Here’s what David had to say: “The picture, taken by my wife, shows me paddling for the first time solo in our new canoe. I’m trying to edge it for the first time, too (I didn’t fall in).

The river we’re on is the Hérault in the Languedoc region of France. You can see Mont St Baudille in the background.

The trip? It took us a whole lifetime to get to this area. It’s where we’ve retired to. Looks peaceful, doesn’t it? Particularly from under the brim of my new Tilley hat. (I lost my old hat in a canoeing incident we shan’t go into here.)”

Thanks David!

Please send your photographs to photos@packyourbags.com.

Ask Mark!

Mark Kempster is Managing Director of packyourbags and packyourbags Travel Store. He is also a mountaineer and a keen skier.

Here he answers some of the questions we’ve received regarding ski helmets.

Why should I wear a ski helmet ?

Image by randomduck

Obvious I know, but a ski helmet is not a fashion accessory. A good quality ski helmet will protect your head and most importantly, your brain from most injuries. It’s not designed to save you from a head injury if you fall hundreds of metres over a cliff, but it is designed to protect you from injury in most ski accidents you might have on the slope. It is quite easy to ski and become out of control however good you are at skiing, and fall over and hit a path, rock, tree or even someone else. Perhaps you just fall over and then someone skis into you, or maybe you collide with someone on the slopes. Skiing is a dangerous sport and you should do everything you can to protect yourself from an injury.

Should I wear my ski helmet all the time ?

Ideally you should put your ski helmet on as you put your ski boots on. Although this principle’s purpose is to protect your head while you are on the slopes, accidents can happen anywhere in the resort. Even a fall from a standing position on an icy pavement or steps can give you a surprisingly nasty head injury. The consequences of any fall can be nasty and at best might stop you skiing for a day or so.

I have never had an accident yet, why bother now ?

Statistically speaking, the longer you go without having an accident the more likely it is that you could have one. There are now more and more people on the slopes and a lot of accidents happen with another person being involved.

Image by Rob Lee

I don’t need to worry, that’s what insurance is for ?

Not true. Insurance will help you after the event, but not prevent it. It may not be possible to prevent an accident from happening, and you can put insurance in place to take care of the consequences, but the best thing is to mitigate the damage you might do to yourself. Pervention, when it comes to head injuries, is always better than cure.

Is it compulsory to wear a helmet ?

In Europe, no. At lease not yet. It is compulsory in some resorts in the US for children, and some insurance companies won’t insure you unless you are wearing a helmet.

No one wears them

This is just not true – a lot of people wear helmets now and the number is increasing year on year. Next time you are in a lift queue, just look around and see – my last estimate in the Austrian resort of Obergurgl this year was around 50%.

It’s just a craze and another way for ski companies to make more money ?

Owning a helmet will cost you between £80 – £375 depending on the make you buy, but that’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that you are less likely to acquire a brain injury. This is not a passing craze, helmets are here to stay for skiers and snow boarders alike and fortunately the younger generation of skiers are much more in tune to wearing them.

Does it feel awkward ?

No, ski helmets are light and robust, nothing like a motor cycle helmet. In terms of weight they are more like a cycle helmet. Once it’s on your head, you will not really know it is there. Once you have been wearing one for a day or two, it will seem like second nature. You can wear a hat under your helmet if you really feel the cold. Most helmets are also well ventilated so you wont feel too hot either.

Will I lose my sense of balance ?

No, within half an hour you will be perfectly happy skiing while wearing a helmet.

Can you get fashionable ski helmets ?

Image by frankjuarez

Due to the increasing popularity of ski helmets, some of the major fashion brands now make them – along with most of the usual ski clothing and accessory brand manufacturers. Some helmets according to style, will either sit over or above the ears. Neither will restrict your hearing but some people will prefer one or the other.

Are they expensive ?

If you buy a top quality, highly fashionable label then you can pay well over £300, but to get a good one you don’t need to spend more than £80.

Where can I buy them ?

