Blog

The Key Points Which category do you need? - The main purpose of sunglasses is to cut out light that could otherwise damage your sensitive eyes. Sunglass lenses are categorised from 0 to 4, 4 are the darkest and cut out the most light, 0 are often transparent (but can have a slight tint), they cut out no light.For mountain use you should use Category 4 for high mountain ridges in clear condi …

TentsIt almost goes without saying you need a four season tent, but which one to choose? The ability to cope with high winds, rain and potentially snow mean that strength has to be a major consideration.Hilleberg make a range of tents that are certainly capable of withstanding the worst winter conditions you can expect to encounter in the UK. Their Red Label range of tents offer a balance of weigh …

10 key steps to lighten your load Backpacking is more fun when you carry less weight, you can go further whilst feeling fresher.Going 'Ultralight' can seem expensive but you can achieve significant weight savings by following a few simple steps and without breaking the bank. Obviously, if you simply want the lightest and best gear out there it will cost a lot but you can pick and choose what to sa …

Which Mosquito Net do I Need?Selecting the ideal mosquito net with features specific to your needs can be somewhat daunting. It is important you get it right as it will keep mosquitos and other insects, such as lice, bed bugs and fleas away, contributing to a good night’s sleep and preventing infection. Where you are travelling, how you are travelling, size and shape, weight, your accommodation an …

Care Plus - Prevention Overview

Food Planning for BackpackingOn a recent trek in Iceland I had to carry 9 days food, as it was late in the season I wasn't comfortable relying on resupply from the various huts and settlements I would pass through as they could all be closed, I therefore wanted to carry every calorie I would need. I was meticulous in weighing and recording what I took and what I ate – the results are here and I wi …

MSR Cookware MaterialsBackpacking cookware comes in a variety of materials to meet the needs of everyone from fast packers to dedicated backcountry chefs. Each material has its key benefits and understanding them will help you pick the cook set that’s right for your priorities, both on the trail and in the “kitchen”—whether that’s a portaledge and you’re brewing ramen, or a grand valley where you’ …

Our guide to the key benefits of using Trekking PolesMany people new to hiking and backpacking question whether or not they should use trekking poles. There is a misconception that trekking poles are for older walkers and you don’t need them if you are young. The reality is that trekking pole benefit people of all ages. They might take a bit of getting used to but it’s well worth taking to the tim …

Titanium is used for a range of products in the outdoors. You can buy titanium products for outdoor use in the form of cookware, tent pegs, cups, stoves, utensils, water bottles and numerous other accessories. The reason titanium is so popular is its low weight and high strength. 

Choosing a stove can be a challenge as there are so many products available. Here at UOG we try and test as much gear as we can and our staff are regularly out in the hills and mountains doing just that. We want to provide you with the best information to help you make your choice.

Eco-Friendly Glossary This is an interesting page PFC Free'PFC' chemicals are used in garments to make them waterproof and stain resistant but they leach into the environment and stay there for years, there's some evidence that they can cause harm to reproductive cycles. Manufacturers are looking at alternative ways of making fabric waterproof thus generating the term 'PFC Free'Dope Dyed Fabrics …