Blog

May means one thing in the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO, for short. We are incredibly proud to sponsor this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois, Danny, and I are taking part in this years crossing. Lois is embarking on her first, and Danny and I are attempting our third TGO challenge.The TGO Challenge is a unique coast-to-coast trek across S …

Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a mu …

Why use aftermarket insoles for hiking and walking? The insoles that are supplied with most outdoor footwear are extremely cheap and are effectively just a flat sock liner. Usually nothing more than a flat foam pad offering basic cushioning and nothing else. Our feet are not flat but multi-dimensional so most people will benefit from a 3D insole. Aftermarket insoles like Superfeet are desig …

Extra consideration is often required when choosing a winter kit. Especially kit you wish to spend a night in below zero conditions with potentially a long walk away from the nearest road. How much each piece of gear weighs will be a factor, but more importantly, it needs to be up to the job. A sleep mat is a key item as it is the main barrier against the frozen ground, to help provide a w …

Keeping your hands warm, especially when winter walking or climbing, is crucial. Whilst away for multiple days we will regularly carry 2 winter gloves, and 1 pair of mitts, along with a light liner-type glove. Each one has a certain role, which is often dictated by the weather and activity. Obviously with this comes a high cost, especially winter kit, which is often a much higher price th …

A lightweight hip flask for keeping that all-important camp beverage safe in our pack. The SilverAnt Hip Flask is very lightweight at only 91 grams and with a capacity of 248ml, it’s the perfect size for sharing a couple of drams of an evening. It’s easy to open and importantly you cannot lose the lid due to the cap mechanism. The finish which we received was the very sleek-looking sa …

In their own words - Superfeet started in 1977 as the Sports Medicine Division of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. Sparked by the simple idea that people deserve something better, today we continue to push the boundaries of podiatric science by combining biometric data, cutting-edge technology and innovative materials, all to help you get the most out of every step. The proprietary Superfeet s …

n the dynamic realm of outdoor gear, Gossamer Gear consistently stands out for its commitment to innovation and performance. Their flagship 60l backpack, the Mariposa, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. This backpack is exceptional; we have reviewed it twice, it's that good. It was an absolute pleasure to use on my first TGO challenge in 2022. The latest iteration of …

The Montane Trailblazer 25L is a meticulously crafted backpack to elevate your hiking experience. This innovative pack seamlessly blends comfort, functionality, and sustainability, making it an ideal companion for day hikes, gym sessions, and daily commutes. With its 25-litre capacity, I found the Trailblazer 25L a perfect-sized day pack for hiking and hill walking. It was large enough to …

Despite my fondness for extended week-long treks and cross-country journeys, I still cherish the simplicity of brief overnight adventures close to home. For me, the allure of minimalist camping, carrying only the necessities, is just as exhilarating as a week-long hike. So, I was thrilled when Lifesystems approached me to try out their innovative Venture Solo Hooped Bivi, which promised …

Gregory's Stout and Amber Rucksacks use a combination of highly durable fabrics combined with an adjustable back length to provide a very comfortable pack. Comfort is a highlight with these packs and the combination of adjustable back length, adjustable wraparound hip belts and the usual straps mean that you can really personalise the fit. They may not be the lightest packs, but with all the optio …

The natural high-end DownWool Insulation is a blend of 70% high-quality RDS-certified down, which provides high insulation, and 30% wool from the Alpine region, which acts like a lightweight natural air conditioner. The combination is perfect. Nothing insulates as well as high-quality down. The 30% wool content absorbs any moisture that arises and thus keeps the down naturally drier. Down has a ve …