Munro Bagging, Wild Camping and backpacking around Scotland is what you will find on my wee channel.
I'm Bryan, a Scotsman looking to explore more of Scotland by heading outdoors and re-connecting with my love of the outdoors.
Being an Army veteran, I have lived in various countries for over fifteen years but now I am excited to really get my teeth stuck back into the country I come from and have always called home.
Join me on my journey to explore this rugged wee part of the world and see where it takes me and what I learn.
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Great video. I look after this castle. You described it perfectly. 👌🏻
Hey Robbie, that's amazing to hear for me and I'm just glad I've got my research right. It's an awesome ruin and a phenomenal example of a castle from this period. What a job you have, to look after castles! I'm sure there's worse things in the world to do. Is there any others that you look after in that area that you would recommend I visit next? I'm always looking for places to explore so I'm open to your recommendations. Thanks for watching and I'm glad I've described it well.
Hi, that was a fantastic series of films on your WHW journey, I have just walked the WHW solo and found it a fantastic experience. Had great weather until I reached Tyndrum then rain, hailstones, sleet and snow in Glencoe on about the 5th of June 2024. That said, I still loved it and met some amazing people along the way, the cairn stone you walked too on Rannoch moor, a walker told me it marks the end of Rannoch moor and the start of Glencoe?? I don’t know 100% if that’s correct but it sounds plausible. I am definitely going to walk the WHW again before I get too old, I’m now 60, with some health issues. Your series was fantastic and brought back some great memories for me, thank you. I hope your walking friend’s blisters and sore bits have healed and you are both enjoying good health. All the best, regards Chris. 🍻👍👍👍
Firstly, congratulations on completing the route!! It's a fantastic achievement and even more so when solo. I found it one of the best (if not the best) walking experience I have had to date and often think about this trip. I'm glad to hear that you liked the series as I loved making it, both the walking and the editing. I've not been out much this year with other life events going on but they're slowing down and I'm finding more time becoming free to get back out and get some more hills in the bag. I have a list of routes that I want to complete but I think they'll not be met this year with all I have going on. That could absolutely be true for the cairn as there wasn't a plaque on it so who knows, it very well may be a boundary marker. I'm absolutely going to walk it again (possibly tackle a winter attempt) but I don't know that I'll be as lucky with the weather as I had it. My cousin has recovered from his injuries now and I do think we'll have another bash at the WHW to get it complete together. All the best on your future walks and thanks for the comment too, it's gave me a wee boost to get back out and get some hills in the bag again.
Hi, thank you for your reply, walking solo is definitely a much different experience than being accompanied by even one person. I found solo walking very relaxing, I suppose you only have yourself to consider and all the decisions are for you made by you. I will also walk the WHW again, I may do bridge of Orchy to Fort William again later this year as that was my favourite section. I think it’s a great idea to get out and do some more walks, although I understand how a busy life can get in the way but sometimes we need a break from the life smothering effects of stress and anxiety. Treat yourself, do some walking, you deserve it and make sure you look after yourself. Take care, best regards, Chris. 🍻👍👍
How do bothies work? Who supplies to wood/tools etc?
Hi Prusak, they are basically old buildings that have mostly been taken on by the MBA (Mountain Bothy Association), whose volunteers maintain and upgrade the buildings as and when they can. There are some privately owned bothies around but depending on the land owner they can be varying in their state of repair. Some of the bothys have plenty of wood (like Luib Chonnal in this video) and tools as the estate manage it well. Others are very remote and it's up to you to carry in wood etc if you want to have the fire lit. It works on a principal that if you use something (like wood or canned food that has been left) then you re-stock / replenish before you leave. This is so that someone who may need the space if they are caught in poor weather have the chance to shelter before continuing. You should definitely give it a try but remember that there may be someone else to share with and mice can get to your food and equipment if not hung off of the floor. And you must take some whisky with you!
That right signposted turn, you thought didn't go anywhere, was the way to go =), it takes you up through the woods then over kames hill, and down into Port Bannatyne. Its one of the best parts of the way, the other one being the start as you said. I just thought i'd pop this comment here for others that may wish to do the walk.
Hey RoamingWylde, thanks for watching and it's nice to see people are still getting something from this video. I ended up speaking to OS and everything about this and you're absolutely right, the signpost was correct and the map simply hadn't been updated (apparently this is only done every new evaluation / run of a certain map, which is understandable as the land changes all the time). I'm not sure if you have watched it but I did the route in the opposite direction too and started over Kames Hill. There is something about this wee route that I absolutely love doing. Again, thanks for watching and happy adventures.
