Trekking Essentials

Euroschirm's Light Trek Ultra is an upgraded version of the first professional hiking pocket umbrella. Ultralight, compact and durable. Euroschirm says For all hikers who are looking for the lightest gear without any compromise regarding quality.lig…

UOG TOP PICK - The Black Diamond Z-Poles are a great allrounder that will give you a good level of support on the hills and trails. The Z-Pole technology makes the simple and quick to use and pack away -one of our Top Picks.  Black Diamond...

A well-balanced ultralight pole that delivers reliable support in a compact folding design. Leki says:  Head to the high mountains with the Skytera FX Carbon SL Compact - the perfect pole for mountain hiking and for those who enjoy hiking in a..…

The Dainty Travel Umbrella is a very small, extra lightweight pocket umbrella. Ideal protection from UV rays as well as the rain.  Euroschirm says The Dainty pocket umbrella is extremely lightweight, super small, smart and trendy. For this reas…

UOG TOP PICK - Helinox Passport TL 115 Trekking Poles - Best for Light but Strong - We've singled out Helinox Passport TL 115 Trekking Poles as one of our top recommendations because through experience we have found them to be remarkably strong and y…

Featherlight and fast to deploy, the Skytera FX Carbon SL poles are built for mountain missions. Leki says:  The perfect pole for mountain hiking and for those who love to hike in a lightweight style. The high-quality carbon shaft provides the..…

The Tour of the Jungfrau Region is described as a clockwise circuit of 111km beginning at Schynige Platte and ending at Wilderswil. It is broken into 10 stages (with alternatives offered), through the Bernese Oberland under the Mönch, Eiger and.…

Guidebook to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, a 192km trek through Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. The route, which can comfortably be completed in less than a fortnight, is waymarked and covers terrain between 670m and 2300m in altitude, taking in re…

UOG TOP PICK—  Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Compact poles: lightweight and compact, designed for fast mountain adventures. Despite their minimalist design, they provide comfort and performance. Easily adjustable and break down to 42cm for…

Batman would approve—this belt hides more gadgets than the cape crusader, all without looking like it’s trying too hard. Nextool says:  It's a light and reliable belt, but also a multi-functional EDC tool, solving everyday problems f…

A lightweight, strong and durable set of poles that provide great value for money. The Andesite poles combine comfortable foam handles, carbon fibre shafts, twist-lock adjustments and interchangeable baskets.  Mountainsmith says The Real Hiking…

Guidebook describing the 115km Alta Via 1, a hut-to-hut long-distance trail through the magnificent Italian Dolomites. Easier than the other AV trails, the route extends from Lago di Braies to La Pissa and is presented in 11 stages. It offers majesti…

Guidebook to a 145km (90 mile) circular walking route from Ambleside around the Lake District National Park, visiting all the main valleys and local centres. Described in 9 stages, with 5 high-level alternatives to climb the highest mountains in this…

The Silver Shadow Mini is a great umbrella for travel and trekking providing protection from the sun and rain when you're out and about. A low weight and short pack size make this an ideal piece of kit for all kinds of trips.  Six Moon Designs.…

UOG TOP PICK—  LEKI Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles are lightweight, high-performance poles for competitive trail runners and mountain enthusiasts. The Cross Shark handle and glove ensure a secure grip. They are optimised for weight and...

Helinox's TL120 Adjustable Trekking poles use a twist lock section to vary the length of the pole for varying ascents and descents. Helinox says:   Passport series poles provide the lowest weight and the most compact size for the wilderness, on…

An ultralight, durable umbrella offering reliable sun and rain protection, perfect for hikers who need versatile gear on the go. Hyperlite Mountain Gear says:  Durable, ultralight personal protection no matter the climate calamity. Regardless of…

UOG TOP PICK—  LEKI Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles combine trail running poles' agility with the trekking poles' stability. They feature the Cross Shark grip system for comfortable hiking. A top pick! Leki says:  The Cross Trail Lite..…

The Silver Shadow is a great trekking umbrella that provides protection from the sun and rain when you're out and about. A low weight and easy to use design make this a great alternative to waterproofs.  Six Moon Designs says Redesigned, we hav…

