British Ultralight Hiking Gear

[@easydexter]

Hey friends. Disclaimer - I am now an employee of Atom Packs but that wasn't the case when I filmed this video. 😘

[@oliverrussell2331]

cool ! (p.s. can I get a discount please ;))

[@neilingham4897]

Your original video made me research atom packs and buy myself a mo. About to embark on the SWCP with it so thank you. Its a great pack.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

This is awesome dude and love that all the big 3 are from the UKayyy. Legend mate and good luck with the 4K miles. What a year ahead!

[@easydexter]

Mate I'm so annoyed at myself, there is a thrunotes blaze in my Roo but I completely forgot to film because it's in the secret bit at the back. Only realised when editing.

[@ianhackett6529]

From hiker to hiker your the real deal dexter ..loving your videos ...keep it in dude ..a ☆

[@annaharrison6818]

Hey! Was great to bump into you on the west highland way the other day - hope the rest of your hike goes well and fingers crossed for the pct too! x

[@easydexter]

Hey Anna sorry for the slow reply I'm still out on the trail. Fingers crossed should be reaching JOG in a couple of days. Was awesome meeting you on the WHW. How did the rest of your Hike go? I love the last couple of days in to Fort William. Hope the midges didn't infiltrate your tarp.

[@annaharrison6818]

@@easydexter no rush! I'm very envious of your adventure, hope it's been the most fun! I did love the rest of the WHW (minus that downhill into Kinlochleven which I got absolutely nothing out of haha) but I don't think it managed to top the day along Loch Lomond for me. I actually didn't struggle with midges at all, I think maybe they just aren't that interested in me and I had a headnet for when they were hanging around. Were you having a particularly buggy time then?

[@MichaelBaker-y3n]

The best uncomplicated explanation on how to hike pack light = keep hiking

[@easydexter]

Thanks for your comment Michael. I agree that most people will naturally drop some weight over time but investing in modern ultralight gear will definitely be beneficial for people walking a long thru hike (500+ miles). Switching from a 2kg tent to a 500g tent makes a big difference over that distance! Happy trails!

[@Impalaontrail]

Nice one for keeping ya legs crossed was worried little dexter was ganna pop out 😂 . Cool to see ya back on't tube n reppin the UK stuff looking forward to getting some miles with ya again dude 🤙 . How you finding the OMM smock i had the pants and they ripped pretty quick.. Also if you want the holy grail of spoons check out the toaks titanium long handled spoon with the polished bowl, its the best thing youll put in your mouth!! 🤙

[@easydexter]

Haha imagine if I'd missed a slip and uploaded the video. Could have easily happened. Yeah I like the OMM waterproof man, time will tell how durable it is. I like that it doesn't have that horrible sticky layer on the inside that loads of waterproofs have..

[@rigbyUnbound]

@@easydexter don't listen to the mad man Dexter.. bamboo is your gob friend ;)

[@Impalaontrail]

@@rigbyUnbound whats bamboo got to do with out? 🤣😂

[@Impalaontrail]

@@easydexter save that for your only fans 😉

[@rigbyUnbound]

​@@Impalaontrail it's all about the vibe man.. you can't be tripping on a mountain then jamming a titanium slot in your gob when you get the munchies. bamboo is mellow (although i do have a hook up with a guy that does hollowed out bone instruments.. maybe a panda spoon?! ;)

[@BenjaminWilcock]

Nice dude, love drooling at others gear lists! Nice seeing some UK stuff. The real question is how much weight did that sticker add to your hat 😂 ✌️Ben.

[@alfred1925]

Interesting setup, well presented. I've never gone anything like as light as that. Personally I always wanted a tent with bug proofing, and an inflatable mat. The mat I have is Uberlite short, 170g, lighter than most foam even! Tent is a cheap Geartop 950g, needs 1 trekking pole which is 174g (Gram-counter Gear Fastpacker Carbon £55 pair). Sleeping I use a pied, ie half length, sythetic, (236g, not the warmest) plus puffy jacket.

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Wicked video can’t wait to start this year! Stay safe happy travels ❤️

[@craigelliott4338]

Blimey! I've got my summer weight down to 7.5kg all in... I can't imagine going under that... kudos to you.