You ex squaddie ? Proven route, bergen, sign off 😂
I am indeed, well spotted. It's tough to shake a lifetime of certain phrases when they work 😂
@@AScotsmanOutdoors yeah that's true
Class video mate....views were top-notch from the top 👌 i did this hill a while ago i didn't see much from the top. Thanks for sharing. i enjoyed that 🤜🤛 just subscribed to your channel, too 🏔🫡
Cheers David, this was a cracking day out in the end... muggy, but cracking. It's re-watching videos like this that keep the bug alive for me through times like just now when I am booked out with other things (ie. work 🥱). Hopefully I'll be back out some time soon. Keep up the dream and hit them hills mate 🏔️
@AScotsmanOutdoors I remember the bog walk on the flat section of this walk.. it was pissing down 😄 aye mate its good to record our days on the hills, you would forget half of our adventures you did if you didn't 😄
Good to see you back on the hill and the screen Bryan man, great video. Thanks for popping up that grid ref on the way up too, that looks a cracking ⛺️ spot right enough. Not been out for a few months myself for similar reasons to yersel but will be out before long! Keep at it fella! 👍🏻 🏔️ 🏕️ 😊
Hey man! I completely get where you're coming from but keep at it also. I've had more set backs in the transport department recently but all good now so hopefully between the repairs and finding a day free I'll be back out. I hope you get some pack rafting in this year, it's great to see where they get people.
Really enjoyed watching your trip thanks so much for sharing 👍 share your biggest tip please I’m planning my own next year
Hey Dusty, I'm glad you liked this as I absolutely loved this trip. I can absolutely say that it has been one of my life's highlights... it was just phenomenal. My biggest tip 🤔 I would say take a midge head-net but also probably not to take as much food as you think you need. There are SO many places to eat along the way that you'll not be stuck for something. I took five porridge sachets, five noodle packs (avoid the pot noodle type pots for space saving) and five food bags with a mixture of honey roasted nuts and hard shelled chocolates (like Galaxy tasters or M&Ms so they don't melt if it's warm). This covered breakfast and dinner if I was stuck and also some nut chocolate mix for energy along the way. It turned out to be about three portions too many because there are so many good places to eat. The toppest of tips has to be "enjoy it". It's honestly such an amazing trip, so much so that I'll hopefully be doing it again this year. The whole thing is just such an adventure, especially if you're camping it. If you have any burning questions between then and now then just get in touch (email in my about tab).
Hi, new sub 👋 Just wanted to show my appreciation & can’t wait to see more of your beautiful country 👍🇦🇺🏴
Hi Jasmyn 👋🏼 Thank you for the sub and I'm just glad you enjoyed seeing my take on this wee country. Thank you also for your SuperThanks, it was a welcome surprise and my next early morning coffee is on you ☕️ Thanks for watching and hopefully you make it to Scotland for a visit some day 🏴
@@AScotsmanOutdoors you’re welcome, enjoy! 😊
Everybody slips at that bit going down & I mean literally everybody even in the summer! Great wee video👍
Thanks Mark, that brings the self-esteem up a little 😂 It was one of those little instant slips but it did bring the Mrs a barrel of laughs when she saw it, so it wasn't all bad.
great video mate, brilliant to see you back out. The views you got whilst they were there were stunning. These are hills that I have never managed due to weather conditions so I am very jealous.
Thanks Gus, it feels great to be back at it. I aimed to get these two back in 2019 but never managed / decided not to get them both with the poor conditions. I was keeping them for a time to get the entire four on one two day trip but it was plans like that which kept me from getting any at all. This year I'll be getting whichever hill when I can, with some multi-day trips in amongst it. Keep an eye on that forecast, strike when the iron is hot and get them in the bag but don't weigh yourself down with the views others get either (that's something I've learned). Just climb your hills and grab your good days and views for yourself.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors that's good thinking, I think that why I have not managed loads of trips cos it try and make it epic and involve too much
Good for the soul👍🏴🏕👌
It definitely is, the mind and the soul. You can't beat a day on the hills (unless it's teaming it down horizontally).
