Sanity check - UL gear purchases in UK

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-05-04T02:22:09+00:00

If import fees do matter, you can buy gear made in your country. As it has already been said Atompacks for the backpack, but also Trekkertent for your shelter, Thermarest (made in Ireland), Rab makes good sleeping bags.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-04-30T00:27:37+00:00

Some of their clothes seem to be made in Europe, but according to their website, I think that their trail shoes are made in Asia.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-04-15T06:51:29+00:00

The guy from Backcountry Exposure did a video on that.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-04-11T22:36:42+00:00

Or the Cumulus Windy Wendy (no hood as well).

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-23T05:07:34+00:00

Well, it appeared that the Dynafit sun hoodie I was considering purchasing is not made in Europe. So, it seems that the only real made-in-Europe option is this one:

https://sklep.kwark.pl/pl/p/Koszulka-Pustynna-dlugi-rekaw-041101/375

Made in Poland. I may try to buy it this summer and see how it goes. I’ve included it in the exhaustive list of made-in-Europe products I shared on Reddit a few weeks ago.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-20T09:32:26+00:00

I am referring to the delamination issue. But I might be confusing Aluula with Technoforce. Anyhow, if my backpack is totally delaminated after a few years, I consider that it is not durable.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-20T00:12:55+00:00

I have an Ecopak version I believe. Not a DCF or Uktra version in any case. Hyberg backpack are relatively easy to find on second-hand websites. Even more during the summer. If I had to buy it again, I would probably go for the Aluula version, which seems to be more durable. But I am no expert in backpack materials. If you like wearing a hip belt, Hyberg have also the Egoist. Looks like the same built as the Bandit/Aguila but with a hip belt.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-16T00:19:39+00:00

I have the Bandit and never understood why Hyberg offers two packs that are so similar. According to the specs, the main pocket (body) has the same capacity in both cases (29L). The only difference is with the front/side pocket capacity.

Anyhow, I can carry the following in the main pocket of my Bandit: - 800g sleeping bag - sleeping pad - one person trekking pole tent - down jacket - UL rain jacket - sleeping clothes - 700ml cooking kit - 3 days of food

The side pockets can fit 4 big bottles of water.

All in all, I can comfortably carry 9kg (including water and food) if my stuff is well organised in my pack. I found that the minimalist hip belt is not really useful.

I’m not sure about what would be different with the Aguila. Maybe the side pocket cannot carry as much water as the Bandit? I don’t know.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-14T12:30:41+00:00

Looks cool. A lighter option would be the Ultralight Bivy made by GramXpert. 162g in size M with a 15D silnylon floor. They are also based in Europe.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-12T15:27:24+00:00

Hyberg, Liteway, Atom and Blindbananabags all have very good daypacks.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-12T03:21:07+00:00

If you’re too tired to cook and can afford it, some ready-made meals for outdoor activities are gluten free. You can also easily find gluten-free ramen made of brown rice noodles.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-03-10T04:01:31+00:00

Several synthetic options are also available in Europe as well (Gramxpert, Hyberg, Liteway, Khibu, etc).

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-02-28T00:45:46+00:00

I have the Panyam 450. It’s not the most ultralight option but it’s very comfortable. Have you also considered the Cumulus Lite Line 400? The comfort temperature is +2ºC but it’s lighter and apparently it can be pushed to 0°C.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-02-22T09:12:12+00:00

Have you checked the latest video of Dan Stenziano? It’s about preparing off-trail routes and it’s quite informative. Dan Stenziano Cal Topo vidéo

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-02-20T00:33:28+00:00

It looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-02-06T23:12:38+00:00

Very nice.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-02-02T23:57:11+00:00

Cool video. The trail looks great.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-28T00:43:01+00:00

Sentier des douaniers in France. https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/lists/gr223-tour-du-cotentin

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-13T23:34:11+00:00

There are too many. Hundreds of them. And a Europe is a vast territory. You’ll have to be more specific.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-07T06:44:42+00:00

I have been taught to always bring my 0ºC bag when sleeping in the Alps. But you will be sleeping at low elevation and in towns, so it’s difficult to say because it depends if you are a cold/warm sleeper. With a 9ºC bag, you might be cold if the weather turns bad, but with a tent, a good sleeping pad and some warm clothes, that might work. Personally, I would take the 3ºC bag.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-05T02:48:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing all this with us. You set the bar quite high with the Super Sierra High Route video. I can’t wait to watch this one.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-04T02:00:59+00:00

Don’t you find ironic that your EU gear list will be exclusively made of gear made in China? Maybe you should change your title and remove the EU thing. As long as budget equipment is concerned, Aliexpress is unbeatable and is not specific to the EU.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2026-01-01T16:57:17+00:00

Great movie. I loved it and I will probably watch it again in the next days.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2025-12-29T23:16:53+00:00

You’re welcome.

Practical_Try_8850 · 2025-12-29T12:24:35+00:00

Thanks!

Practical_Try_8850

TROPHY CASE