Buying the right gear to start backpacking can seem adventurous, yet a bit daunting. There’s a lot to think about, and you don’t want to leave on a trip without having everything you need to enjoy yourself while staying safe in the wilderness.
This buying guide was written for the passionate or prospective backpacker in your life, and the one who wants to take that first step into backpacking or expanding on the gear they already own. This comprehensive list should cover everything needed to enjoy a few nights in the wild, camped out among the stars.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 4-Wheel Bag, 95L, 30″
The Gear Warrior 4 is a super reliable, durable, and eco-conscious suitcase, and at 95L, it’s sure to carry everything you need for your vacation or next adventure. Made with PET ripstop fabric and an exoskeleton made to withstand the constant impact bags go through in transit, it’s built to last. It has a large, expandable main storage compartment to carry all your clothes and camping gear, as well as a secondary compartment that can be used to store other gear or separate clean and dirty clothes. Of all the luggage out there, the Gear Warrior 4 series was built to survive while you thrive on your next adventure.
Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack
This 75-liter backpacking pack is one of the best on the market. It’s packed with features and includes all the space for gear, with the easy-to-access, organized pockets needed when heading out on a multi-day trek. It’s also super comfortable, with Auto Angle Adjust (A3) system for the hipbelt, shoulder harness, a Wishbone frame for back support, and more. The Baltoro 75 pack has it all, and will become your best friend while backpacking throughout the year.
Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX Shoes for Men
Salomon is known for making amazing outdoor gear, and its Cross Hike Mid GTX Shoes fit that description. Lined with a Gore-tex waterproof membrane for maximum weather and water protection, and a Contragrip outsole for fantastic grip even in wet and icy conditions, these hiking boots are a quality, reliable option for year-round hiking.
Rab Kinetic Alpine Jacket for Men
A high quality, waterproof rain jacket is essential for backpacking, as weather can turn on a dime. The Rab Kinetic Alpine Jacket is the perfect choice for people who want a quality waterproof shell that is comfortable, breathable, and moves with them. The Kinetic Alpine jacket features Rab’s very own Proflex fabric, that is ultra-waterproof, but has the stretch and feel of a softshell jacket, so you feel comfortable and never get clammy, which tends to happen when wearing traditional shells. It also was built with features like a helmet-compatible hood, YKK AquaGuard zips, fully taped seams, adjustable cuffs and hem, so no matter where you take this jacket, it’s sure to perform.
Rab Microlite Alpine Jacket for Men
Rab makes fantastic technical, outdoor apparel across the board, but its down and synthetic insulated pieces are what they are truly known for. The Rab Microlite Alpine Jacket is one of its best sellers, and for good reason. It’s super warm, yet compressible and packable, perfect for travel. It’s also constructed with the highest quality materials. Rab used Pertex Quantum for the outer fabric, which is durable, windproof, yet breathable, and also features 750 fill power, ethically-sourced hydrophobic down to provide exceptional warmth, even when wet. Add an adjustable hood with laminated brim, and a baffle design that doesn’t make you look like the Michelin man, and the Rab Microlite Alpine Jacket truly has it all, as a midlayer or stand-alone jacket for fall and winter.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Ultralight Tent
When it comes to backpacking, an ultralight tent is one of the most essential pieces of gear you can buy. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Ultralight Tent is one of the most respected and awarded, ultralight, freestanding 2-person tents on the market, and is one of the best tents you can buy today. Weighing in at a maximum 3 lb 8 oz, this tent is ultralight and compact. However, it doesn’t compromise on room, with ample space in the main area and vestibules for two people and their gear. MSR also used ultralight and durable, Eston Syclone poles and their own Xtreme Shield waterproof coating on the rain fly, to make the Hubba Hubba NX a durable, lightweight, and spacious 3-season, 2-person tent for any conditions or environments you find yourself in.
Thermarest Oberon 0F Sleeping Bag, Long
Sleeping bags are another important piece of gear for backpacking. Nothing is worse than waking up cold and miserable while camping. You need a sleeping bag that can keep you warm, even in the coldest temperatures, but still is compressible enough to not take up too much room in your pack. Enter the Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0F Sleeping Bag. Using 800-fill Nikwax hydrophobic down and built with zoned insulation and an ergonomic toe box, this sleeping bag incredibly warm and comfortable. It also was built with a back sleeve that connects your sleeping pad to your sleeping bag, so you don’t uncomfortably shift in the middle of the night. It’s one of the best sleeping bags on the market, and will be your best friend on colder weather adventures.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Mattress, 2020 Model
Every good super hero needs a sidekick, and every good sleeping bag needs a sleeping pad. The two go hand in hand, for a comfortable night’s sleep in the backcountry. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Mattress is one of the best, and boasts the most warmth per ounce for an ultralight mattress in the industry, making it one of the most popular choices on the market today. The NeoAir XTherm Mattres features a Triangluar Core Matrix design for maximum warmth, in a 2.5-inch-thick construction. The best part? You get all this warmth and comfort in a sleeping pad that packs up to size smaller than a Naglene water bottle.