Great video and enjoyed your narrative. Look forward to watching more videos. Will there be any skipping in future videos? 😂 Take care oot there Theresa 😊
Thanks for watching Theresa and it's nice to hear the narrative wasn't too much. I'm always questioning how much is too much talking, should I let the scenery do the talking etc etc. So thanks for the feedback. I think if I get the right conditions then skipping is definitely not off the cards but maybe not on the Aonach Eagach ridge though. Thanks again for watching and I hope I can bring more videos you enjoy in 2024.
Great stuff 👏 Glad you enjoyed getting back out on the hills. I was up Sgor Gaoith last week and got a similar view to the one you got up Beinn Ime!
Thanks Mayles. Sgor Gaoith is still on the list so here's hoping I get similar views, with a little less wind. I hope you keep getting great views through 2024.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors I meant similar views, as in the view you got right at the summit, i.e. No views 😅 Hopefully you fair better when you do Sgor Gaoith, as it's supposed to be spectacular, when not inside a cloud!
🤦🏻♂️ that's on me 😂 I forgot Beinn Ime was my clouded in one. I was just so happy to get good views from the first (Beinn Narnain). Here's hoping we have more views than no views across the year's tally.
Nice to see you out and about again Bryan. Look forward to seeing your next adventure. Cheers for now all the best for '24
And to you too Derek. I hope 2024 is good to you. It's nice to be back in a space I want to be and back out on them there hills.
regaining full fitness takes some time and persistence, good luck man
Cheers Paul! I've struggled yearly to keep any consistent training but time to really start again. I've accepted I'm not running another marathon any time soon, so slow and sure is the order of the day. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I am more cyclist than hiker, although enjoy both, and every January fitness hits a rock-bottom and its time to somehow start again!
Amen! I feel like I've been re-setting every January for the last 9 years now. The Army had something to say about it every year before then 😂 I do enjoy cycling but I couldn't even claim for it to be any type of fitness now I have an e-bike. I do enjoy it but it's not doing me any fitness favours.
Good to have you back out there and on screen sir 👍🏻
Thanks mate. It feels good to be back 👍🏻
Was near here on Sunday, up Beinn Challum, it was a cracking day and my first winter climb in many years, the snow was solid so the going was easier than it would be in summer, as its a very boggy area, thank you for the video, tapadh leibh a charaid, ATB Angus Edit, I stopped hiking for many years when my kids were young and getting back into it was a struggle, but it gets easier as I get fitter
Funnily enough I have been eyeing up Ben Challum recently for a wee outing so good to hear the conditions. There's a few I'm looking at doing over the frozen period to avoid the bog. I wonder if that infamous Ben Lui bog is frozen 🤔 I never did much Scottish hiking in my younger days as I was off galavanting the world with the Army so didn't get much consistent home time so have started my journey later on. Keep up the good work my friend and here's to getting fitter on the hills.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors I'm not sure of your age, but I'm ball park ages with you, and I find the more I do the easier it gets, just need to keep the hand in. I think all the Munros around that area are bog monsters, heard that Ben Oss and Dubhcraig are, I did Ben Lui back in the 1990s so cannae really mind how that was, I usually note things like that in my log book. Am looking forward to your next adventures 👍
Another sprightly 21 year old I see (well in mind anyway). A few years ago I was right into the hills and my "hill fitness" was good for that year but as evident it slipped. There are a few bits up to Ben Oss that are boggy (I went into my knee at one point but that was just fluke) although Ben Lui HAS to have the worst bog near the bottom. You can see it on my Tyndrum 4 munro vlog. I had no idea it was there until I was heading down and by then it was too late, I had committed. Maybe it didn't form until after the 90's? Thanks again for watching and here's hoping I get another good few outings in 2024.
Good to see you back out chief, I wish I had good agility on the hills, alas I take it easy too.😅 looking forward to our trip in a few weeks .
Ah, a fellow "non-skipper" 😂 My tendons were described by an Army physio at 21 years old as "ohh, they're squeaky" and at 31 (while sat down with straight legs) "ohh, you could get a bus under those knees" 😂. Apparently it's just how I'm built. I just need to have a word with the builder although think I'm past my warranty period 🤷🏻♂️ Looking forward to the trip too mate. I'll be in touch to plan.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors haha, you’re definitely not built for speed then. 😜 will be good to iron out some plans. 👍🏻
I'm like Donkey Kong and Bowser in Mario Kart. I take a bit longer to get to full speed but when I'm there you best not be in my path 😂
Hopefully I’m doing the same next weekend, with overnight wild camp somewhere on route.