[@kwoody1986]

Nice gear list. Not to far off what I carry. I love the Atom pack I got a 30l been using a few years and still like new. Take care cheers Karl 🤘🤘

[@easydexter]

Hey Karl thanks for checking out the vid. Yeah Atom Packs are the just killing it aren't they? There is nothing else UK based even tempting me at the moment, would be nice to see someone else pop up and give them some completion. 😉

[@MauraTierney]

Love that it's all UK. I am trying to do the same for Germany, but it's a bit harder. Thanks for the video!

[@easydexter]

Thanks for watching Leonie, you will have to let me know if you manage to put together a German gear list I would be really interested to see that!

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

Some helpful stuff in there! I've just ordered a stealth 2 from trekkertent for joint adventures with friends, looking forward to trying it out when it eventually arrives.

[@easydexter]

Thanks for checking out the video Jess. The stealth 2 looks like a brilliant tent and it's always good to support British gear companies. I have one of the popular US tents for my 2 man adventures but will probably opt for a stealth 2 when it dies.

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

@@easydexter Aye I've been trying to source my gear through UK companies where possible, at the very least through UK suppliers, got to support those businesses where we can!

[@easydexter]

@@AMostlyFunctionalJessso true Jess, I absolutely love ultralightoutdoorgear - spend so much time looking at gear on there. Will opt to buy from them even if its a few quid more than elsewhere but actually I often find they are cheaper than amazon and the big guys. Valley and Peak are stating to stock a real interesting selection of gear now too.

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

@@easydexter Been hearing a lot about valley and Peak lately, will have to keep an eye on them for when I need to upgrade bits of my kit.

[@ianhamilton5589]

Kryptonite......love it. There is an art to to the lightweight journey. As much as I try, I always OTT on everything!! Well done again on LEJOG - fantastic achievement.

[@easydexter]

Ian I’ve been waiting for 5 months for someone to pick up the kryptonite comment haha. I think it might actually be true those shoes have 800 miles on them and still going strong.

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

It's refreshing to see ultralighters in the UK. I keep reading posts on r/ultralight that say that it is impossible to go ultralight in the British climate and I think it is really just ultralight gear not being nearly as available as here in the US that keeps it from getting popular, not the climate. Your thoughts?

[@easydexter]

Completely agree with you mate. There aren't many people out on the national trails using ultralight gear so people are bound to be a little sceptical. Yeah we can have a bit of rain and wind all year round but we also have very mild temperatures, water everywhere, never really that far from a road or village/town. You only need to carry 1L water and a day of food at a time on most trails, that's perfect for UL!

[@turkeyphant]

I've done the sdw with a full ul load out as well as lots of the swcp and bits and bobs in the lskes. It's definitely doable in the UK...

[@rigbyUnbound]

sweet! ooooh Trekkertent.. not jelous at all.. AT ALL ;) did you get the pack before or after litregate? thumb oles & airismisisms for the win!

[@easydexter]

Cheers for watching Rigby. Haha what was litregate? Had it for like a year and a half I think. This one is a 30l main body? But sold as a 35l pack. Yeah man I tried loads of boxers and they were never quite right. Airism briefs are the oneeee.

[@rigbyUnbound]

@@easydexter i have the same pack.. getting my custom was a bit of a ball ache & i thought it was on the small side but at that point.. meh! Cesar Valdez confirmed it & tom had to extend the capacity.. if you haven't seen Cesar's YT definitely check it out.. he's great on reddit too you'll get the low down there so yeah it's not a true 30L body

[@TheAdventureGeek]

Love this Dexter! The pro tip about the apple 🍏 label was a classic. I’ve never heard of the tent company in Scotland so Googling now.... subbed! I am walking the SWCP in sections. Started in October and did Minehead to Woolacombe. It was very cold and windy at times and lots of stream hopping but we loved it. Can’t wait until restrictions are over and we can go back! Happy Hiking 🥾- Julia from the UK 🇬🇧

[@easydexter]

Haha thanks Julia. If anyone takes anything from this video it should be the apple sticker trick. Maybe we will bump in to each other on the SWCP this summer!

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

Hi Dexter. Very pleased to have happened upon your videos, have the Pennine Way pencilled in for the summer and hope to complete the SWCP when I can find the time. I'm curious about tarp camping in the UK, do you not get cold using just a quilt?

[@easydexter]

Hey Jonno, thanks so much for checking out the videos! I only use my tarp from late April - October so not during cold weather. The biggest problem is setting up with the wind running under the tarp which I've certainly done many times but I'm pretty good at finding sheltered pitches now. Good luck on the Pennine Way! It's still one of my favourites. Let me know if i can do anything to help with your preperation.

