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The first thing to strike you about the MSR WindBurner is its compact nature, packing neatly with both its gas canister and burner within the pot. This will appeal to anyone who has struggled to get all of their cooking equipment gracefully and efficiently into their rucksack, particularly after a mountaintop brew break in driving rain. The system includes a cup, which while can be useful, is actu …

I had done a bit of research on the Jetboil Flash before taking it out for a test run. There were some mixed reviews so I was interested to try it out for myself. Some of the reviews stated that it did not perform well in windier conditions while others focussed on the fact that it has a spectacular boil time. I’m certainly no expert with stoves; I simply need to trust that it will do w …

MSR Trailshot Microfilter Review The MSR Trailshot arrived with quite a fanfare in 2017. A completely new style of water filter designed for when you’re on the move, allowing the user to drink directly from the water source or fill containers. When MSR heard that I was heading to the Highlands they very kindly offered to let me try one of their Trailshot water filters. I’ll be honest, I’ve …

MSR Ceramic Cooking PotsNon-stick coatings have a chequered history with camping pans, traditionally they are, well.. not very good. Titanium is the worst offender with non stick coatings being easily damaged and not that effective - the problem is that we are used to the real 'non stickiness' we get on the pans we use at home.Aluminium non stick is a lot better than Titanium but it still lacks th …

The Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit was worth its weight in gold...To be honest I've always avoided Chair kits because I didn't want to risk puncturing my sleeping mat - somehow it seemed a bit brutal to fold it up then sit on it and you can always sit on a rock - can't you? While preparing for my last trip though I was persuaded to take the Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit as a test item, I tried it befor …

A really good piece of kit, very light and strong; after 5 weeks being bashed around in my backpack there were no dents and it kept its shape.The handles fold away to wrap around the main body, so it took up very little room in the backpack. It is made from very thin metal, which allows water to boil very quickly, however it also means that the food can burn easily if it becomes stuck to the botto …

Choosing the correct utensils for an expedition may not appear the most interesting part of the packing process, but it is one that needs thought and attention as you will rely on these tools many times throughout the trip. Where are you going to store your spoon or fork? If it’s within a stove system then a plastic option would be better as it won’t scratch your pot. What type of food are you goi …

Masters Trecime Carbon Trekking PoleIf you’ve never used lightweight trekking poles before then you’re in for a revelation, swinging a pole that weighs half of what you’re used to feels remarkably good and these days a lightweight pole will probably do everything you ask of it without letting you down.These Masters Trecime Carbon Trekking Poles are sub 200g per pole and are also one of the shortes …

UOG Review of MSR Windboiler StoveMSR have been performance leaders in fuel efficient gas stoves since they launched the Reactor stove and its variants – all based on the same burner and close coupling system. The market hasn’t really recognised this with some other brands taking the plaudits.Reading between the lines MSR launched the Windboiler based on a slightly reduced size Reactor burner unit …