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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 …

Rab has slashed weight and volume wherever they can with the Ultrasphere, crafting the definitive sleep mat for when every gram counts. It uses innovative offset air chambers to disrupt the flow of convection currents inside and trap heat, keeping you warm on wild overnights without the need for bulky insulation. Combined with a soft, exceptionally lightweight fabric, its weight-saving constructio …

The outdoor industry has been criticized for its environmental impact, particularly due to the use of chemicals and non-biodegradable materials in gear production. Many outdoor enthusiasts are now seeking alternatives that minimize the long-lasting effects of production methods and materials on the environment while still wanting high-performing gear. This demand has led brands like Gore-Tex to in …

We stock a full range of LEKI poles. Whilst they can be quite heavy compared with truly 'ultralight' trekking poles their design and build quality are exceptional, they build trekking and running poles that will not let you down, they are tough, reliable and will give years of service. In this post we look at our current stocks of LEKI trekking poles and give advice and our opinion so you can …

In this post we look at the Big Agnes sleeping mats that we stock and tell you a bit about them. Big Agnes's sleeping mats start at around 400 grams, they tend not to make extremely lightweight pads, preferring to focus on comfort and high insulation value, their pads are light for the job that they do. Designed for ultralight backcountry adventures, the Zoom UL Insulated eliminates the …

As an experienced backpacker and nature enthusiast, I have developed a profound appreciation for using a bivy bag for camping, particularly for quick, solitary overnight adventures. Unlike conventional tents, bivy sacks offer a range of advantages and serve as a lightweight, minimalist alternative. Their compact size and weight make them ideal for backpacking, where every ounce counts; their small …

For spring summer 24, we are excited to unveil our newly redeveloped range of Trailblazer packs. Launched several years ago and building on this backpack's popularity, we've introduced recycled materials throughout, as well as new innovative storage options and a wider range of capacities. Whether fastpacking on an overnight adventure, hiking to a sunset summit, or taking on a minimalist day …

What's in a Name? Exped have named their mats in a way that identifies the key features of the mat. Some examples are dissected here. — The Ultra mats are the lightest series and are made using 20D recycled ripstop Polyester. The Dura mats are built to be durable (what else?) and use 75D Polyester on the top and 170D Polyester on the base, so they are much more puncture resistant than th …

With so many packs to choose from it can be hard to know where to start - here are a few pointers to help with your selection.Start with CapacityPin down the capacity you need by looking at your gear - if you have an old rucksack and you know its capacity then use this to guage what capacity you need. If it's for winter as well as summer use you'll need extra capacity for extra, bulkier gear - if …

Rab's new fabric, TILT (Thermo Ionic Lining Technology), is used in the inner lining of their top-of-the-line sleeping bags, sleeping mats and down jackets. This technology reflects heat back toward the body, reducing radiative heat loss and increasing warmth. It significantly improves the warmth-to-weight ratio without altering the fabric's original properties or adding weight. At Ultralight Outd …

Whilst trekking the GR221, I suffered from heat exhaustion and the early stages of heatstroke. With the benefit of hindsight, I was showing the signs of severe heat exhaustion for some time before things went seriously downhill. Towards the end of the previous day, I had been struggling with the heat and wasn’t feeling too good. What I didn’t know was that heat exhaustion can build ove …