This is my complete list of backpacking gear with info about what I like about each item, updated for 2026.
Lightweight, practical, and thoughtfully designed, these ultralight backpacking items simplify common camp tasks and make life on the trail easier without adding extra weight.
If you are looking for a new backpacking tent for one person, these are the tents that I’ve used and recommend – including options for freestanding, easiest setup, budget, ultralight, and most spacious tents.
These reusable bottles replace disposable ones with more durable and safer plastics than traditional water bottles, making them a reliable option for hiking and backpacking.
Backpacking quilts are generally 20-30% lighter in weight than sleeping bags and allow more room to move around, so for those who don’t like being confined in a mummy-style bag, a quilt might be a better option.
With so many sleeping pads available in different styles, sizes, weights, and R-values, choosing one can be difficult. These are the pads I’ve tested and recommend, with options for different priorities, from lightweight comfort to maximum warmth.
Even a small pillow upgrade can change your experience on backpacking trips, providing support for more restful sleep and helping prevent neck and shoulder stiffness in the morning.
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of backpacking gear. These are the high-quality REI items I regularly use and recommend for lightweight backpacking trips.
As an outdoor gear reviewer, I test new items year-round. These are my top backpacking gear picks from 2025 — favorites I’ve personally used and recommend.
This year, I had a chance to test quite a few backpacking gear items for reviews. These are the products that I liked the best and will continue to use for future trips.
Whether you prefer to boil water for packaged meals, or simmer food in a pot, these backpacking stove and pot combinations include a range of features, from fast boil times to ultralight packability.
There are many approaches to backpacking gear checklists – and most contain extra gear that can weigh down a backpack. This is my minimalist approach to what I take on three-season trips.
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