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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 …

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 …