Spring and Summer 2024 Highlights
Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 13, 2024
We promise you, it is actually summer. Although a glance out the window could lead one to believe that spring will lead straight into autumn this year, there are still some bright spots on the horizon that can offer solace and excitement. We are now halfway through 2024, and there has already been an abundance of new gear for us to get excited about.
Weighs: 529g
Okay, this one is a cheat. It's not a new tent, but it is new to us, and we are excited to try it this year, so it counts! The One tent is an excellent option for solo backpackers looking to minimise their pack weight without compromising shelter quality. It's a trekking pole made of durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant ripstop Polyurethane fabric coated with silicone. The tent is easy to set up and has a spacious interior with ample headroom. It can be pitched lower for better protection in foul weather, or higher for improved airflow in fair weather.
Weighs: 1343g (ex pegs/bags)
We aren't just hikers here in the office; some of us love getting away on two wheels for the weekend, and the MSR's Hubba Hubba Bikepacking Tent offers unique features optimised for bikepacking. It has shorter poles, allowing for a packed size of 29cm, making it easily attachable to handlebars. The tent's fabrics and colour scheme resemble the Hubba family, with a 20D ripstop nylon outer and a white-over-red inner. The tent is freestanding, has a large vestibule, spacious inner with storage pockets, and a head height of just under 1 meter. It pitches swiftly and stays secure when attached to the bike, weighing 1.4kg. The reviewer expressed great satisfaction with the tent and looks forward to using it in the coming months, considering it a worthy competitor in the bikepacking market.
Weighs: 894g (Medium)
We have already got our hands on the Black Diamond's Beta Light Backpack, which is remarkable. Made from a lightweight and durable 'Ultra 200' polyester blend, it boasts a seam-taped build and a roll-top closure system, providing reliable waterproof protection. The backpack features a running vest-style harness for a snug and secure fit, reduced bounce and incorporated shoulder strap pockets for convenience. With ample storage options, it offers three substantial outer pockets, two hip belt pockets, and a large stretch mesh pocket for easy organisation. Additionally, the Beta Light Backpack allows for customisation with an adjustable design, a detachable hip belt, an aluminium frame, and a foam frame pad, making it suitable for various purposes and ensuring comfort during extended use.
Weighs: 1062g
The Muon 50 backpack from Rab is stylish, durable, and lightweight for outdoor enthusiasts. It has been crafted by the experts at Rab with cutting-edge materials and a thoughtful design. It incorporates robust polythene fibres and an impressive 85% recycled content, achieving strength and eco-friendliness. Its TRI-FLEX™ carry system ensures comfort and stability, while the adjustable hip belt and ultralight compression straps provide customisation and load stabilisation for a personalised and comfortable carrying experience.
Weighs: 967g (S/M)
The Osprey Talon Velocity 30 is a running vest-style backpack with a suspension system that balances the load for comfort and efficiency. It has adjustable torso length, vest-style straps, and a non-removable hip belt. The Air scape adjustment system and mesh back panel provide a comfortable fit. The pack has nine pockets, compression straps, sleeping pad straps, and elastic loops for trekking poles. It is ideal for day hiking, fast packing, and multi-sport adventures.
Weighs: 1005g (Medium)
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 backpack represents outdoor gear innovation and is known for its excellence. The latest version focuses on sustainability and incorporates recycled, durable materials to minimise environmental impact. Removing the internal hydration pocket reduces weight, aligning with the lightweight, minimalist philosophy. Reinforced fabrics and a redesigned hip belt system enhance durability, comfort, and versatility. The S-curve harness and improved load lifters provide a balanced fit. The PVT Frame and customisable hip belt options offer flexibility and support. The Mariposa 60 backpack is reliable for backpackers seeking performance and comfort on any outdoor adventure.
Weighs: 402g (ex bag)
The Nemo Tensor Trail sleeping pad is lightweight and designed for warmer temperatures. It features a Thermal Mirror Metallic Film layer that provides insulation without the dreaded crisp packet crinkle. The 3 ½ inches thick pad has a dimpled sleep surface and Nemo's Spaceframe baffle construction, which minimises bounce and distributes weight evenly. Made from recycled ripstop nylon, it comes with Nemo's Vortex Pump Sack for easy inflation and deflation.
Weighs: 645g (ex bag)
Big Agnes's revamped Rapide SL Insulated sleeping pad is as comfortable and supportive as the original model. It is lighter, warmer, and takes up less space. The new pad uses two layers of heat-reflecting film instead of Primaloft insulation, which is quieter and has a higher R-value. Big Agnes has also scrapped the old pump sack and replaced it with a larger, more efficient model. Overall, the new Rapide SL Insulated mat is an excellent choice for backpackers and campers who want a lightweight, warm sleeping pad that can be used throughout the year.
