If you’re planning a backpacking trip in 2025, having the right backpacking gear is key to making the most of your backcountry adventure. The last thing you want is to be bogged down by extra weight or realize you’ve forgotten something important once you’re miles into the wilderness.
Luckily, outdoor gear is constantly getting lighter, smarter, and more sustainable each year! Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner hitting the trails for the first time, this guide has you covered. We’re breaking down all our favorite backpacking essentials—from affordable backpacking gear to ultralight gear—to help you have the BEST time out in the backcountry in 2025!
Whether you’re backpacking the famous “O trek” in Patagonia or the amazing Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming, having the right gear will make or break your trip! So, let’s dive into all the essentials that will keep you comfortable, safe, and ready for your 2025 backcountry adventure!
A note on underconsumption: This post is PACKED FULL of recommendations and links for new gear, however you absolutely do not need fancy or expensive gear to get outside. A borrowed tent, a thrifted pack, your regular sneakers, and some instant noodles can still get you a pretty incredible sunset and a quiet morning in the woods. So if you’ve already got what you need (or what kinda-sorta-works), use it! This guide is just here to give you an idea of what we’re currently loving and to guide you IF you’re looking to purchase or upgrade your gear!
Contents
***Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.
Backpack
A good backpacking pack is one of the most important investments you can make for your backpacking gear set up. The right pack will distribute the weight evenly, reduce the amount of strain on your back and shoulders, and keep your gear organized and easily accessible on the trail. Typically, a good size for a multi-day backpacking pack is anywhere from 50-70L depending on the size of your other gear and the amount of luxuries you bring. I wanted to give a few different options of packs we have LOVED over the years in various sizes because not one size fits all in the pack department!!
Best for Multi-Day Trips
Best for One Night/Weekender
Ultralight Option
Hyperlite Unbound 55L (unisex)
Shelter
OKAY hear me out- your tent is your home on the trail, and you want your home to be as comfy and cozy as possible, right?! Having a good tent is essential for backpacking because it is what keeps you dry, warm, and safe from the elements. We have used Big Agnes tents for years now and recommend it for absolutely everyone!! The Copper Spur is incredibly lightweight without sacrificing durability and comes in 1-4 person options. We LOVE it and it has been on our backpacking gear guide for years now!!
Tent Accessories:
MSR Ground Hog Heavy Duty Stakes
Rain Fly (Comes with Tent)
Footprint (Comes with Tent)
Sleep System
Your backpacking gear sleep system includes a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and sometimes a liner or quilt that all work together to keep you insulated and comfy through the night. Skimping on your sleep setup is NOT THE MOVE- it can literally make or break your backcountry experience so you want to MAKE SURE you have gear that is comfortable and rated correctly for the temperatures you will endure.
On colder trips we will use down sleeping bags, but on warmer trips we like to take our down quilts to save some weight when we don’t need the extra warmth! Everything we have used, and love is linked below!
Best solo setup:
Sleeping bag: Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 15 degree Bag
Sleeping pad: Nemo Tensor All Season UL Pad
Best for Couples:
Sleeping bag: Sea to Summit Ascent in Men’s and Women’s
Sleeping pad- Big Agnes Rapide Double OR Exped Ultra Duo
Best Sleeping Quilts:
Enlightened Equipment Convert Quilt – they zip together!
Sleeping Quilts Eligible for Free Returns:
Sea to Summit Ember 30 degree down quilt
Sea to Summit Ember 45 degree down quilt
Optional Sleep Accessories:
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow (adds comfort)
Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liner (adds warmth)
Water
Having a way to filter stream water as well as just a solid water system in general is super important in the world of backpacking. There are a ton of different types of filters out there but we have found that the squeeze filter system is the best overall for backpacking specific trips since its super lightweight and easy to use.
For our backpacking gear water system, we bring both a bladder with a hose and a Nalgene bottle to keep on the outside of our pack. The hydration bladder lets you sip water hands-free while hiking, so you don’t have to stop every time you’re thirsty, while the Nalgene bottle is perfect for mixing electrolytes or having a quick backup!!
Water Filter:
Camp Kitchen
There are tons of different ways to approach your backpacking camp kitchen and so many amazing products out there for you to use these days that it can be overwhelming when trying to figure out exactly what you want! The basic backpacking kitchen setup includes a lightweight stove, fuel, a pot, utensils, and a reliable food storage system. Depending on the trip and the meals we’re planning for, we might mix up the type of stove or if we bring a pot vs a pan, but here are all of the items we own and cycle through every trip!
Camp Kitchen:
Lighter/Matches
Navigation & SOS
Good navigation gear is key to making sure your backpacking trip stays on track—literally. Even if you’re using a GPS app (like Gaia GPS or AllTrails), it’s always smart to carry a map and compass as a backup since your phone can die or lose signal in remote areas. And for real peace of mind, a satellite SOS device (like a Garmin inReach or messenger) lets you call for help in an emergency—even if you have zero cell service.
Light
A headlamp is a must-have for setting up camp, cooking, or going to the bathroom in the dark. Sentry uses one that is USB rechargeable, and I like to use a battery powered one. We also use a blow-up solar lantern for a little cozy, tent light.
First Aid
A first aid kit is one of those things you hope you won’t need—but you’ll be glad to have if you do. We love these pre-made kits as a starter pack, but they don’t offer a lot of personalization. We will go through it and add in some extra stuff based on the type of trip it is and what we might need!
Toilet Kit
Duty calls- even in the backcountry. There are different toileting requirements depending on the area you plan to travel to so make sure you check those BEFORE your trip as it will dictate what items you’ll take with you. A trowel, wag bag, toilet paper (or wipes), and hand sanitizer are the basics to a good toilet kit.
In an ideal scenario- a lightweight trowel is a mini packable shovel that you use to dig a cathole (6-8 inches deep) to bury your waste in the backcountry. However, in some places packing out waste is required (like alpine zones or deserts), and you’ll have to pack wag bags. Always carry toilet paper or biodegradable wipes, but make sure to pack them out in a sealed bag. And don’t forget hand sanitizer for the after math!
Toiletries
I honestly thing toiletries are the most forgotten items when it comes to backpacking gear. These are our non-negotiable toiletry items that we bring on every trip
Other Backpacking Gear
Happy Backpacking!!
