Phil is a UK-based outdoors writer specialising in lightweight backpacking and inflatable water travel. Located in Scotland, Phil enjoys exploring the areas neglected by the summit-obsessed masses, and is frequently found tracing ancient drover roads and stretches of deserted coastline all year round. The best of these routes are to be published in a series of guidebooks in the award-winning Pocket Mountains series – an endeavour that has forced Phil to cover a lot of ground in the search for those hidden gems known only to the locals. Favouring distance and isolation over altitude, a lightweight approach to gear has allowed Phil to extend his daily mileage without sacrificing comfort or protection – even in the harshest Scottish winter. An obsession with innovation and holistic gear ‘systems’ places Phil firmly in the gear-geek category and ensures that every trip is accompanied by a slightly different selection of equipment. Committed to encouraging people of all abilities to get out walking in their local area, Phil works as a walking guide for healthy-living charities and local authorities – an ideal captive audience to promote the ultralight message.

Home: Edinburgh, Scotland

Age: 27

Website: http://lightweightoutdoors.com

Favourite Training Ground: Currently exploring the beautiful Isle of Arran for a guidebook, but happiest in the bleak Monadhliath Mountains.

Current Plans: After obtaining the necessary qualifications Phil hopes to formalise these impromptu gear workshops and unload some of the insanity in his head onto the next generation of UL backpackers. He’d also like to fit in a bit more sailing in his ultralight yacht.

Favourite Gossamer Gear Product: Caldera Keg GVP Stove System