The final event of the 2014 Backpackers Series was well supported, with added help from the 144MHz Trophy Contest and some reasonable propagation.  The weather was also more helpful, with sunshine almost everywhere.

There was some continental DX available, but (as ever) it was difficult to raise the more distant stations with QRP.  Still, working France at 849 km is pretty good with just 3 watts.  There were five error-free logs this time, and many with just one or two errors – hard to achieve when stations are weak or fading in and out of the noise.

There were notes in some logs that QSOs were started or completed on CW.  The ability to read signals in the noise using this mode could be profitably used by more entrants – high speed CW is not required!

In the 3W section, Andrew Vare, G4XZL again achieved the top spot, with a good multiplier count.  Steve Marsh, G4TCU was second, having a fine QSO total.  With 10 watts, Paul Selwood, G8BGV again achieved first place, showing his domination of this section.  Nigel Hearne, GW0IRW was in second place with a very respectable score.

The final totals for the Backpackers Championship are available at the web address shown below.  Thanks to everyone for participating, and we hope to see you again in May 2015.

Ed Taylor, GW3SQX