For example, midge spray and midge cream containing DEET as well as Skin So Soft for lighter midge conditions.

Conscription in the UK had only just ended and I was very poor so most of my gear was ex-MoD and not light. Not even a little bit. But we did have hefty squares of fabric which could be used as a cape, as a groundsheet or fastened to another to make pup tents.

With modern materials – umm, titanium! – getting ultralight doesn’t seem to be about the gear. It’s about getting on top of the consumables. Discipline when packing things to eat, burn and rub on has been the key to getting my packweight down so that playfulness is possible out in the hills. I have a consumables spreadsheet which calculates Joules per gram and total mass of packaging amongst other things. The equipment takes care of itself. Spreadsheets and re-packaging may seem anal but, on dark, wet nights after work, it’s useful preparation for a holiday and lets me dream.

Of course, I’m not young, so the temptation to carry electronic toys is not strong in me.