Latest Gear: Lightweight Equipment

The products featured here may not necessarily be the absolute lightest but they all manage to achieve a low weight without sacrificing basic functionality and effective design. So, as well as being light in weight, they also offer real mountain performance and a degree of durability too.

Pack ­

This an area where real weight savings can be had. The Osprey Exos is a special pack as it manages to combine a low weight with great comfort and build quality. The attention to detail on the Exos is amazing. From the materials and components used to the design of the suspension system, everything is aimed providing user comfort whilst keeping weight as low as possible. RRP ­ £120

Tent ­

The Laser series from Terra Nova is the benchmark for lightweight backpacking tents. Although the details are constantly tweaked and updated year on the year, the Laser’s basic shape and features remain the same. A single lightweight pole forms the structure and both inner and outer can be pitched together which helps keep the inner dry and saves time. The materials used are all exceptionally strong for their weight and of very high quality. There are 3 models in the Laser range ­ the Laser Competition is the roomiest and heaviest (though still under 1kg for the 1 person model), the Laser Photon takes things a step further and is even lighter at just 700g for the 1 person design. Both the Laser Competition and the Laser Photon are available in 1 and 2 person designs. The Laser Ultra is a cutting edge shelter aimed at mountain marathon and adventure racing professionals. The fly uses ULTRA fabric and the whole thing weighs a ridiculously light 580g when fully packed.

Sleeping bag ­

Western Mountaineering are better known in their homeland of the USA than in Europe but they are definitely a brand worth seeking out. Their sleeping bags are defined by super high end materials and construction methods, the end result being unmatched warmth to weight ratios and surprisingly high levels of durability too. 850 fill power goose down is used across the entire range along with a variety of specialist shell and lining fabrics. Lightweight backpackers should check out the HighLite bag which uses 220g of down and weighs just 450g. Western Mountaineering have a massive range of warmer bags too, some of which feature a Gore Windstopper shell for maximum protection from moisture. All are very light considering the materials used and all are made in the USA.

Sleeping Mat ­

Thermarest revolutionised the sleeping mat market a few years ago with the NeoAir. At the time it brought unprecedented levels of comfort for such a lightweight mat. Since then Thermarest have continually improved and expanded the range of NeoAir mats. The NeoAir Xlite Regular is the benchmark in the range. It has an R value (warmth rating) of 3.2 and comes in at just 350g. As the mat is filled entirely with air it also has an extremely small pack size. When packed down the the NeoAir Xlite Short is almost small enough to carry in a pocket! For the ultimate in warmth vs weight the NeoAir Xtherm uses reflective heat technologies to trap warmth within the mattress. The Xtherm and rectangular Xtherm Max make a great choice for cold sleepers or for those spending the night out in low temperatures.

Stove ­

Maybe the most advanced stove system out there, the MSR Reactor takes the self contained stove / pot system made popular by Jetboil to a new level. There are lighter stoves available but the reason the Reactor makes this list is because it’s so fuel efficient. The beautifully designed heat exchanger and windshield also means that in real world mountain conditions the Reactor still performs. MSR build their stoves to last so expect the Reactor to carry on performing for many years. The Reactor is available in multiple sizes, from the 1L which is great for solo use, all the way up to the 2.5L for group use and expeditions.

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