Helinox Chair One
Camping chairs are always welcome in the backcountry, but typically left behind if weight is an issue. However, the Helinox Chair One weighs in at under two pounds, but is also ultra-strong, holding up to 320 pounds. It’s big on comfort and strength, but small in size and weight, making it a fantastic option for your backpacking or camping adventures.
Helinox Table One Hard Top, Black
A camping table can really help make your camping experience better. However, the most important benefit to a camping table, is that it keeps food prep and small gear items off the ground. The Helinox Table One Hard Top provides that table space, in a lightweight, compact design, weighing in at two pounds even. It’s the perfect complement to your camping chair and will make your camping experience a whole lot better if you can spare the weight.
BioLite HeadLamp 330
Any backpacker needs a good headlamp, and the BioLite HeadLamp 330 is one of the best you can buy. Normal headlamps are bulky and cumbersome, but BioLite has designed its headlamps to be ultra-lightweight and slim in design, while still providing a powerful light that helps guide you through early morning or late evening adventures.
Garmin inReach Mini
If you plan to go deep in to the backcountry, you need a good GPS with navigation and tracking capabilities. The Garmin inReach Mini is a portable, powerful option that allows you to venture further than you thought possible.
HydraPak Shape Shift 3L Reservoir, 2019 Model
Water reservoirs are incredibly important for backpacking. The HydraPak ShapeShift 3L Reservoir is perfect for any adventure, and includes a large slide-seal top for easy filling and cleaning.
Grayl Geopress Water Purifier Bottle
There are normal water bottles, and then there’s the Geopress Water Purifier Bottle, which can instantly provide up to 24 ounces of clean, purified water anywhere in the world. Using Grayl’s unrivalled Geopress technology, you can filter particulates, chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals, while improving taste, smell, and clarity. Simply fill, press, and drink. Wherever your adventures take you, know you can drink clean water with this revolutionary water bottle.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Another important piece of gear for backpacking is a lightweight, compact cooking system. Simply put, there is no other cooking system that compares to the Jetboil Flash Cooking System. It boils water and heats food in a matter of minutes, which saves on fuel. It’s a reliable, fast, and effective cooking system, with plenty of accessories and compatible cookware options from Jetboil that make eating in the backcountry a breeze.
Ultimate Survival Watertight First Aid Kit
Any good backpacking kit includes a first aid kit. The Ultimate Survival Watertight First Aid Kit includes everything you need should an accidentshappen, and keeps you prepared for any and all situations that arise in the backcountry.
Soto Pocket Torch XT -Extended
Obviously, you can go for the “twist-stick-on-rock” approach, but if you want a fast and easy way to start a fire for warmth, outside of fire-ban season, the Soto Pocket Torch XT is perfect option. Not only is it small and compact, but it works incredibly well in windy conditions.
BearVault BV500 Solo Bear Resistant Food Canister
If you plan to backpack or camp anywhere in bear country, you need a food canister and the BearVault BV500 Solo Bear Resistant Food Canister is considered to be one of the best on the market. It might be an added item to take with you, but it just might save your life.
Coghlan’s Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer
Another small accessory to bring in bear country is a bear bell, which provides a sound that can warn and alert bears of your presence on the trail. The Coghlan’s Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer is a perfection option, and allows for you to silence your bell when not needed, using the magnet in the bell bag.
Helle Gaupe Outdoor Knife
Bringing a sharp, quality knife with you on backpacking trips provides not only protection, but also provides a tool for use around your campsite. The Helle Gaupe Outdoor Knife is a fantastic option, with a 4.2-inch blade and the craftsmanship you expect from a Helle knife.
Coghlan’s Backpacker’s Trowel
Sometime’s you just gotta go, especially in the backcountry. A trowel allows you to responsibly go, and bury what you need to in the wilderness. The Coghlan’s Backpacker’s Trowel is durable, inexpensive, and does the trick!
PackTowl Personal
Last but not least, be sure to bring a packable towel. The PackTowel Personal towel is a fantastic option, and a useful backpacking accessory if you plan to take a dip in river or alpine lake, or simply clean off after a long day of hiking.
Featured Image from Danka & Peter/Unsplash