All good ski shops, both on and offline, and most ski shops in the resorts will have them. I would advise to buy one in advance of your ski trip – this way you have more choice time to choose. In general, items like in a ski resort are more expensive in comparison to your local ski shop.

Will they go in your luggage ?

Yes, no problem. Pack it in your main bag and stuff it out with your hats, gloves and socks to save space.

Can you rent them ?

Yes, you can rent them in a ski hire shops in the resort. I would personally advise against this and recommend to buy one if you can. The protecting properties of a helmet can get damaged if misused. If you own the helmet, you know what has happened to it. If you rent it you don’t – and probably the rental shop doesn’t either.

How does the sizing work ?

Helmets are measured like a hat. It’s important to get the fit right although there is lots of adjustment on the inside of the helmet that will help to keep the hat sat correctly on your head.

How do they fasten ?

Image by pravin8

Most helmets are fastened by a chinstrap. A good quality helmet will have a decent chin strap that will not chafe or rub while wearing and also allow easy adjustment. When trying on a helmet it is a good idea to make sure you feel comfortable with the chin strap.

If you have any more questions about ski helmets, or if you’d like to ask Mark about any other travel or travel gear related query, then please contact us!

T In The Park

10-12 July, Balado, Kinross-shire.

The line-up is quite stunning for this. Presumably they’ve pulled out all the stops as this is Scotland’s only large festival. Mainstream acts include The Specials, The Streets, Pet Shop Boys, Franz Ferdinand and Lily Allen. James Morrison and Nick Cave could bring you down but your girlfriend should be happy. The highlight for me will be the sets from Dave Clarke and Jeff Mills. Expect harder 4 to the floor from the former and a minimal Detroit techno vibe from the latter. Also in the electronic vein, Nine Inch Nails and Laurent Garnier both play on the Saturday. Check out the website for the full line up.

Essential kit:

A decent Rucksack / Backpack

Site:  http://www.tinthepark.com

Isle of Wight

12-14 June, Seaclose Park, Newport.

 The Isle of Wight Festival was first held in 1968 but it was the 1970 event that was most famous, seeing the last major performance of Jimi Hendrix. There’s an eclectic mix of talent on display here.  Keep an open mind and you could enjoy Neil Young and The Zombies just as much as The Prodigy and Basement Jaxx. The Pixies and Simple Minds are also on the bill  with The Pigeon Detectives Maximo Park  and The Ting Tings adding a more modern flavour.  Ultravox  and Killing Joke play the Big Top stage and if you’re camping you can see the Human League on Thursday night.

Essential kit:

Waterproofs

Site: http://www.isleofwightfestival.com/default.aspx

Flickr Images courtesy of –  David Jones

Below is your guide to the best music festivals that are coming up this summer. The Typical British Summer! Sun, Rain, & Wind? Read and find out what the essential items that you will need for the festivals this summer ranging from waterproof clothing to sun lotions and Sun hats, this guide has got it covered.

Download

12-14 June, Donnington Park, East Midlands.

All you ageing rockers out there will be pleased to know that ZZ Top, Def Leppard  and Whitesnake are all appearing at this total Rockfest in June.  Faith No More will be playing live for the first time in 11 years and the mighty Slipknot and Marilyn Manson will be topping off what has to be the best Saturday night any metal fan can hope for.

Site: http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/home/index.aspx

Glastonbury

24-28 June, Worthy Farm, Somerset.

The line-up has yet to be confirmed at this, the Grandaddy of festivals, but Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Blur seem pretty certain. Who cares? Don’t buy a programme, forget the line-up and just follow your nose, that’s how to enjoy Glastonbury. There really is something for everyone in this town-sized festival where the people are the show.

Essential kit:

For the pessimist:  Waterproof Boots

For the optimist:  Sunglasses

Site: http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Family Friendly

The Big Chill

7-9 August, Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Basement Jaxx and David Byrne of Talking Heads will be on a strong line-up; but for me, it is the return of Orbital to the stage that will tear the (non existent) roof off this cross-cultural party. For the more cerebral among you, Chris Cunningham is rumoured to be doing a live set. Who’s he? The cutting edge film director who made videos for the likes of Portishead, Bjork and various acts from the Warp stable.

