The Best Of...Walking Sandals, Gear Reviews

Walking Sandals To be considered for this category the sandal needed to be robust, grippy, supportive and durable, as light as possible and at a reasonable price tag, I ask a lot from my hiking sandals as I use them in water, sand and on rock and so hybrid sandals/shoes were not discounted since they offer greater protection and, in general, more versatility.  Gold Award went to Inov-8 for their Recolite since it's comfy, ultralight, and ideal for water crossings and dries super quick, the price tag is healthy at £60/£55.  Silver went to Source Vagabond for their solid reef/walking sandal since it provides the best fit out of all the open sandals.  It's got a very rugged and durable sole unit, and outperforms most on the market, a not unreasonable £60. Bronze award goes to Teva's Itunda, it's not the lightest on the market but offers great traction, good support and is their first real dip into the water-shoe market, offering their usual solid toe-protection, and perform really well on wet rock, they aren't the cheapest but certainly outperform the other solid reef-shoes in their class. 

Top 20* Finalists

Aigle: Clumb
Materials: synthetic straps for padding Sole
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA

Support: EVA cushioning
Weight: 680g
Sole: Vibram sole
Price: £50
Brasher: Mayan
Materials: Full grain leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Memory foam

Support: EVA midsole

Weight: 740g
Sole: Brasher rubber

Price: £65

ECCO: Yucatan II*16th Place
Materials: WP Nubuck/ oiled nubuck + textile lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: ECCO Anatomical Wave Footbed antimicrobial
Support: PU midsole + arch support + Receptor technology
Weight: 710g
Sole: rugged rubber
Price: £65
ECCO: Bryce
Materials: Synthetic nubuck + stretch fit textile lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: dual density, Aglon treated TPE
Support: EVA midsole featuring Receptor® technology
Weight: 670g
Sole: Rugged grippy rubber
Price: £65
Hi-Tec: Owaka
Materials: Neoprene lined + WR Nubuck leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Comfort footbed
Support: EVA midsole + external shank
Weight:
Sole: MDT carbon rubber + flex plate
Price:
Hi-Tec: V-Lite Diablo* 18th Place
Materials: Compression Fit synthetic and stretch neoprene upper
Adjustment: Stretch cord lacing with locking toggle + removable heel strap
Footbed: Comfort
Support: EVA midsole + external ESS Shank
Weight: 720g
Sole: MDT carbon rubber
Toe protection: Molded rubber toe cap
Price: £40
Inov-8 Recolite 190/ 180* Gold Award
Materials: Synthetic webbing/ nylon
Adjustment: Stretch cord lacing system with locking toggle
Footbed: Anatomical
Support: MET cradle webbing, MetaFlex to follow flex,
Weight: 190g/ 180g (slip variety)
Sole: Enduarance Rubber Compound
Toe Protection: Molded rubber toe cap
Price: £60/£55
Karrimor: Aruba* 17th Place
Materials: Upper synthetic webbing straps, neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Shaved phylon
Support: Phylon mid-sole support
Weight: 744g
Sole: Sole Karrimor Islands, phylon mid-sole lug pattern
Price: £30
Keen: Arroyo II* 11th Place
Materials: Nylon hydrophobic mesh + WP Leather + webbing
Adjustment: Secure foot lace capture system
Footbed: Removable metatomical Footbed
Support: Torsion stability ESS shank + S3 Heel support structure
Weight: 388g
Sole: Non-marking Keen rubber
Toe Protection: Patented toe box
Price: £74.99
Keen: Hydro Guide
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh AEGIS Microbe Shield treated lining
