Blog

Suunto and Sunslice: Navigating and Power on the TGO

Posted by Andy Neil on May 20, 2024

Hiking the TGO (The Great Outdoors Challenge) requires dependable equipment that can endure the rigors of long-distance trekking. During my journey, two standout pieces of gear were the Suunto Vertical watch and the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel. Here’s my on-trail review of how these devices performed and why they are indispensable for any serious hiker. From the first day on the tr …
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On-Trail Review: MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe

Posted by Andy Neil on May 20, 2024

As I traverse the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Scotland on the TGO Challenge, the importance of reliable and lightweight gear becomes increasingly evident. After a long day of trekking through moors and over mountains, my MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove have proven to be indispensable cookware companions. The updated&nbs …
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MSR FreeLite Range

Posted by Andy Neil on May 16, 2024

MSR has gone back to the drawing board with one of their market-leading tents, the MSR FreeLite. Originally released back in 2018 the new 2022 FreeLite is lighter (226g lighter in fact), has more headroom (3 inches), and is overall a more enjoyable, liveable space to relax and take shelter in than its predecessor. For context, we are comparing the 2 person versions of the FreeL …
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Rab Sleeping Bag Guide

May 08, 2024

Sleeping bags are where it all began for Rab, and they remain a core part of our range to this day. From ultralight sleeping bags designed for hut-to-hut trekking, to high fill power Down Bags for arctic sleeping with a limit rating of -40°C (-40°F), our collection strategically balances warmth, weight, and pack size for a range of activities.Choose from Synthetic Insulation, which offers dur …
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Silva Northern Traverse 2024

Posted by Chris Futers on May 07, 2024

With the ever-growing popularity of trail running and ultra marathons, events have become plentiful worldwide. One such event is the Silva Northern Traverse which follows Wainwright's 300 km Coast to Coast route beginning in St Bees, covering three National Parks in the north of England before finishing in Robin Hoods Bay. Aside from this multi-day race (5 days for competitors to complete), t …
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Rab Mythic Sleeping Bag Range Explained

May 02, 2024

With the highest warmth-to-weight ratio in the Rab range, the Mythic sleeping bags are optimised for moving fast and light. Combining advanced fabric technologies with our highest lofting down and slashing unnecessary grams with pioneering design. The Mythic range is all about slashing weight wherever possible. At home in high mountains, it’s ideal for venturing out long Alpine routes, multi- …
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TGO Kit List Highlights 2024

Posted by Andy Neil, Danny Pearson and Lois Fife on May 02, 2024

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 …
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Exped's Lightest Ever Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 30, 2024

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 …
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Nemo Tensor Extreme Review - “With an R rating of 8.5, the Tensor Extreme is about as good as it gets currently.”

Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 25, 2024

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 …
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Trekmates Matterhorn GTX Gloves & Mitts Review - “Leather palms, Gore-Tex liner, and warm insulation battled the elements just as well as any much higher-priced alternatives.”

Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 25, 2024

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 …
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SilverAnt Hip Flask 248ml Review - “Lightweight, the perfect volume for us, and made to a very high quality.”

Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 25, 2024

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 …
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