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SOTO Pocket Torch XT Review I’m a sucker for new gadgets and wanted a new windproof lighter. The  Soto Pocket Torch XT is so cool I just needed one. It’s a windproof lighter with an extremely intense blow torch style flame which is adjustable from a sensible small flame to a 3cm long beast of a flame. In addition to this the XT has an extending wand so you can keep the flame well aw …

Selection: I selected the Thermarest Xtherm for a backpacking trip to Scotland because I was intending to camp quite high on occasion and it can get quite cold, even in May. I normally go for the lighter Xlite model which I think is excellent and ideal for 3 season use, but taking the Xtherm gave me a chance to test it.When you compare Xtherm to the Xlite the additional weight is very sm …

How to choose an Exped MatWith so many Exped mats to choose from we've written this summary page to help you make sense of the range. In addition, for Spring 2017 Exped have renamed and re-packaged most of their mats so will also indicate the old name where this is applicable. The new versions also come with an inflation device such as the Schnozzel Pumpbag and the Fast+Lite series mats have a new …

Choosing a stove can be a challenge as there are so many products available. Here at UOG we try and test as much gear as we can and our staff are regularly out in the hills and mountains doing just that. We want to provide you with the best information to help you make your choice.

When we first received the Luci Outdoor 2.0 we were a little confused as to why you would need such a product. Packing light, counting every gram, with a weight of 130grams this would certainly be considered a luxury item. Due to its nature it would also never be able to replace a head torch and to be quite honest using a head torch within a tent or other type of shelter has never been n …

When considering what pieces of kit to take on a lightweight expedition, a coffee press probably isn't high on the 'essential' list. But then again, we are into those colder months and as guides our job is provide our clients with as much comfort as possible. So, at a mere 44 grams, the MSR Windburner Coffee press has made its way into our kit on many occasions. Freeze dried coffee just …

Which Exped Downmat?If you are considering a downmat at all it is probably because you need a warm mat for use in cold weather and for sleeping on snow or frozen ground. There are other forms of insulation in mats but down remains the best warmth to weight ratio of any insulator. Down loses insulation value when it gets wet, so Downmats should not be inflated using the mouth, rather they come with …

As outdoor enthusiasts we need to know that the clothes we wear and the equipment we use will perform in the ways we want, keeping us comfortable, dry and warm. This gear is often subject to some serious abuse out on the hills and we need to know that it's going to last. Because of this we must consider what materials our gear is made from, the quality of them and the performance that they provide …

Montane Alpine Trek Pants Review Given the changeable conditions in the Highlands in March I wanted to take a lightweight softshell trouser that would shed light precipitation, offer wind protection, and have plenty of stretch for climbing. Montane had just launched the Alpine Trek pant which seemed to tick all these boxes. I liked that it features a slimmer fit in the lower leg so they wo …

Eco-Friendly Glossary This is an interesting page PFC Free'PFC' chemicals are used in garments to make them waterproof and stain resistant but they leach into the environment and stay there for years, there's some evidence that they can cause harm to reproductive cycles. Manufacturers are looking at alternative ways of making fabric waterproof thus generating the term 'PFC Free'Dope Dyed Fabrics …

The Stove Test IdeaWe are often asked which of our gas stoves perform best in windy conditions. We tend to have our own personal favourite stoves, so our suggestions are very subjective based on our experiences.We decided to have a bit of fun performing an ‘in-house’ group test of some of the UOG team’s favourite stoves. The test would aim to be fairly scientific and objective in its approach but …

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