Adjustment: Multi point adjustable strap system
Footbed: Drainable rubber
Support: EVA midsole
Weight: 368g
Sole: Aqua Stop non-marking water traction outsole
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price: £69.99
Keen: Newport H2
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh + polyester webbing Aegis microshield treated
Adjustment: Quickdraw elastic cord
Footbed: Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed with Microban
Support: Compression molded EVA midsole, metatomical strap design
Weight: 394g
Sole: Keen multidirectional lugs for increased traction
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price:
Keen: Laguna* 7th Place
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh + WP leather Aegis treated
Adjustment: Secure fit strap design (pull cord)
Footbed: Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed + suede
Support: Compression molded EVA midsole
Weight: 349g
Sole: Keen multidirectional lugs for increased traction
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price:
Merrell: Chameleon 2 Kahuna
Materials: Neoprene lined + WR leather
Adjustment:
Footbed: Antimicrobial
Support: Footframe and air cushion midsole
Weight: 450g
Sole: Vibram + flex plate
Price: £60
Merrell: Waterpro Rogue
Materials: Synthetic leather + webbing + Neoprene
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA Footbed treated with Aegis® Antimicrobial solution
Support: Molded nylon arch shank, air cushion heel EVA midsole
Weight: 624g
Sole: Vibram Waterpro TC5+ rubber
Price: £65
Merrell: Waterpro Animas* 14th Place
Materials: Synthetic Leather + Neoprene Spandex lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Air cushion,
Support: External lateral and medial stability posts + solid EVA midsole
Weight: 500g
Sole: Vibram Waterpro TC5+ rubber+ flex plate and 3.5mm lug depth
Price: £60
Merrell: Saugatuck* 15th Place
Materials: Full grain leather upper
Adjustment: Cord and lock lacing system + ankle grip
Footbed: Textured EVA footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution
Support: Molded EVA Footframe + Nylon arch shank
Weight: 765g
Sole: Vibram® Chameleon Speed Hiker Sole/TC5+ Rubber 4mm lug depth
Toe protection: Abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £70
Merrell: Chameleon3 Maze* 8th Place
Materials: Nubuck leather, Synthetic leather and mesh upper w/ neoprene stretch collar
Adjustment: Elastic cord and lock lacing system
Footbed: Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed Aegis® Antimicrobial solution
Support: Air cushion heel, In-Board™ Compression Molded EVA Footframe
Weight: 850g
Sole: Vibram® Chameleon / TC5+ Rubber 4mm lug depth
Toe protection: Abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £80
New Balance 820
Materials: Synthetic
Adjustment: Quick draw lace system
Footbed: C-cap treated
Support: Compression-molded EVA for superior midsole cushioning and flexibility.
Weight:304g
Sole: Vibram Outsole
Toe Protection: basic
Price: £50
Patagonia Izaak* 5th Place
Materials: quick-drying synthetic upper neoprene/spandex lining
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Patagonia Air Cushion Plus
Support: molded 6.6 lateral and medial posts, compression-molded EVA footframe / nylon plate
Weight: 425g
Sole: Non-marking Vibram® Izaak Idrogrip rubber outsole with 4mm outsole
Toe Protection: rubber toe guard
Price: £60
Salomon Epic Cabrio* 6th Place
Materials: Nubuck and synthetic upper lined in neoprene
Adjustment: Adjustable heel strap, tightening with drawcord and tanka.
