Blog

Wild Camping for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide for the UK

Posted by Andy Neil on Sep 05, 2024

Wild camping is more than just a hobby; it’s an enriching and deeply rewarding experience that allows you to reconnect with nature in its most unfiltered form. Whether waking up to a breathtaking mountain sunrise, listening to the soothing sounds of a forest at night, or simply enjoying the solitude that only the wilderness can offer wild camping provides a unique escape from the everyday hus …
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The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Rucksacks: Choosing and Using the Perfect Pack

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 12, 2024

For any hiker or backpacker, the choice of rucksack can make or break a trip. Whether planning a day hike or a multi-week adventure, understanding the ins and outs of lightweight rucksacks is crucial for comfort and efficiency on the trail. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing and using the perfect pack. At its core, a rucksack is desig …
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Rab Muon 50L Rucksack Review - ''I was very impressed with the fabric strength at this weight, it doesn’t feel like it's going to let you down''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Jul 04, 2024

I took the Rab Muon 50 litre pack on a short backpacking trip to Scotland, grabbing 10 Munros in the process, new for Spring 2024 this was the first time I’d carried it. I was carrying about 11 kilos all in, so was travelling pretty light. The first thing to note is that a weight of 1062 grams for the men’s and 1036 grams for the women’s pack is pretty good. We always say a kilogram for …
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Rab Muon Rucksacks

Jun 27, 2024

The Muon packs from Rab blend cutting-edge materials and a well-thought-out design, resulting in a pinnacle of innovation. Constructed with incredibly durable and lightweight Spectra® Ripstop fabric, these backpacks embody sustainability by incorporating 85% recycled materials without compromising performance. Rab's ND Narrow Dimensions packs are built with different proportions to our Regula …
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Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack and Sattelite Bag Review - “An exceptional choice for shorter, lighter excursions and will see plenty of use in the future.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 12, 2024

When Black Diamond announced the Beta Light 45 backpack earlier this year, I was intrigued by its unique appearance and impressive stats. Black Diamond kindly provided the Beta Light 45 backpack and the Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag for my upcoming TGO Challenge, a two-week coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. The Beta Light 45 and Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag feature a sleek, modern de …
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Rab Backpack Size Guide

Jun 11, 2024

Having a comfortable pack can be a make or break for your trip. No matter if you're carrying 18kg on a multi-day expedition, or just an extra layer and lunch on a short hill day. Fitting your pack properly takes a little time. But we promise it'll be time well spent. In this guide, we'll look at how to measure your back length and how to fit your pack. All adventures begin with a backpac …
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Silva Northern Traverse 2024

Posted by Chris Futers on May 07, 2024

With the ever-growing popularity of trail running and ultra marathons, events have become plentiful worldwide. One such event is the Silva Northern Traverse which follows Wainwright's 300 km Coast to Coast route beginning in St Bees, covering three National Parks in the north of England before finishing in Robin Hoods Bay. Aside from this multi-day race (5 days for competitors to complete), t …
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TGO Kit List Highlights 2024

Posted by Andy Neil, Danny Pearson and Lois Fife on May 02, 2024

May means one thing in the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO, for short. We are incredibly proud to sponsor this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois, Danny, and I are taking part in this years crossing. Lois is embarking on her first, and Danny and I are attempting our third TGO challenge.The TGO Challenge is a unique coast-to-coast trek across S …
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Exped's Lightest Ever Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 30, 2024

Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a mu …
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Gossamer Gear’s updated Mariposa. What's changed?

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 12, 2024

n the dynamic realm of outdoor gear, Gossamer Gear consistently stands out for its commitment to innovation and performance. Their flagship 60l backpack, the Mariposa, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. This backpack is exceptional; we have reviewed it twice, it's that good. It was an absolute pleasure to use on my first TGO challenge in 2022. The latest iteration of …
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Montane Trailblazer 25 Rucksack Review - “A versatile, comfortable daypack; it's a fantastic choice for outdoor pursuits like day hiking and summer summit trips.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 09, 2024

The Montane Trailblazer 25L is a meticulously crafted backpack to elevate your hiking experience. This innovative pack seamlessly blends comfort, functionality, and sustainability, making it an ideal companion for day hikes, gym sessions, and daily commutes. With its 25-litre capacity, I found the Trailblazer 25L a perfect-sized day pack for hiking and hill walking. It was large enough to …
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Gregory Stout and Amber Rucksacks

Apr 02, 2024

Gregory's Stout and Amber Rucksacks use a combination of highly durable fabrics combined with an adjustable back length to provide a very comfortable pack. Comfort is a highlight with these packs and the combination of adjustable back length, adjustable wraparound hip belts and the usual straps mean that you can really personalise the fit. They may not be the lightest packs, but with all the optio …
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