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I have been rigorously testing these Silva Trekking Poles Aluminium Cork over the past 12 months. They have joined me on numerous multi-day hikes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Scotland and whilst on regular long day walks on the North York Moors. They have never let me down, adding confidence to steep descents, taken the load off the body when packed up and provided stabil …

A good sleeping mat does more than add comfort—it insulates you from the cold ground, making it just as important as your sleeping bag. Here’s how to choose the right one in no time. Types of Sleeping Mats Not all sleeping mats are created equal. The right choice depends on your balance between comfort, weight, durability, and insulation. Inflatable: Lightweight, compa …

  My first MSR Whisperlite was purchased around 25 years ago whilst on a bike-packing trip to Austria, where access to fuel canisters proved impossible outside of major towns. This hybrid-fuel stove has many familiar features to my original stove but with the added capability to connect a gas canister as well as burning white gas, Kerosene and unleaded fuel. On my recent outing the temperatu …

With the autumn and winter weather bringing wetter ground underfoot it was time to give the new Scarpa Rapid XT GTX hiking shoes a go out. Having used them on a mixture of terrain on my local walks for a few weeks now, from slightly boggy sheep fields to good but uneven paths they have performed very well. As with most new leather shoes they were initially quite unforgiving but have now bedded in …

Few pieces of gear strike the same balance of protection, breathability, and weight savings—yet the humble windshell jacket remains one of the most overlooked. These minimalist jackets are a staple for those prioritising versatility and efficiency—a featherlight shell that can integrate into any layering system.

Comfort and Warmth Wrapped up in one lightweight package. Heading out on be it a day hike or a multi-day trek, gloves are something that can be easily overlooked. I myself, have fell foul of this oversight. Keeping your hands warm is rather important, but in cold and damp climates it makes this task especially difficult. A good pair of gloves can make or break a day out. With snow and cold w …

Established in only 2019 the Liechtenstein Way stretches the full length of the country, from the border of Switzerland, in the South, to the Austrian border in the North. This is a journey that can be done by car in just 24 minutes, but to complete the trail, the route stretches across the width of the country on mountain trails, through villages, alongside rivers, past castles, nature reserv …

1. Down or Synthetic Insulation? Down: Lightweight and highly compressible, ideal for packing. Superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Loses insulation properties when wet unless treated with water-resistant down. More expensive but lasts longer with proper care. Synthetic: Retains warmth even when wet. Dries quickly and costs less than down. Bulky and heavier than down. Shorter lifespan with frequen …

Four-Season Review: Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie From the chill of dawn on a springtime Scottish coast to the biting frost of winter in the Lakes, the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has been with me every step of the way. Over the past year, it has become my go-to insulation layer, tackling everything from multi-day treks to daily hikes with unwavering reliability. Montane kindly p …

The Primus Ulti stove is an all-in-one stove system with a large burner and a range of pot sizes. The aim of the stove is to provide a hot meal under any circumstances. In Scotland we encounter a wide range of weather conditions that can change dramatically over just a short space of time. Having a reliable stove which can provide our group with a hot drink and warm meal is key to keeping mora …

At Ultralight Outdoor Gear, we take pride in delivering the most accurate and detailed information about the gear we offer. We don’t just list specs—we weigh every product ourselves so you know precisely what you’re carrying. But we don’t stop there. To ensure you’re trail-ready, we also taste-test every dehydrated meal we sell. Over the past year, our team has meticulously tested and rated e …

If you’ve never tried dehydrated meals, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. These lightweight, compact options are the ultimate in trail cuisine, crafted to fuel your adventure without weighing you down. Packed with essential calories, protein, and carbohydrates, they’re ideal for multiday backpacking trips. Preparation couldn’t be more straightforward—just add water—and the best part? No dishes to …