Footbed: treated leather midsole and upper
Support: Injected EVA mid-sole
Weight: 341g
Sole: Contagrip™ sole
Toe Protection: Abrasion-resistant rubber
Price: £65
Source Vagabond: Gobi * Silver Award
Materials: synthetic
Adjustment: webbing X-Strap® patent 3 (6 point anchoring system)
Footbed: Anti-Microbial Compound integrated permanently
Support: soft pad cushioning for comfort (x-strap)
Weight: 314g
Sole: A.R.T2™  rubber compound sticky sole even in wet conditions,  3x abrasion resistance of competitors
Price: £60
Teva: Itunda* Bronze Award
Materials: monofilament mesh / neoprene synthetic leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Drainframe
Support: Spider rubber + EVA midsole antishock
Weight: 650g
Sole: Spider rubber
Toe Protection: Spider rubber abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £75
Teva: Open-Toachi Leather 19th Place
Materials: Waterproof Leather (there is a synthetic version) neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: zinc-impregnated Microban
Support: EVA/ rubber
Weight: 538g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £60
Teva: Terra-Fi 3 12th Place
Materials: Synthetic strapping / spider rubber
Adjustment: 4
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/EVA unit
Weight: 450g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £60
Teva: Tanza 9th Place
Materials: Synthetic strapping/ spider rubber
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/ EVA unit
Weight: 430g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £55
Teva Omnium Leather: 13th Place
Materials: WP full-grain leather
Adjustment: Elastic pull-lace + 2
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/ EVA unit
Weight: 740g
Sole: Spider rubber
Toe Protection: Spider rubber abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £85
The North Face El Hermano
Materials: WR synthetic nubuck + SBR lining
Adjustment: 3 (removable heel strap)
Footbed: Moulded EVA footbed with AgION antimicrobial protection
Support: Moulded EVA X-frame design strapping
Weight: 552g
Sole: Exclusive HydroTrak, water channelling, sticky rubber outsole
Price: £40
The North Face El Porto Convertible10th Place
Materials: Synthetic straps. neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: antimicrobial footbed
Support: EVA cushioning
Weight: 570g
Sole: Hydro Track water-shedding sole
Price: £35
Timberland Hypertrail
Materials: Full grain leather
Adjustment: Quick lace system
Footbed: basic
Support: Timberland® Agile IQ stability plate with high torsional rigidity
Weight: 410g
Sole: Vibram
Toe protection: Climbing-grade toe guard
Price: £75
Timberland Mountain Athletic
Materials: Rubber / synthetic leather/ mesh
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA footbed has a subtle texture for underfoot comfort
Support: Independent Suspension Network™ technology
Weight:
Sole: Green Rubber sole (recycled 42%) with increased traction
Price: £50
Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Materials: Abrasion resistant polyamide + mesh
Adjustment: Single Hypalon strap
Footbed: Antimicrobial microfibre
Support: Rubber
Weight: 161g
Sole: Vibram TC-1
Toe Protection: Enclosed
Price: £90
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek* 6th Place
Materials: Abrasion resistant kangaroo leather
Adjustment: Single Hypalon strap
Footbed: Antimicrobial microfibre
SupportEVA midsole
Weight: 161g
Sole: Vibram TC-1 + EVA4mm improved traction
Toe Protection: Enclosed
Price: £99* This would have received Silver had it been more reasonably priced

