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 Scotland. The TGO has no set path no fixed start or ending point. The 400 (give or take) “challengers” all start from one of 14 designated locations on the West Coast and set off towards the East Coast on a route they have devise themselves. Participants officially conclude their challenge in Montrose after dipping their feet in the North Sea. Four hundred people, all taking different routes across Scotland, ensure you will undoubtedly meet many fellow “TGOers” on your journey, and the walk takes on a festival-like quality that is more about the people you meet rather than the walk itself.
As we prepare for this year's crossing, Danny, Lois, and I have created a list of our essential gear, and kit highlights for this years crossing.
Andy's Kit List Highlights
Gossamer Gear - The Two Tent (Weighs: 684g ex pegs/bags)
This year, I'm taking a break from my trusty Hilleberg Anaris tent to minimise pack weight. Not wanting to compromise headroom and maintain a roomie living area, I have once more decided to choose a trekking pole tent, specifically the Gossamer Gear 'The Two'. The Two is a single-walled tent constructed from a ripstop polyurethane fabric; it’s a place if you intend to use it solo, with plenty of room to sprawl and organise gear. The single-wall construction dramatically reduces the weight of the tent, but it does mean that condensation can be an issue if you are not prepared.
Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles (Weighs: 151g each)
In an ongoing effort to lessen the weight of my gear, I have opted for the Three Piece Carbon trekking poles from Gossamer Gear this year. Remarkably lightweight and very comfortable, the poles are also incredibly durable. They utilise a twist-lock mechanism, which is strong enough to support my shelter in high winds. However, when packed away, they are slightly longer than my previous Z-pole-style hiking poles, the only downside I've encountered.
Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack (Weighs: 894g Medium) and the Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag (Weighs: 98g)
The Beta Light 45 combines incredibly hardwearing and durable material with a waterproof, fully taped inner lining and the lightweight comfort of a vest-style harness. Black Diamond hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel, and it has everything you would expect on an ultralight backpack: a large mesh front pocket, two large side pockets and a removable hip belt. The pack is incredibly comfortable, opting for breathability rather than excessive padding. The Sattelite Bag, designed to work in conjunction with the Beta light, functions as extra storage; it is versatile, as it can be utilised in a few ways, as a chest pod, a waist pack, or it can attach to the back of the pack, working almost like a “brain” on a traditional pack.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 850FP 20F Down Quilt (Weighs: 641g Regular)
The Revelation was my stand-out piece of kit last year, and I see no reason to change it for this year's crossing. This versatile quilt can be cinched snugly onto a sleeping pad or spread out like a duvet, providing warmth and comfort in various temperatures. I've used it in freezing winter conditions and hot summer nights, both extremes I now expect to find in Scotland in May.
MSR Titan Kettle 900ml (Weighs: 128g ex bag) & MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug (Weighs: 118g)
A slight upgrade from last year's kit, the Titan kettle has had a few welcome tweaks. Notably, silicone insolation has been added to the handles, which minimises the risk of burns. My luxury item has always been and will always be a double-walled mug. There is nothing worse than a cold cup of tea. This year, I am taking MSR’s Titanium Double Wall Mug; it is light, with a decent 375 ml capacity, and fits snugly inside the Titan Kettle.
Dan's Kit List Highlights
2024 Mariposa 60 Rucksack (Weighs: 1005g Medium)
I used a Mariposa on last year’s TGO Challenge and it’s been my go-to pack. The new updates make an already great pack even better with improvements to the carry system. Loving the 1990’s colourway. The addition of a GG Shoulder Strap pocket makes accessing my phone for navigation and photos so easy.
Pajak Radical 4Z Sleeping Bag (Weighs: 761g Regular)
This Polish-made sleeping bag oozes quality. Ultralight Japanese fabrics, water resistant head and foot areas and packed with Polish 900FP down. It’s amazingly roomy, unlike some constrictive ultralight mummy bags. The hood is perfectly sized to fit a pillow too so you won’t find yourself pillow hunting during the night.
Nemo Tensor All Season Regular Wide Sleeping Mat (Weighs: 563g ex bag)
For 2024 the R-value has increased and the mat is almost 2cm deeper for extra comfort. I’m a convert to Wide Mats, I get a much better sleep without falling off all the time.
Montane Cetus Lite Jacket
Available in Autumn 2024. The Cetus Lite uses Montane’s new In-house fabric Petrichor delivering a lightweight, packable jacket with excellent breathability.
OMM Core Jacket (Weighs: 186g Medium)
Extremely good weight to warmth ratio, packable and incredibly breathable. A top choice for a versatile mid layer for active use.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Jacket (Weighs: 146g Medium)
Our lightest down jacket at only 161g for the size Large. Surprisingly warm due to the use of 1000FP down and packs down to almost nothing.
Scarpa Ribelle Run XT GTX (Weighs: 369g Per UK8 shoe)
I do a lot of walking in trail shoes but sometimes find myself wanting something a bit stiffer in the mountains. Step in the Ribelle Run XT, it’s burly for a running shoe but makes a superb trekking shoe. Add in the grippy Presa sole and it’s a perfect 3 season Scottish mountain shoe.
