Some of the usual entrants to this series were participating with their clubs in VHF Field Day, which runs concurrently with this contest.  There was still a reasonable turnout, with some good continental DX available even with the low powers used by backpackers.  Of course, the presence of higher-powered stations operating at the same time, also from elevated locations, is both a help and a hindrance.  There is plenty of activity, but it can be hard to attract attention, and the presence of loud signals across the band means there is almost bound to be difficulty with hearing and being heard.

Most reports described conditions as “flat” or “middling”, with the best DX at 748 km from G4XZL/P running 3 Watts.  The weather was generally good, but some participants experienced rain and thunder, which can be quite a deterrent on an exposed hillside!

Kevin Holdford, G7KXZ, came top in section 3B, narrowly beating Andrew Vare, G4XZL, by virtue of his multiplier total.  In the 10H section, Paul Selwood, G8BGV, was the winner, with G3BPK/P (operated by G4VDZ and G6AHF) in second place.

This is the third of five sessions of the 144MHz Backpackers Contest, with the best three scores counting towards the Backpacker's Trophy for 2014.  The results so far show that G4XZL maintains his lead in 3B, with G8BGV ahead in 10H.

Ed Taylor, GW3SQX