The Best Of...Down Sleeping Bags

The Best Of...Down Sleeping Bags

To be considered for this category I was looking for high-quality down and a good construction technique so that the distribution of down feathers provided good heat retention throughout the bag.  Also I looked for a good foot-box, hood, zipper, adjustment, size, down quality, end-usage, and price.  I was looking at 3 season bags as these allow, in general, for the most usage throughout the year, ideally going to -5C in it's EN 'comfort' category, so that with a liner, it could stretch to four season use. Why down? It's warmer, packs smaller and is the best for the weight, though there have been technological advances in synthetic sleeping bags, down bags are still 'the business'.  Though down bags are, in general, more expensive a good night sleep, in a warm bag that allows your body to recuperate quickly is priceless.  Be aware that US temperature ratings differ to EN ratings, and non-EU measurements of down fill again vary- for example a 700fill power North Face bag, is equivalent to a 600fill EU bag, they measure it differently. There's some stiff competition out there, but Mammut's Ajungilak Shield pipped it.  Why? It's waterproof, breathable, warm (-9C) but light, weighing in at just over 1kg with a good hood and not overly priced at £340, just pipping Crux Torpedo 2-layer eVent to the top spot.  

Top 20*Finalists
Crux: Torpedo 500*Silver Award
Comfort Limit: -6C
Polish Down: 850+: 500g
Weight: 1150g
RRP: £350
Waterproof eVent 2-layer
Construction: V-tube/ slant box
Cumulus: Mysterious Traveller*
Comfort Limit: -7C
Polish Down: 850+:500g
Weight: 870g
RRP: £180
Pertex shell
Construction: Trapezoid
Cumulus: Prime 400*
Comfort Limit: -7C
Polish Down: 850+:400g
Weight: 870g
RRP: £250
Pertex shell
Construction: Trapezoid
Cumulus: Quantum 350*6th Place
Comfort Limit: -6C
Polish Down: 870: 350g
Weight: 770g
RRP: £300
Pertex shell
Construction: Trapezoid
Deuter: Atmosphere 750*
Comfort Limit: -6C
EU down: 650+
Weight: 1280g
RRP: £200
Ripstop
Construction: Trapezoid
The North Face: Green Kazoo
Comfort Limit: -7C
EU Down: 500+: 624g
Weight: 1257g
RRP: £210
Shadowlite SL nylon ripstop
Construction: Trapezoid
Haglofs: Goga 3S*
Comfort Limit: -11C (-6C)
EU Down: 750+:700g
Weight: 1170g
RRP: £350
15Dx2 polyamide with waterproof head and foot
Construction: Trapezoid
Macpac: Sanctuary 600XP*
Comfort Limit: -11C 
EU Down:700+: 600g
Weight: 1250g
RRP: £350
Reflex LoftPro Ripstop DWR + soft shell membrane
Construction: Trapezoid
Macpac: Latitude 500*Bronze Award
Comfort Limit: -6C
EU down: 700+: 500g
Weight: 1100g
RRP: £275
Waterproof hood and foot +30D Vapour-lite
Construction: Trapezoid

Mammut: Ajungilak Altitude 3S*

Comfort Limit: -9C

EU Down: 700+:550g

Weight: 1150g

RRP: £360

Shelter/Performance TX Waterproof membrane

Construction: Advanced baffle

Mammut: Ajungilak Shield 3S*Gold Award

Comfort Limit: -8C

EU Down: 700+: 460g

Weight: 1050g

RRP: £340

Shelter TX Waterproof membrane with closable hood

Construction: Seamless Patented upper- bonded lower

Mammut: Ajungilak Sphere 3S

Comfort Limit: -6C

EU Down: 750+:500g

Weight: 800g

RRP: £342

ProLight XT Ripstop

Construction: Wave Box

Marmot: Helium*8th Place
Comfort Limit: -8C
EU down: 750+ 500g
Weight: 981g
RRP: £290
Ripstop
Construction: Trapezoid
Marmot: Helium EQ*
Comfort Limit: -11C
EU down: 750+:553g
Weight: 1490g
RRP: £350
Ripstop + waterproof membrane
Construction: Trapezoid
Mountain Equipment: Xero 550*5th Place
Comfort Limit: -6C
Polish Down: 700+ 550g
Weight: 950g
RRP: £270
He30 shell
Construction: Box wall
Mountain Equipment: Lightline -5*
Comfort Limit: -5C
Polish Down: 750+:550g
Weight: 1215g
RRP: £280
Drilite Loft shell
Construction: V Baffles
Mountain Equipment: Titan 650
Comfort Limit: -8C
Polish Down: 750+: 650g
Weight: 1275g
RRP: £180
Ripstop DWR + EXL top lining

