Lois' TGO Challenge 2025 Kit List
Posted by Lois Fife on Aug 13, 2025
The kit selection for my TGO was based on balancing warmth and comfort in potentially changing weather whilst keeping weight to a manageable level. Utilising technology to keep me on the right track, safe and powered for the duration. The weather for a two-week trip in Scotland is hard to predict, especially at some of the higher elevations and having versatile clothing to cover all eventualities was a consideration too.
Jump to the full gear list here.
Sleep System
Sea to Summit Women's Spark -9C/15F Down Sleeping Bag — 947g: I opted for a low temperature sleeping bag choice as I sleep cold and the overnight temperatures were potentially low. This was the case at the beginning of the trip, but nights with cloud cover were milder and I converted it to quilt with the zip fully open.
Nemo Tensor Trail Regular Wide Sleeping Mat — 496g: 2.8R value proved ideal for this trip. The small pack size and sub 500g weight made it a perfect choice. The wider option is a staple dimension for my mat choice now… there’s no going back, the extra 10cm making a big difference, especially on a longer trip. Nemo’s Spaceframe baffle design keeps body weigh evenly distributed and supported. The 20 denier upper and tougher 40 denier lower fabric reduces the risk of punctures. It is fairly quiet too, which I wish could be said for my neighbours at Glen Branter! It inflates easily with the efficient Vertex pumpsack, as large quantities of air are captured in the pumpsack for maximum transfer with each bagful.
Tent
Weschsel Bella 1.5 Person Tent — 1303g: A roomy 1.5 person tent that pitches quickly with the external pole system.
Rucksack
Osprey Women's Eja Pro 55 Rucksack (XS/S 52 litres) — 924g: This pack fits me well due to the adjustable back system. The aerated structure of this pack came into its own on the hot days. I never felt hot and sweaty and my back was pretty dry when I took the pack off.
This was the XS/S size option which has 3 litres less capacity than the M/L which is 55 litre. The two size mesh pockets are nice and deep and I stowed my tent in one and fluid and sitmat in the other. The large rear mesh housed my spare shoes and waterproofs for easy access!
Camp Kitchen
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Gas Stove — 83g: The deluxe version of the Pocket Rocket with Piezo ignition is very efficient and boils water very quickly.
Sea to Summit Frontier UL Collapsible Kettle (1.3L) — 205g: The collapsible 1.3L Frontier Kettle is the cutest piece of kit. But it is not just a pretty face! The anodised aluminium base is a great heat conductor and with silicone sides and folding handles, it collapses to a very flat shape. It also houses my collapsible cup. I only used it for boiling water, but it can be used as a cook pot too.
Sea to Summit Passage Cutlery Set (3 Piece) — 25g: These stay put as they lock together. Not only that but they can top and tail each other to make a long handles spoon or fork. Great for digging out food at the bottom corners of a food pack!
Gas — 330g (I didn’t break into the 110g can, but had I stayed out for an extra night, I would have).
Accessories
Thermarest Z-Seat — 54g: A much used piece of kit. Great for kneeling on whilst setting up camp and comfy to sit on whilst cooking and chilling out.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles — 169g: These folding carbon trekking poles are extremely light and the Flicklock lever allows for a perfect length micro adjustment. The model I used were 110-125cm and once I set my desired length, this remained locked for the next time I deployed them. The cork handles and straps remained comfortable for the duration of my trip. The breathable and moisture wicking straps did need a good clean by the end!
Clothing
Montane Women's Ineo Lite Shorts — 125g: Very comfortable shorts that fit smoothly on the waist. The leg pocket is a good size for a phone. A late addition to my wardrobe, but I wore them every day and have the tan line to prove it!
Montane Ineo ¾ Leg Tights — 184g: for travel and cooler days.
Patagonia Women's Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt — 66g: This proved perfect for the weather on this trip. It dries very quickly and doesn’t add warmth or weight when wearing it.
Montane Women's Protium Lite Hoodie — 245g: This was about as much insulation as I needed on this trip. I sometimes started the day wearing it, but rarely kept it on as the temperature rose. It was nice to put on as the sun went down.
