Feather-light kit makes any outdoor adventure more fun – especially walks. So what’s the best way to keep the weight of your stuff down? We asked experienced walker Hanna Lindon to pack her bag with a full set of super-light kit.
1. Jona Jacket, Mammut, £170: The simplicity of this Gore-Tex waterproof is what makes it a winner. Beautifully cut, with an easily adjustable hood and two fully rainproof pockets, it packs down to an apple–sized ball and weighs a mere 350g. The men’s equivalent (Juho) is a tad heavier at 390g. 01625 508218, www.mammut.ch
2. Namche Midlayer Jacket, Sherpa, £70: A light and durable fleece that holds plenty of warmth in its 315g weight, and dries quickly when wet. 01572 772504, www.sherpaadventuregear.co.uk
3. Abisko Hybrid Zip-Off Trousers, Fjallraven, £115: It’s worth splashing out on these feather-light but highly durable convertible trousers, which count handy map-sized leg pockets and zip-off legs among their plus points. Fellow tall folk will love the unique raw leg endings – a trademark Fjallraven feature. 02392 528711, www.fjallraven.co.uk
4. Venture trouser, £70, North Face. These waterproof HyVent trousers are lighter and cheaper than Gore-Tex equivalents. They may be a mite less breathable than high-end options, but will still keep your legs dry in all but the most extreme conditions. 01539 822155, www.thenorthface.co.uk
5. Quest 4D boots, Salomon, £155. Combining the sturdiness of a walking boot with the support and lightweight comfort of a trail running shoe, these Gore-Tex boots need no breaking in and moulded quickly to even my wide, bunion-afflicted feet. 01276 404984, www.salomon.com
6. Oasis Short Sleeve Crew, Icebreaker, £60: Worn next to the skin, this figure-hugging merino t-shirt will wick sweat away from your body and stay stink-free on sizzling summer days. 0800 6127 312, http://uk.icebreaker.com
7. Lightwool Headover, Aclima, £23.95: A high-performance buff with all the insulative properties of superfine merino wool. Wear it as a scarf, head cover, face protector or bandana – the choice is yours. 0131 552 3000, www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk
12. Solitaire torch, Maglite, £21.99: No room to pack a head torch? This lipstick-sized flashlight will fit in a trouser pocket and give you nearly two hours of ultra-bright light. 0345 504 5353, www.halfords.com
13. Mountain 50 Combi-Stick, Lifesystems, £7.25: All-in-one factor 50 lip and face protection that holds up even in high-altitude conditions. 01666 575500, www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
14. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/ Watertight, £22.99: It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy when out walking. This one contains everything you need to treat minor injuries in a lightweight, waterproof shell. 01740 644024, www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
15. Micro Waterproof Phone Case, Aquapac, £20: Unlike a dry bag, you won’t have to take your phone out of this waterproof case to make calls or use your GPS. A must-pack for rainy days. 020 7738 4466, www.aquapac.net
16. Tempest 30 backpack, Osprey, £85: A perfectly sized daypack that scores a solid ten in the comfort stakes thanks to its foam hip belt, adjustable torso length and ventilated back panel. The only downside for those who like simplicity in their rucksacks is the sheer number of customisable features. 01202 413920, www.ospreyeurope.com
Hanna Lindon is a freelance journalist who writes about walking, scrambling and general outdoor adventuring. She spends most weekends wild camping in Snowdonia, rambling in the Lake District or teetering along vertiginous ridges in Scotland – all in the name of research, of course.
Main image credit: Geography photos/ Contributor
