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Merino is a type of wool that comes specifically from a merino sheep. The merino sheep breed came originally from Spain but was domesticated and bred on a commercial scale in New Zealand and Australia, with Australia still producing around 80% of the worlds merino today. The merino sheep thrives in hostile conditions where other breeds would perish, meaning that they have developed a high quality …

Arguably the most important aspect of choosing a tent is understanding what you need if for. Knowing the conditions you are most likely to use it in will help you narrow down your options effectively. The following groups of tents will suit different people and the activities they most regularly do.Ultralight Backpacking / Adventure Racing TentsCarbon Reflex SeriesAimed at the ultra minimalist, pr …

At a reasonable length of 165 mm and weighing in at a mere 9 grams per peg, they are certainly much more compact and packable than our usual choice. Out of the pack it’s instantly clear just how light the Vargo Titanium pegs really are feeling almost weightless to the hand. Using the classic shepherd’s hook design, they are a tried and tested design although became a little too basic to …

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 …