[@Josephhikes]

Cool gear load out ! But why do you try not to filter your water ? I’m from Texas so there are always cows around.😂🤠

[@easydexter]

Good point Joseph, I always filter when there are cows around and generally at low altitude. I do a lot of hiking in the peak district and lake district where it is often possible to find a high water source that is unlikely contaminated. Thanks for your comment!

[@THEUPSTAIRS100]

I am a fan of Paul Messner and that bloke Simon. I was expecting a 25 lb base weight, this was a good video

[@WyeExplorer]

Great load out Dexter. Thanks for the idea - I didn't know about Trekkertent. I use them simple reflector mats. They're 90g and reflect heat back. I find they work. Well, good going. Weren't you out on the Lejog with Impala recently? Mark

[@easydexter]

Thanks for the kind words mate. Yep you're right I just got back from the mass LEJOG with impala a few weeks ago. I have a video from that walk up on my chanel if you're interested. Thanks again.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@easydexter A pleasure. I love the long walks myself. And any kit ideas are most welcome. Yes, after the comment I viewed your videos and saw that. I've saved it and will watch soon. Good that you and Impala got together. He's a good man. Peace dude.

[@symonekrimowa1433]

Great video! What's your expected kick off date from Minehead? If you start in mid-April when lockdown is lifted, I wonder if it would be quite windy and rainy in Spring in Devon?

[@easydexter]

Hey Symone thanks for the kind words. I simplified explaining my plans a little for the sake of this video. I'll be attempting to walk from Lands End to John O Groats starting late April. So I'll actually only be completing about half the SWCP and I'll be heading north from Lands End. The route is about 1,200 miles total. I'm sure the spring weather on the south west coast path is much more pleasant than what we have here in Yorkshire in April 😂

[@symonekrimowa1433]

@@easydexter Sounds good. I've been tempted by that too, but I think my plan will be to hike the SWCP and then if we can't leave the UK by July, to then gravel bike LEJOG. I've done a section of the SWCP from St Ives to Penzance in June and it was a mix of windy rainy and warm days. So typical UK!

[@easydexter]

@@symonekrimowa1433 Sounds like an awesome plan to me. I would also love to hike the full SWCP in one go. I couldn't squeeze it in to this itinerary as I'm also hoping to leave the country in July (I have a SOBO PCT Permit) I will keep my fingers crossed for both of us. But sounds like we are both ready to make some adventure happen whether home or away!

[@symonekrimowa1433]

@@easydexter it's good to have plans a, b, and c lined up. Definitely going to be a year for adventure either way. I've also got a PCT permit for a flip flop, but this is plan C the way things are looking at the moment! Fingers crossed though.

[@easydexter]

@@symonekrimowa1433 Absolutely, I’ll be hiking the cape wrath trail and cambrian way as a back up. I have my PCT permit there just in case things open up but I’m certainly not expecting to travel. It’s a crazy world we live in. Keep me in the loop with your plans I would love to hear about your adventures.

[@GrizzlyGaz]

Do you camp in winter also or just the 3 days for summer we get in the UK? 🤣

[@easydexter]

I'm definitely a fair weather camper Gaz. I camp from April to October and spend the winter focusing on other activities. The short days aren't good for hiking or camping in my opinion and all that extra gear you need to carry! Would love to spend a little more time abroad to do some hiking over our winter though.

[@jamesambleandflow8653]

Nice quilt dude, I've got one of them too. I'm gonna check out the tarp

[@easydexter]

It’s my first time trying out a synthetic quilt and I’m really impressed so far. It’s much loftier than I was expecting and I love the consistent warmth throughout. Look forward to using it in trail. Thanks for watching James.

[@jamesambleandflow8653]

@@easydexter would love to see you do a review/how you use/setup a that tarp. I had a look on the website and it looks good but I've got my eye on a Borah gear one from the states as it's only £80 and 270g but yours is half that weight so it would be great to see a review style vid. Even an insta story. Thanks

[@easydexter]

@@jamesambleandflow8653 Yeah there is definitely a bit of a learning curve with a tarp. Deciding on what system you are using for guy lines and knots etc and tarp shape is a big step. I tend to stick to A Frame now and use the bowline / truckers hitch combo for tie outs. I'll try and remember to make a vid next time I'm out. The first few times setting it up are pretty rough but like anything it becomes second nature after a while.

