Backpacking is an incredibly unique way to explore an area. There is something so enticing about walking away from civilization and being completely self sufficient out in the backcountry for a period of time.
Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned pro, finding the right gear can make or break your trip. The gear you choose affects your comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment in the wilderness, so it’s worth spending a little extra time on getting it right. With countless options on the market, though, deciding what’s worth the weight in your pack can feel overwhelming.
No matter how far you go, you want to make sure that you are fully prepared for your trip by bringing quality gear with you into the backcountry. If you’re only looking for hiking basics check out what to pack for a day hike. If you feel ready to deep dive into the backpacking gear world, then stay with me because I’ve got a ton of good information to share!
I am a huge believer in buying QUALITY gear and will gladly spend a little extra money on gear that will last me forever! Below, I have put together my top rated gear recommendations, including links on where to purchase them.
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.
Backpacking Gear
Backpack
A good backpack is NON-NEGOTIABLE! This is the the venue you will use to carry your gear on your back. Your pack can make or break your entire backpacking experience, therefore it’s super important to pick the right one. There are certain aspects to look for when purchasing your back including: fit, comfort, capacity, and features. When on the hunt for the best backpacking pack, we took into account all of these points and ended up with these men’s and women’s Osprey packs below. We LOVE them and couldn’t recommend them more!
Tent
Your tent is your home, therefore you can understand the importance of putting some thought into which one to buy. This is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. It is a high performance 2 door tent that provides a lot of space for it’s light-weight design. It’s super easy to set up and provides excellent shelter in unfavorable conditions. We would choose this tent over and over again!
Sleeping Bag
We have recently upgraded our sleep system and are SO STOKED on it! We used to have a double sleeping bag (one sleeping bags big enough for the both of us), but we quickly realized that it’s super bulky to pack and takes up SO much space in one of our bags.
We have since upgraded to the system below! These Mountain Hardware single sleeping bags can be zipped together down the middle to create a double bag! Not only does it pack better, but it’s also nice to have separate bags for when we take trips without the other person. In order to zip the bags together make SURE you get one with a left zip and the other with a right zip!
Sleeping Pad
Stove
There are hundreds of stove set-ups to choose from, and the jetboil seems to be a controversial choice. It is definitely not the most lightweight option, but we absolutely love it and always recommend it to first time backpackers. Many of our hot backcountry meals consist of “just add hot water” to make them and the jetboil will boil hot water INSTANTLY, while using minimal fuel. When you’ve had a long day on the trail, it is a pain in the ass to wait for your water to boil (on a regular stove) in order to eat.
The quicker I can eat food, makes for a better experience for everyone.
Cookware/Dinnerware
We pretty much only bring the sea to summit 2.0L pot when it comes to Cookware. Its lightweight, super versatile, and has a strainer on the lid. For the dinnerware, we have a very basic set of collapsable cups & bowls – the one we have actually comes with a collapsable pot as well! And then we also bring a lightweight long spork each. Simple, easy, and gets the job done!
Headlamp
There’s a thousand headlamp options out there, but this one has been my go-to headlamp for years now!
Water Bladder/Filter
Osprey bladders are the best! There is NO risk of leaking, with the lid system. It also has a detachable hose, which comes in handy when refilling the bladder.
It’s so important to choose a good water filtration system. The Sawyer squeeze has been our go-to for YEARS! It’s tiny and has been 100% reliable.
Trekking Poles
We LOVE our Leki trekking poles! Leki make a stellar pole for a good price! We have a pair of their carbon Z poles as well as these Makalu light corks.
SOS Device/Portable Charger
The Garmin inreach is the “community gold standard” for satellite SOS devices. We absolutely love ours and never go backpacking or anywhere in the backcountry without it.
For our external battery charge source, we have gone through many different options before settling on this Biotite Charge 80 PD Power Bank! It is definitely on the heavier side but it will keep us charged for weeks (depending on the amount we use it)!
Camp Shoes
We originally bought these as a joke… but now we would NEVER camp without them. While not the most fashionable camp shoe choice, these North Face down filled slippers are comfy, warm, and feel like pillows. The perfect combo you want when arriving at camp for the night. They are also super light weight, AND come in both men’s and women’s!
Backpacking Clothing (Women)
Hiking Boots
10/10 for these Saloman Hiking Boots! No break in period, comfy, durable, water resistant- these are great boots!
Base Layers
Kari Tara is my FAVORITE base layer brand. They make super comfy long johns that wick moisture and DON’T HOLD ODOR! These are a staple in my backcountry wardrobe.
Mid Layers
This REI fleece was a random buy that I wasn’t sure about at first, but after rotating it in to my hiking line-up I can say with clarity that I am a HUGE FAN! It’s the perfect mid layer that fits over a base-layer, but under a puffy.
These REI Activator hiking pants are the comfiest hiking pants I’ve ever owned!! I prefer a straight cut leg and a mid rise waist and these provide just that. ++ they’re stretchy in all the right places. 10/10!
Insulating Layer
The Patagonia Down puffy should be in EVERYONE’S closet. Comfortable, warm, light weight; it’s so versatile and still stylish!
Rain/Wind Layers
Rain gear is imperative for any backpacking trip. If there’s rain or wind in the forecast, you can rest easy knowing this jacket and these pants are in your pack.
Gloves/Socks
Backpacking Clothing (Men)
Hiking Boots
Sturdy, supportive and water resistant. These have seen many miles on trail and are still in service. They are a fantastic hiking boot!
Base Layers
These pass the stink test! Sentry will wear these merino wool base layers multiple days in a row and somehow does not smell. They are soft and comfortable and a staple.
Mid Layers
Sentry will not go anywhere without this R1 jacket! It is super versatile, holding in heat when cold, yet able to air out easily via the long chest zipper when warm. Men’s pants
Insulating Layer
The Patagonia Down puffy should be a staple in EVERYONE’S closet. Comfortable, warm, light weight; it’s so versatile and still kinda stylish?
Rain/Wind Layers
Gore tex is probably one of the most expensive materials out there.. but the quality is absolutely UNMATCHED when it comes to rain gear. If there’s rain or wind in the forecast, you can rest easy knowing these are in your pack.
Gloves/Socks
Happy Backpacking!