A guide to the bivouac - the pinnacle of minimalist wild-camping. Accounts of bivvybag adventures, both nice and nasty, alternate with practical chapters on lightweight kit and long-distance bivvying, and the book finishes with a selection of bivvyba…

English-language guidebook to the Karnischer Höhenweg, a 170km waymarked hut-to-hut trek along the border between Italy and Austria. Also known as the Carnic Peace Trail, it runs west to east along the Ridge of the Carnic Alps, the site of the W…

Helinox's TLA130 Adjustable Trekking poles use a twist lock section to vary the length of the pole for varying ascents and descents. Helinox says: Passport series poles provide the lowest weight and the most compact size for the wilderness, on trails…

The Sun Block is an ideal trekking umbrella that is designed to provide protection from the sun and rain when you're out and about. A low weight and small pack size make this a great piece of kit to travel with wherever you go.  Montbell says O…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Skytera Carbon Lite (65621601) is a lightweight, 3-section telescopic trekking pole pair built for fast-moving hiking and mountain days where packability and..…

UOG TOP PICK – For Long Days and Fast Miles: With lightweight carbon construction, premium cork grips, and a compact foldable design, the Pursuit Carbon Z poles are a top choice for fastpackers and hikers chasing efficiency, comfort, and reliab…

Guidebook to walking the Snowdonia Way in Wales, a long-distance route through Snowdonia National Park from Machynlleth to Conwy. Low-level route of 97 miles (6 to 8 stages) includes Pass of Aberglaslyn, Ogwen Valley and Aber Falls. The mountain rout…

The Life Venture Small Trek Umbrella is extremely small and compact as well as being incredibly durable and lightweight. It's the ideal size to keep in your bag in case you get caught in the rain. Life Venture says:  This is a handbag-sized,...

EuroSchirm's Swing Liteflex offers all the advantages of a trekking umbrella for a very low weight penalty. Protects against rain, sun and light winds. EuroSchirm says: The world's lightest trekking umbrella of its kind. Swing liteflex is a...

Guidebook to trekking Italy's Alta Via 1 - a 180km trail through the Italian Alps, following the northern flank of the Aosta Valley from Donnas to Courmayeur. Nicknamed the Giants' Trail, the route offers fantastic views of the Alpine giants: Mont Bl…

Guidebook to cycling the 528 mile NC500 circular cycle route around northern Scotland, starting and finishing in Inverness. Although the scenery is wild, the going is almost entirely on asphalt roads, many of which are quiet with little traffic and c…

Guidebook to fastpacking - multi-day running trips carrying the bare essentials - in the UK, Europe and beyond. Includes 12 route ideas (all tried and tested), fastpacking stories from around the world (featuring Jez Bragg, Anna Frost and Jasmin Pari…

Guidebook to 22 day walks on the Greek island of Corfu and the Corfu Trail, a 150km route described in 10 stages. The day walks are spread across the whole island and visit olive groves, coastal paths, sandy beaches, lush green hillsides and pictures…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Fizan says:  Fizan Ultrax Carbon light blue trekking poles are an excellent choice for mountain hiking and walking enthusiasts who value the lightness and durability of their equip…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Fizan says:  Fizan Ultrax Alu yellow Nordic walking poles are an excellent choice for Nordic walking enthusiasts seeking reliable and durable poles. Thanks to the use of aluminium,…

A comprehensive guide to the Cotswold Way, a scenic 102-mile National Trail through the heart of the Cotswolds AONB. With detailed route descriptions, practical advice, and an OS map booklet included, this is an essential companion for walkers of all…

Guidebook to the Alta Via 2 through the Italian Dolomites. Suitable for experienced hikers with a head for heights, the challenging but hugely rewarding hut-to-hut trail covers 160km in 13 days and involves steep and technical terrain and exposed...

Guidebook to the Fred Whitton Challenge ride (179km/112 miles over 7 iconic passes) and an alternative 5-day tour of the Lake District, plus 15 tough day rides from Keswick, Ambleside, Penrith and bases to the southwest and southeast of the National.…

Guidebook to the Southern Upland Way, a coast to coast walk through Galloway and the Scottish Borders. One of Scotland's Great Trails, the 347km (215 mile) route links Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east, through diverse landsc…

Guidebook to climbing Aconcagua in Argentina. With descriptions for the Normal route (taking 12 days) or the Vacas Valley route (14 days). The treks cover difficult mountain terrain up to 6962m and are suitable for experienced walkers and mountaineer…

Guidebook to a 687km (427 mile) trek through eastern France, traversing the Vosges and the Haut-Jura plateau. The route follows the GR53 from Wissembourg to Schirmeck, before picking up the central section of the GR5 from Schirmeck to Nyon on Lake...

