There are many items which, small and beautifully put together, can make your life easier when outdoors.

They can be simple, practical and in some case just pure fun. However what they all have in common is the ability to challenge your thoughts and make you consider your lightweight activity, and ask yourself, what do you 'need' and what do you 'want'?

We all may 'want' parachutes in all their various forms, ie extra this, that and the other, however we don't actually need it.

The old example of ending each trip with two piles, the items you used, and items you didn't.

Then look at those you didn't use and value the practical use for each. Did you need that axe, saw, rope, wellies .. er whatever. So next time out try not to take those items and see how you get on.

Once you do get that into your mindset, then the rest is easy. Question every item and be ruthless, if you don't have it you'll manage. Survival equipment aside, why carry 2 fleeces for example, when you can only wear one!

Anyway, in the next few pages you'll find items to help you question what's in your sack.