The weather forecast appears at present to be quite settled then so fingers crossed for you. The area has plenty of flat areas so you'll be spoiled for pitch sites. Do you have an area in mind? All the best for your camp. You'll need to let me know how it went.
cool vid - enjoyed. look forward to more.
Thanks 👍🏻 I'm glad you did and I'll definitely have more in 2024 🏔️
Great to see you back out there again after your break 🤟 You could of picked an easier couple of mountains 😂 some weather conditions too that not put you off again 😂😂 seriously Arrochar is stunning Cobbler and Beinn An Lochain are my favourites over there a great place to go hiking ⛰️🥾👌
Thanks David 🏔️ My stupid head thinks my body still does what it could when I was younger and better condition so I run with it 😂 They're a great pair and I was glad of the decent conditions on Beinn Narnain after the gloomy summit of 2019. The area is a cracking wee place as a whole but I'll need to get Beinn an Lochain bagged as I've not thought about that before. It could be nice in this weather with the surrounding views. Thanks for watching and I'll let you know if I end up heading there.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors Beinn An Lochain has lots of character and is no walk in the park really looking forward to doing it again as had no views 1st time out enjoy when you do it take your time your fitness will come back soon enough I’m sure it’s a fantastic hobby and glad you came back out after your break you will be refreshed and eager to get out now a break from anything is good all the best David ( Fife )
Good to see you back oot Bry. Sometimes we need to take time oot to look after our self's. Hope your well bud. 👌
Cheers Kev 👍🏻 It's been a busy year but it felt great to be back out after taking care of everything we had planned this year. Now that it's all finished I can get back to the hills. It's sometimes good to take a break and then remember what it was you enjoyed about it when you head back out. Thanks for watching and maybe we'll bump into each other in 2024 🤷♂️
Dammmit Jim...Push the button jim. Im just an old country sawbones.❤
🤷🏻♂️😂 I'm absolutely lost on this one but I'm sure there's a reference in there somewhere.
I found one on the beach but I can’t do anything with Is there a possibility that i can see from who this is
Hey Koeks, on the inside of the batter cover (behind the four screws) there should be a sticker with a serial number. If you email SPOT with that then I'm sure they'd help return it.
Great review fella im sold on this one . Ill hit subscribe too
Hey mate, I'm just glad it's given you food for thought. It's a great tent and I'm still loving it almost two years on. I hope if you go for it that it serves you just as well. Thanks for the sub too, I've got a better year of recording planned for 2024.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors thanks fella , and I'll look forward to them. Ill probably hit you up for some nice easy hikes around Scotland as I'm trying to get fit/overcome some mental health issues, I'm finding that planning to go out into the wilds with my dog is helping a lot
Harris is so cute!!! ❤❤ great video.
Thanks for watching and giving me a reason to rewatch the two videos. It's a great reminder of why I do these videos (so I have the memory to look back on) and it was amazing seeing "wee" Harris again. He's not just so wee now. Thanks again for watching and I'm glad you liked it... and yes you're right, Harris is cute.
Great video, thanks pal. It's not quite the X-mid 2 Solid but much cheaper, so you've given me food for thought. Enjoy Scotland this winter.
Hi Philip, thanks for watching and I'm glad the video has helped. I absolutely love this tent so it's definitely one to consider but if it's a two man tent you're after then I'd say avoid as it can be neat on space. Again, thanks for watching and happy tent hunting.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors Cheers. My Tarptent Stratospire 2 arrives tomorrow. They do amazing tents. Planning a walk from Garve into the mountains next year. Have a good Christmas.
Great video! Best of luck to you
Thank you Jake! You too!
Great film mate, really enjoyed it. I'm just editing my first walking video series now myself so enjoyed seeing how you structured the film etc. Looking forward to more adventures!
Hey JakeMay, where's your walking series taking you? I have re-watched this series back so many times because I absolutely loved this trip (except where my cousin had to bail). I constantly run the trip around in my mind from time to time and hope you get to do the same too with your travels. If you haven't already done so, I have to urge you look into doing the WHW.
Price has increased incredibly in the last 2 or 3 years its now almost £200
What's that price for? The device or the subscription plan?
Beautiful setting and really nice film
Thanks JakeMay, I haven't been out much this year with a busy family life but I'm getting more free time so should be back out soon and just in time for winter. I'm glad you enjoyed my wee film and I look forward to seeing where your trips take you.
