Blog

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 …

Arguably, the most essential piece of outdoor clothing is your baselayer. The base layer is the layer that sits closest to your skin and is the fundamental layer of the three-layer system, baselayer, mid-layer and protective outer shell. The baselayers move moisture away from the body, which helps with temperature regulation. They tend to be made from synthetic materials, usually polyester, merino …

The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar (72g) is a rugged, GPS-enabled multi-sport watch built for outdoor adventure. It offers offline maps, dual-band GNSS tracking, an altimeter, barometer, compass, and solar-assisted battery life. While it’s capable of tracking just about every sport under the sun, I’ve used it exclusively for hiking and camping. I first started using the Suunto Vertical …

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.

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 …

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 …

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, …

The NEMO Pulse quilt offers standout cold-weather performance in a refined ultralight design. With 1,000 fill power, a sculpted cut, and a snug, enclosed footbox, it's an ideal companion for early spring, late autumn, and fast and light long-distance trips throughout the year. I had the chance to put the NEMO Pulse quilt through its paces during a week of mixed camping in March—first at a f …

Why Water Purification Matters Carrying large amounts of water is impractical and adds unnecessary weight to your pack. Instead, purifying water from natural sources ensures safe drinking water without excessive burden. Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses, making proper purification essential. Common Water Contaminants Even in the UK, seemingly clean water can harbour harmful pathogens …

Access to safe drinking water is essential when exploring the outdoors. Carrying large amounts of water is impractical, adding unnecessary weight and making hikes more strenuous. While bringing enough water for a short day hike isn’t a major concern, multi-day hikes or wild camping trips require water for more than just drinking—it’s also needed for cooking, cleaning, and making …

A good rucksack should feel like an extension of your body—distributing weight efficiently, keeping you comfortable, and ensuring easy access to essentials. Here’s how to choose the right one quickly and effectively.   1. Fit and Sizing A well-fitting rucksack makes all the difference. Measure your torso length (C7 vertebra to iliac crest) to find the right size. For more informa …

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, …