Equipment

This guidebook to walking routes in Iceland offers 49 day walks and 10 multi-stage treks including the classic Laugavegur Trail. The total of 100 days of routes described cater for most abilities, from waymarked walks to challenging glacier crossings…

Ultralight and compact, this exceptionally comfortable mat is ideal when light and fast is your aim and getting a great night's sleep is essential for the next day's adventure. Sea to Summit says The Ultralight sleeping mat range has a single layer …

UOG TOP PICK—The Enigma, Enlighten Equipment's lightest quilt, is versatile, adaptable, and ideal for gram-conscious campers. It eliminates zippers with a closed-toe box and includes clips to secure it to a sleeping mat. It packs small, perfect…

This streamlined, weatherproof duffel is perfect for overflow gear or quick access on the go. Hyperlite Mountain Gear says:  You could say real adventures start as soon as you’ve left the house and locked the door. But, rarely, the trail o…

The Nordisk Grip 2.5 Long is a lightweight, comfortable, compact self-inflating mat with zone construction and a push/pull valve.  Nordisk says:  Extremely light and packable body-shaped mat The Grip 2.5 is an ultralight mat weighing just …

The Klymit Static V Short Inflatable Mat is a very comfortable short length mat at a pretty low weight, a great size when packed and at a good price. Klymit says A 3/4 length version of the original is perfect for ounce counters and shorter campers.…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Jetboil says:  Blistering boil times come standard on our industry-leading Flash 1.0L Fast Boil System. This means enjoying a cup of coffee or a hot meal at camp just got that much…

Apidura Saddlepack 17 litres is part of the Expedition range. It is a lightweight, waterproof and durable rear storage pack that attaches to the seat post and saddle rails. Apidura says:  The Expedition Saddle Pack is waterproof, lightweight, an…

The MUV Backcountry filter is a versatile water pump that uses a combination of hollow fibre and activated carbon to make water safe. This versatile kit can be set up in a number of ways for solo through to group use. HydroBlu says The Backcountry i…

This updated version of the High Side uses more durable and weatherproof fabrics while keeping a design that was hugely successful in the first place. Spacious, easy to access and good venting make this lightweight bivy a great all-rounder. Sierra..…

Whether you're heading out to walk the dog, going for a trail run or hitting the hills for a few hours, the Talon is a handy waist pack has a good 6L capacity, a super comfortable fit and loads of features. Osprey says Minimalist day hikers, trail..…

Kahtoola's MICROspikes are quickly and easily fitted to any footwear and deliver good traction on ice and compacted snow. Kahtoola says:  Lighter and tougher, the new MICROspikes deliver unrivaled traction on icy winter trails. With stainless s…

UOG TOP PICK - Tensor 10 Rucksack - Rab's Tensor range of packs are aimed at day activities be it running, hiking or bike riding, they have a foam padded back panel that is sculpted to allow some airflow. We really like the large mesh pocket on the..…

The Venturelite is a minimalist, lightweight vest pack. Designed to give you versatile storage space with a large enough capacity for spare layers, accessories and enough fluids and food to keep you going. Inov8 says The perfect day pack for fast-pac…

The Fjallraven tent footprints are made from tough 70D PU coating fabric, it's the correct size for the footprint of the tent and vestibule space with the correct fixings for easy convenient use. Fjällräven says: Extra ground sheet for Abi…

Using a new BioFoam material the TwisterCane is a comfortable, durable sleeping mat. Ideal for trekkers who need the reliability of closed cell foam. Big Agnes says TwisterCane™ BioFoam Sleeping Pads are engineered for ultralight backcountry..…

Thermarest's Ridgerest Classic is a closed cell foam mat with ridges that improves both comfort and insulation. Thermarest says: The original RidgeRest mattress design returns to take its place as the best value in a closed-cell pad. The RidgRest...

Smart and simple shade on the go Helinox says: Personal Shade delivers protection from sun with a intelligent and minimal design that makes function beautiful. Compatible with Chair One*, Chair One L, Chair One XL, Chair Two, Sunset Chair, Beach Cha…

A minimalist, hoodless sleeping bag that has a 2°C Comfort Limit and is ideal for fast and light adventures from late spring through to early autumn. Top quality construction as always from Western Mountaineering. Western Mountaineering says Whe…

UOG TOP PICK - MicroMo Cooking Stove - The MicroMo lives up to the small name as one of the lightest stove systems available. The stove performs well in all conditions thanks to the combination of wind resistance and FluxRing pot design, definitely o…

EuroSchirm's Birdiepal Trekking Umbrellas offer the regular user a tough and reliable umbrella for protection against sun, wind and rain. EuroSchirm says: The strongest trekking umbrella of the world -nearly unbreakable. Birdiepal outdoor, the power…

UOG TOP PICK: The Trailblazer 44 is a well-designed, durable, lightweight backpack suitable for overnight hikes. It has ample storage options, a comfortable fit, and is made from recycled nylon, making it eco-friendly and a top pick! Montane...