From classic horseshoes to well-trodden routes onto some of the quieter summits, this guidebook covers 30 all the best high-level fell walks to be had in England's beautiful and much-loved Lake District National Park. including Scafell Pike, Helvelly…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Legacy Lite Pro is a compact, lightweight trekking pole set designed for hikers who want maximum comfort and control in a shorter length range. With a robust..…

UOG TOP PICK—  Leki's Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles have been designed for trekking and multi day backpacking so are robust, with a very comfortable grip. These poles also pack down to a really short 40cm. A top pick! Leki...

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Khumbu Lite Compact (SS26) is built for hikers who want the familiar Khumbu reliability in a lighter, more compact adjustment range. With a 90–125 cm ran…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Makalu Lite Compact (SS26) is built for hikers and hillwalkers who want a shorter, more compact pole range without losing the support and control needed for st…

A fast and light, z-pole design, with the added benefit of some adjustability, make a pole that can be stored easy, but also versatile out on the trail. Gram-counter Gear says:  An incredibly lightweight adjustable z-pole-designed trekking pole.…

Thanks to the carbon fibre and Kevlar construction the MSR Dynalock Ascent Pole are strong, durable and light. They have great adjustability and pack down small. MSR says From fast ascents to remote traverses, DynaLock Ascent Poles keep snowshoers,.…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Compact (SS26) is a premium folding trekking pole pair for hikers who want a compact pack size and a shorter adjustment range without compromi…

UGO TOP PICK - Black Series Carbon Trekking Poles have been designed for trekking and multi day backpacking so are extremely robust, they have a comfortable cork-like grip and dual Lever Locks for continuous adjustment, easily one of our Top Picks! L…

Written by doctors with a wealth of experience, this book covers the fundamentals of wilderness first aid and medicine. Clearly referenced chapters describe both how to minimise risks (including the preparation of first-aid kits) and how to cope with…

Guidebook to walking the GR221 Drystone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec) traversing Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana between Pollença and Andratx. Following rock, paved paths and mule tracks between welcoming villages, the 140km (87 mile) trek is in…

A guidebook to the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek through the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Cape Wrath. The Cape Wrath Trail is a 230 mile, 3-week challenge through wild and magnificent landscapes, such as Morar, Knoydart, Torridon …

Guidebook to walking the Hebridean Way, a 155 mile (247km) walking route along the length of the Outer Hebrides. From the island of Vatersay to Stornoway on Lewis, the waymarked route can be walked in 8 to 13 days and crosses a variety of terrain...

Black Diamond's 100% carbon fiber trekking pole built to withstand four-season alpine terrain now features their newly redesigned FlickLock Pro adjustable technology, which is lighter, more ergonomic and easier to use. The Carbon Cork’s namesak…

Ridgeline series poles balance light weight with the strength for trekking, mountain and ski in arduous day trips or week long treks. The Helinox LB135 uses the vertical lever system to adjust the length and a button to secure the third section (LB -…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The lightweight Khumbu supports you on your trails with a complete package: a comfortable Aergon CorTec grip, Speed Lock+ adjustment system for easy adjustment of the p…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  The LEKI Makalu FX Carbon AS Compact (SS26) is a premium folding trekking pole pair built for hikers who want a compact pack size with added joint protection on long...

The LEKI Sherpa FX. One Carbon Mountaineering Poles are reliable for challenging terrain. They combine lightweight construction and ergonomic design for comfort and control. The robust aluminum base and folding design make them packable and versatile…

Sturdy, adjustable, and built to last—the Trail poles are a great option when reliability matters more than shaving grams. Black Diamond says:  Balancing comfort, features and reliability, the 3-piece-adjustable Trail features an updated E…

We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!  Leki says:  A reliable companion for your next mountain adventure! The Makalu Lite is equipped with the Aergon Air grip. The special hollow core technology combines lightweight...