The second and final leg of the new 432MHz Backpackers contest was timed to coincide with the first day of VHF NFD. The first hour of the BP contest, before the NFD stations started up, was reported as being very quiet. The QSO rate improved somewhat once the NFD stations started but most contestants found the going very hard with little DX about. One or two comments were received about the problems associated with operating QRP stations amongst QRO stations but overall every body seems to have enjoyed the challenge that the Backpacker series presents.

GM0ICF commented that ' More stations using CW would be nice. Heard some G stations with CW idents easily but could not raise them on SSB'. G7OMO commented that once again he suffered from a flat battery in his jeep - he managed to bump start it himself this time however!

Congratulations to G8NWM/P for winning the 10W multi-operator section, to Charlie and Sue Jordan for winning the 3W multi-operator section, to G8JAY for winning the 3W single operator section and finally to M1CFI for winning the 3W single operator section. All of the section winners and runners-up will receive certificates.

Ian, G0FCT