TGO Kit Lists for 2025
Posted by Lois Fife and Nick Brown on May 07, 2025
May means one thing here at the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or TGO for short. We’re incredibly proud to sponsor this unique, communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois from our Customer Service team and Nick from our Purchasing team are setting off on their own Scottish coast-to-coast adventures—and we’re excited to follow along.
To mark the occasion, we’re sharing a closer look at some of the kit they’re taking on this year’s TGO Challenge. From tents to trekking poles, stoves to sandals, they’ve carefully chosen gear to keep them comfortable, safe, and efficient on their journeys. If you’re curious about what goes into preparing for an event like the TGO, read on for Lois and Nick’s personal kit highlights. Their full kit lists, along with links to explore the gear in more detail, are included below.
For those unfamiliar with the TGO Challenge, it’s a trek across Scotland like no other. There’s no set route, no fixed start or finish point. Instead, 400 challengers depart from one of 14 designated start points on the west coast, each charting their own path eastward. After dipping their feet in the North Sea, they make their way to Montrose to officially complete the challenge.
With 400 walkers forging their own routes, you’re sure to meet plenty of fellow “TGOers” along the way. The journey takes on a festival-like atmosphere—one that keeps people coming back year after year.
Lois' TGO Kit List Highlights
Wechsel Bella 1.5 Person Tent Weighs:1303g (ex pegs/bags)
My kit this year is a good mix of good old faithfuls like my Wechsel Bella 1.5 person tent, which is light and very easy to pitch even in bad weather as the outer pitches first. Internal space is generous due to the triangle of floor space that extends into the closed side.
Tensor Trail Regular Wide Sleeping Mat Weighs: 496g (ex bag)
It weighs around 500g, has a very compact pack size yet inflates to a comfortable 9cm. With an R Value of 2.8 it is at the lower end of what I’d be prepared to use at this time of year, but perfect for this trip. The regular wide size has become a must for me for a good night’s sleep.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles Weighs: 169g (per pole)
My trekking poles are the new Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles. They are adjustable, and collapse and extend with easy for efficient use on the move. They are super light and will not weigh me down on my 15-day trip from Portavadie to Arbroath.
Hoka Women's Hopara 2 Weighs: 285g (per UK6 shoe)
I have allowed what I term a ‘quality of life’ item. These are the new Hoka Women's Hopara 2 trekking sandals. These can be worn at the end of the day, or at times when my feet get hot and need a bit of a breather, or for wading water crossings as they will dry quickly. They are far better looking than Crocs, too!
Frontier UL Collapsible Kettle - 1.3L Weighs: 205g (ex bag)
No doubt there will be plenty of brews enroute and this will be served up using the super cool Frontier UL Collapsible Kettle from Sea to Summit with its hard anodised aluminium base which conducts heat well for cooking. This is coupled with the food-grade silicone which collapses to a pack efficient size.
Pocket Rocket Deluxe Gas Stove Weighs: 83g (excluding pouch)
This Frontier UL Collapsible Kettle will sit securely on the MSR Pocket Rocket deluxe providing a quick boiling system, helping to be efficient on gas usage.
Below is Lois' route starting from Portavadie to Arbroath.
Nick's TGO Kit List Highlights
Mountain Equipment Aerostat Synthetic 7.0 Wide Reg Weighs: 676g (excludes bag/windsock)
I much prefer the wide option on my sleeping mats, and combining this with the larger tent means a much comfier nights sleep. The Aerostat offers great comfort and ease of inflation thanks to the pack bag doubling as the windsock, it can also be used on the Pillow which I am also taking.
Hyperlite Unbound 55 White DCH5 Weighs: 876g (Medium)
Having not used an ultra lightweight pack before for backpacking, I thought it was time to see what all the fuss is about. I have opted for the Hyperlite Unbound 55 which has a great reputation for being one of the toughest yet most lightweight bags out there. It is a simplistic bag in many respects, having only one large internal space with a roll down top but plenty of stuff space at the front and sides with open elasticated pockets for your quick to reach items. The Dyneema feels incredibly tough, and I have high expectations for it being still comfortable on the long days.
Nordisk Oppland 2 LW 2.0 (Coming Soon)
Having used the Oppland 2 LW on a number of trips already, the extra space it offers and relatively light pack weight means it offers a very comfortable camping experience. The large vestibule is great for keeping your pack dry if the weather turns, without taking up valuable living space inside the tent.
Mountain Equipment Lhotse Weighs: 484g (Medium)
The Lhotse will always be my go-to waterproof when out and about in Scotland, no matter what time of the year. Its bombproof construction has yet to let me down and with the membrane being Gore-Tex Pro and reinforcements where you need them I would prefer to accept a little extra weight for the reassurance.
Montbell Ignis Down Parka Weighs: 287g (Medium)
In terms of pack size to warmth ratio, the Ignis Down Parka offers very high quality 1000 fill power down in a light baffle construction. It packs down nice and small and with the outer material containing Gore Windstopper it should be the best option for cooler evenings which May can offer.
Montane Sirocco Lite Hoody Weighs: 287g (Medium)
The Sirocco light Hoody is a thin synthetic filled midlayer with stretchy fleece material on the sides, arms and hood. Combined with the down jacket or waterproof, it will add a great warm layer for the cooler evenings without taking up too much space.
Montane Terra Pant Weighs: 345g (Medium)
What can you say about a classic bit of kit like the Terra pant, tried and tested of many years it will be the perfect summer walking trouser.
Jetboil Flash Weighs: 394g
The new Jetboil Flash has maintained the tried and tested design that has been around for a number of years, while improving the gas regulator design. They have also improved the fit of the stand around the pizo igniter when packed away. Having used Jetboils for years, I have found them still the best and most reliable when boiling water quickly and efficiently.
Petzl Bindi Weighs: 33g (with batteries)
The Bindi has been in my bag for many years, it weighs so little and takes up nearly no space, it is reassuring knowing it is there when needed. When trying to keep pack weight down, it was an obvious choice.
Garmin InReach Mini Weighs: 99g
This will be my first time using the InReach Mini. Hopefully I won't have to use all the functions, namely the SOS button, but it will give my family some reassurance that I can contact them or help if needed even in the remotest parts of Scotland.
Hyperlite Essential Umbrella Weighs: 197g
A bit of a left field choice, having never taken a trekking umbrella with me before. I was immediately impressed by the weight and thought it could be a good option in short showers or even if the fabled Scottish sun makes an appearance.
 |
||
| Lois Fife | ||
|
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. |
||
 |
||
| Nick Brown | ||
|
Nick has had a love of the outdoors, especially the mountains, for over 20 years. His passion has led him all around the world on many multi-day treks and mountain climbs in the greater ranges. As well as experiences in harsh environments such as the jungles of Asia and South and Central America and the vastness of the Trans-Siberian railway. A qualified Mountain Leader, he spends most of his time exploring the Scottish highlands and wild areas bagging Munros. On top of this, he enjoys trail running and rock climbing and strongly believes any outdoor experiences are good experiences - no matter what the weather, especially for mental well-being and happiness. |
||
May means one thing here at the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or TGO for short. We’re incredibly proud to sponsor this unique, communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois from our Customer Service team and Nick from our Purchasing team are setting off on their own Scottish coast-to-coast adventures—and we’re excited to follow along. Read on for Lois and Nick’s personal kit highlights.