Blog

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepacking Tent Review - “A worthy competitor to the current bikepacking tents on the market.”

Posted by Lois Fife on Jan 22, 2024

It was an exciting day when the new MSR Hubba Hubba 1P Bikepacking tent arrived at the Ultralight Outdoor Gear HQ prior to its 2024 launch. Yes, it is a single occupancy Hubba Hubba, moving away from MSR’s historic names where the Hubba Hubba was a 2-person, Mutha Hubba, 3-person etc. This bikepacking tent will also be available in a 2-person version, which has 2 entrances, but it …
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Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2023

Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 22, 2023

2023 was an excellent year for new ultralight equipment and clothing, and we wanted to highlight some of our favourite gear that hit the market this year. Some pieces, like the Montbell Plasma 1000, pushed the limits of what it means to be ultralight even further. Others, like the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions sleeping pad, showed real innovation by raising their R-value to an industry-leading 8. …
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Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Synthetic Jacket

Posted by Mark Richardson on Dec 06, 2023

There are basically three types of synthetic insulation used in outdoor jackets: 1. Sheet Insulation – Fibres are woven into a ‘mat’ structure and this is used to fill the jacket, this is the ‘traditional’ way of doing this and provides excellent warmth to weight and is pretty durable. 2. Loose Fill Insulation – This is where synthetic fibres are ‘loose’, like dow …
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The Hiking Layered Glove System

Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 04, 2023

A hiking layered glove system provides a variety of advantages, including increased comfort and functionality during outdoor activities. The multi-layered design is adaptable to various weather conditions and terrains. The glove system is comparable to the layering system for the body. The base layer, or liner glove, is a thin, moisture-wicking glove that promotes good movement and dexte …
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Rab Winter Sleep System

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 30, 2023

Winter camping enthusiasts understand the importance of a good night's sleep in extreme conditions. When the temperatures drop and the elements become more challenging, having the right gear makes all the difference. This article explores the perfect winter camping sleep system that combines cutting-edge technology, lightweight design, and unparalleled warmth. The trifecta of the Neutrino 800 Down …
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Exped Ultra -5° Down Sleeping Bag Review - “The meticulous design and construction of the sleeping bag demonstrated exceptional insulation capabilities”

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 24, 2023

Incredibly eager to start this year's winter camping season, I headed to the Cairngorms for this year's first glimpses of snow. I wasn't planning to camp on the plateau itself, and the expected temperature was supposed to hover around 0° throughout the night. I arrived at the Corrour Bothy at about 3, pitched my tent, The Hillerberg Soulo, next to the river Dee, and settled in for …
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Rab Sustainability and Responsibility

Nov 23, 2023

Our Mountain Manifesto is a set of shared commitments to help us all tread more lightly on the planet. Join us in creating positive change in our industry. Product: Prolong life and performance and minimise the impact of end-of-life. Planet: Drive more sustainable packaging solutions and highlight the environmental impact of air freight. Partner: Improve standards for workers and mi …
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Hilleberg - Yellow Category Tents

Nov 21, 2023

Hilleberg engineer Yellow Label tents principally to be lightweight. Intended for use in warmer climates and in snow-free conditions, these models have inner tents with large mesh panels which cannot be covered, and shorter outer tent walls. This ensures they have superb warm-weather venting, but can also make them feel cold in cooler conditions. Yellow Label models are perfect for long or short t …
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A Dozen Ways to Take Your Freeze-Dried Meals to the Next Level

Posted by Mark Richardson on Nov 15, 2023

Freeze Dried food is pretty good these days and here at UOG we Taste Test most of them and tell you our view – this causes arguments in the office so what you get is an average view – helpful if everyone thinks they are great or poor, but not so good if opinion is divided.Out on the trail though they can be improved, usually by the addition of one or more items that you take with you or buy …
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Alpine 850 Down Hoodie Review - “High-performance winter insulation piece, offering a blend of warmth and functionality”

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 15, 2023

I have to admit that this review is a tad late. In my defence, I was waiting for some appropriately cold weather to test the jacket; thankfully, November has arrived and brought some wintry conditions. Montane has brought two new down jackets to the market this season: the Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie, and the jacket I have been testing, the Alpine 850 Down Hoodie. The lat …
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Hilleberg - Red Category Tents

Nov 14, 2023

Red Label tents are built for both short and longer trips in generally less demanding conditions in all seasons, such as less exposed mountain terrain, forests in both winter and summer, and the like, but where you still may encounter severe situations. Their emphasis on lighter weight makes them less than ideal for harsh environments and extended adventures in demanding conditions. They are, howe …
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Knowledge Base Page - Tips for Choosing the Right Head Torch

Nov 14, 2023

Selecting the right head torch for your needs can seem daunting when there are so many on offer but we've put this guide together with a few tips to help you make the right choice. — Hiking: If you just need a head torch as a safety aid to keep in your pack in case you are benighted then a small, simple head torch should suffice. If it’s rechargeable be sure to regularly check it is char …
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