Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2023
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 22, 2023
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.
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The Hiking Layered Glove System
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 04, 2023
A hiking layered glove system
provides a variety of advantages, including increased comfort and functionality
during outdoor activities. The multi-layered design is adaptable to various
weather conditions and terrains. The glove system is comparable to the layering system
for the body. The base layer, or liner glove, is a thin, moisture-wicking glove
that promotes good movement and dexte
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Rab Sustainability and Responsibility
Nov 23, 2023
Our Mountain Manifesto is a set of shared commitments to help us all tread more lightly on the planet. Join us in creating positive change in our industry. Product: Prolong life and performance and minimise the impact of end-of-life. Planet: Drive more sustainable packaging solutions and highlight the environmental impact of air freight. Partner: Improve standards for workers and mi
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Mastering Winter Hiking: A Layering Guide
Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 14, 2023
Hiking
in the winter can be a magical experience, with pristine, snow-covered
landscapes and crisp, invigorating air. However, it also comes with unique
challenges, including fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather
conditions. Mastering the art of layering your clothing is essential to ensure
you stay warm, comfortable, and safe during your winter hikes. In this
comprehensive guid
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Montbell Storm Cruiser Jacket Review - “It strikes the perfect balance of great features, lightweight and durability”
Posted by Danny Pearson on Nov 06, 2023
Picking a waterproof shell jacket can make your head spin. The
lightest jackets will be ideal to keep pack weight at a minimum but how will
they hold up when used under a backpacking rucksack with several days of food?
This was the conundrum when deciding on a jacket to use for
the TGO Challenge. It needed to offer dependable protection for a crossing of
the mountains of Scotland in Ma
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Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
Posted by Mark Richardson on Oct 16, 2023
A Waterproof jacket that will cope with most
conditions will have a Hydrostatic Head of 20,000mm and an MVTR (breathability) of 20,000g/m2. In both cases higher is better.
2 and 2.5 layer jackets are less durable than 3
layer jackets but tend to be lighter in overall weight and more packable. 2 and
2.5 layer can sometimes feel a bit clammy next to the skin because of the lack
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10 Tips for Wet Weather Backpacking
Posted by Mark Richardson on Oct 11, 2023
#1
Take a Waterproof Cap: The hoods on
shell jackets are generally pretty good, some have a decent peak but the
lighter weight ones can be poor in this respect. None of them can beat wearing
a waterproof cap under the hood though, the large peak keeps the rain off your
face and it helps keep the hood from shifting when you turn your head. #2 Two
bags are better than one: Check
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Montane's New Season: Autumn Collection
Posted by Fran O'Donnell on Aug 24, 2023
We know plans can change in the mountains, just as the weather can. Our new season gear has adaptability built in, so you’ll be prepared, no matter whatever you encounter. Discover lightweight, breathable clothing and equipment that doesn’t compromise on protection. From protective waterproof jackets to warm, down jackets, technical fleeces and durable legwear – our technical layers are designed t
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Mountain Equipment Firefly Gore-Tex Jacket Review - ''An excellent choice for anyone looking for a basic, lightweight, high performance shell''
Posted by Mathew Garbutt on Aug 21, 2023
Hailing from Cheshire, Mountain Equipment should know a
thing or two about wet weather and protecting you from it – and they do. One of
the pioneers of British outdoor manufacturing, Mountain Equipment were one of
the first outdoor brands to experiment with a new fabric membrane - Gore-Tex.
Quickly gaining cult status in the UK outdoor scene, M.E became known for their
burly Gore-Tex sh
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Hoka One One Kaha 2 Boots Review - ''I was delighted that Hoka have made significant changes to the design of the Kaha 2.''
Posted by Danny Pearson on Aug 21, 2023
I am a self-confessed Hoka fan. Most of my distance walking has
been in Hoka since discovering their trail shoes back in 2018. Since 2018 I
have used
Speedgoat, Speedgoat Mid, Sky Toa, Sky Kaha, Challenger, Trail Code and Stinson to cover 1000’s of miles.
When the original Kaha boot launched back in 2019 I immediately
bought a pair. They offered a great
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Andy’s 2023 TGO Kit List
Posted by Andy Neil on May 09, 2023
May means one thing here in the Ultralight office, The Great
Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO for short. We are incredibly proud to be a
sponsor of this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. Three of our team,
Danny, Chris and myself, are participating in this year’s TGO, so I thought I’d
give you an insight into what’s in my pack and some of the gear I’ll be taking
for this year’s chal
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Rab Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Range
Posted by Fran O'Donnell on May 03, 2023
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Being serious about your mountaineering adventure means carrying a back-up shell that’s exceptionally packable and lightweight, very breathable, and protects you with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise. Proven to be abrasion resistant and very durable, with GORE‑TEX PACLITE® PLUS garments you are ready for unexpected adventures.