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Great list too

[@bisonvidz]

What is your opinion of the quilt? Does it compress well?

[@madriverrob]

Great load out mate 👍

[@TheRodNemisis]

Would you recommend the Omm jacket while hiking? I'm a bit worried about abrasion from wearing a backpack

[@easydexter]

Nope absolutely not. It was shite. Ripped very quickly and the material elsewhere started to deteriate very early on. - still managed to make it last about 600 miles though.

[@TheRodNemisis]

@@easydexter That's what I thought, it looks very flimsy, thanks for sharing your experience! :)

[@monkeymox2544]

Thanks for the video, that's an interesting kit list! I've always been mistrustful of waterproofs that look as thin as plastic bags, do you find they hold up to British weather without any issues?

[@easydexter]

Hey Money Mox, I got about 1,000 miles out of the trousers which I was happy with. The OMM smock ripped on my first day on trail. I'm sticking with cheaper options now as I'm too careless to have expensive gear. Frogg Toggs and Decathlon waterproof trousers.

[@garethturner]

Great vid bud, although I’m not sure I’d like my quilt filled with climax lol 😂

[@elporto]

Great video Dexter!

[@easydexter]

Thanks for checking it out Matt really appreciate it. I realise speaking about hiking gear for 10 minutes isn't the most exciting topic for most 😂

[@3WalkingPoles]

UK based companies is the way to go unless you're ready to be robbed by customs. Unfortunately it refers not only to the US but, since this year, also to EU. Some good, inspirational choices there. Thanks for sharing. Seb

[@easydexter]

Completely agree Seb. I’m hoping over the coming years we have more small UL gear companies popping up in the UK. Thanks for watching.

[@dazbass007]

Fantastic Dexter I've still got work to do to get that light but hey It's always W.I.P 😁

[@easydexter]

Thanks for watching Daz. Exactly mate, my gear is always a work in progress. I just love trying our new stuff and making little tweeks. Starting off with the ultimate best UL kit would be no fun (and it doesn't even exist)

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Great video - some interesting things you got - UK rocks - subscribed 💁🇩🇰

[@easydexter]

Thanks Hans!

[@simoncurran6184]

This may be a silly question but why only drink when cows or humans are around

[@easydexter]

Hi Simon. I meant I only filter my water when cows or humans are around - because its more likely to be unsafe. In more wild settings when close to source I often drink water unfiltered.

[@simoncurran6184]

@@easydexter ahh I see. I haven't used my filter yet. They say not to use near farms. Because of chemical run of and stuff. But I live in Yorkshire its all farmland

[@keepsafeandsound6722]

So did you mainly buy food along the coastal walk mate?

[@easydexter]

I mostly went to small supermarkets along the way and carried a couple of days of food before looking for another shop. Towards the end I was pretty sick of hiking food so ended up having my fare share of meals out in pubs and cafes!

[@keepsafeandsound6722]

@@easydexter cheers for that mate. Iv just gone and spent 500 on some camping gear, I'm going to do your exact walk and make it last longer than how quickly you done the 630 miles. Shame you got sick, I watched your video. Bravo for powering through it 👏. You literally have inspired me haha. Thank you

[@stushikesandrides]

Hi Dexter thanks for this it’s very useful. I’m considering buying the exact same pack, can I ask what material you chose please and is the Atom a better buy than the Murmur or Six Moons Day breaker?

[@easydexter]

Hello Stuart, thanks for watching. My Atom is made from VX07 and in my opinion it is a perfect pack material. Lightweight, durable and great in the rain. I wouldn’t event consider a pack made from anything else at the moment. For that reason I would personally choose the atom over the packs you mention but GG and SMD make great products too, I don’t think you can go wrong!

[@stushikesandrides]

@@easydexter Dexter, thanks for the quick response. I’d rather go British to be honest so I think you’ve made my mind up. I’ve sold a couple of heavy osprey packs this week on eBay so I’m ready to go with an order👍

[@easydexter]

@@stushikesandrides nice, you’ll love the atom I’m sure of it. Make sure to get the bottom pocket and shoulder pockets, I thought they were a bit gimmicky at first but actually they make accessing gear while hiking much easier. The only downside is the lead time, but by the time it arrives you’ll be so happy.

[@stushikesandrides]

@@easydexter That’s it I’ve ordered it in blue should arrive first week in June. Thanks again 🙏

[@easydexter]

@@stushikesandrides Congratulations Stuart 😂 you’ll have to let me know how you find the pack!

