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The Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide!
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Welcome To The Backpacking Gear Guide:
Whenever you are going on a backpacking trip you need to make sure you are properly prepared with all the right gear. Getting the right gear was one of the hardest parts for me when I first started backpacking. You want to save money but at the same time you do not want to get poor quality gear that won’t last very long. So after many years of trail and error I compiled this backpacking gear guide to help you through the difficult decisions on what gear to get for your next adventure.
The Backpack:
One of the most important pieces of equipment you will have during your travels is your backpack. You want to have a pack that is not only lightweight and durable but one that fits all of your backpacking gear in it! For this essential piece of gear we recommend the following:
Osprey Aether 65:
The Specs:
- Volume: 65 Liters
- Weight: 4.9lbs
- Colors: Deep Water Blue, Black, Garlic Mustard Green
- Recommended Weight Capacity: 30-60lbs
- Rainfly: included in the pack
- Warranty: “All Mighty Guarantee” This Osprey guarantee is an amazing one essentially if there is any damage to the pack the company will repair it for free and if they cannot repair it they will replace it free of charge.
Shelters:
The next important piece of gear you will need is some sort of shelter to for when it is time to hit the hay after a long day of hiking. There are several different shelter options available to backpackers nowadays, but we will be going over the tent and hammock here.
The Tent:
If you want to go with a tent as your shelter it is important to remember that tents are designed for specific environments. The tent we are recommending is a three-season tent and would not be one to use for a hike in the winter but is an excellent option for all other seasons. For a more detailed overview, check out our Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent Gear Review.
Featherstone Backpacking Tent:
The Specs:
- Weight: 6lbs
- Dimensions: 84×51 inches
- Capacity: 2 person tent
- Rainfly: included
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty which guarantees the tent will come free of defects, and if there is any damage to the poles or if the tent comes apart from the seams the manufacturer will either repair or replace it. Warranty DOES NOT cover standard wear and tear, punctures, abrasions, or deterioration of DWR coating.
The Hammock:
If a tent is not your thing and you prefer something a bit more lightweight for your travels a hammock is your best bet. Below is our recommendation for a hammock that is a great bang for your buck while still including some awesome features!
Backpacking Hammock by Canvalos:
The specs:
- Weight: 2.7lbs
- Capacity: 1 person hammock
- Max Weight: 500 lbs
- Colors: Green, Black, Red, Blue, Light Blue
- Material: Nylon and mesh
- Rainfly Tarp: included
- Mosquito net: Built-in
- Straps: Looped
- Packs: Packs into attached pouch
Sleeping Gear:
The Sleeping Bag:
Continuing on with our gear needed for shelter a good sleeping bag is a piece of equipment that every backpacker must have in their gear set. Keep in mind the best sleeping bag is entirely dependent on the temperatures which you will be sleeping in.
So be sure to research conditions in the region you will be hiking in to make sure that the sleeping bag you purchase is one that is rated for the temperatures you will be sleeping in. However, this sleeping bag is what i use and is great for a variety of different enviornments!
Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree 550 Down Sleeping Bag:
The Specs:
- Temperature rating: 20 degrees Farenheit/ -7 degrees celsius
- Weight: 2lbs
- Fits: 6ft(regular size) 6ft 6inches(long size)
- Stuffed Size: 8 x 15.5inches or 20.5 x 39.5cm
- Material: 600fil dri down
- Storage: Compartments for valuables
- Packability: Can be packed down thanks to down filling
The Sleeping Pad:
With every good sleeping bag, you need a sleeping pad to go with it to provide added insulation and comfort to your night’s sleep. There are so many different options of sleeping pads out there and you can find cheaper ones.
But this is a piece of equipment that I would not recommend going cheap on. I know this from experience, personally have gone through 3 different cheaply purchased sleeping pads all of which wound up getting a hole in or tearing after a trip or two. I wish I just purchased the Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping pad to save me the hassle of going through and breaking several cheaply made pads.
Nemo TENSOR Sleeping Pad:
The Specs:
- Weight: 0.82lbs
- Size: 8.0 x 3.0 inches (when packed down)
- Color: yellow
- Temperature rating: 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
- Inflation: Self inflated
Footwear:
Whenever going on extended hiking trips you need to make sure have the right footwear. Inadequate footwear can lead to ankle, knee, or back pain and can turn what is supposed to be a serene adventure into a miserable experience. While the classic move is to wear hiking boots there are several other options available, if you want to learn more I recommend reading through our article on hiking boot alternatives. The below is my pick for a few different categories of hiking footwear.
| Type Of Hiking Shoe | Product | Product Description | Check Prices On |
|---|---|---|---|
Hiking Boots | 
Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot |
| Moosejaw! |
Trail Runners | 
Salomon Sense Ride 4 |
| Moosejaw! |
Hiking Sandals | 
Chacos Z / Cloud 2 |
| Moosejaw! |
Camp Shoes:
There is no better feeling than coming back from a long hike and getting out of those sweaty hiking boots into some camp shoes! If you want to learn more about camp shoes and their benefits you should check out our article “What Are Camp Shoes? Are Camp Shoes Necessary”. Below are some different camp shoes that I had have used in the past all have worked well there is no right or wrong answer to what kind of camp shoe you can get it is mostly up to preference!
| Shoe | Description | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
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| Check Prices On Amazon |
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| Check Prices On Amazon |
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| Check Prices On Amazon |
Hiking Socks:
Hiking socks are essential for protecting your feet and keeping you comfortable when on the trail. Check out our hiking sock article to learn all of the benefits of hiking socks and why they are a must-have when hiking.
