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Post by garry on Jul 6, 2021 7:30:10 GMT
Today I’ve just cycled in through torrential rain, standing water, wind, mud. It was a pretty rough hour. Got to work, and I’m completely dry thanks to the wonders of goretex. Specifically the marvels that are Berghaus goretex over-trousers. Are there any seemingly inconsequential products that make your life considerably better than might be expected?
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Post by Roadrunner on Jul 6, 2021 8:06:21 GMT
I am in complete agreement with you on the Berghaus Goretex over-trousers and also my Mountain Equipment Goretex coat. Our mini-break holidays often include mountaintop walks in sideways rain, so the right equipment is essential.
Another one for me is a good whetstone for sharpening knives. I like my kitchen knives to be razor sharp so this is an essential piece of equipment for me. I even have a small, portable sharpener which I take when we go to stay in a self-catering holiday cottage. The knives in those places are usually in a tragic state, but whoever follows us in gets tools a surgeon could use.
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Post by LandieMark on Jul 6, 2021 8:09:57 GMT
Decent walking boots. I've just purchased a pair of Altberg, but haven't had much time to break them in yet. My last pair were Mammuts and lasted a good few years.
I agree with Berghaus goretex overtrousers, but my Berghaus coat is garbage. My Columbia is miles better.
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Post by Big Blue on Jul 6, 2021 8:50:37 GMT
Rukka motor bike suit. They’re stupidly expensive but there’s a reason.
I was chatting to a food delivery rider at the chippie one time and noted that all these boys were Rukka’d up (paid for by the boost in food delivery in the pandemic) - he said “we’re in them all day in all weathers. Only the best will do.”
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Post by PG on Jul 6, 2021 12:02:44 GMT
Must be something about the British weather as I'd concur re decent waterproof gear. Being out and about in all weathers, good waterproofs are essential. But dealing with animals, shyte, mud, oil, fences, gates and wear and tear, anything too expensive just gets trashed very quickly. With cheaper stuff, you don't feel so bad throwing it away after 6 months.
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Post by PetrolEd on Jul 6, 2021 13:04:07 GMT
Your all too old. I was thinking Sonos or Sky Q rather then waterproof trousers.
Things I couldn't live without having spent a week away in a double bed is my Superking.
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Post by Martin on Jul 6, 2021 13:32:53 GMT
I don't own waterproof trousers. I have a goretex coat but if it's going to throw it down I don't go for a walk or cycle. A mini-break up a mountain in sideways rain is not my idea of a good time, I've not had to do that since I was in the Scouts, but ETTO of course as I know people get a lot of pleasure from it.
Ed makes a good point, every time I stay away I miss our Tempur (Cloud Luxe Superking) mattress, with matching duvet and pillow, they have made such a huge difference to the quality of our sleep. I wouldn't pay the £750 they want for the (Nasa certified....) duvet on it's own, but we got a decent package deal as we bought a bed frame from them as well. I would avoid staying anywhere with just a double bed and when staying away for work I avoid quite a few hotels based purely on the quality of the mattress.
But back to the OP.....top of the list would be our Bean to Cup automatic coffee machine, as that's something that in theory only makes you a coffee, but it makes a better than a coffee shop coffee. I've got a lot of other gadgets I love that some would think were a bit inconsequential, like a laser guided robot vacuum and Sage Smart Waffle maker, but they would all be replaced immediately if necessary.