[@eyesofthelaw]

have you had any issues getting your quilt wet with that sleeping set up?

[@easydexter]

Nope, nothing bad. Wouldn't say there is any noticeable difference to sleeping in a tent.

[@benschuster9792]

Is the tarp 25 or 18gsm? What thickness do you think would be better?

[@easydexter]

Hey Ben, thanks for checking out the video. Mine is made from 25gsm however, when I had my tarp made there was a bit of a shortage of DCF and the 25 was all Trekkertent could get hold of. I’ve had other tents in 18gsm (.55 oz) and it performed great with no longevity issues. 25 is overkill for a tent or tarp in my opinion.

[@kasianfranmitja5298]

How are u using a Tarp with only 1 trekking pole? How do u do it when it’s really buggy?

[@easydexter]

Hi Carl. I usually find a stick or tree for the other end. If I can't find either I untwist the pole in two sections and pitch low. I never use a bivvy with my tarp, really don't enjoy that set up. I used a tent in Scotland but I've never found the insects to be that bad in England, I just keep walking till I find somewhere less buggy.

[@kasianfranmitja5298]

@@easydexter Okey, nice! Im also using a tarp here in sweden (silpoly however cause im poor hehe) but have not tried it during the buggy season. Mosquitos are quite bad here in the summer... I also dont want to use 2 trekking poles. Now i picked up a net tent to go with it.

[@easydexter]

@@kasianfranmitja5298 the insects are also very bad in Scotland. I experimented with adding a bug bivvy to my tarp - I really didn't like the faff of set up or being so confined. I always take my tent now if I go to Scotland in midge season.

[@kasianfranmitja5298]

@@easydexter ye.... Prob the smartest. I just could not afford a tent so i bought one of those net tent that u can put in a tarp. Pretty much a large bivvy. Works pretty fine. BTw, ur a great inspiration to me. Gonna fastpack (not running however) a 128 km trail here in sweden in august.

[@mikelambrou4462]

How is it going with the Valley & Peak quilt now you’ve had a few nights in it? Thanks

[@easydexter]

Hey Mike, I've been using the quilt for 600 miles on my current hike. I'd say for a summer bag it's perfect. True to rating and ridiculously cosy. We've had some unexpectedly cold nights on this hike, much below average. I get a bit chilly below 5 degrees and weve had a couple below freezing. I survived though 😂

[@mikelambrou4462]

@@easydexter good to know, I’ve just bought the 200 version which is rated to -1 and yet to test it out, should be good for the Cape Wrath in September then 🤞 Thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

[@mattheishman170]

I'm very interested in gear from the U.K or any other country besides the U.S. I think the backpackers here in the U.S are missing out on tons companies cause we don't know of them.

[@Thecornishhiker]

Nice one.. When you come by Newquay stop at Watergate Bay if you fancy a shower and brew. Im a lifeguard at the beach.

[@easydexter]

Haha thanks mate a brew and a shower will be life changing at that point. I didn't mention it in the vid but I'll be walking the SWCP as part of a longer John O Groats to Lands End (and rest of SWCP) see you at some point in May! 🤞

[@Thecornishhiker]

Oh wow that’s epic. Look forward to hearing all about it in May. Good luck 🤙

[@Thecornishhiker]

One question. Would your 35L pack fit a zpacks duplex packed sideways?

[@easydexter]

@@Thecornishhiker I actually have a duplex and I've taken it out multiple times with this pack. It fit's fine sideways, but I do have to give it a bit of a squeeze to fatten it out. There isn't loads of extra space, could only really fit 2 or 3max days of food. Worth noting the main body is 30litres - most companies would advertise that as a 30l pack. Cheers man!

[@MrJacobmetcalf]

Ty

[@Incredzible]

Where did you get your shock cord for NU25 mod?

[@easydexter]

Nice spot Ian! I have a stash of old and heavy gear that I sometimes operate on when I need to make any changes to my gear. I think that little piece of shock cord was off an old running vest. I am starting to get in to MYOG though so let me know if you find any good online stores!

[@Incredzible]

@@easydexter Ah right, nice idea :) I know Treadlite gear has some MYOG selection!

[@fin1196]

shorts > hiking trousers

[@easydexter]

@@fin1196 Shorts all the way!

[@gpozdol7912]

Hilarious.

[@easydexter]

Not sure if that's a good hilarious or bad hilarious but thanks for watching G.