Blog

The Primus Micron III Piezo Stove and Trek Pot Set offer an appealing option for anyone wanting a compact setup that still lets you cook proper food in the hills. They sit in that interesting spot between ultra-minimal “boil water only” systems and heavier cookware that leans more towards basecamp or group cooking. Both items work perfectly well on their own, but I’ve been using …

Montane described this piece to me as a “Scottish belaying jacket”, and having used it since February, I’d say that’s pretty accurate. It’s been my go-to insulation piece on cold trips through the Highlands earlier in the year, and it came with me on a March section of the Pennine Way too, where nights were long, windy and properly cold. The Fortes XT’s real fo …

When a jacket is advertised as offering “unflinching protection for mountain missions in any weather”, it sets some very high expectations. Over the past few months, I have had every opportunity to see whether the Rab Latok Mountain GTX Jacket lives up to that promise. I picked it up back in August and, thanks to an unseasonably mild autumn, I found myself actively chasing rain clouds …

When I heard that SamBob were releasing a 120gsm Alpha Direct version of their classic oversized thru-hiking hoodie, I was instantly interested. I’ve used a lot of Alpha 90 over the years and always loved how breathable and versatile it is, so the idea of a warmer, loftier 120gsm version immediately grabbed my attention. When the box arrived at the warehouse, I grabbed one immediately and h …

Washing a down jacket or sleeping bag can feel nerve-wracking, and with good reason. Many people are afraid that washing will cause down to clump and ruin their expensive gear. It’s a common fear, and one that’s kept plenty of jackets unwashed for far too long. But here’s the truth: regular cleaning is not only safe, it’s essential if you want your down to perform at its be …

Gore-Tex’s new ePE (expanded polyethene) membrane is the next generation of waterproof-breathable technology. It delivers the trusted protection Gore-Tex is known for, but with a lighter footprint on the planet, thanks to PFAS-free chemistry and a lower carbon impact. Taking care of your ePE jacket is essential: unlike older membranes, ePE relies more heavily on the user’s care to main …

Retracing My Footsteps on the West Highland Way I first walked the West Highland Way (WHW) eight years ago, when I was relatively new to long-distance walking. The WHW was a seminal experience for me. I had completed the Cleveland way, but the WHW, at that time, felt so much more remote, like a real adventure north of the wall in an unforgettable landscape. It inspired me to keep hiking and to se …

Choosing a sleeping bag can be a daunting task. Getting started with so many different options and variations can be difficult. This will be one of the biggest investments, along with your tent, for backpacking, so it's important that you make the right choice for what you need. We want you to pick the best sleeping bag for your adventures, so we've compiled this guide to help you narrow your sear …

Choosing a lightweight tent can be difficult given the wide range available; we have a wide variety of tents, and we want to ensure you get the right tent for whatever adventures you have. So here are some of the things to consider when you are in the market for a new tent. Here at Ultralight outdoor gear, we weigh every tent ourselves; the manufacturer’s weight can sometimes be inaccurate, …

Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), formerly known as Cuben Fibre, has transformed the world of ultralight backpacking. This high-tech fabric, popularised by tent manufacturers such as Hyperlite Mountain Gear, offers exceptional strength-to-weight performance, full waterproofing, and all-weather reliability. It’s now a common choice for ultralight tents, backpacks, and accessories, allowing adve …

This guide focuses on ultralight synthetic insulated jackets for hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering. We’ll break down the types of synthetic insulation available, how to judge a jacket’s warmth, what features to look for, how synthetic compares to down, and tips on care and maintenance. By understanding these factors, you can choose the best ultralight synthetic jacket to keep you …

Eight years ago, I first hiked the West Highland Way. Since then, I’ve clocked up thousands of miles on trails all across the UK, learning, refining, and stripping back my kit with each trip. So, returning to the Way this summer, I’m walking it with more experienced legs and a much more dialled-in, ultralight setup. For a full, itemised breakdown of my kit, including weights and catego …