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Post by garry on Jul 6, 2021 13:56:09 GMT
I don't own waterproof trousers. I have a goretex coat but if it's going to throw it down I don't go for a walk or cycle. A mini-break up a mountain in sideways rain is not my idea of a good time, I've not had to do that since I was in the Scouts, but ETTO of course as I know people get a lot of pleasure from it. Ed makes a good point, every time I stay away I miss our Tempur (Cloud Luxe Superking) mattress, with matching duvet and pillow, they have made such a huge difference to the quality of our sleep. I wouldn't pay the £750 they want for the (Nasa certified....) duvet on it's own, but we got a decent package deal as we bought a bed frame from them as well. I would avoid staying anywhere with just a double bed and when staying away for work I avoid quite a few hotels based purely on the quality of the mattress. But back to the OP.....top of the list would be our Bean to Cup automatic coffee machine, as that's something that in theory only makes you a coffee, but it makes a better than a coffee shop coffee. I've got a lot of other gadgets I love that some would think were a bit inconsequential, like a laser guided robot vacuum and Sage Smart Waffle maker, but they would all be replaced immediately if necessary. I can tell that I’m not going to be able to convince you to buy goretex trousers, or take up bike riding ( I’ve got 8 bikes!) but what the hell do you get for your £750 duvet!! |
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Post by Martin on Jul 6, 2021 14:14:23 GMT
I don't own waterproof trousers. I have a goretex coat but if it's going to throw it down I don't go for a walk or cycle. A mini-break up a mountain in sideways rain is not my idea of a good time, I've not had to do that since I was in the Scouts, but ETTO of course as I know people get a lot of pleasure from it. Ed makes a good point, every time I stay away I miss our Tempur (Cloud Luxe Superking) mattress, with matching duvet and pillow, they have made such a huge difference to the quality of our sleep. I wouldn't pay the £750 they want for the (Nasa certified....) duvet on it's own, but we got a decent package deal as we bought a bed frame from them as well. I would avoid staying anywhere with just a double bed and when staying away for work I avoid quite a few hotels based purely on the quality of the mattress. But back to the OP.....top of the list would be our Bean to Cup automatic coffee machine, as that's something that in theory only makes you a coffee, but it makes a better than a coffee shop coffee. I've got a lot of other gadgets I love that some would think were a bit inconsequential, like a laser guided robot vacuum and Sage Smart Waffle maker, but they would all be replaced immediately if necessary. I can tell that I’m not going to be able to convince you to buy goretex trousers, or take up bike riding ( I’ve got 8 bikes!) but what the hell do you get for your £750 duvet!! I do enjoy bike riding, just not when it's throwing it down with rain. I'm sure I'd ask the same question about one of your bikes, let alone what the hell you get from having 8! Mine cost just over £900 which felt like a lot for a bicycle but I know is a very small amount as my boss is a serious cyclist (does quite a bit of road racing) and his latest one was at least 10x mine. You get a duvet that's both cool in summer and warm in winter (it really does work) and feels lovely. This is what they say... CLIMATE CONTROL WHILE YOU SLEEP Combined with soft European Down, TEMPRAKON® filling is a revolutionary technology that creates lightness and snuggle softness with climate-regulating properties to ensure you sleep in your ideal comfort zone. The 100% super cambric cotton cover has our unique space-certified FRESH treatment. Based on natural and organic Neem Oil, FRESH treatment provides highly active antimicrobial and anti-dust mite properties to help keep your bedding fresh and clean. The TEMPUR-FIT™ Quilt not only maintains your body temperature and humidity but also reduces perspiration, minimizing tossing and turning. The quilt is designed to keep you cool in Summer yet warm in Winter even if you share a bed. It adjusts independently to you and your partner's needs, helping you both experience deeper more restful sleep. Oh and it has a label on it that says 'Certified Space Technology' which is got to be worth something!   |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2021 14:26:34 GMT
Apart from Bess, my Nespresso coffee machine is great. A bit more than I need perhaps but I am of the "Less quantity but more quality" bent. A really good cup of coffee is miles better than a load of instant, which is stale a day after you open the tin/jar anyway.
