This was the 28th running of the Backpackers contest and, despite the relatively modest number of entrants, continues to provide a good challenge for those who venture out.  This was particularly the case with this year's Hilltoppers event.

Many congratulations to Steve G1YBB/P who will see his callsign engraved on the Backpackers trophy for the 7th time.  Steve started competing in this event in 2016 and has won in every year that he has submitted an entry.  His three wins out of three entries was always going to be unbeatable and this year's podium was a repeat of 2022.

The Hilltoppers contest has only been run in this form for 7 years, 5 of which have ended with Paul G3YDY operating as G8BGV/P on the top of the table.  This year saw two other stations compete for Paul's crown and it all rested on the final event.  In the end, Wayne, MW0LKX/P narrowly overcame last year's runner up Steve G0EAK/P with both stations securing two wins and one second place as their highest scores.

Finally, a 'shout out' to Simeon M7SLL/P, the best of the three Foundation Stations in the Backpackers section.

Congratulations to all the certificate winners, and please note that the provisional contest calendar for next year shows the first outing of the Backpackers and Hilltoppers Contest starting on Sunday 9 May at 1100.   Hope to hear you all then.

73 Graham G0NBI