Blog

Backpacking quilts are rapidly increasing in popularity, especially amongst lightweight backpackers. So, what is a backpacking quilt? Essentially, it’s half a sleeping bag with no bottom layer (although there might be a footbox) and in most cases no zip or hood. The down in a sleeping bag gets compressed underneath you so do you really need it? Here are some of the key positives and negative …

Live Competitions Enter our Competition to Win a Suunto Watch and Headphones! The winner will win a Suunto Watch and a pair of Suunto Headphones in their chosen style and colour (subject to availability). Enter Here! Enter our Competition to Win an Exped Skyline 30L or 45L Pack! The winner will win an Exped Skyline 30L or 40L Rucksack in their chosen size and colour (subject to availability). …

Carrying comfort is particularly important for any backpack — this is precisely where the Skyline series scores highly. Thanks to the newly developed Air-Flow back system, the backpack sits comfortably, and your back is optimally ventilated. This means less sweating and more comfort. An additional lightweight steel frame improves load control in the larger models (30 and 45 litres), and the …

Suunto was founded over 80 years ago by Tuomas Vohlonen, a Finnish adventurer. In 1936, unsatisfied with current technology, knee deep in snow, and in the all-day Arctic darkness, he invented a liquid-filled compass with a steadier, more accurate needle. He was a revolutionary. And he was never lost.

For me, the number one irritation on the trail is some idiot with a Bluetooth speaker. A very close second, however, is chafing, especially on multi-day hikes. It can seriously ruin your day, and that’s why we need to talk about a bit of kit that rarely gets the spotlight: your underpants. Specifically, SAXX, because once you’ve hiked in SAXX, you never go back.

The Times Roam Sunglasses were put to the test on a very sunny holiday. I was immediately impressed with how lightweight and packable they are. Thanks to the clever folding strap that stays securely in place when worn, you can also fold them flat when not in use. They’re ideal for wearing loosely around your neck or for storing in your pack or pocket. The adjustable, flexible strap allows f …

Sun hoodies have become indispensable gear for long-distance hikers and anyone exploring the outdoors in summer. Sun hoodies have gained popularity for their all-in-one solution for sun protection, moisture management, and temperature regulation, making them an essential part of any kit list. Historically, hikers relied on sunscreen, hats, and loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts for sun pro …

Having been given the opportunity to attempt the TGO challenge, a two week coast-to-coast backpacking hike across Scotland, it seemed a great opportunity to give the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 litre rucksack a good workout. This being my first foray into the larger ultralight rucksacks, I was a little apprehensive about committing to a new bag for such a long trek. Would it be comfortable …

MSR has gone back to the drawing board with one of their market-leading tents, the MSR FreeLite. Originally released back in 2018 the latest FreeLite is lighter (226g lighter in fact), has more headroom (3 inches), and is overall a more enjoyable, liveable space to relax and take shelter in than its predecessor. For context, we are comparing the 2 person versions of the FreeLite, but the changes a …

We have loved Mountain Equipment’s Extreme Light range of sleeping bags at UOG for years. Designed with input from Matt Fuller, Mountain Equipment’s Dr Down (one of the only people on the planet to have a PhD in down) to maximise performance whilst minimising weight, this range just got a significant overhaul for 2025. Some elements have remained the same, why change things if they alr …

Being a convert to the Jetboil world, having owned a previous incarnation of the Flash for the past 10 years, it was good to give the latest version a go to see what has changed. Jetboil first introduced their innovative cooking systems over 20 years ago and revolutionised backpacking cooking. They developed the flux ring that combined with the interlocking sections and neat packing created a sup …

Ultralight backpacking doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or compromising on reliability. With some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to build a sub-4.5kg, three-season kit for well under a grand. It’s not the lightest or cheapest system out there, but it covers all the essentials with gear that lasts. Think of it as a flexible starting point. Your kit will evolve over time, …