I’ve been testing a lot of new gear for backpacking this year, including a new backpack, two-person tent, pack accessories and other gear.
My backpacking gear list is based on an approach that is lightweight while providing enough comfort items to make trips enjoyable.
Carry a few essential and first aid items to stay safe while backpacking. And while backpacking is a great way to unplug, there are a few electronics that can be useful on trips.
A backpack will be one of the most important purchases you make since it is what you use to carry all of your gear, ideally in well-balanced comfort.
This combination of lightweight hydration items is what I take for filtering water on backpacking trips. It’s compact, simple to use, and only takes a few minutes using gravity to filter 2 liters of water.
Since every ounce counts when carrying a loaded backpack, I take as few clothing items as possible, relying on layering techniques instead of bringing extra items for each day.
You don’t have to be dirty and smelly on a backpacking trip. Say goodbye to at least some of the funk by carrying a few toiletry items, and be prepared for using the bathroom in the backcountry with a simple bathroom kit.
Pack pods can help to balance the load in your backpack, keep your tent better organized, and make it easy to grab your gear for a last minute trip.
Choosing your kitchen gear for backpacking should be based on how you plan to cook and eat meals on trips. This posts includes the gear that I use, as well as info on how to store your food in the backcountry.