Mountain Hardwear: Phantom 0

Comfort Limit: -7C

Down: 700+: 794g

Weight: 1200g

RRP: £400

Superlight ripstop 15D

Mountain Hardwear: Clouds Rest 5

Comfort Limit: -7C

Down: 500+: 794g 

Weight: 1530g

RRP: £250

Hifive ripstop 30D

Nanok: Comfort Down -10
Comfort Limit: -7C
EU Down: 550+:800g
Weight: 1580g
RRP: £160
Ripstop fabric
Construction: Slant Wall
Nanok: D:R:Y 860 -10
Comfort Limit: -7C
EU down:750+:600g
Weight: 1060g
RRP: £449
Waterproof but without taped seams
Construction: Slanted wall
Nanok: Performance Down -10*
Comfort Limit: -8C
EU down: 600+: 650g
Weight: 1360g
RRP: £120
Ripstop Fabric
Construction: Trapezoid 3D
PHD: Minim 400*4th Place
Comfort Limit: -5C
EU down: 800+:400g
Weight: 670g
RRP: £240
M1 microfibre /Drishell outer
Construction: minimalist! No zip,  
RAB: Ascent 700
Comfort Limit: -5C
Polish Down: 650+ 700g
Weight: 1330g
RRP: £180
Pertex Quantum Shell
RAB: Neutrino 600*9th Place
Comfort Limit: -5C
Polish Down: 800+: 600g
Weight: 1100g
RRP: £290
Pertex Quantum Shell
Construction: Box wall
RAB: Alpine 600*
Comfort Limit: -7C
Polish Down: 800+:600g
Weight: 1150g
RRP: £300
Pertex Endurance/ Quantum
Construction: Box wall 
Vaude: Ice Peak 1000
Comfort Limit: -6C
Down: 650EU
Weight: 1400g
RRP: £280
Ripstop
Construction type: Mixed
Vaude: Serniga 800
Comfort Limit: -6C
Down: 750+: 800g
Weight: 1400g
RRP: £425
Ripstop 20D
Construction type: Trapezoid
Western Mountaineering: Ultralite Sleeping Bag*10th Place
Comfort Limit: -9C
Down: 850+454g
Weight: 822g
RRP: £315
20D Ripstop Nylon
Construction type: baffle construction
Yeti: Sunrizer 800 Comfort
Comfort Limit: -8C
EU down: 600+:800g
Weight: 1450g
RRP: 
H-chamber construction
ID SoftCell
Yeti: Powerizer 750
Comfort Limit: -9C
EU Down: 700+: 750g
Weight: 1440g
RRP:
S-Chamber construction
AquaPro Plus Ripstop Nylon
Yeti: V.I.B. 600*
Comfort Limit: -6C
EU down: 800+: 600g
Weight: 1000g
RRP: £355
S-Chamber construction
SupCell ripstop nylon
Yeti: Passion 5*7th Place
Comfort Limit: -7C
EU down: 900+: 500g
Weight: 690g
RRP: £444
S-Chamber construction
Lighty gram ripstop nylon

The Best Of...Hydration Systems

The Best Of...Hydration Systems

• To be considered for this category:
• At least 1litre size
• Strength/ durability of fabrics used
• Easiness of access (for drinking)
• Easiness of access (for filling)
• Cleanability (it's not a word, but it's important)
• Weight + packability
• Innovation of design in weight distribution/ carrying technique
• Hydration carrying devices were only considered as additional features of the hydration reservoirs
• Wearable hydration systems were excluded if they could not be worn with backpack.
• Price
• Add-on potentiality eg. Insulation, carrying equipment, spares, clips...

The Top 10* Finalists
Camelbak: Omega Delux Reservoir with Flow meter*

Camelbak: Omega HyrdroTanium Reservoir*
Camelbak: Omega Plus Reservoir
Camelbak: Unbottle
Camelbak: StoAway
Dakine: Flowlock Reservoir

Deuter: Streamer
HydraPak: Reservoir
Inov8: H2Orizontal Hydration System Bladder*
MSR: Dromedary Bags
MSR: Hydromedary Hydration System* 
MSR: Autoflow Microfilter*
Mountain-life: Hydration system
Nalgene: CXC Rapid Fill Get-a-grip*
Nalgene: Encapsul Big Bore
Ortlieb: Water Belt + accessories*
Platypus: 2l Big Zip SL