Essential kit:

A sleeping bag for when you don’t want to feel the Big Chill

Site: http://www.bigchill.net/festival

Cambridge Folk Festival

30 July-2 August, Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge.

Booker T, The Zutons and The Saw Doctors are most recognisable to the majority of us, the rest of the line up coming from the more traditional folk circles. I’ve never been before but some of my mates go back year after year and always have a good time. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, real ale and acoustic music.

Essential kit:

As  this festival is in the height of summer, a decent sun hat is a must

Site: http://www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk/

Compact and bijou

Hop Farm

4-5 July, Paddock Wood, Kent.

The site that also hosts the biggest military vehicle show in Europe certainly has plenty of facilities for this deliberately less commercial festival. The line up includes Echo & The Bunnymen, Paul Weller and The Fratellis.

Site: http://www.Hopfarmfestival.com

Gazastock

3-5 July, nr Hildenborough, Kent.

An intimate gathering in the countryside of the Weald of Kent. Every year this mellow festival raises much needed cash for a local hospice. Line up includes Origami Dinosaur, The 38s, The Diarys, Blackadder and Paul Dunton. You may have to keep your eye on ebay for tickets as they are limited and always sell out quickly.

Essential kit:

As organisers request no glass on site, Source Liquitainer 4litre folding water bottle is a great idea

Site: http://www.gazastock.co.uk/

Smelling Optional (daily tickets, no camping).

Wireless

4-5 July, Hyde Park, London.

A turn-up-on-the-day weekend of Dance and Hip Hop, featuring the likes of Basement Jaxx, Dizee Rascal, The Streets and a set by Paul Okenfold. Expect a mix of cultures and ages all trying to get bombed before the 22.30  kick out time.

Essential kit:

Shades are a must and better take some sun protection: Sun Cream & Skin Protection

Site: http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/home/index.aspx

Get Loaded In The Park

30 August, Clapham Common, London.

The E-generation should be out in force for this bash with Orbital, Laurent Garnier  and Carl Craig hitting the four to the floor, while Roni Size’s Reprazent pumps out the Drum ‘n Bass with an exclusive UK appearance. This is a Bank Holiday weekend,  so check your train times. The party finishes at a startlingly early 9pm so best have another rave to go on to (you must know someone called Steve who’s setting up a sound system in a field off the M25, surely).

Essential kit:

Sun cream and a pair of sunglasses for the morning after.

Site: http://www.getloadedinthepark.com/

Rave

Creamfields

29-30 August,Halton, Cheshire.

Expect a younger, Radio 1 listening crowd here. Acts include Basement Jaxx, Dizee Rascal, John Digweed and a welcome appearance from Sven Vath. If none of them float your boat then don’t worry, Creamfields is known for having just about any style of dance act that you can imagine. Be sure to check out their website to make sure that it’s your kind of thing as this is a very commercial affair.

Essential kit:

Hydration Packs

Site: http://www.creamfields.com/

Overseas

Sonar

18-20 June, Barcelona.

Not your usual festival. A series of performances, films, installations and more from the world of experimental music and video. DJs, VJs and hundreds of artists from all over the world will be hosting shows throughout the city. Expect thoughtful conversations from readers of Wire magazine and strange Germans who bleep in their spare time.

Essential kit:

Waterproof Cases for your Camera & Valuables

Site: http://www.sonarbarcelona.com/en/

Flickr Images courtesy of:
Al Green - Glastonbury Festival Image                              UK Mari – Download Festival Image
Twak – Cambridge Folk Festival Image                               Hoodrat – Hop Farm Festival Image
Dave Nicholl – 02 Wireless Festival Image                     Landii – Creamfields Festival Image
Sml – Sonar Music Festival Image

The Bumper edition of the Packyourbags Newsletter also features a huge range of father’s day gift ideas, so there’s no excuse for those boring socks this year!
With the Festival Season near enough upon us, we have included in our newsletter some festival essentials, ranging from waterproof gear to tents & camping accessories.

