My happy place isn’t really a specific physical location, but rather an idea, or perhaps an ideal intrinsic to all those places that remain wild and untamed. It is the innate sense of solace and awe that our wilderness areas both offer and demand from those that wander into their embrace. There is no better way to experience the full force of Mother Nature’s power to heal and inspire than by throwing on a backpack and making her your home - even if for just one night.
Backpacking is where all the world’s distractions and expectations quietly fade into the distant background. It’s human-powered adventure. Type 2 fun. Proof that we can survive with only the things we can pack on our backs. And maybe, just maybe, be even happier that way. But first, you have to know what exactly you should pack!
The Basics: Hiking & Camping Gear
This is the gear that I bring with me when I head out into the backcountry. It’s important to remember that these items are simply some of my personal favorites. I haven’t tried every piece of gear under the sun, and what works best for me may not work for you. That being said, I’ve gone through a lot of backpacking gear over the years, and this is my go-to, tried and true gear guide! Because nothing can ruin a trip faster than uncomfortable, heavy, or crappy outdoor gear.
Backpacking Packs
I have this theory that whatever size bag you have, you will fill it up. For that reason, I tend to favor backpacks that are on the smaller side. Starting with a relatively small backpack ensures that I will pack efficiently, invest in quality ultralight gear, and enjoy a much lighter pack on the trail.
- Osprey Exos 48 - This is my go-to backpacking pack. Osprey recently came out with a women’s model of this pack - The Eja. The Exos and Eja have a sturdier frame than most lightweight packs, carry heavier loads comfortably, and are also a pretty good value for the quality of the backpack.
- HMG 2400 Southwest - Optimized for comfort and high functionality, the HMG 2400 was built to withstand a lot of abuse. It’s waterproof, lightweight, and I can fit a surprising amount of gear inside.
- Granite Gear Crown2 60L - Granite Gear has long been respected within the ultra-light and thru-hiking communities. The super light Crown2 has become a staple in their lineup of well-constructed and functional packs.
- Osprey Packs Aura AG 65L - The Aura (Men’s Atmos) is the heaviest pack on this list, but it does a great job of balancing comfort, organization, and durability.
DayPacks
- Osprey Sirrus 24L (Men’s Stratos) - This pack is too small to backpack with (although it does come in larger sizes), but it’s my favorite daypack. It’s not exceptionally lightweight but it more than makes up with it in fit, comfort, and support.
- Osprey Packs Tempest 20L Backpack (Men’s Talon) - Another great Osprey daypack. The streamlined Tempest works well on the trail as well as around town.
TENT
A tent is one of the most important pieces of gear you will invest in for backpacking. It affects everything from your comfort and enjoyment to your safety in the backcountry. There are a lot of options out there, but key considerations include price, weight, interior space, design, and setup, among other things.
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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Tent - This is the new tent that I’ll be trying out this upcoming camping season. It has two doors and two vestibules, double-wall construction, and a hassle-free pitch. Like the Nemo Blaze, the Tiger Wall is easy to move around while picking a site.
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Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent - I camped throughout New Zealand in this tent and found it to be fairly similar in feel and size to the Big Agnes Copper Spur for a much more budget-friendly price point.
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MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent - The Hubba Hubba isn’t the lightest tent on this list, but it might be the most durable! Plus, it’s sure to withstand any summer storms you might get caught in.
SLEEPING BAG
I run exceptionally cold in general, but especially when I sleep. Growing up, I associated backpacking with cold sleepless nights. As a result, if there is one piece of gear that I’m more than willing to splurge on in exchange for comfort in the backcountry, it’s my sleeping bag. When it comes to sleeping bags, it’s all about the warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Marmot Xenon Sleeping Bag 15 Degree - This was the first down sleeping bag I purchased. The warmth-to-weight ratio of down bags, combined with packability, is hard to beat.
- Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 Degree - Weighing in at an impressively light 16 ounces, this ultra-premium, 850-fill down bag retains your body’s warmth while maintaining a super-high warmth-to-weight ratio.
SLEEPING PAD
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad - Comfortable and ultra-light, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is a mainstay in the backpacking world. It reliably holds air all night and folds down into a compact size.
- NEMO Equipment Inc. Tensor Insulated Lite Sleeping Pad - Like the NeoAir, the Tensor provides extra protection against the cold ground and warmth at night.
STOVE
Everything tastes better in the backcountry, especially when it’s hot! And few things suck more than getting to your destination and not being able to heat up your food. Take it from me, I’ve been there. So don’t forget your fuel!
- Jetboil Flash Stove - Small, durable, and fast. The Jetboil’s all-in-one design makes it an easy choice for a convenient backcountry cook system.
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2 - This is a pretty great ultra-light option. You have to own/pack a separate pot to cook in, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
Don’t forget utensils! Sea To Summit makes some of my favorite lightweight utensils for the backcountry.
OUTDOOR CLOTHING
Quality outdoor clothing can be on the pricier side, but you really only need a few key pieces to keep you comfortable and happy on the trail. And once you own them, they should last a long time!
Base Layer
- Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer - It offers dependable warmth for chilly evenings, and because it’s wool it’s naturally odor-resistant to keep you feeling fresh all day long.
- Patagonia Capilene Air Crew Top - This is a newer addition to my base layer collection and I can already tell it’s going to be a favorite. It optimizes breathability and wicking with its innovative fabric.
Insulated Layer
- Rab Microlight Jacket - Lightweight and warm, this down jacket is perfect for cold nights in the backcountry.
Waterproof Layer
- Rab Kinetic 2.0 Jacket - This is the best waterproof jacket I’ve owned, with a perfect balance between breathability and protection.
Hiking Pants
I prefer leggings, but if you're not comfortable hiking in leggings, these pants are a great alternative!
- Prana Kanab Pant - These pants are lightweight, made of strong material, and have a flexible waistband.
Shoes
- KEEN Terradora Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot - These boots are lightweight, supportive, and are great for narrower feet.
Ten Essentials
Packing the “Ten Essentials” whenever you step into the backcountry, even on day hikes, is a good habit. True, on a routine trip you may use only a few of them or none at all. It’s when something goes awry that you’ll truly appreciate the value of carrying these items that could literally save your life.
- Navigation: Gaia GPS App, Garmin InReach Mini.
- Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp.
- Sun Protection: Maui Jim Sunglasses, Sunski Sunglasses.
- First Aid: Adventure Medical Kit.
- Knife.
- Fire: Waterproof Matches, Lighter.
- Shelter: Tent or emergency blanket.
- Extra Food.
- Extra water: Purification Tablets, SteriPEN Adventurer Opti, Platypus GravityWorks Filter System, Gryle Water Purifier Bottle, Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System.
- Extra clothes.
A Few of My Favorite Things
- Camping Pillow: NEMO Equipment Inc. Fillo Elite.
- Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Pro, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ.
- Microspikes: Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System.
- Gaiters: Black Diamond Cirque Gaiter.
- Sandals: Teva Original Universal Sandal.
- Nalgene.
- Candy.
- Photography Gear.
Nature's Toilet
- GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel.
- Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Toilet Kit.
- Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes.
Leave No Trace
It's important to minimize our impact while enjoying the outdoors responsibly. Follow these seven core principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
- Dispose of Waste Properly.
- Leave What You Find.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts.
- Respect Wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Remember, Leave No Trace is a framework for making good decisions about enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
By following these guidelines and using the right gear, you'll be well-prepared for your hiking and camping adventures. Enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!
