There is a school of thought amongst ultralighters that a pillow is unnecessary, just grab a stuff sack and fill it with extra clothes. No matter how you stuff it, it does not replace the comfort provided by a pillow. Getting sleep on thru hikes is an extremely important element towards success. There are those that sacrifice comforts that lead to better sleep for carrying less weight. I do not think you can skimp on sleep. That is what makes this pillow an AMAZING product. Really, what it does is truly amazing. It weighs less than an ounce and is a very adequate pillow. You use the provided straw to add air into each chamber to create the pillow of your size. My partner likes her pillow firm, and I like mine flat. You get to choose. Once the pillow is deflated, it folds or rolls so small you hardly notice it in your pack. Backpackinglight.com sells two versions. It is imperative that you get the right one. The version with just one chamber, the FlexAir Plus Ultralight Pillow, is incredibly useless. Your head rolls right off. It is humorous, but not practical. Creating two chambers was a brilliant design change in FlexAir Dual Compartment Ultralight Pillow that made it not only useable, but comfortable. And in my book, essential.

With 9 days to go it’s time to start choosing gear. Let’s start with the 3 majors:

1) Backpack – Osprey Exos 46. I’ve tested many brands with Granite Gear & GoLite coming out on top. I’ve been keeping an eye on Osprey at Outdoor Retailer and have been impressed with their direction in ultralight packs. I picked up 3 models to test this year, the Exos 46, the Talon 22 & Talon 11. I took the Talon 22 to Mexico in March and was thoroughly impressed. It’s time to really put an Osprey pack through its paces.

2) Tent – REI Quarter Dome T2. A lot can be said about shelters, but that’s best saved for another post. After much testing, my hiking partner and I prefer a tent with full shelter, providing superior weather and bug protection. Adding a pole across the top and making walls vertical with plenty of room to sit up, and no condensation to drip onto your bag is brilliant in design. Credit goes to MSR for their innovation with the Hubba Hubba Tent. We tested the Hubba Hubba in Patagonia and unfortunately it couldn’t stand up to the winds, with poles snapping during the night. After returning the Hubba Hubba, we decided to go with the REI version. Cheaper, roomier, lighter, and with REI’s exceptional customer service, it was a no brainer. So far in one season of testing, the tent has been flawless.

3) The Sleeping Bag – Montbell SS UL Down Hugger #3. Montbell makes incredible ultralight down products. I own 3 of their jackets. And now, I own their latest creation in sleeping bags – exceptional lightweight down with Super Stretch technology. The bag allows you to spread your arms and legs while inside. It stretches and contracts. Most ultralight bags are very restrictive, this being the exception.

There you have it. The 3 most important pieces traveling with me to Scotland to  journey on the West Highland Way.

Sixteen days until Chris and I fly to Glasgow to do the West Highland Way! In March of 2006, we made our first attempt of the 95 mile hike through the Scottish Highlands. After spending a day walking around rainy Glasgow, we headed to bed excited to get an early start. Our room at The Alamo Guest House was in the windowless basement. As we woke and packed our bags, nothing could quite prepare us for the view outside the bay windows of the dining room. Behold:

A freak snowstorm blasted Scotland and shut down much of the country. Was it still worth it to attempt the hike? We delayed the trip by a day and headed to Edinburgh to see the city and buy warmer clothes. The following day we decided to go for it. As you come out of the train station in Milngavie, this sign greets you:

What a rush it was to see that sign and begin our walk through the town.

Once we reached the woods the trail became a stomping ground of slush, our waterproof Gortex boots quickly became soaked through as we scanned the snow covered landscape.

Our hike was over. It wasn’t how we envisioned the green rolling hills of the Scottish countryside. And so we left and headed to Ireland, Wales, and England, before reaching Oxford University where Chris had a meeting to attend. It took over 3 years, but we’re finally going back!

I have been wearing this shirt for 11 years. I own 3 of the same model and have worn two of them to a grinding halt. The is the backpacking / hiking / travel shirt, especially when heat and dirt are involved. Coming in at 6.8 ounces, it makes the cut for ultralight hiking. It’s the only layer you’ll need from about 55 degrees and up. I wore it threw Africa and each night washed it, and each morning put it on. One shirt, all through Africa. It breathes well, it dries fast, it doesn’t gather a funky smell. About the only negative thing I can say is that it’s not the most comfortable shirt against your skin. It’s unfair to compare it to merino wool, but even to its nearest competitor, Exofficio, it doesn’t hold up. That’s the sacrifice for the weight saved and the other perks I mentioned. If you’re a hiker or traveler, you must own this shirt.