Already planning Bess's next redo from start.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 6, 2021 18:48:05 GMT
My Huntsman Swiss Army knife. My dad brought it home from Switzerland for me thirty odd years ago and I use it all the time. A couple of years ago I lost it and turned the whole house upside down for three days looking for it. Eventually I gave up and went down to my local outdoors store to buy its exact replacement. Getting home I sat at my desk and then spotted the old one underneath the pull out paper tray of my printer…
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Post by ChrisM on Jul 6, 2021 20:26:00 GMT
A set of sharp kitchen knives - they make all the difference when preparing food;
Variable speed cordless drill/screwdriver - so useful for so many home DIY projects/repairs;
My pair of Trespass walking boots, ideal for the sort of holiday I go on - city breaks with all-day walking for sight-seeing, museum trips etc. They're nice and light, very comfortable and supportive but didn't cost the earth
and of course a covered bucket ;-)
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Post by Tim on Jul 7, 2021 7:35:13 GMT
Cordless power tools - why didn't I start with these sooner?
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Post by alf on Jul 7, 2021 8:40:11 GMT
This one had me stumped but, since lockdown, I think my XBox to be honest - I love FPS games and they really take you away to another place!!
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Post by PG on Jul 7, 2021 8:48:36 GMT
My Huntsman Swiss Army knife. I should have added a decent pocket knife to my couldn't live without list. In our house we have about six Swiss Army knives of varying spec. We each usually have one in a pocket, a couple lying about and the rest "lost" at any moment in time. Right now, one of the lost ones was a Christmas present form my parents when I was sixteen (1976). It's pretty battered and the blades have been sharpened so much that they're partially worn away. It's more a family heirloom now than a knife. I hope it becomes un-lost in due course. |
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 7, 2021 8:59:55 GMT
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Post by LandieMark on Jul 7, 2021 9:51:05 GMT
Just lost my Gerber Paraframe the other day. Not the end of the world as they aren't an expensive knife so have ordered a couple more.
I also have several Victorinox Swiss Army knives of differing specs. Some of them also temporarily lost. I tend to carry a Leatherman too when working. I don't like using the Swiss knives on the farm though as I prefer a locking blade for safety.
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Post by johnc on Jul 7, 2021 9:53:40 GMT
It would probably be my golf clubs. I am out in all weathers and enjoy nearly every minute of it: it makes my mind a much healthier place and by walking quickly I get a good exercise on a 4+ mile walk pushing a relatively heavy trolley up and down lots of hills. I'd go mad without my golf. Even single good shots stay in the memory and shout to be replicated (I drove the green on a 298yd hole last week, broke 80 and had 3 birdies. Probably my best round ever and it gets me buzzing)
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Post by Blarno on Jul 7, 2021 11:22:51 GMT
I couldn't live without the dropper seatpost on my bikes. Quite simply the best invention in cycling since suspension.
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Post by franki68 on Jul 7, 2021 12:13:53 GMT
This one had me stumped but, since lockdown, I think my XBox to be honest - I love FPS games and they really take you away to another place!! A man of your age playing computer games {tut} ,Have you played Control if not I highly recommend it,I also had a lot of of fun with Zombie army 4 . |
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 7, 2021 12:21:58 GMT
Your all too old. I was thinking Sonos or Sky Q rather then waterproof trousers. Things I couldn't live without having spent a week away in a double bed is my Superking. This one generally had me stumped until I read this, and then agree that it's our bed. Firstly, although our bed is only a "euro king" (160cm width) as a superking was too wide for the room, I absolutely insisted on getting a bedframe that took a 2m long mattress, rather than the usual 1.9m, as I hate having my toes at the end of, or over, the end of the bed. Then my wife persuaded me that it was worth forking out for a very expensive made-to-measure Vispring mattress and that was an excellent investment - nowhere do I sleep as comfortably as at home, save in the very best of hotels. |
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2021 12:32:44 GMT
