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We take water treatment very seriously and have seen first-hand the effects that water born illnesses can have. On first inspection,the Sawyer Select Series appears to push further than any non-mechanical water filtration system we have used before, so we were eager to see how it faired against our usual choice. Made as three separate models, the S1, S2 and S3, all of which combine two k …

MSR's Trail shot brings new convenience to the task of water treatment, it's designed to be carried in an external pocket so that it can be deployed instantly when the need arises. Its effectiveness in removing bacteria and protozoa is in-line with other filters in this category and is detailed elsewhere, suffice to say that it meets U.S. EPA drinking water standards and NSF protocol P231 for remo …

At a reasonable length of 165 mm and weighing in at a mere 9 grams per peg, they are certainly much more compact and packable than our usual choice. Out of the pack it’s instantly clear just how light the Vargo Titanium pegs really are feeling almost weightless to the hand. Using the classic shepherd’s hook design, they are a tried and tested design although became a little too basic to …

SOTO Pocket Torch XT Review I’m a sucker for new gadgets and wanted a new windproof lighter. The  Soto Pocket Torch XT is so cool I just needed one. It’s a windproof lighter with an extremely intense blow torch style flame which is adjustable from a sensible small flame to a 3cm long beast of a flame. In addition to this the XT has an extending wand so you can keep the flame well aw …

When we first received the Luci Outdoor 2.0 we were a little confused as to why you would need such a product. Packing light, counting every gram, with a weight of 130grams this would certainly be considered a luxury item. Due to its nature it would also never be able to replace a head torch and to be quite honest using a head torch within a tent or other type of shelter has never been n …

When considering what pieces of kit to take on a lightweight expedition, a coffee press probably isn't high on the 'essential' list. But then again, we are into those colder months and as guides our job is provide our clients with as much comfort as possible. So, at a mere 44 grams, the MSR Windburner Coffee press has made its way into our kit on many occasions. Freeze dried coffee just …

Used extensively by Cairngorm Treks throughout the Cairngorms and surrounding mountainous areas, Winter 2017 – Spring 2018.When first reading about the indestructible nature of the Gram-Counter Gear pegs we were expecting four beasts that had to be forced through the letter box. On arrival, we were slightly disheartened as a very small package almost floated through the door. Each peg is a mere 10 …

The first aspect of the Ultraflask you will notice is just how packable this water bottle is when collapsed, fitting neatly away into your rucksack or hip belt. Described as being for use with running vests and packs, we quickly adapted it to suit mountain walking. It has a long tube which can be adjusted to suit the users need. Weighing in at a tiny 42grams we took it down to an even li …

MSR Windburner 1.0L Stove ReviewWhen MSR heard that I was heading to the Highlands they very kindly offered to let me test one of their Windburner stoves. I was mostly taking food of the freeze dried variety so wanted a stove mainly for boiling water. It looked a great option with fast boil times, impressive performance regardless of the wind and good fuel consumption. The only real negatives were …

This was the first time we have used a plastic peg and to be honest we were quite unsure why you would substitute a metal peg for a softer alternative. Constructed of strong ABS engineered plastic with an anodised aluminium tip to improve their lifespan, they are described as providing a lot of holding power, so we were looking forward to seeing how they pair up against our typical setup …

When it comes to fire-lighting, quick and simple is the best option. The Vargo Titanium Flint Lighter is just that. Compact, well-built, and lightweight coming in at a mere 10 grams, it’s a reliable way to light your stove no matter the weather conditions. We tested it out on a range of stoves and found that it worked best with either a meths or a simple gas stove.

At 11.5 grams and one of the most compact fresh coffee systems we have used, the UL Java Drip is a brilliant companion for anyone who craves a 'proper' coffee whilst out in the hills. It has a very easy and quick-to-use design; simply boil up some water, fix the UL Java Drip to any cup using its clip on legs, fill with your desired amount of coffee, then slowly pour water over the ground coffee an …