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The Key Points Which category do you need? - The main purpose of sunglasses is to cut out light that could otherwise damage your sensitive eyes. Sunglass lenses are categorised from 0 to 4, 4 are the darkest and cut out the most light, 0 are often transparent (but can have a slight tint), they cut out no light.For mountain use you should use Category 4 for high mountain ridges in clear condi …

When it comes to protecting your eyes from harmful sunlight exposure, understanding sunglasses categories and UV protection is key. This guide will help you navigate the various types of sunglasses and their features, ensuring you make an informed choice for your specific needs. Sunglasses Categories Sunglasses are classified into different categories based on their level of UV protection and visi …

There were 14 possible start points for the 2019 TGO dotted along the west coast of Scotland. Challengers can pick any one of these points to register at and start from. Challengers can then finish anywhere on the East Coast between Fraserburgh and Arbroath. For a successful crossing you had to reach the control in Montrose by the cut off time. Participants can plan their own route between their t …

Basic Gear Carried:  6779g/14lb 15.1oz and Discretionary Gear Carried: 460g/1lbs 0.2oz, Consumables:  4051g/8lbs 14.9oz, Gear worn about person: 1693g/3lbs 11.7oz, Gear Carried: 7.239kg/15lbs 15.8oz, Basic: 11.290kg/24lbs 14.9oz (with food and other consumables), Tent: Dan Durston X-Mid - 853g, Tent pegs - 120g, Sleepi …

Several of our customers had told me about the TGO Challenge and encouraged me to sign up. In the end I decided that I had to give it a go. In essence the TGO Challenge is a self supported crossing of Scotland over 2 weeks in May, from west coast to east coast. There were 14 possible start points on the west coast of Scotland and challengers can finish anywhere on the east coast between Frase …

Who are Hoka One One? The name Hoka One One is a New Zealand Maori phrase meaning Time to fly™. Hoka are comparatively new on the running scene and even newer entrants to the hiking market. They were founded in 2009 by two former Salomon employees who wanted to design a shoe that helped trail runners to go downhill faster. Having taken inspiration from developments in mountai …

Nemo have long been an UOG customer favourite for their lightweight tents but Nemo also make an excellent range of technical sleeping bags. With this in mind we decided to put the 2019 Nemo Kayu 15 to the test on the TGO Challenge.The Kayu is available in 2 versions the Kayu 30 with a comfort limit of -1C and the Kayu 15 rated to -9C. You never know what the weather might be like in Scotland in la …

It’s fair to say I’m a big fan of Leki poles and have mostly been using Leki Thermolite XL poles for the last couple of years. For the TGO Challenge I wanted lighter poles but still wanted them to be adjustable to pitch my tent and have a shorter pack size to stow them inside my pack for the train journey to and from Scotland. The Leki Black Series MVC poles ticked all of these boxes and L …

Granite Gear Blaze wins Backpacker Magazine Gold AwardBackpacker Magazine has awarded the Granite Gear Blaze 60 multi-day backpack with the Editor's Choice award for 2019. The Editor's Choice is a Gold Award, which recognises that the Blaze 60 is an update of Granite Gear's original Blaze AC 60, which won Backpacker's Editor's Choice award in 2011. A three pound backpack that comfortably carries 5 …

The Blaze A.C. 60 pack has been a stalwart of Granite Gear’s range for a number of years. Ideal for those people who wanted a lightweight but well featured pack which is capable of carrying a bit more weight. For 2019, the new Blaze 60 has been updated with several new ideas plus a few taken from Granite Gear’s successful Crown 2. The new Blaze is no minimalist pack, it’s brimming with f …

The Montane Men's Spirit Lite Waterproof Jacket is designed for mountain walking and long-distance trekking alike. Made using a waterproof GORE-TEX Paclite® Plus shell fabric and fully taped seams, this waterproof jacket offers total protection from the elements in a lightweight and packable package. A fully adjustable hood and weather-resistant pockets ensure this men's waterproof jacket comes wi …

Out of all the items we have reviewed from this season, the Trailblazer has been the most difficult to make a decision on. There is so much we liked, a few areas we disliked, and in between a variety of design elements we had not seen featured before that left us confused as to what we thought of them! It’s easy to say that the Trailblazer isn’t your usual pack and combines elements from …