Osprey: HydraForm Reservoir*
Source: Hydration Systems Widepac 2l *
Source: WXP*

Trekmates: Flexitanker

The Best of...Ultralight Tents Reviewed Page 1

GoLite Shangri-La 1 man
+ Pitched with trekking poles/ hung, ultalightweight 538g £125
+ Coped well with windy conditions, six pegs tight construction
+ Nest (inner, mesh) sold separate 425g £70
+ Floor (sold separate) 198g £30
total weight 1161g total cost £225
Gossamer Gear The One- 1 man
+ pitches with poles (optional)/ trekking poles) ultralightweight 865g
+ 2 ultralight Polycryo floor sheets included + bathtub floor
+ Spinnaker ultralight material for body providing good ventilation + wind protection
+ new cut and nice new additions (mesh pocket, light hang etc.)
total weight 880g (inc. sealant) (W/O poles 704g). 
total cost £275+ £25 for poles and sealant.
Hilleberg Akto 1 man Silver Award
+ lightweight all season, very well constructed (nice foot room) good in wet
+ Kerlon outer very strong
+ packs small, ultralight 1.6kg including everything
+ extremely sturdy in high winds + works well in snow
total weight 1.6kg total cost £335
Hilleberg Allak 2 man
+ excellent for space, 2 doors 2 vestibules
+ 4 season (base camp) use free-standing 3 pole structure, very versatile
+ the best wind and all round bad weather protection (good snow shedding)
+ good ventilation in hot weather (mesh + 2 doors work wonders)
total weight 3kg total cost £639
Hilleberg Soulo 2 man 5th Place
+ roomy 4 season free-standing + excellent for tough (small spaced pitchings)
+ tough outer and tough poles, good design (but single vestibule)
+ good snow load handling and wet weather protection
+ lightweight and versatile- good ventilation for summer
total weight 2.2kg total cost £464
Lightheart Solo 1 man 10th Place
+ 3 season double-wall tent (pitched with trekking poles+ lateral pole) good in winds
+ silicon nylon ripstop, needs seam-sealing before use but water-tight
+ 4 tie outs but an additional 10 in bad conditions (extra pegs optional)
+ excellent head height, and roomy construction 
total weight 766g + 300g (seam seal + pegs + 2 extra poles) = 1.066kg
(weighs 806g without extra 2 poles)
total cost £165 + £8.50 + £28 for poles (from U.S) so around £235
Lightwave g20 trek Bronze Award
+ 4 season backpacking tent, 'bomb proof' free-standing design
+ good tough footprint and lowcut fly to provide good wet weather protection
+ Side hung door design that is easy to keep dry
+ strong poles, pegs, guylines all provided
total weight 2.6kg total cost £295
Lightwave g2ion 2 man 4th Place
+ 3 season free-standing solid construction
+ higher cut fly so 3 season but provides better ventilation than trek
+ easy to pitch, good strong fly
+ strong poles, pegs, guylines all provided
total weight 2.4kg total cost £275
Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 1 man 
Mountain Equipment Dragonfly 2 man 8th Place
+ 'bomb-proof' 2 man free-standing construction 3/4 season
+ easy dual pitch with good 'bath tub' floor
+ mesh door, good ventilation
+ strong fly providing good wind protection, tight guyline construction
total weight 2.37kg total cost £300
Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2.1 2 man 9th Place
+ 3 season free-standing strong design
+ 2 door and 2 vestibules provide ample gear/body space
+ strong fly sheet with durable 70d PU
+ ripstop polymer reinforced fabric, UL poles
total weight 2.91kg total cost £360
MSR Carbon Reflex UL 1 man 7th Place
+ 3 season, like the well-loved Hubba for space but lighter
+Carbon fiber poles in two-pole that provides reasonable wind/ elements protection
+ D-shaped door, vestibule and good head-height
+ can be pitched just fly and optional footprint (£31) for a 0.7kg option 
total weight 1.21kg total cost £300
Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy 1 man
+ Much more spacious than your usual bivy + dual pole system (c) 
+ Excellent ventilation options with 3-layer GTX Respiration Positive technology
+ Zippered vent at base, mesh (removable) peg loops + guyline loops
+ Mosquito mesh, roomy for a bivy + 'guaranteed forever'
total weight 964g total cost £230 
Rab Summit Superlite Bivi/ Shelter 
+ Single skin mountain shelter 'bomb proof' 
+ single 'donut link' tie in point for minimum seams / maximum weatherproofness
+ internally pitched poles ideal for rubbish conditions, snow collection point
+ highly breathable eVent Exchange Lite membrane + hardy base
total weight 1.5kg total cost £350
Sierra Designs Lightning XT 2 man Bronze Award
+ Swivel hub DAC pole system- lightweight but sturdy stuff
+ tunnel/dome construction performs well in wind and wet
+ 2 doors, 2 vestibules and plenty of height
+ Small packed size for the amount of room you get
total weight 2kg total cost  £225
Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 man   6th Place 
+ 3 season backpacker tent 2 hubbed
+ good pole construction that works well in wind
+ roomy + 1 2-packsized vestibule dead easy to pitch
+ award winning ultralight (backpacker magazine) durable + double skinned
total weight 1.8kg total cost £220
Terra Nova Laser Photon Elite 1 man  Gold Award
+ double-walled 3 season tent ultralight
+ new scandium poles, lighter and easier to use
+ performs excellently well in winds/ wet weather for the weight
+ fly + inner pitch as one, super easy to pitch
total weight 0.72kg total cost £330
Terra Nova Laser Competition Gold Award
+ double-walled 3 season tent ultralight
+ basically like the Photon but without the new poles
+ performs well in winds/ wet weather for the weight
+ fly + inner pitch as one, super easy to pitch
total weight 940g total cost £280
Terra Nova Voyager SL
+ semi-geodesic 3 season backpacking
+ good snow/wet shedding abilities
+ new design shape, good vestibule size
+ good space, solid construction
total weight 1.53kg total cost £370

