Best lightweight camping gear – 5 essential pieces of kit

Buying new camping gear is an investment, there are so many options it can be hard to know what to choose. I do a lot of research and look for a combination of functionality, light weight/small pack size, and best value.

My top 5 essential pieces of camping kit have been thoroughly used by me and tested in all conditions, and I would recommend all of them!

1. Tent – Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 (970g packed)

The Laser Competition 1 is

Tour du Mont Blanc camping: your TMB questions answered

I’m often contacted by people preparing to hike and camp the Tour du Mont Blanc asking questions about my TMB experience. It’s great to hear from everyone and I’m glad you’ve found my Guide to Campsites on the TMB helpful. This post is a summary of the questions I get asked most often. I hope this is useful, please feel free to comment with more questions or advice!

V3k Ultra, Vegan Welsh 3000s UK Skyrunning race – 58km, 4000m ascent, 18 June 2016

The ‘Welsh 3000s’ is a well known challenge – to visit all 15 summits over 3000 feet in Snowdonia, North Wales, in one day. The Vegan Welsh 3000s takes that challenge and adds extra distance and ascent to create one of the most challenging ultra distance race routes in the UK.

Fastpacking trip – running Manchester to Sheffield: 40 miles, 2 days, 1650m ascent

Fastpacking is a combination of backpacking and running. It offers an ideal blend of long distance running, freedom to camp, and the logistical challenge of carrying exactly what you need but no more.

It can open up opportunities for adventurous exploration in remote places, but it’s important to know in advance that all the gear and systems work. With my running buddy Bo, we decided on a test run from Stockport in Greater Manchester back to our homes in Sheffield.

#REVO Belay device – Wild Country Product Launch @wildcountryuk

Wild Country has revealed the REVO, a completely new design of belay device, and professional climbers Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson were on hand to demonstrate as I tested it!

James Pearson reveals the Revo!

I found the Revo intuitive to use. You open the device, feed the rope through it, then close it and attach it to your harness with a krab as normal. There are no changes to the standard belaying technique – the difference is on the inside. The device has an autolocking function, which means that, if for any reason the belayer lets go of the rope, the device will lock and prevent the climber from falling.

Women’s Climbing Symposium 2016 Announced! #WCS16

Last year I went to the Women’s Climbing Symposium (WCS), an event “designed to inspire and develop women’s climbing through collective climbing experiences, the latest research, and the best coaching.”

My lasting memory has been of the incredible positive energy of all the women attending as well as those on stage. I was excited to hear that this year’s event will take place at The Depot, Manchester on 8 October.

Thomas Theyer Fell Race – Thomas Theyer Foundation, Peak District 10.5k April 2016

The rolling green hills and white limestone outcrops of the White Peak produced an undulating route for the first Thomas Theyer Fell Race. With sustained uphill stretches on tiny country roads, and long descents over pitted green fields and well-worn limestone trails, it made for fast feet.

Winter kit essentials: Buff @kitshack

Back in the autumn Kit Shack asked me if I would like to try out one of their Buffs. They have a huge range including the Original Buff, merino wool, and knitted. I chose the Original Buff which I thought would be most suitable for trail running, walking, and climbing.

Lake District Winter Walking – Winter Skills Course

When cold weather and snow mean that it’s not easy to run or climb I start to feel frustrated! Last year I attempted Striding Edge in the Lake District and the CMD arête up to Ben Nevis, but failed due to my lack of experience in winter conditions. This year I signed up for a winter skills course run by Mark Eddy of Mountain Journeys.

ShAFF 2016 Previews & The Outdoor City Weekender

The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) is a weekend where outdoors people can get together and get inspired by watching the best adventure films.

This year ShAFF is at the heart of a citywide programme of outdoors events, The Outdoor City Weekender, so that whether you run, walk, climb, or ride, your weekend can include an adventure that fits neatly with the festival films.