Great vid. I did this last weekend (01/09/23) and enjoyed it although it is a long grassy walk in after a VERY steep start which is a bit wearing. It was good hot weather so the bog factor was ok but I would expect it to be very boggy after heavy rain. The climb and ridge walk after the lochan was excellent with great views and the walk was worth it just for that. You can drive over the rickety bridge btw and park at the campsite for free (rather than at the Drovers) but are expected to buy something from the shop. I bought something but they don't check - although people should not take advantage and should buy something imo.
Hi DrawingNo1, apologies for the late reply as I have been so busy this year (hence the lack of uploads) but I'm glad you liked this video. It's taken me back to remembering the day and how good it was. The pull at the start is sharp but it soon levels off to become bog (and humid if it's sunny like I had) before that great walk through the type of pass and along the edge to give great views back. Yeah, I think the campsite is under new management now but, as you say, I think too that it's good practice to support local businesses where possible (and if they're welcoming). I hope you get out through the winter and hopefully I'll be back out again soon in the winter conditions.
Fantastic review bud, backpack looks really good!
Cheers Ervin, it is a great bag and ideal for those days just out filming.
I LOVED this. I was gutted when they cancelled it the last couple of years. Can not wait till tomorrow night as the night display is back. Then sat full display including the red arrows. I was very near where you were standing lol. I live on the front. Fab video. Really well done!
You would think with all the billionaires in the world that one of them could donate some money and start fixing up these beautiful buildings, I can only dream😊
You and me both. I dare say that if I were in receipt of billions that a good number of others would benefit too.
Is 3000mm good enough for the Scottish rain? I recently went camping along the NC500 with a 4500mm and had no rain getting in at all. I wonder what it would have been like with a 3000mm?
Hey, yes it's absolutely fine for the times I've had it out and some of those were driving rain. Have a wee you tube search of hydrostatic head on KZread and there's some good videos out there on it. They show just how much water the material can actually take before it seeps through. Did you do a drive and camp of the NC500?
Love it, love it. Your vids are great.
Thanks so much!
Excellent review, thanks for your effort and time. I wonder is there really enough room to leave a large backpack in the gear store? Thanks Peter, Victoria Australia.
Hi Peter, thanks for watching and glad you took something from it. I use this for long distance hikes and have no issues placing a 55 litre rucksack in the gear store. It does touch against the fly-sheet but it's definitely not noticeable or a hindrance.
Thanks for the reply. It was most kind of you. The reason I asked is that I bought one of the first models of the SD High Route 1 Fl a number of years ago.... It turned out that it was enormous, on both sides, however, it weighed in on my scales at 1460.grams! Including the stuff sack, pegs, fly and nest (ie the inner). Plus I always take a ground sheet so another 180 grams on top. It turns out that I have two person tents at that weight!. But I love the idea of the High Route and if it can fit a 70 litre pack in the gear store and keep it dry I may even buy one again. But if it can’t fit a backpack under cover in the a High Route 3000 such as yours, I have other tents to try. Thanks again for your time, regards from Peter.
Hi Peter, apologies for the late reply. I have only just discovered the "filter comments that have new replies" button 🤦🏻♂️ I'm not sure where you are at with your tent hunting now it's been so long but I can confirm that I stash my 55-60 litre ruck sack in the gear store (with the rain cover on and facing outwards if it's raining) and have had no issues at all. It rests nicely against the walking pole and fly. While not ideal to have anything pressing against the fly it does keep it that bit further out in poor weather and has always held up good so far. Again, sorry for the delay and I hope this helps with your hunt. Happy 2024 to yourself.
Did Ben Chonzie last October (2022) - Great day out but the top was surrounded in cloud and the rain came down in Biblical fashion as soon as we reached the summit. Got to the bottom absolutely soaked but still worth it.
Oh I've had my fair share of soakings on the hills so can sympathise completely! I really enjoyed Ben Chonzie but that could have been because it was a simple ascent, the weather was great, it was my first one after lock-down restrictions eased or a combination of them all. Between all of that and being not long after my dad had passed away, I have to admit I had a brilliant day as it was such a de-stressor.
nice tent - reminds me of something ?? sierra designs have always made great tents
A wedge of cheese... green cheese? 🤷🏻♂️ I'll be getting this one out soon again I feel. I've been eyeing up Sierra Designs' Flex Capacitor rucksack after seeing a few but still not sure if I'm into it completely yet.