Remember for all the latest travel deals follow us on twitter, we have regular updates & posts on our talk on travel twitter page as well as great holiday offers. Follow @talkontravel today to see all the latest deals.

The competition deadline is Friday June 26th 2009, so check out the latest Packyourbags Newsletter now!

You will need a tent and sleeping bag; they will be your sanctuary when you need to escape the 24hr mayhem. Don’t forget tent pegs but don’t bother with a mallet, you can borrow one from the organised couple next door who have their own chemical toilet. Remember, sharing a tent is more fun and you should only have to carry it one way.

If you have friends going then preferably travel together. If you can’t then have a plan for meeting up, preferably before you pitch your tent. Mobile phones are obviously handy for this. If anyone’s been to the festival before then they may know a good place to meet up.

Going with friends is good because you can look out for each other in times of excess. It’s also a great way to get to know those friends of friends that you’re only on nodding terms with. Spend a day blitzed at Glastonbury together and you’ve both got a friend for life.

Don’t insist on sticking to your programme/timetable. Festivals are a time to get away from the control of modern life. Enjoy new sounds and new experiences.

Money . One year I went to Glastonbury with £4.50 and a sausage. I had a great time but I obviously recommend taking plenty of cash with you. Being skint at a festival is more depressing than being skint at home. Keep it safe, spread it around different pockets and NEVER leave it in your tent. Never leave anything of value in your tent.

Don’t take more stuff than you could happily carry for 3 miles. That’s at least how far you’ll probably have to carry it from the car park to where you camp. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll end up  walking  miles every day, they don’t put those beer tents next to each other.

Take supplies: bog roll, water, fag papers, booze, sun block, whatever. If you don’t take it with you then expect to pay rip-off festival prices. Even water supplies can dry up.

Take a torch. Obvious really.

Don’t take glass. Most festivals (understandably) don’t allow it. Transfer that tequila into a plastic bottle before you go and you can be doing slammers in the sunshine whilst waiting for (insert name of favourite band).

I hope you find this useful. Have a great festival season and one last thing; take clean socks, for everyone’s sake.

Photo credits

1.  by clickykbd

2. by reds on tour

Equip yourself for what ever the weather has in store with the latest festival gear, whether you’re just going to a festival for the day or if you’re camping for a few nights, prepare you self. Here are some festival product ideas:

• Lightweight sleeping bags
• Self inflating mattresses
• Backpacks in many different sizes
• Washing Gear
• Travel Loo (Travel John & Shewee)
• Sun Lotion (you never know it could be hot!)
• Waterproof Equipment and much more…

To see more festival essentials visit packyourbags Travel store.

Natasha Richardson was not wearing a Ski helmet but a spokes person says there’s no way of knowing if she would have been protected if she had been wearing an approved helmet.

The Canadian Standards Association says wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding can reduce the risk of a head injury by 60 per cent.

In recent months there has been a sharp increase in the number of people wearing a ski helmet.

This winter (08 / 09) Lower Austria made it compulsory for all children under the age of 14 to wear a Ski helmet after the death of a 41-year old woman who had a high-speed collision with the German politician, Dieter Althaus, back in January 2009.

The German Politician was wearing a Ski helmet and survived, while the 41 year old woman died and did not have any head protection.
After this accident, helmet sales increased dramatically throughout Austria & Germany and some shops ran out of stock!

A Change in Attitude towards wearing a Ski Helmet?

The Attitudes to wearing a helmet have changed considerably in recent years.
A Ski Instructor recently published this article:

“Personally I have been wearing a ski helmet for the past seven years but when I first wore one as a ski instructor, the head of my ski school in Switzerland preferred me not to wear one as he felt it sent out the wrong signal.
“It makes instructors look like they are extreme skiers about to jump off cliffs and ski dangerously,” I was told.
Now, though, ski instructors are encouraged to wear a helmet as it is thought to set a good example.

Whether it is made compulsory or not the death of Natasha Richardson is certain to see more and more people opting to wear a helmet on the slopes.