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At Ultralight, we’ve tested and reviewed the very best in hiking, camping, and outdoor gear to compile this definitive list. This year’s winners feature cutting-edge technologies, eco-friendly innovations, and user-focused designs that represent the pinnacle of outdoor excellence. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned adventurer, these award-winning products are sure to inspire your …

Late in 2021, I decided that with travel opening up I wanted to walk a GR route and having looked at the Cicerone book by Paddy Dillon it seemed to be perfect. Originally, I was planning to go in late March or Early April 2022 but due to the launch of our new website and a few issues with that (apologies if you experienced any problems when it launched in April 2022) this had to b …

2023 was an excellent year for new ultralight equipment and clothing, and we wanted to highlight some of our favourite gear that hit the market this year. Some pieces, like the Montbell Plasma 1000, pushed the limits of what it means to be ultralight even further. Others, like the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions sleeping pad, showed real innovation by raising their R-value to an industry-leading 8. …

Worn as a daytime synthetic layer on a backpacking trip in late September to Switzerland, the micro puff seems to be one of the lightest insulated jackets around. I carry a down jacket against the evening chill but a light synthetic for daytime, and as I’m normally on the move I don’t need too much to keep me warm. The Micro Puff is ideal for the job and I was really impressed by how …

Patagonia’s MissionBuild the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Our Reason for BeingPatagonia grew out of a small company that made tools for climbers. Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing – as well as for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, paddling and …

The Micro Puff Hoody, in line with Patagonia’s ethical practices, is a Fair Trade sewn item using Bluesign Approved fabrics. The shell is made from nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and is filled with a PlumaFill synthetic down alternative.Notably light at just 227 grams, when first inspecting the jacket we weren’t entirely convinced by its promised “down-lik …

Weighing in at a miniscule 100 grams the Patagonia Houdini is a super lightweight/packable jacket. Although small in stature the Houdini has a lot of great features. Made entirely from 100% recycled rip stop nylon which, although very thin, is tougher than it first appears. The DWR finish surprised our guides as it holds up very well against light to moderate showers, although if caught …