Exped Synmat UL
Exped have added comfort to a super compact mat to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. The Ultralight mat weighs less than a bag of sugar (380g) and comes with a Schnozzel Pump beg to allow almost instant inflation while preventing moisture from affecting the insulation. The separate inflation and deflation valves both sit flat into the mat so reducing the chance of damage. The anti slip GripSkin coating means security while you sleep without compromising comfort and warmth. It comes complete with patch kit and a handy pack bag that can double up as a stuff sack when you need it, we also use the Schnozzel Pump as a pack liner in true ultralight spirit.
MSR Freelite 1 Tent
The MSR Freelite is a free standing double wall tent that packs down small and weighs just over a kilo (1090g). The fly and floor are made from a 15 denier lightweight fabric and the inner has a micromesh canopy to maximise ventilation and moisture control along with offering bug-free protection. The large side door opens to access the tent which will fit a large camping mat along with a small amount of gear. There is enough height to allow you to comfortably sit up and the porch has enough space for a pair of boots and a backpack. The Freelite also comes in a 2 or 3 person option so you can share the fun or just have lots more space to yourself!
Helinox Chair Zero
Admittedly a luxury, having a proper sit down after a long day’s hike isn’t always easy as it either means carrying cumbersome and heavy chairs or making do with uncomfortable sit pads but the clever folk at Helinox have come up with an ultralight and ultra-compact solution to take this stress away. Weighing in at a nimble 488g, including stuff sack, the Chair Zero can easily fit in a backpack and be popped out to be quickly set up. The single shock corded pole keeps the chair sturdy and will support your back while you rest your feet after a day’s adventure.
Osprey Exos 48 Backpack
The Osprey Exos 48 is heavy on features but light on weight. At just over a kilo (1190g) it is perfect for a weekend hike as it has plenty of storage solutions built into the design. The Airspeed suspended mesh back panel provides a stable, supportive load carrying platform that allows air to circulate to keep you cool and dry. On the outside there are various pockets you can store small essentials, bottles and even wet clothes in along with Stow-on-the-Go loops to allow you to attach your poles without taking the pack off. If you are just carrying a small load the side straps allow you to compress the bag down and the top lid can be removed while still ensuring everything is protected inside.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist
GSI have managed to squeeze an all-in-one cooking solution into a package that weighs just over 300g including a durable, non stick aluminium cooking pot, spork, cup, straining lid, sink & neoprene sleeve. This nifty cooking set is a compact and convenient bit of kit that all nests inside itself and still has room for a small stove and gas canister. Coated in Teflon it makes cooking simple and the fully taped stuff sack can double up as a mini basin so washing up after is just as easy.
Optimus Vega Stove
It’s windy and it’s cold, a nice hot meal or drink would be great, but your tiny burner is having none of it and keeps blowing out. Introducing the Optimus Vega, this portable and lightweight stove (178g) is a beast when it comes to bad weather. The gas fuel cartridge can be inverted using the integrated stand to deliver liquid fuel in the coldest of conditions and the ‘turbo boost’ mode will up the power to cut cooking time down by 20%. The included windshield can be quickly set up to improve cooking efficiency and the regulator gives you control over the intensity of the heat on your pot. A’la Carte on a mountain, done!
Light My Fire Spork Titanium
Everyone loves a compound word (and an English lesson) just as much as we love a Spork. The team at Light My Fire have worked their design magic to come up with a spoon-fork-knife combo that is sturdy despite being only 20 grams and doesn’t taint the taste of food. The Light My Fire Spork is crafted from titanium which is a tough yet lightweight alloy that is perfect for cutlery as it is non toxic and isn't rejected by the body. Couple this with the strength and robust nature of this wonder metal and it is easy to see why they guarantee it to last forever.
Exped Ultra Light Dry Bag Set
Exped are leaders when it comes to lightweight designs with durability built in. This classic set of four dry bags is made of durable PU coated taffeta nylon with a 10,000mm water column and fully taped seams for waterproof performance to keep gear dry and clean even against sand and dirt. The bright inner coating lights up the interior of the bags to allow easy viewing of the contents and the different colours allow you to separate items into easily identifiable stashes.
Petzl Actik Core Headtorch
The Actik Core is a hybrid headlamp that is small in size and weight but huge on performance. The 350 lumens of power with mixed beam make it perfect for outdoor activities and the red light control is great for night vision and preventing blinding others. The CORE function gives you a battery that is rechargeable via a standard USB port while also being compatible with standard batteries without the need for an adapter. A reflective headband helps you to be seen at night and is equipped with an emergency whistle in case you get stuck in the dark!
Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock XL
A hammock is a great way to relax and sleep when the ground isn’t too appealing. Many hammocks can be cumbersome and heavy but the Sea to Summit Ultralight packs down to the size of a can of Coke and weighs just 140g. The fabric is a specially designed 20D Nylon that wicks moisture away and is strong enough to take up to 135kg weight. The ultralight buckle is built from a robust aluminium and the webbing loop is triple bar tacked to ensure long term durability.
Vaude Alpstein 200 Down Sleeping Bag
Summer camping means lighter kit and the Vaude Alpstein 200 is a great example of how you can save weight in the warmer months. The Alpstein is a lightweight (500g) down sleeping bag that is perfect for taking you from late spring right through summer. 200g of superior 850 fill 95/5 goose down takes care of warmth and we love the quilt concept for balmy nights. The quilt can be attached to all standard sleeping pads which gives more security and increases heat retention during the night. The cut also means that less material is used than in other shapes to make the sleeping bag lighter and smaller to pack.