Clothing:
Having the correct hiking clothing is essential anytime you are heading into the backcountry. You want clothes of good quality materials to avoids chaffing, blisters or discomfort when on the trail.
Men's Hiking Clothes:
| Clothing | Item | Product Description | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
Down Jacket |  
Northface Mens Sierra Down Jacket: |
| Check Prices! |
Hiking Pants |  
Prana Stretch Zion Hiking Pants |
| Check Prices! |
Hiking Shirt |
|
| Check Prices! |
Rain Jacket |
|
| Check Prices! |
Women's Hiking Clothes:
| Clothing | Item | Product Description | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
Down Jacket | 
Women's Sierra Down Jacket |
| Check Prices! |
Hiking Pants |
| Check Prices! | |
Hiking Shirt | 
Smartwool Women's Merino 150 Baselayer |
| Check Prices! |
Rain Jacket |
|
| Check Prices! |
Water:
Filtering and carrying a sufficient amount of water is essential for ALL backpacking trips. Below are some helpful gear for all of your water needs. Check out our article to learn all about carrying and storing water while backpacking. However, be sure to research the region you are hiking in to be sure that you are packing water in a safe and efficient way.
Water Storage:
Water Filtration:
Whenever out in the backcountry for multiple days, you will require some sort of water filtration system with you so you can safely purify and drink from local water sources such as rivers or streams. I have personally used the below two methods, and they each work pretty well either should suffice for your next backpacking trip. Just be sure you know how to use them before heading out on the trail.
Cookware:
A must have for any backpacking trip in the backcountry. If you are unsure about what size backpacking pot or mug is best for your needs check out our article “How Big Of A Pot Do I Need For Backpacking”.
Backpacking Pots:
| Item | Volume | Description | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Liter |
| Check Prices On Amazon | |
| 30 fluid ounces |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
| 2 Liters |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
Backpacking Mugs:
| Item | Volume | Description | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 ml |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
| 24 ounces |
| Check Prices On Amazon | |
| 30 ounces |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
Utensils:
Multi-Tool
Having a sturdy multitool is essential for any backpacking adventure I recommend the classic Leatherman multitool. It is a bit of an investment, but its utility and durability are worth it. If you want to learn more about whether you should bring a multi-tool vs a knife backpacking check out my article.
Trekking Poles:
A MUST have for added stability and comfort when hiking long distances with a pack on. Having trekking poles will take a ton of pressure off your knees and add an extra line of protection against knee pain/injury (if you want to learn more about hiking with bad knees check out my article). These Foxelli Trekking Poles will get the job done and are very lightweight as well.
Foxelli Trekking Poles:
The Specs:
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Collapsable: Yes, telescoping pole with snap lock
- Grip Material: Cork
- Pole Material: 100% Carbon Fiber
- Warranty: 120-day satisfaction guarantee, 3-year warranty on any defects
Head Lamp:
There are very few things I recommend cheaping out on when getting backpacking gear however I will say that the headlamp is one piece of equipment you can. Honestly, you will likely be fine with any kind you purchase as it is very simple technology (basically a flashlight on your head) but nevertheless an essential piece of equipment for hiking or setting up camp at night. Here is the one I have used and has served me well for the past 5 years:
Foxelli Headlamp:
The Specs:
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Light: Adjustable LED light with white and red light
- Band Material: Elastic
- Power: 3x AAA batteries
- Colors: Multiple color options
Food Storage:
You need to know how to store food when in the backcountry responsibly. Improper food storage not only can leave you hungry but can pose a danger to the animals that wind up getting ahold of your food. Check out our article “How To Store Food While Backpacking” for a complete rundown.
Bear Canister:
Bear Hang:
Bathroom Kit:
Here is all of the equipment you may need for your backpacking bathroom kit. If you have any questions about going to the bathroom outdoors, you need to check out our article “How To Poop While Backpacking”.
| Item | Check Prices |
|---|---|
| Check Prices On Amazon |
Ziplock Bags | Check Prices On Amazon |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
| Check Prices On Amazon |
Entertainment:
Kindle Paper White:
There can be a lot of downtime when coming back to camp after a long day of hiking and it always helps to have something to entertain yourself with at camp. The kindle is my number one source of entertainment when on the trail, not only does it hold a ton of books but packs down really well too! Check out other amazing ways to spend time at camp in my recent article.
Table of Contents
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