Guidebook to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), an epic 2650 mile hike from California's Mexican border to Canada's British Columbia. One of the world's best hikes, the route passes through California, Oregon and Washington State, taking in the Mojave...

Lightweight and versatile, the Biggie Mesh 2P delivers essential bug protection with minimal fuss. Liteway says:  Ultra light bug shelter - BIGGIE MESH BIGGIE MESH shelter is set up with trekking poles, stretched between trees or suspended to a …

The Gravity 20 is a high-capacity portable battery pack with a compact size and lightweight design. It can recharge up to 6 smartphones in a single cycle, with each port delivering up to 18W of power simultaneously. The lithium-ion battery can mainta…

Nemo's Tensor Trail is a lightweight sleeping pad designed for spring, summer, and early Autumn camping. It features a R-value of 2.8, providing optimal comfort during warmer temperatures. Nemo says:  Improving on our original, best-selling Tens…

A cozy down blanket that provides extra warmth to a sleep system or can be used as a skirt or shawl around the campsite. Montbell says:  Fitted with snaps and lightweight adjustable cords, this down filled blanket easily converts to a shawl or s…

Exped's Ultra 3R Sleeping Mats are intended for three season use and have an R-Value of 2.9, this is the most popular season rating for sleeping mats and so there are a wide range of sizes available, either Rectangular or Mummy shaped, then in Regula…

UOG TOP PICK: An ultra-light, durable pack that excels in simplicity and efficiency, the Liteway Gramless Pack 35L is perfect for hikers looking to cover more ground with less weight. Liteway says:  Ultra light backpack GRAMLESS PACK 35L. The ma…

Big Agnes footprints are made in sympathy with their tents - that means that the weight of the tent corresponds to the weight of the footprint. An exact fit to the floor of the tent there's no surplus material or weight. This footprint is compatible…

UOG TOP PICK - Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Mat The Zoom UL sleeping pad is a lightweight, warm, and comfortable option for side sleepers. It has a rectangular shape and is one of the most comfortable pads in its weight class. It is one of our top pick…

Therm-a-Rest's Synergy Sleeping Bag Liner is a nice-to-the-touch product that will upgrade your sleeping bag's insulation value as well as keeping it clean, although using a liner makes getting in and out of sleeping bags a bit trickier. Thermarest s…

The Transfer LT is the ultimate in a lightweight snow shovel, tested to the highest UIAA standards meaning that his is a step forward in lightweight Backcountry equipment. Black Diamond says At 405 grams, the Black Diamond Transfer LT is the lightes…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  MSR says:  The stove for everyone, the Switch system is an all-in-one, versatile choice that makes boiling water and cooking easy. It’s ready to go out of the box with a uniq…

Exped's Ultra 1R LW Mummy Sleeping Mat one of the lightest airbeds in Exped's refreshed range, its a full 14cm longer and 13cm wider than standard mats and it's 7cm thickness offers considerable comfort. Exped rate it as a Summer product but we think…

Black Diamonds Raven Pro Axe is a great technical axe, featuring a trapezoidal shaft offers both a high level of grip and comfort Black Diamond says Our technical mountaineering axe, the Raven Pro features a slightly angled and ergonomically improved…

The FlexMat Plus is the beefed up version of the normal version with a lot of additional padding resulting in a much warmer mat. It is still simple, lightweight and comfortable. Designed to work in extreme alpine conditions it's just as good for...

UOG TOP PICK - Exped FlexMat Plus LW Sleeping Mat - Possibly the best of the closed cell foam mats, seems to get the best R-Value and its oversized compared to others for no more weight. Exped's FlexMat Plus Sleeping Mats are thicker than the standar…

An ultralight weight sleeping bag that has a 2°C Comfort Limit and is ideal for fast and light adventures from late spring through to early autumn. Top quality construction as always from Western Mountaineering. Western Mountaineering says At ju…

The Thermarest Vesper 45 UL is an ultralight backpacking quilt for summer thru hiking. It's the lightest option in the top-rated Vesper quilt line. Thermarest says: For the lightest possible pack, we crafted the Vesper 45F/7C to deliver the essentia…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Patagonia says:  This fan-favorite lightweight bag can be worn as a backpack or carried by hand as a tote. Made with tough 100% recycled nylon with a water-repellent coating, it ha…

UOG TOP PICK: The Montane Trailblazer 18, a lightweight daypack, packs features into its 18L capacity. Made from durable recycled nylon, it reduces environmental impact. The COVALENT harness ensures a stable fit. One of our Top Picks. Montane...

