I always go for the lightest option as they have different seasons. Even in high winter I find their winter socks too hot.
They are a double layer which basically eradicates blisters etc!!
They REALLY work, I just wish they had them when I was serving.
A lightweight (290 grams) mid layer jacket. Breathable, wind and water resistant with stretch. Great as a very light outer layer as the evening cools down.
I upgraded to this a while back. I'm an impatient bastard and I want my water to filter QUICK! ... it does with the BeeFree :-)
It comes with it's own 42mm neck bottle or you can us the 42mm CNOC bottle.
140 grams of gortex gold. Perfect for layering up on top of a light insulated jacket. Very, very thin so next to no thermal retention if worn alone. Packs down to the size of a cricket ball.
Superb bit of kit. Can be recharged via micro port or replace with standard AAA batteries. Easy to use. From 180 hours low power (10 metres) to 25 hours high power 300 lumens or 80 metres distance. IPX 8 waterproof rating. Complete with a lock button
It's no secret that this tent is a Chinese clone of the Hilleberg Soulo/Allak, but don't let that put you off. It's a roomy 2 person tent.
Exceptionally well made. I've not had it out in very severe weather yet ... but I'm confident it could hack it. For the price (about 150 quid) it's quite incredible.
Excellent, strong bottle in 2 or 3 litre capacity.
I use mine for the 'dirty' water prior to filtering. the wide bottom makes it perfect for scooping in shallow water.
Also comes with a 42mm neck to fit the BeeFee.
Took me a while to 'warm' to quilts. Then longer to research them. The Polish firm Cumulus make the best ones in Europe, so I got one!
What a delight it is. My camping needs have changed as I've got older. My tents need to be bigger and I'm a wiggle sleeper.
Sleeping bags are too restrictive for me now. This quilt is perfect. It's more akin to sleeping in a bed now.
Fold down alloy frame chair with good strong shock cords.
The purchase was inspired by the one Ian Holt has, looking at his I couldn't believe it would take the weight, but they are very strong, and comfortable.
Light weight, 1 kilo, but I wouldn't take it backpacking.
Fits in that small bag underneath which can attach to assembled chair.
I like it, its good for sitting on! 😊
A home made hot pocket to keep your food hot whilst it is rehydrating. Or just keeps your wet food hot. Made from insulating bubble wrap and silver gaffer tape. There is one slightly smaller one inside so it doubles the R rate. Works a treat and weighs virtually nothing.
Saves your lungs and putting warm damp air into your sleeping pad. Small, light and rechargeable. Does my Klymitt mat no bother. Comes with various adaptors to fit most inflation systems.
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If you hate inflating sleeping mats, you will love this. I have tried just about every pump out there. This is the only one that REALLY works!! 'Update' They now make various models
Not the lightest stove, but pretty damn perfect in every other way.
Since this review my friends and I have had several issues with it. I have now retired mine!
Klymit Static V lux insulated sleeping pad from Tony Slaney
Comfort is key for a good nights sleep. This is not the lightest sleeping pad at almost 1kg. But at 196 x 76 x 8 cm and an R value of 5 (-17c) you are virtually guaranteed a decent sleep. The side chambers keep you central on the pad. I am a side sleeper and this copes so well for that. But for all that comes at a cost. It is pricey.
A superb tent. Roomy, light at 1.1kg. Easy to set up. It needs walking poles to set up. It is a Chinese clone of the Duplex Mick Fitz has, but at a fifth of the price.
60 grams Pertex outer, waterproof liner. Micro fleece lining. So light, warm and comfy. Come with a tiny stuff sack and pack down to about the size of a tangerine. So good.
Lightweight insulated hooded jacket which is perfect as part of a layer system 390 grams. 2 zipped hand warmer pockets and a zipped chest pocket for keys etc.
Forgive the colour! it comes in other colours but this was the darkest and I prefer my bags to be dark, I digress! I bought this synthetic bag on a whim, how lucky I was because it's SUPERB. Excellent 3 season bag.
Is there a perfect glove that covers all eventualities? Of course not. But this is pretty close! The mitten part stashes in the cuff of the glove. So you have the dexterity of gloves and the warmth of mittens. Great kit
300 grams, so it is light. Strong enough for the toughest ground. Can also be used for digging a latrine hole. I have added the glowing and reflective tape from Cyalume.
I had a bad flare with my Jetboil and lost confidence with it 🙁.
So I bought this, quite superb! It's cheaper, faster, smaller and more fuel efficient that the Micromo. No brainer really!
Lol, an essential for comfort. Saves getting in and out of your tent to pee. Wide neck (so important lol) and has tape from Cyalume which glows in the dark and reflects so it is easy to find. I carry food in it on the journey out, rubbish on the way back.
