When you have to carry everything you need for 14 days, with 5 of those days being a 150km race over some of the toughest terrain on earth, you dont want to be carrying any excess weight. But with a possible temperature range of approx -15c to +30c it is also imperative that the gear being carried can cope with everything that is thrown at it.

One of the most important items of clothing, where protection from the elements is concerned, is a jacket, but this can also be one of the heaviest and bulkiest. With only 30 litres of carrying capacity and hoping to keep the total weight around 10kg I was looking for a jacket that would keep me warm in sub zero temperatures, pack small and and weigh next to nothing (a small ask I hear you say!).

The Berghaus Extrem Ignite jacket is one of TGO magazines recommended jackets (Nov 08) and for good reason. When it arrived at my door only a few weeks before my departure to Nepal I was immediately impressed by its style and more importantly weight, but was a little sceptical as to its thermal capabilities. I need not of worried however as even when above 5000m when the night time temperature was well below zero the Ignite kept me lovely and warm with minimal base layering. I can also vouch for its windproof qualities as on the days trek upto Gorak Shep we experienced a small amount of snow and a bitter wind but again the Ignite did a perfect job in protecting me from the elements.

With a tiny pack size and ultra light weight this jacket is a must for anyone needing to travel light but not wanting to compromise on warmth and comfort. With its simple and stylish design, the Ignite would also be ideal for anyone looking for a warm jacket to use on those cold winter days walking the dog etc.