Thermarest's lightest most compact closed-cell mattress is now warmer than ever: a new aluminized surface reflects heat increasing overall warmth by nearly 20%. Therm-a-Rest says:  Always a favorite of the ultralight elite, the Z Lite SOL expand…

With its accordion-style design and closed-cell foam construction the Z-Lite camping mat is an ounce-counter’s solution to comfort on-the-spot. It’s virtually indestructible and superlight making it ideal for backpacking. Thermarest says…

Sea to Summit have redesigned its renowned Spark sleeping bag line, featuring high-quality materials and ethically sourced down. Now featuring waterproof material at the hood and foot box for increased protection from condensation. Sea to Summit...

The Nemo Tensor All-Season sleeping pad is designed for all seasons, featuring a 3 ½ inches (8.9cm) thickness with a dimpled sleep surface using Nemo's 'Spaceframe' baffle construction. Nemo says:  Improving on our best-selling original..…

Rab's Trailhead Bivi is an ideal product for bivying when rain is not expected, or is only slight, it will prevent your sleeping bag getting soaked from dew in the morning. Combined with a tarp it will work for wet and windy conditions. Rab says: The…

Lightweight, protective, and adaptable, the UltaMid 2 Mesh Half Insert enhances comfort on any backpacking severe adventure. Hyperlite Mountain Gear says:  The one-person room inside the UltaMid 2 shelter for protection agains bugs and moisture.…

The Montbell Lightweight Trail Chair 33 is an ultralight chair that is durable and comfortable, with a compact design that fits easily in a backpack. Montbell says:  An ultralight chair that can be stored compactly. Your first thought might be "…

The Blue Ice Bluebird is a light, sturdy ice axe ideal for classic alpinism and steep snow/ice climbs. It has a hot-forged stainless steel pick and adze and an aircraft-grade aluminum shaft. Blue Ice says:  The Bluebird ice axe is the most versa…

Too heavy for most backpackers SOTO's Field Hopper is a handy picnic table for when you want a stable base for your stove or just something flat to keep your mug and sandwiches off the floor. SOTO says Origami-style, uniquely engineered table that po…

This stool is a great option for seating when you're heading out for the day or overnight and you want a bit of luxury and comfort. Lightweight, quick and easy to assemble. Helinox says The lightest and most compact Helinox seat, the Helinox Speed S…

A lightweight, packable, synthetic sleeping bag that is ideal for mountain marathons and any other fast and light adventures. The heavier weight 160 version will see you through some colder nights too.  OMM says The bag is made from a combinat…

UOG TOP PICK:Fast and light running vest designed to let you wear your kit rather than carry, it gives you multiple storage options and a tailored fit on the trail. A top pick! Montane says:  Built to be worn not carried, this ergonomically fitt…

Mountain Equipment's Helium Solo sleeping bag is from their Helium series of bags which hit a sweetspot for trekking and backpacking, very technical with high warmth to weight ratios they are many hikers 'goto' bag. Mountain Equipment says: If you wa…

The Jetboil MiniMo is a personal cooking system with excellent simmer control and usability for making gourmet meals on your backpacking trips. Jetboil says Built with backpackers in mind, the Jetboil MiniMo cooking system combines Jetboil's...

The Western Mountaineering Everlite is a versatile, lightweight and compact mummy-cut sleeping bag, with a full length separating zipper. Western Mountaineering says When you need to extend the range of your sleeping bag system, play it safe and car…

EuroSchirm's Telescope Hands Free Trekking Umbrella is the compact companion for all who need to keep both hands completely free in the rain. EuroSchirm says: The telescope hands free is ideal for those who need to have their hands free in the rain:…

Add extra comfort to your camp with these rocking feet for the Chair One, Chair Two and Sunset Chair Helinox says What makes a comfy camp chair even more comfortable? Rocking! Sit back and soak up the warmth of the camp fire while you enjo…

A hight volume, microbiological gravity water purifier Lifestraw says High-Volume Gravity Water Filter and Purifier. Protects against viruses, bacteria, parasites, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Independently lab tested, durable and BPA Free. Every fill…