One feature that is a MUST HAVE with a head torch is a delayed on/off button so that it can not be turned on accidentally in your bag ... trust me ... it is easily done. Yep you can reverse the batteries. But fumbling around in the dark with batteries is not good 🙂
This is one SUPERB head torch. Perfection. Want to save a few grams? replace the headband 🙂
A really good all rounder of a back pack. Very comfortable with the anti gravity system that wraps around you. Seems much larger than it is stated 50L. Even on a winter pack out, I had room to spare. Stretch pocket for stashing waterproofs on the back and side ones for water/poles. Large hip belt pockets
The only 'fault' I can find with this pack is no hip belt pockets! Everything else is perfection. You can go lighter with the Osprey Levity which is a similar pack,
but the Exos is more robust IMHO. If you are a 'weight watcher' you can make it lighter by removing the lid.
I like the lid so that won't be happening 😊
A light, single compartment 33 litre backpack. Big enough for a spring/summer overnight trek. Very comfortable. With hiking pole attachments/straps and easy access water bottle pockets as well as hip belt pockets
Great for slipping over your tent boots to nip outside. These are a high leg (just below the knee) version. There are ankle high versions available. A light sole, and nylon material ideal for keeping your feet and lower leg dry.
A proper winter and mountain sleeping bag. Comfortable to -8.5 degrees Celsius.
Quite superb in every possible way.
Shop around coz the price variation is ridiculous!!
It's no secret I like lightweight waterproof jackets ... why? ... I wear a jacket most the year round. It gives me an instant barrier against wind and rain. If it chucks down I have a back up in my pack. I never get wet ... ever!
The Rab Downpour Alpine has recently joined the family. Like anything Rab it's amazing.
Revolution Race<br>Nordwand Pro Trousers Men Cactus Green from Mick Fitzpatrick
I bought these on a whim with little research ... because I like the colour 😊
As you can see in the photo they are long in the leg, so bare that in mind if you're short. I'm OK with a sewing machine so I shortened them.
Other than that, I find them superb with decent sized pockets within reach. Bit too warm to wear in high summer.
650 grams of 3-4 season heaven. Lofts up quickly. Has a centre zip like the army doss bags but with 2 big baffles either side of the zip. Goes to -4 comfort for blokes. So soft, roomy and so warm. What is not to like
With boots you can't say they are 'perfect' etc ... because boots aren't always compatible with different people.
I've had these several years now. Done MANY miles in them all year round. I can safely say they are the best boot I have ever owned.
A goretex boot that is as light and as comfy as a trainer. Superb feel. But as with all Salomon boots go up a size. Despite being light they provide plenty of support.
I would describe these as a 3 season but totally waterproof glove. Very comfortable with a nice feel lining. The palm and fingers are lined with a dimpled texture for a good grip.
Is there such a thing as the perfect tent? I don't think so, but this comes close.
First off, they lie! They call it the '1' but you can easily fit 2 people in it, so modest!
It's from America, it's not cheap, it's not perfect, but I love it 😊
THERMACELL Backpacker Mosquito Repeller from Mick Fitzpatrick
The only mozzie zapper I've used that actually works. It connects to a standard gas canister and let's out a plume that will keep ANY insects away. Quite superb.
Uses a gas cartridge that fits inside the handle. From the same company as the cooker canister version Mick showed. But this one can be attached to your backpack when walking. It also means you still get protection when cooking (unless you take a second canister)
For around 300 grams this is one ridiculously light sleeping mat. A respectable R Value of 2.3 (around zero). But I only use it in the warmer months. About the size of a tin of coke when packed. I am a wiggle sleeper so I go for large/wide with mats. so you can be even lighter and smaller! Very comfy ... but ... expensive!
ThermaRest NeoAir XLite Max SV from Mick Fitzpatrick
Not as light as the Uberlite but still packs small and light.
The big WIN feature is the roll top that instantly releases the air. It's quite marvelous. I went for the wide version.
An extremely lightweight sleeping bag cover/ bivvy bag. Tyvek is waterproof and breathable and adds another layer to your sleeping system for 3-4 season use. This one has a 1/2 zip down the centre for ease of getting in and out and for venting.
Only just purchased this, in anticipation of some colder camps!
It has a 9 hour burn candle within a case not much bigger than the height and width of a smartphone!
Not a lot I can say about it, you light the candle, it has a reflector behind the flame.
I would guess the heat off it is about one candle power, and the light is just a little more than one candle power.
They seemed to work a but in snow holes so we will see!
A traditional looking tent that uses your walking poles. It's super lightweight as it's made from DCF (Dyneema Cuben Fibre.
I rate it as a perfect tent ... except ... the price! But if you get out a LOT I suppose you can justify it 😊
I rate it as a 3 season tent, however, I've been out in atrocious conditions and it was perfect.
If you want to get close for a LOT cheaper, the Lanshan 2 from AliExpress is in my opinion, pound for pound, the best tent out there!!!