The Best Of...Ultralight Tents / Shelters

The Best Of...Ultralight Tents/ Shelters
To be considered for this category:

• The tent or shelter had to weigh under 3kg (for a 2 man+ storage tent) 2.5kg (for a small 2 man) or 2kg (for a one man) to be classed as 'ultralight'
• They must sleep 1 or 2 people
• Minimum 2 season rating
• Must be compact (i.e. designed to be used for lightweight backpacking, adventure racing and any other outdoor sports where you might need to carry your camping equipment with you)
• I'm looking for something that could stretch to 3 seasons  
• The manufacturers must have considered technological developments in ultralight tent design, construction, fabrics and frame to show true dedication to provide the best balance of:

Weight/ breathability/wind protection/ weather protection/ strength of pole/ compressibility/ space/ surface area/ access/ zip technology/ hydrostatic head/ seam construction/ waterproofness/ durability/ storage/ airflow/ innovation and Price!!

Top 20* Finalists:
Black Diamond: Mirage Tent 2 man
Big Agnes: Seedhouse SL 1 man / Copper Spur UL 1 man
GoLite: Shangri-La Tent 1 man* / Shangri-La 2 man
Gossamer Gear: Spinnshelter 1 man / Squall Tent 2 man / The One 1 man*
Hilleberg: Akto 1 man*/ Allak 2 man / Soulo 2 man
Kelty: Grand Mesa 2 person*
Lightheart Gear: Lightheart Solo* / Lightheart Duo
Lightwave:  g20 trek 2 man* / g2 ion 2 man* / g1 ion 1 man
Macpac: Microlight 2 man
Marmot: Limelight 2 man / Eos 1 man
Mountain Equipment: Dragonfly 2 2 man* / AR Ultralite 1+ man*
Mountain Hardwear: Skyledge 2.1 2 man*
MSR: Carbon Reflex UL 1 man* / Hubba UL 1 man / Hubba Hubba UL 2 man
Nemo: Nano Elite 2 man
Outdoor Research: Nighthaven tarp 1 man / Advanced Bivy 1 man*
Rab: Summit Superlite Bivi 2 man*
Sierra Designs: Lightning XT 1 man / Lightning XT 2 man* Vapor lite 2 man*
Six Moons: Luna Solo Enhanced 1 man / Luna Duo 2 man
Terra Nova: Laser Photon 1+ man* / Laser Competition 1+ man* / Laser Large 2+ man
Terra Nova: Jupiter Bivi 1 man / Voyager SL 2 man
The North Face: Meso 22 2 man
Vango: Spectre 200 2 man/ Helium SL 1 man  / Apex 200 2 man
Vaude: Power Lizard 2 man / Hogan UL 1 man / Tauras UL 2 man
Wildcountry: Sololite 1 man / Duolite 2 man

