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The Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy makes the most sense when you want the smallest possible weatherproof shelter, a quick pitch and a really low-profile camp. It is more livable than most bivy bags I’ve tried, thanks to the hoop, which elevates and provides welcome space, but it is still very much a bivy. That means limited living space, careful venting and being realistic about condensati …

Choosing a bivvy bag can seem simple at first glance, but there are several important factors depending on how and where you plan to use it. Bivvy bags are one of the lightest and most straightforward shelter options available. They are popular with long-distance runners, fastpackers, bikepackers, and minimalist wild campers who want reliable weather protection without the weight of a traditional …

Eight years ago, I first hiked the West Highland Way. Since then, I’ve clocked up thousands of miles on trails all across the UK, learning, refining, and stripping back my kit with each trip. So, returning to the Way this summer, I’m walking it with more experienced legs and a much more dialled-in, ultralight setup. For a full, itemised breakdown of my kit, including weights and catego …

For decades, Mountain Safety Research (MSR) has been a leader in outdoor innovation, designing high-performance gear trusted by adventurers, mountaineers, and ultralight backpackers worldwide. Known for their meticulous engineering, MSR tents perfectly balance durability, weight savings, and all-weather protection. From minimalist tarp shelters tailored for fast-and-light alpine missions to b …