Weighs: 637g (Regular)
The Spark Pro from Sea to Summit features several upgrades over the newly updated Spark model. It has a 950+ fill power down treated with a Dry Down coating for enhanced loft, water repellence, and quick drying. The baffle design is optimised to prevent down migration and create box wall construction in the upper baffles for improved performance. The Pro boasts versatile ventilation options with a main left-side zip, foot box zip, and a shoulder-length zip on the right side. The outer fabric is upgraded to a uniform 10-denier Nylon with waterproof material at the hood and foot box for protection against condensation. The hood has been redesigned for a more traditional fit. The Spark Pro offers improved insulation, ventilation, and protection, making it a versatile sleeping bag for different seasons and conditions.
Weighs: 345g (Regular)
The Mythic Ultra 120 modular bag is an ultralight, compact, and packable sleeping bag that works almost as a hybrid between a traditional bag and a quilt. It features strategically placed insulation in areas, ensuring maximum loft and warmth. The bag has a diagonal zip for easy entry and exit, a clothing stash in the hood sleeve for a pillow, and a back harness to secure it to the sleeping mat. The bag combines with the Ultrasphere 4.5 mat to form a sleep system weighing under 700g and is rated for comfortable sleep down to 0°C.
Weighs: 266g (each UK8)
The Altra Timp 5s are an updated alternative to the Lone Peaks, offering a more cushioned and bouncy step due to their increased stack height and updated midsole. The Vibram sole provides superior grip and durability, especially on various terrains and wet conditions. The Timp's toe box is narrower than the Lone Peaks, so sizing up half a size is recommended for a more comfortable fit. While not as comfortable out of the box as the Lone Peaks, adjustments to the laces and upper eyelets can improve the fit. Once adjusted, the Timps are incredibly comfortable.
Weighs: 27g
Cnoc's Roll-Up Collapsible Flasks are an excellent hydration solution for runners and hikers who use vest harnesses. They come in three sizes and have a tapered design that fits seamlessly into vest packs. The flasks are also collapsible to a compact size and have a secure tethered cap. They are FDA-approved and free of harmful substances like BPA, BPS, and BPF. Made with the same materials as Cnoc's flagship product, the Vecto, these flasks are exceptionally durable.
Weighs: 151g (each)
OK, like the Gossamer Gear The One Tent, these are a bit of a cheat. The poles are new to us, and we are taking them on some of our planned trips this year, but they have been around for a while. The LT5 Three Piece hiking poles are incredibly lightweight, constructed with sturdy carbon fibre, and designed with comfortable EVA foam handles and adjustable wrist straps for a customised grip. They feature a twist-lock mechanism for effective locking and a maximum height of 130 centimetres for tall hikers. The collapsed length of 60 centimetres makes them easy to carry in most backpacks.
Weighs: 48g (with batteries)
If you missed this, you may have had your head in the sand. The Flextail Zero Pump is a compact, lightweight sleeping pad pump that can save your lungs at the end of a long hike. It is compatible with most brands. The pump is easy to operate: Simply double-click to power on and single-click to turn off. It weighs less than most pump sacks, measuring only 1 inch by 2.95 inches and 48 grams, including the battery.
Weighs: 21g - 23g (Regular)
Ombraz offers unique sunglasses with no arms and a nylon cord, making them more resilient, comfortable, and suitable for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing. They won't slip or fall off, even when wearing a helmet. The adjustable cord allows for a customised fit and prevents arm breakage. A slim, lightweight cloth case with a cleaning cloth is included to keep the glasses clean during outdoor activities. Side shields are available for all Ombraz sunglasses.
Weighs: 115g
The Sunslice Fusion Flex 6 is an incredibly lightweight and portable solar panel, weighing just 115g. Its compact A4 size allows it to slip into a backpack easily. Despite its tiny size, it packs a 6W punch using highly efficient flexible solar cells. Connect it to a power bank during the day to charge, then use the power bank to juice up your devices at night. The rugged, flexible design with reinforced corners lets you lash or hang it anywhere to angle towards the sun. While small, it provides impressive charging speeds in a supremely portable package - ideal for hikers, campers, and adventurers who want solar power without adding much weight.
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Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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We promise you, it is actually summer. Although a glance out the window could lead one to believe that spring will lead straight into autumn this year, there are still some bright spots on the horizon that can offer solace and excitement. We are now halfway through 2024, and there has already been an abundance of new gear for us to get excited about. Okay, this one is a cheat. It's not a new tent, but it is new to us, and we are excited to try it this year, so it counts! The One tent is an excellent option for solo backpackers looking to minimise their pack weight without compromising shelter quality.