The Best Of...3-L Technical Mountain Shells Reviewed Page 2

Mountain Equipment: Kongur MRT Silver Award
+Based on the award-winning Kongur (Trail) Pro Shell + reinforced + reflective trim
+ Longer length, double storm flap, 4 chest pockets, ideal for harness-wear
+ excellent wire-peaked helmet hood, 
+ 640g (550g-non Mountain Rescue version)
Mountain Hardwear Beryllium Jacket
+ Pro Shell + micro grid backer
+ 'hardwearing' but light Pro Shell laminate with welded construction
+ Good sized wire helmet hood brim (one hand adjustment)
+ good internal zip pockets and chest high hand pockets
Norrona Falketind Pro Shell Jacket
+ GTX Pro Shell (windproof) 
+ 2 Large, excellent for use with harness, WP pockets
+ Perfect-sized hood for use with helmet, with great vision
+ Seriously light at 460g
Norrona Trollvegen Jacket 6th Place
+ Dri 3 (GTX Pro Shell) fabric with a solid, robust laminate that seems bomb-proof in testing
+ Four-way stretch membrane panels ideal for mountain wear
+ unique arm design for the best stretch and comfort I've had in a jacket, whilst climbing
+ breathes exceptionally well for a hardy full-spec mountaineering jacket (640g)
Outdoor Research AlterEgo Jacket 10th Place
+ 70d GTX Pro Shell, solid under testing + 'infinite guarantee'
+ Removable dual adjustable helmet hood, with excellent fit
+ Simplistic design, storm flapped WT zips + nice sized internal pockets
+ Powder skirt + articulated elbows.
Paramo Aspira Jacket
+ Membrane/ Outer Analogy (Nikwax Technology, like 'animal fur' check it out!)
+ High volume helmet hood, wired and fully adjustable roll away
+ Most durable jacket, heavy ( 841g) but good temp. control pit zips, roll-up sleeves etc.
+ Drip skirt, long tail, large pockets + removable foam inserts for added comfort!
Patagonia M10 Jacket 7th Place
+ 3-layer + H2NO shell= very durable but lightweight bomb-proof, minimalist design
+ WP Large zipped pockets / air ventilation system
+ 3-way adjustable lam. helmet hood
+ 306g
Rab Latok Jacket Gold Award
+ Uses midweight/ heavyweight eVent in excellent zoning (670g)
+ better durability (newer version) in high-abrasion areas
+ The best hood yet, wired fully adjustable helmet compatible, velcro-seal

+ 4 outer pockets and 2 internal + excellent venting pit zips

Westcomb Revenant Hoody 8th Place

+ 560NST 3l eVent

+ schoeller c-change + schoeller WB-400 technology (stretch+ articulated)

+ 2 napoleon + 2 bellow pockets

+ helmet compatible hood + removable powder skirt

The Best Of...3-L Technical Mountain Shells Reviewed Page 1

ArcTeryx Theta SV Jacket 4th Place
+ extra long cut
+ a great helmet-ft hood (storable)
+ reinforced high-abrasion areas / articulated elbows 3l GTX Pro Shell
+ 565g
Cloudveil Koven Plus Jacket
+ Schoeller c-change technology (creating your own micro-climate)
+ stretch in high-mobility areas
+ a well executed helmet-ft hood
+ 590g
Crux Flak Jacket
+ tough eVent (3l)
+ minimalist design
+single-handed helmet friendly hood
+ 460g
Eider Gasherbrum Jacket 9th Place
+ GTX Pro Shell 3l,
+ Deep helmet hood, with memory height and retaining peak
+ preshaped elbows and a strong shell laminate
+ 550g 
Haglofs Spitz Jacket 3rd Place
+ GTX Pro Shell 3l, with a substantial durable laminate and reinforced high-abrasion areas
+ roll away 3-way adjustable helmet hood
+ ISPO Outdoor Award for design and innovation
+ 495g
Macpac Prophet Jacket 5th Place
+ eVent 3l with tough outer
+ Kevlar reinforced 'hot spots'
+ stretch in high-mobility areas
+ external storm flap, articulated elbows, the list goes on!
Mammut Extreme Cho Oyu Jacket
+ Schoeller C-Change waterproof membrane and NanoSphere technology
+ high reach sleeves, good fit, stretch
+ M.A.P hood design
+ 535g
Marmot Troll Wall Jacket
+ Hood fits well with/ without helmet, good wire
+ GTX Pro Shell 3l,
+ Great movability + snow skirt
+ 574g
Millet Expert Evo Jacket
+ 3l GTX Pro Shell
+ Reinforced + abrasion resistant throughout
+ Integral helmet hood that fits well
+ preformed elbows and stretch
Montane Superfly XT
+ eVent membrane + double storm flap + extra length
+ Improved design of hood with added peak
+ the price (£250)
+ 4 massive pockets