much more stable. A necessary item if you’re having to cook on uneven ground.

Hi Andrew

Me and my son are going travelling 30th Nov 2011 for 3 months usual sort of route Bangkok land to Singapore , Melbourne land to Sydney New Zealand LA and overland to New York and back home wiill be for 3 months approx. Just looking at rucksacks for us and looks like the Berghaus Jalan 60+10 is good all rounder what are your thoughts on the rucksack ? Will it be big enough and sturdy ?
Seems pretty good value

Thanks in advance
Dave

Just to butt in on this thread to answer your question Dave. The Berghaus Jalan is a very popular rucksack for doing the type of travelling you describe and is a generally good value for money option but as with all rucksacks you will need to try it on and have it fitted properly to find out if it is comfortable for you.

I have written an in-depth ‘read me first’ post about rucksacks which you can look at here which explains what you might need to know about choosing a rucksack:

http://boards.gapyear.com/index.php?op=vt&c=4&f=65&t=500584

I’m sure Andrew will also reply separately.
Lexi

Hi Dave.
First of all - Thanks Lexi for your in depth look into backpacks. Certainly a great place to start for some good info & answers.
The Jalan certainly is a popular pack, for quality and style of pack you can’t go far wrong. As Lexi said you do need to check it out and make sure it fits properly. Also make sure the size is right for you. Generally speaking somethng in the region of 60 litres is adequate for a trip of the type you are describing. Are you thinking of taking one each or are you attempting to fit all your kit in one pack? This might be tight!
Personally I have used Berghaus packs and have put them through a lot. They are a good robust brand. There are other brands that do a similar pack, just get down to your local store and check them out.
Hope this helps, any other questions just ask.
Andrew.

Thanks,

Kexi and ANdrew :-)

Apologises was meant to say Lexi :)

Where on the Gapyearshop.com can i find tropical quilts?

It doesn’t look like they have any on that website. Try Googling ‘tropical quilt’.

The only place I know definitely sells them is Nomad Travel & Outdoors (www.nomad.co.uk) but if you search for ‘summer sleeping bag’ or ‘sleeping bag comfort rating 20C’ you will find suitable products that may not be marketed as a tropical quilt but are essentially the same thing.

Where are you going and what are you planning on doing?