ULTRALIGHT CAMPING KIT LIST

Snow+Rock's packs and equipment buyer and hardcore camper Will is all about finding the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency on his lightweight, multi-day adventures. Here's his ultimate kit list for ultralight camping.

"I call mine the Frankentent! It’s a great tent that offers so much space and protection but is also super lightweight at just 1.72kg. I’ve used mine for everything, whether it’s car camping in Slovenia to running with it on the OMM. You can add a gear shed to it, giving you more vestibule space for kit, and you can either roll half of the fly sheet or remove it completely and use it as a mosquito net if you want to sleep under the stars - as long as you know it’s not going to rain!"

"Or, when weight and space are critical, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 with MSR Titanium Kettle. Some might say that the Whisperlite is a bit excessive for more civilised camping (which it is to be honest!) but I use it because it gives me options on fuel if I would to take it overseas, and as long as I keep it well-maintained, it’ll last me for years. It also has a wide burner head for using larger pots or pans for more ‘gourmet cooking’ if you’re after a bit of luxury.

I prefer the Pocket Rocket and Ti Kettle solution over a personal cooking system (PCS) like a Jetboil Flash/Zip because it only weighs 191g in tota vs a Jetboil Zip which weighs 345g. It might take longer for water to boil but if I’m able to shave off 3% from the overall bag weight, I’ll do it. "

"It’s incredibly comfortable thanks to the Insulated Air Sprung cells. It’s also a lot quieter than really lightweight equivalents which can sometimes sound like sleeping on a crisp packet due to the thin fabrics and foil in them. That way, you and your tent buddy get a better night’s sleep. It’s also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at only 480g."

"Although I’ve only had this pack for 2 years, it’s easily one of my top-rated bits of kit. Really comfortable and lightweight when on a race. It’s always difficult to stabilise a 5kg 30L pack when moving fast because all it wants to do is jump around. The enlarged straps and proper hipbelt lock the load down on your back meaning there’s less inertia for the weight to hop against you."

"I use a Silva Starter Compass for races and an old Ranger that my dad gave me for hiking and walking. The Starter is small and light whilst still doing the job but the Ranger has some sentimental value."

"For when weight isn't a concern, the Camping First Aid Kit has the usual essentials for a first aid kit, but also covers burns incase there’s an accident with a stove. For races, the Light and Dry Pro covers the bare minimum but is still worth carrying with me as it’s super small and fits into my race vest or pack."

"To eat and stir with, and the plastic one is lighter than the titanium."

"Helps with protection and organisation."

"Affordable and by no means a burden, it's always worth bringing these with you should the worst ever happen."

"I get really cold ears that can give me headaches when I’m running. Really handy and versatile, can be worn on the head in various different ways and if you have two you can even use it as a makeshift sling for any unexpected arm injuries. My favourite is one I found online which has the patterns of carvings that are indigenous to the area of Indonesia where my mum is from."

"I always bring these with me especially if I’m on a mountain marathon like the OMM. Super handy for keeping things from rattling around when you’re running, keeping your map folded or for keeping clothes rolled up."

"I’ve always got a map with me. Apart from the obvious reason of helping you know where you are, I also like knowing the finer details of my adventures, like knowing the names of some of the features around me and reading the landscape a bit better."

"I always keep this in my Light and Dry Pro because it’s compulsory kit on the OMM but also its good just in case you have to leave behind a message if you get into any trouble on the hill or just need to write something down."