Superfeet Active Support Insoles (Weighs: 110g Per size E pair)
I always add a set of Superfeet to my trekking shoes for extra support and comfort. Previously used the 'Blue', the new Active support Medium Arch offers the benefits of the Blue but with added comfort and shock absorption.
Ombraz Viale Polarized Sunglasses (Weighs: 22g (Regular)
Ombraz sunglasses are so comfortable, virtually unbreakable and ultralight. Easy to slip into a pocket or hang around your neck when not in use. Super cool product even if I’m not.
Flextail Zero Pump (Weighs: 48g with Batteries)
Worth the minimal weight to be able to get your mat up with no fuss. Pump bags are great in good weather when you can inflate the mat outside the tent but a pain to use inside a small tent.
Suunto Vertical Solar Titanium (Weighs: 72g)
Great all round GPS watch choice. Half the team at UOG are using the Vertical for its mapping and route guidance, weather warnings and recording activities. With the bonus of solar charging to extend the battery life a bit.
Lois’ Kit List Highlights
Women's Eja Pro 55 Rucksack (Weighs: 924g - S/M)
Comfort Vs Weight has been high on my priorities whilst preparing for my first TGO crossing. Starting with a lightweight pack that ticks the comfort box is a good launch pad. I’m taking the Women's Eja Pro 55 Rucksack, the shorter back version is 52 litres which consists of one large internal space and a lid accessible from the outside, 3 large mesh pockets and 2 hip pockets.
QuickDraw 2L Filter System (Weighs: 156g ex bag)
The hydration sleeve of the Eja Pro 55 will house my water bladder and using the hose filtering adapter, will allow me to filter directly into the bladder without removing it from my pack.
Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 (Weighs: 361g - Per UK6 shoe)
Superfeet Active Support High Arch Insoles (Weighs: 127g - Per size E pair)
Darn Tough Women's Hiker Micro Crew Socks (Weighs: 64g Medium pair)
Smartwool Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks (Weighs: 76g Medium pair)
My footcare choices will be the Women's Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 combined with Active Support High Arch Insoles, Women's Hiker Micro Crew Socks and the Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks. In training this combination has not let me down. The boots have endured the wet start to the year well, and the support of the insoles and good sock cushioning has prevented hotspots and blisters from forming and allowed me to walk in comfort throughout.
Sunslice Fusion Flex 6 Portable Solar Power Panel (Weighs: 115g)
Sunslice Gravity 10 Fast Portable Power Bank (Weighs: 219g)
Silva Ranger Compass (Weighs: 33g)
Digital navigation is certainly a convenient way to go and our increased reliance on digital technologies also increases the need to be able to recharge devices on the go. The Fusion Flex 6 Portable Solar Power Panel only weighs 115g and is smaller than a sheet of A4 paper. I will be attaching this to the lid of my pack, and feeding the cable into the roof pocket to power Gravity 10 Fast Portable Power Bank. It also gifts me the luxury to listen to a little music or a podcast on an evening. Having paper maps and a Ranger Compass acts as an insurance policy should technology fail!
Women's Spark -1C/30F Down Sleeping Bag (Weighs: 591g (Regular)
This streamlined and ultra-portable bag is perfect for lightweight adventures. With its added warmth and heat retention, the Spark Women's sleeping bag offers versatility and functionality. Enjoy an optimal warmth-to-weight ratio, making it both compact and comfortable.
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Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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Danny Pearson |
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Dan is a keen distance walker who loves to geek over the latest gear. In the last few years, Dan has completed a couple of TGO Challenge crossings of Scotland (with another planned for 2024), GR221 in Mallorca, Dales High Route and Hadrian’s Wall plus countless other self-planned routes. A keen mountain biker but finds he doesn’t bounce so well these days when the inevitable happens. |
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Lois Fife |
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Lois is a keen cyclist and is always plotting a route… either for her next trip or looking for a different way to commute to work! She is regularly seen heading for the hills on a packed-up bike, be it for a quick overnight wild camp, or a longer multi-day adventure. She is currently plotting her route to walk the TGO across Scotland. She is a British Cycling level 2 leader and has been involved with MTB Guisborough encouraging the next generation of mountain bikers. Lois joined Ultralight Outdoor Gear in 2021 and is part of the Customer Service Team. She is always keen to get her hands on new kit to try in the field and share her findings on the website. |
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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 Scotland. The TGO has no set path no fixed start or ending point. The 400 (give or take) “challengers” all start from one of 14 designated starting locations on the West Coast and set off towards the East Coast on a route they have diverse themselves. Participants officially conclude their challenge in Montrose after dipping their feet in the North Sea. Four hundred people, all taking different routes across Scotland, ensure you will undoubtedly meet many fellow “TGOers” on your journey, and the walk takes on a festival-like quality that is more about the people you meet rather than the walk itself.