Hi just wondering if you have had an experience of the lanshan tents. I'm slightly too tall for the lanshans. I wondered if the more steeply sloping sides would give me a bit more room in this tent thanks
Hi James, I've not had a great deal of experience with the Lanshan but I do believe the asymmetric design of this one is mainly for that reason, extra headroom. I have no issues sitting upright in it and I'm 6'0" (and broad). It doesn't feel restrictive in any way for me either.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors ok thanks for your info. I have since bought a 2nd hand stratosphire instead which I have enjoyed using.
Cracking video. You should take Claire with you on all your trips, her patter is much better than yours! Badabing!!!!
First block of 2023 goes to... 😂 She does have a cracking sense of humour and a bit mental. I'll bear the "patter" comment for future videos 😉 Hope you're well.
Great video as always... fantastic footage and looks like the better half kept her sense of humor throughout!! nice one.. keep it up.. ATB Tom
Hey Tom, thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed this one, it felt great to be out and with smashing company (if I do say so myself). She's the one that keeps me up even when I do things like plough my drone into a rock 🤦🏻♂️ I don't think there's a thing which phases her and she does enjoy seeing my turmoil sometimes 😂 Thanks again and I hope you're getting out on the bike in this weather.
Nice one guys. Always fancied on returning to these Hills. Take the other half up anaw for her 1st Munros. Wee Harris getting big 🐶
This one was actually all the Mrs' idea as we were in the area. The conditions couldn't have been better and all I had to do really was point her in the right direction and she was off along the path. I think she secretly enjoyed more than she thought she would. It's definitely a good route to start at for anyone. Oh he's getting big alright, too big for his boots too. If it wasn't for his nature and daftness he'd be out the door 😂 Only joking, he's an excellent dog and he also loved this day.
Hey great video, I have an xmid 2 which I do love but the foot print is huge. I was looking at the xmid 1 but I really like the look of the HR and it's just gone on sale.. How are you still finding it? Also sorry if I missed it but what size rucksack do you use and does it fit in OK? Cheers
Hey Danny, I absolutely love this tent and I've not found any glaring issues from using it. The only thing I have experienced is a single guy slip once during high winds and rain on the Merrick but it was a case of reaching out the inner and pulling the corner taught again. I carried it on the West Highland Way last year in my Vango 55 litre rucksack and it fitted no problem. A lot of the websites show it compared to a 1 litre Nalgene bottle and I'd say it's completely accurate and it can be squeezed down small. I'm hoping to be out in the next few weeks with it so I'll make sure it features again because I know people are interested. I hope this helps mate.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors wow what a great respsone just like the vid 😁. Looks like I'm buying another tent 😆, I'd be using my 48 litre so should fit nicely.. Look forward to the next one.. 👍🏻
😂 you're welcome. You asked a question so it's only polite to answer and hopefully it helped. Oh, you'll have no bother fitting it inside a 48L, at all! Good job getting it with a discount too 🫡
Cheers mate, yeah I'm like you, spread a bit of good will when you can. Got two real quick questions. How did you find the wind hitting the sides and more importantly could you cook in the gear side through the door. Just if the wind changes and comes straight in the full opening side.. Love the awning feature of it. My finger is hovering on the buy it now button. 😂. Oh and do you use a foot print with it?
Ugh! Always with the questions 🙄😂 Joking! There's one of the corners has a red tag and the others are yellow, this is for ease of aligning the inner with the fly. I tend to place the red tag in the direction of the wind, making it almost like a plough against the wind and shedding it across a flat side (the main entrance) and the front, which is angled due to the asymmetrical design. It's not the most aerodynamic of shapes but in the winds I've had it in there's been no problem. I also carry four Delta pegs if there's any threat of higher winds and they really anchor it down. I've never tried cooking on the "gear store" side but I couldn't see why it would be a problem other than the half moon door on the inner just, although this is actually quite wide and you can get a 55L rucksack in and out of it. I've cooked in the entrance with no issues and with the zip being two way you can open the top. I'm going to have to get it out in higher winds when they're next here and do a wind test because people are always asking what it's like in the wind. As for the footprint, I've never used a footprint for any tent really but I do carry Tenacious Tape incase anything get pierced. I just figure if something is going to rip or be punctured... it's going to be ripped or punctured, not that I purposely look for spikey pitches 😂 Again, I hope this helps and any more questions just let me know, I know the feeling of "should I, shouldn't I" well 👍🏼