Your all too old. I was thinking Sonos or Sky Q rather then waterproof trousers. Things I couldn't live without having spent a week away in a double bed is my Superking. This one generally had me stumped until I read this, and then agree that it's our bed. Firstly, although our bed is only a "euro king" (160cm width) as a superking was too wide for the room, I absolutely insisted on getting a bedframe that took a 2m long mattress, rather than the usual 1.9m, as I hate having my toes at the end of, or over, the end of the bed. Then my wife persuaded me that it was worth forking out for a very expensive made-to-measure Vispring mattress and that was an excellent investment - nowhere do I sleep as comfortably as at home, save in the very best of hotels. It is worth investing in a very good mattress, they do transform your sleep and you spend a decent % of your time in bed, so it's fairly easy to make the cost feel sensible. |
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Post by garry on Jul 7, 2021 12:42:06 GMT
This one generally had me stumped until I read this, and then agree that it's our bed. Firstly, although our bed is only a "euro king" (160cm width) as a superking was too wide for the room, I absolutely insisted on getting a bedframe that took a 2m long mattress, rather than the usual 1.9m, as I hate having my toes at the end of, or over, the end of the bed. Then my wife persuaded me that it was worth forking out for a very expensive made-to-measure Vispring mattress and that was an excellent investment - nowhere do I sleep as comfortably as at home, save in the very best of hotels. It is worth investing in a very good mattress, they do transform your sleep and you spend a decent % of your time in bed, so it's fairly easy to make the cost feel sensible. I'm in full agreement with the high quality mattress. We've got a superking bed with a shockingly expensive mattress and sheets/duvet covers with an 800 thread count. It's as good as any hotel and well worth the money. |
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2021 12:52:30 GMT
It is worth investing in a very good mattress, they do transform your sleep and you spend a decent % of your time in bed, so it's fairly easy to make the cost feel sensible. I'm in full agreement with the high quality mattress. We've got a superking bed with a shockingly expensive mattress and sheets/duvet covers with an 800 thread count. It's as good as any hotel and well worth the money. Just add a Nasa certified duvet and your life will be complete!  |
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Post by garry on Jul 7, 2021 12:55:58 GMT
I'm in full agreement with the high quality mattress. We've got a superking bed with a shockingly expensive mattress and sheets/duvet covers with an 800 thread count. It's as good as any hotel and well worth the money. Just add a Nasa certified duvet and your life will be complete! I'm putting 'Nasa certified duvet' in the same category as 'Breakfast Biscuits'. i.e. a marketing masterclass. Although I should confess that I've spent well over £2k on a set of bike wheels that on a very good day might make me a minute or so faster* over an ironman course (*unless it's hilly, when they'll be slower because they weigh more. Or if it's windy when quite frankly they'll be dangerous as a gust of wind can push you a couple of feet into the road) |
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2021 12:59:44 GMT
Just add a Nasa certified duvet and your life will be complete! I'm putting 'Nasa certified duvet' in the same category as 'Breakfast Biscuits'. i.e. a marketing masterclass Whatever it's called, it does exactly what they say it does and makes sleeping in different temperatures more comfortable. That reminds me, I'm going to add the aircon unit to the list of inconsequential products that make my life considerably better...even though it's only a handful of nights a year. |
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Post by garry on Jul 7, 2021 13:01:31 GMT
I'm putting 'Nasa certified duvet' in the same category as 'Breakfast Biscuits'. i.e. a marketing masterclass Whatever it's called, it does exactly what they say it does and makes sleeping in different temperatures more comfortable. That reminds me, I'm going to add the aircon unit to the list of inconsequential products that make my life considerably better...even though it's only a handful of nights a year. Do you have aircon fitted or a standalone machine? |
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2021 13:05:58 GMT
We've got a Delonghi AN112 portable unit. I don't think we get enough hot nights to justify having something more permanent fixed to the wall, when it's not being used it sits in the guest bedroom wardrobe which is a much neater solution.
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Post by garry on Jul 7, 2021 13:30:37 GMT
I'm adding my co2 bike pump to the list - tiny device that inflates a bike tyre in a second or so and has got me home many times.
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 7, 2021 13:34:09 GMT
We've got a Delonghi AN112 portable unit. I don't think we get enough hot nights to justify having something more permanent fixed to the wall, when it's not being used it sits in the guest bedroom wardrobe which is a much neater solution. We need one of these. Does it work well? |
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