Montane Women's Alpine Lite Down Hoodie (850FP) — 198g: Thankfully this didn’t weigh much - it stayed in a drybag for the duration of this trip.
Montane Malli Long Sleeved T-shirt and leggings — 273g: were great for end of day wear and sleeping. Soft against the skin with flat seams. Thick enough to wear to the pub too.
Hoka Women's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX — 762g: Had I known the forecast, I’d have probably gone for a non-Gore option, but hindsight is a wonderful thing! In spite of this, they were very comfortable, especially in the forefoot. The heels didn’t appear to have much cushioning by the end of the trip, but this is probably due to the amount of dry, hard ground and tarmac.
Hoka Women's Hopara 2 — 570g: A versatile lightweight option to put on at the end of the day. I thought I’d probably wear them at times during the day, but this didn’t happen. They were my luxury item.
Montane Women's Alpine Lite Down Hoodie (850FP) — 198g: Thankfully this didn’t weigh much, it stayed in a drybag for the duration of this trip.
Montane Malli Long Sleeved T-shirt and leggings — 273g: were great for end of day wear and sleeping. Soft against the skin with flat seams. Thick enough to wear to the pub too.
Socks To allow for spreading feet in oversized boots, I wore 2 pairs:
Darn Tough Women's Sobo Micro Crew Socks — 48g (midweight), next to the skin & Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks — 68g (thicker and cushioned) as an outer.
Mammut 2.5 layer Gore-Tex Jacket — 302g: unused for the duration of the trip.
Rab Women's Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Pants — 248g: Waterproof trousers that pack small and were not required on this trip.
Tech & Navigation
Suunto Race Titanium Watch — 68g: Loaded with route maps for daily navigation, recording activity to load onto Strava. Very efficient on battery use and only needed recharging on the days I was staying at campsites or in accommodation.
Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator — 99g: GPS tracker for friends, family and TGO control to know my location at any given time. Daily check in / sign out with my other half too. Thankfully the SOS button was not required but a great insurance policy to carry.
Suunto Sonic Headphones — 31g: Music & podcasts on an evening. I don’t use headphones whilst exercising as I like to hear the sounds of nature, but these bone conduction headphones keep the ears open so outside sounds can still be heard.
Sunslice Fusion Flex 6 Portable Solar Power Panel — 115g: A day in the sun recharged a Sunslice 10,000 Amph powerbank to 80% — giving me entertainment on an evening and maintaining a decent phone charge throughout my trip.
Consumables
Top Snacks: Explore Flapjack Sampler Pack (Pouch Of 6) — 69g each, great flavours and very soft and squidgy. These bars get mis-shapen as they get bashed about in the pack, but it really doesn’t detract. Favourites: Carrot cake and Bakewell.
Favourite Breakfasts: Lyo Blueberry & Fig Porridge — 117g and Radix Ultra Blueberry Breakfast (800kcal) — 178g.
Favourite Main Meals: Real Turmat Pasta Bolognese — 138g and Real Turmat Taco Bowl —129g.
Favourite Dessert: Lyo Apple Crumble — 84g.
 |
||
|
|
||
| Lois Fife | ||
|
Lois is a keen cyclist and is always plotting a route… either for her next trip or looking for a different way to commute to work! She is regularly seen heading for the hills on a packed-up bike, be it for a quick overnight wild camp, or a longer multi-day adventure. She is currently plotting her route to walk the TGO across Scotland. She is a British Cycling level 2 leader and has been involved with MTB Guisborough encouraging the next generation of mountain bikers. Lois joined Ultralight Outdoor Gear in 2021 and is part of the Customer Service Team. She is always keen to get her hands on new kit to try in the field and share her findings on the website. |
||
The kit selection for my TGO was based on balancing warmth and comfort in potentially changing weather whilst keeping weight to a manageable level. Utilising technology to keep me on the right track, safe and powered for the duration. The weather for a two-week trip in Scotland is hard to predict, especially at some of the higher elevations and having versatile clothing to cover all eventualities was a consideration too. I opted for a low temperature sleeping bag choice as I sleep cold and the overnight temperatures were potentially low. This was the case at the beginning of the trip, but nights with cloud cover were milder and I converted it to quilt with the zip fully open.