Blog

I was delighted when Montane offered an opportunity to test their Cetus Lite jacket several months before its official release. Since May it’s been put through its paces, and I’ve been impressed with the performance.The Cetus Lite is part of Montane’s new Petrichor range. Petrichor is Montane’s name for its own in-house fabric, which has been developed to minimise the fabric’s environment …

A waterproof jacket has become a real necessity in the extremely unpredictable weather in the UK, even in the height of summer. The new Torren Waterproof Jacket from Montane has served me well on far more occasions than I’d hoped for in the last few months. This is the first time that Montane’s new Petrichor waterproof technology has been used to help reduce the impact of PFC/PCAS i …

This has been my go-to jacket for the last 5 months (May to September) and has performed well when needed, either as protection from a sudden summer shower or worn for a full day on the Lakeland fells in low cloud and constant drizzle. This Cetus ‘Lite’ jacket in Deep Forest, size UK12 weighs 290g and packs down pretty small for stashing in a backpack. The Montane 3-layer Pet …

Unlike traditional waterproof technology, Petrichor’s hydrophilic membrane actively breathes to physically transport moisture away from damp layers and skin, and out into the air. The membrane manages your own microclimate to enable you to move fast and light while staying dry - the harder you work, the harder it works. This technology excels even when your baselayer is slightly wet, the air …

The Suunto Wing Bluetooth Headphones are a perfect way to listen to music or podcasts whilst out on a run or outdoor activity. Their bone conductive technology means they do not go in the ear, but rather conduct through the bone just at the front of the ear. This means you can still hear ambient sounds, such as cars or people, while still enjoying your music. This is a much safer option …

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 …

Bikepacking has grown in popularity, with many specific bikepacking routes being developed over the past 10 years all over the word. Whether you fancy a 100 day adventure on the European Divide Trail, from the cold Arctic shores of Norway heading south through Europe to Portugal's Atlantic coastline, or, one or two nights on the C2C from England's North West coast to the North East coast (Whi …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …