Updated 09/05/2026

My approach to backpacking gear is to be as lightweight as possible while still providing enough comfort items to make trips enjoyable. This is my complete list of gear with info about what I like about each item, updated for 2026.

Considerations Before You Buy Gear

When it comes to choosing your gear for backpacking, it’s important to find what works for you based on your individual needs, and not necessarily what is used by your friends (or me), or the most popular or award-winning. However, it can be helpful to hear about what works for others.

I’ve found that it’s important to consider the trifecta of cost vs. weight vs. comfort and where your needs fall within each. For example, if carrying less weight matters, you may need to spend more money on ultralight gear and forgo some comfort items. On the other hand, if comfort is king, your pack will most likely be heavier to carry.

What I Look for in Backpacking Gear

When I first started backpacking, I focused on highly rated gear without paying much attention to weight. Over time, I realized I needed to be more intentional about what I was carrying and gradually replaced a lot of my gear.

My goal now is to balance an ultralight approach with comfort. For example, I always bring a chair because it makes a big difference for my back and hips. On a recent three-night trip, my total pack weight with food and water was 24 pounds, compared to over 30 pounds when I first started backpacking. Reducing pack weight has been one of the most important changes that has allowed me to keep backpacking with fewer struggles.

Take gear based on expected conditions

This is a full list of my backpacking gear, but I don’t take everything on every trip. What I pack depends on conditions like weather, trail conditions, and hiking distance. For example, in the spring and fall I bring a warmer sleep system and extra layers, while in the summer I switch to a lighter quilt and add sun and insect protection. If there’s a good chance of rain, I’ll add rain pants (my rain jacket goes on every trip, regardless of forecast) and sometimes an ultralight tarp to keep out of the rain when relaxing at camp. Every trip requires a slightly different setup.

Backpacks

I have several backpacks that I choose based on the type of trip I’m doing. For shorter trips when I’m carrying less food, or warm-weather trips when I don’t need a bulky quilt or extra layers, I use an ultralight backpack. When I need to carry more gear, I switch to a larger, more traditional-style pack.

Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo (1 lb 14 oz)

The Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 is the first ultralight framed backpack I’ve been able to use comfortably. I have back issues, and most ultralight packs I’ve tried haven’t worked for me because they create pressure points or don’t carry weight in a stable way. The Carbon Evo solves this with a carbon fiber suspension system that provides structure while still allowing some flex as I move on trail.

I like that the load stays close to my body, and the foam padding on the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel adds to the comfort without feeling bulky. My favorite features are the extra large hip belt pockets – much larger than those on other packs — and the generously-sized stretchy mesh pocket that can hold items I need quick access to without needing to open the main compartment.

Osprey Aura LT 65 backpack (3 lbs 6 oz without top lid)

I use the Osprey Aura LT, a lighter version of the Aura AG, when I need more capacity in a backpack. For example, in colder weather when I’m carrying extra layers and a bulkier sleep system, or on longer trips when I need to bring more food. I find that I can carry the extra weight and bulk more comfortably in this pack than in others.

What I like most is the way the suspension system hugs my body and transfers the weight to my hips, which helps keep pressure off my lower back. I also appreciate being able to adjust the torso length to fine-tune the fit. That close-to-the-body feel won’t appeal to everyone, though, so I think it’s worth trying on in a store if you can before buying it.

View Women's Aura LT at REI   View Men's Atmos LT at REI

Rain protection

Zenbivy Pack Liner (3.2 oz)

I use this waterproof pack liner for items that are important to keep dry, such as my quilt, pillow, down jacket, and extra clothing. The side valve lets air escape as I pack, compressing everything inside. I put the liner in the bottom of my pack and load the rest of my gear on top.

Tent

Durston X-Dome 1+ Tent (2 lbs 6 oz)

My current go-to for backpacking, the X-Dome 1+ is a freestanding, double-wall tent with exceptional space for a one-person setup. Features not found on most tents include the option to clip the inner tent to the rainfly for easier setup, helping keep the inner dry during rainy setups, and the use of polyester fabric, which resists sagging and won’t retain water weight like nylon does. The 50-inch width at the head end provides more room for gear than in other one person tents, and while the foot end tapers to 29 inches, there’s room for my backpack at the foot of my sleeping pad. The oversized vestibule easily fits my backpacking chair, which doubles as overnight storage for my water filtration gear. Due to its popularity, this tent often sells out, so it’s worth checking delivery dates before ordering.

See my full review of the Durston X-Dome 1+

Tent stakes and footprint

• tent stakes: MSR Mini Groundhogs (0.3 oz)
  These stakes are small, lightweight and have a better hold than stakes provided with most tents.
• tent footprint: Six Moon Designs Polycro Footprint (1.8 oz)
  I always use a ground cover to protect the tent floor, and you can’t get much one lighter than polycro – a thin, clear plastic material that is strong while being very lightweight. It’s the same material used to insulate windows and can also be found at hardware stores.

Sleep System

SLEEPING BAG

Zenbivy Light Bed – 25 degree, regular size (1 lb 10 oz)

After 10 years of using a variety of sleeping bags and quilts, I can honestly say Zenbivy Beds are the most comfortable sleep system I’ve found for backpacking. Traditional sleeping bags often feel restrictive, limiting movement and affecting sleep quality. Quilts offer more freedom, but I often notice drafts when changing positions.

Unlike most backpacking quilts that use straps to attach to a sleeping pad, Zenbivy uses a sheet with an oversized hood and side panels that clip to the quilt. This design lets me use the quilt like a blanket, and I can tuck my arms inside the wide hood when I’m sleeping on my side. And the overlapping quilt connection helps block drafts — even when I’m tossing and turning. I also appreciate having the sheet, so I’m not laying directly on the sleeping pad. Zenbivy offers multiple styles of sheets — my favorite is the full length sheet so it covers more of my sleeping pad. Overall, I find that Zenbivy Beds combine the best parts of sleeping bags and quilts for better overall comfort and I would have a hard time going back to a traditional sleeping bag.

See my review of the Zenbivy Light Bed

SLEEPING PAD

Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad – regular wide mummy (15 oz)

New for 2026, the Exped Ultra is the first sleeping pad I’ve been able to use in a 25-inch width without a weight penalty, while still getting a high level of warmth. At 15 ounces, it stays ultralight without giving up insulation, and the R-value of 6.9 gives it a wide temperature range — good for all seasons of backpacking trips I typically do. Part of that balance comes from the tapered design, which reduces unnecessary bulk while still providing extra width at the torso and shoulders. That added width makes it more comfortable to sleep on , and the stretchy top fabric and 3.5-inch height also provide more comfort than previous versions of Exped pads I’ve used.

See my full review of the Exped Ultra 6.5R

View at Exped     View at REI

PILLOW

Zenbivy SoftTop Pillow (5.7 oz)

Not everyone needs a pillow while backpacking, but I definitely prefer to use one in order to get good sleep. The SoftTop has a three-piece design: a 650-fill down topper for softness, an inflatable air bladder for adjustable support, and a washable pillowcase. When paired with a Zenbivy bed, clips keep it securely attached to the hood so it doesn’t shift around at night. To cut pack weight, you can swap the down topper for a puffy jacket inside the pillowcase. At 5 inches high, it offers more support than most pillows I’ve tried and works especially well for side sleeping. Since I have severe sleep apnea and don’t bring a CPAP on backpacking trips, elevating my head helps me sleep better, so I always use the down insert for the tallest pillow height.

See my full review of the Zenbivy SoftTop Pillow

Kitchen Gear & Food Storage

On backpacking trips, I keep my cooking kit simple: a lightweight stove, a small pot, and a long-handled spoon. That wasn’t always the case. For years, I carried more cooking gear and made all of my own dehydrated meals at home. After exclusively doing that for more than seven years, I finally found freeze-dried options I actually enjoy — and made the switch. Check out My Favorite Freeze-Dried Backpacking Meals for the ones I rely on most.

As someone who long belonged to the “I’d rather clean a pot than eat from a bag” camp, this has been a surprising shift. But after a couple of years of eating straight from the pouch, I’m now a firm believer in convenience — when the meals are ones you actually look forward to. The added bonus? Carrying less cooking gear saves weight, and spending less time on camp kitchen chores means more time to relax… or keep hiking.

• stove: Soto Amicus stove with Piezo igniter (2.8 oz)
  Features that I like about this stove: it’s ultralight; has adjustable flame control, packs down small; has four supports for stability; has a concave burner for better wind resistance. And it’s been reliable for several years, including the piezo igniter.
• ultralight pot: TOAKS Titanium 550 ml pot (2.6 oz)
  The Toaks 550 pot is what I use to boil water for freeze-dried meals, and I also enjoy using it as a mug for tea.
• long handle spoon: Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spoon - Long (0.4 oz)
  Long handled spoons make eating from food bags much easier and also keep your (not clean) hands out of the bag.
• towel: REI Multi Towel Mini  (1 oz)
  I use this ultralight, antimicrobial pack towel for drying my pot and spoon.
• food cozy: Big Sky International Insulated Food Pouch (1.5 oz)
  Using a food cozy for backpacking meals helps to keep the food hot while rehydrating, resulting in fewer “not all the way done” meals. It’s also a great place to keep my spoon so I always know where it is.
• fuel can stabilizer: Jetboil Fuel Can Stabilizer
  To provide more stability for my pot while cooking, I attach this to the fuel can so it sits better on uneven ground. Since I store my fuel can in my pot, I also like that it keeps the fuel can clean so I’m not getting my pot dirty.

FOOD STORAGE

Ursack Major XL Bear Bag (8 oz)
My preferred food storage method, the Ursack is made with bulletproof Spectra fabric for keeping bears from getting your food. Unlike a traditional bear bag, an Ursack doesn’t need to be hung high in a tree. Instead, I tie it around the trunk of a tree at least 100 feet from my tent. So far, it has also kept rodents out. Note that an Ursack cannot be used in areas where hard-sided canisters are required.

Wild Ideas Bearikade Scout bear canister (28 oz)
When I backpack in areas where bear canisters are required, instead of relying on the rental canisters available at ranger stations that are often heavy and bulky, this carbon fiber bear canister fits in my backpack and weighs much, much less. The Scout’s capacity is 500 cubic inches, which can hold up to 5 days of food.

Hydration & Water Filter

HYDRATION

My hydration method has evolved several times since I started hiking and backpacking. Initially, I used a hydration reservoir in my backpack, but I’ve switched to using lightweight water bottles. With a reservoir, it can be difficult to tell how much water you have, and it’s almost impossible to pull out of a fully loaded pack for refilling. The potential for leaking and getting gear wet is another reason I made the switch, as well as wanting a much lighter option.

I always add electrolytes to my water when hiking, but I also like to have a separate bottle for plain water, so using two water bottles on trips works better for me. For easy access when hiking, I keep my water filter gear in an accessible side pocket for quick refills on the trail.

• Igneous NOBO water bottle (2.3 oz)
  This is the main water bottle that I use for hiking and backpacking. It’s made from HDPE polymer that resists bacterial growth and reduces microplastic shedding compared to disposable bottles. With a 28mm opening compatible with most water filters, its squeezable design also works well for backflushing a filter or attaching a bidet head.
• Mazama M!go Mini water bottle (3.9 oz)
  I use the Mini M!GO as my dedicated bottle for electrolyte mixes on hikes. M!go bottles feature both a wide-mouth opening and a standard 28 mm threaded opening, giving you the best of both designs. It’s much easier to add electrolyte powder through the wide opening, and I can still filter water directly into it via the narrow opening.

WATER FILTER

These are the items I take to filter water on backpacking trips. I prefer a gravity-fed setup, which quickly filters 2 liters in just a few minutes.

• Platypus QuickDraw Filter (2.9 oz)
  I recently switched to this filter and have been impressed by its fast flow. With the ConnectCap, it attaches to a water storage bag or bottle. Unlike many other filters, it doesn’t need to be “burped” when connected to a bottle, thanks to vents built into the cap. It also allows you to check whether the filter has been damaged or compromised, ensuring it’s safe to use after drops or freezing.
• CNOC Vecto 2 liter water container (2.6 oz)
  The Vecto is the only water bladder with openings at both ends for ease in collecting water to filter. Remove the slider at the top to fill with water, then connect a water filter to the small opening at the bottom for filtering.
• Hydroblu Collapsible Canteen (1.5 oz)
  This is my preferred water storage bag thanks to the top handle for easy carrying and the bottom grommet with carabiner, which allows hanging the bag upside down for convenient backflushing of a water filter.

Filtering water while hiking

When I need more water on a hike, I stop at a water source along the trail to filter directly into a water bottle. Using this method, I carry the filter, water collection bag, and a bottle with 28mm threads in the side pocket of my backpack for ease of access.

Essentials & Electronics

These are the hiking essentials and electronics that I take on backpacking trips:

• headlamp: Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Headlamp (1.6 oz)
  This ultralight headlamp combines dual spot and flood beams, a red light, and a rechargeable battery. I’m not a fan of the bungee cord that comes with it, so I swapped it out with a strap from an old headlamp.
• battery backup: Flextail Zero Power Bank + lanyard with USB-C cable (5.1 oz)
  For recharging my InReach, headlamp, camera battery, and iPhone, the Zero Power is an ultralight, slim power bank with fast charging and efficiency modes.
• satellite communication device: Garmin InReach Messenger (4 oz)
  I added the InReach Messenger to my backpacking kit for the peace of mind that comes with an SOS device, but also so I could stay in touch with my husband when I’m out backpacking. The Messenger is a two-way satellite communicator, so you can text back and forth as needed, which could be critical when an emergency requires it. The SOS button contacts emergency responders with your location and message. The device pairs with smartphones for use with the Messenger app, adding the ability to type messages on a keyboard instead of with the device’s buttons. I have found that the send time is very fast on the Messenger versus my older SE device, and the battery lasts much longer than on the InReach Mini, making the Messenger my top recommendation for a satellite communication device. Note that annual or monthly service plans are required.
• repair kit: Igneous Repair Spool (1.1 oz)
  This is a compact and super light kit that brings several essential items together in one tidy package. It includes a short length of heavy-duty Gorilla Tape, durable nylon thread with a sewing needle, and purpose-built patches for clothing, tents, and inflatable gear. Everything stores neatly inside the spool, making it easy to handle common repairs without adding unnecessary bulk to your pack.
• multi-tool: Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-tool (2 oz) No longer available, so I recommend the Leatherman Micra. The Squirt multi-tool includes pliers, scissors, 2 screwdrivers, wire cutters, wood/metal file, straight knife and a bottle opener. Of all the tools on it, I use the scissors and the screwdrivers the most.
• dry bag for essentials: Zpacks Small Dry Bag (0.4 oz)
  This roll top dry bag is made from waterproof Dyneema fabric and has velcro across the top for easy closing of the bag. I’ve had this same bag for almost ten years and it’s still in great condition.
• wallet: Cowboy Camping Saloon Slimfold (0.4 oz)
  For carrying cash, ID, my debit card, and an extra house key.
• Also pictured are an extra USB-C cord with adapters, a mini Bic lighter, a tiny bottle of lens cleaner and a lens cloth, and a small pouch for carrying these items.

Personal Hygiene & First Aid

Instead of bringing everything that I use at home, I only take a few essential toiletry items on backpacking trips. To save pack weight and bulk, I repackage toiletry items into mini containers and only bring the amount that needed for each trip.

• lip balm, toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, mini containers with sunscreen, lotion and insect repellent, hair ties, nail clippers
• containers for various lotions and ointments – Human Gear GoTubb Small Containers
• laundry kit: (only for longer trips when I need to wash clothing) cordage, gallon-size plastic bag, soap in mini dropper bottle, mini binder clips for hanging clothes
• towels that are small and super quick drying: REI Multi Towel Mini (0.6 oz)
• stuff sack for toiletries: Space Bear Bags Poop-Moji Pouch  (0.3 oz)

To learn more about how to stay clean while backpacking, view Personal Hygiene for Backpackers.

HOT WEATHER ADDITIONS

In addition to my core hiking gear, I bring a few small but essential items when temperatures rise. Sun protection is a priority, so I carry sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and lip balm with SPF, along with insect repellent. To save space and keep it within easy reach, I transfer sunscreen into a small travel-sized container.

On extra hot days, I use either a lightweight neck gaiter or a tie with cooling gels, dipping them in cold creeks I pass to stay cool and help regulate my body temperature. Since I’m prone to heat exhaustion, this method provides an effective way to reduce the risk of overheating.

• Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap: This cap has a wide brim and a removable cape that adds extra coverage.
• Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent: This lotion provides up to 14 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitoes.
• Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen offers strong, broad-spectrum protection and stays put even when you sweat.
• Ben's Insect Repellent Wipes: I use these wipes on days when mosquitoes are bothersome.
• Burts Bees Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from the sun with this lip balm with SPF.
• Buff Neck Gaiter: A neck gaiter provides extra protection from the sun, and when dipped in cold water adds a cooling effect.
• Kafka's Kool Tie: This lightweight scarf is designed with polymer crystals that hold water to help keep you cool.

BATHROOM KIT

I carry a separate kit for using the bathroom in the backcountry so I’ll have everything I need when it’s time to dig a cat hole. I always pack out all wipes (or toilet paper) by using an odor proof plastic bag, concealing the contents with a pet waste bag. And I use a portable bidet cap on top of a water bottle to stay fresh and clean, which also greatly reduces the amount of wipes needed.

• trowel: Vargo Dig Dig Tool (1.2 oz, $24.95)
  A lightweight, heavy duty trowel with serrated edges for easier digging.
• odor-proof bag: Smelly Proof Storage Bags ($10.99 for a pack of 10)
  An odor-proof bag is the best way to pack out used toilet paper. I keep one in my bathroom kit, and place a color plastic doggie bag inside it so it conceals the contents and keeps the outer bag clean. Also helpful for carrying out doggie poo.
• bidet: Igneous Bottle Cap Bidet (0.14 oz, $9.99)
  This ultralight backcountry bidet uses a small stream of water to help you stay clean after using the bathroom, reducing the amount of toilet paper needed. The Bottle Cap Bidet attachment threads securely onto the outside of a standard water bottle opening, creating a targeted spray when nature calls. Because it attaches externally, it won’t pop off under pressure like push-in style bidets. It’s tiny and extremely lightweight — weighing only 4 grams — making it easy to carry on any hiking or backpacking trip.
• water bottle: Igneous NOBO Water Bottle (2.3 oz, $21.99)
  This is the water bottle I use for hiking because it’s ultralight and easy to squeeze, which makes it work well with a bidet cap attachment.
• hand sanitizer in mini-dropper bottle
  Instead of bringing a full bottle of hand sanitizer, I use mini dropper bottles to carry it in my bathroom kit.
• stuff sack for bathroom kit: Granite Gear Air Zipditty Pouch   (0.3 oz, $17.99 – set of 2)
  Used for my trowel, toilet paper, wipes, hand sanitizer and an odor-proof bag for carrying out used toilet paper.
• wipes: Portawipes Coin Tissues ($13.77 for a pack of 100)
  I use these compressed wipes instead of baby wipes and add a small amount of water whenever I need to use them. Most baby wipes have additives that can be problematic for sensitive skin, but these wipes are made of a thicker fabric and have nothing added to them. Since wipes don’t decompose like toilet paper, I always carry them out.
• pee cloth: Kula Cloth (0.5 oz, $19.99)
  Instead of using toilet paper when peeing, I use a bidet to spray water and use the Kula cloth (which is antimicrobial) for drying off. I keep it on the outside of my pack and it dries super fast.

FIRST AID

When I first started backpacking, I carried a full-featured first-aid kit that weighed a pound. After taking a Wilderness First Aid class, I discovered that I could carry fewer items while still having everything I need to deal with emergencies on trail.

To see a list of all of my first aid gear, view What’s in My First Aid Kit.

Seating

Helinox Chair Zero (16 oz)

While a chair is considered a luxury item for some people, I take a chair on every trip to prevent back and hip issues. This chair is ultralight, easy to setup, and comfortable. It’s also a great way to carry gear back and forth to a camp kitchen. I keep my chair in the tent vestibule overnight and place my water containers and filtering gear in it to keep them off the ground.

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad (2 oz)

One of the most versatile items in my pack is this thin foam pad, which I cut down in size to save weight. I use it to sit on during day hikes, as a doormat outside my tent to protect my knees, or under my sleeping pad or in my backpacking chair when it’s cold. It also doubles as a fan for a campfire, a windscreen for my stove, or even a sling support in case of injury — all for just a couple of ounces. I also bring a small piece of Tyvek to lay out my camp kitchen gear and to place under the foam pad to keep it clean and free of debris.

Extra layers

Since every ounce counts when carrying a loaded backpack, I don’t take extra clothing — only layers for sleeping and staying warm and dry. This includes a set of base layers for sleeping, extra socks and underwear, an insulated jacket, and a rain jacket.

• Alpine Fit Fastpacker Alpha Direct Hoodie (4 oz)
  This hoodie is made with Polartec Alpha Direct fabric, which offers a great balance of warmth for its weight, along with excellent breathability and fast drying performance. I use this hoodie as a mid-layer for hiking and also as an extra layer for sleeping in. Designed specifically for women, this hoodie provides a noticeably better fit for me than most unisex options.
• Farpointe TecnoWool Camp Pants (4.3 oz)
  I just picked up these camp pants at PCT Days and I’m excited to use them on upcoming backpacking trips for staying warm when hanging around at camp and will also use these as sleep pants.
• Farpointe Alpha Direct Camp Socks (0.8 oz)
  Barely weighing anything, these camp socks keep my feet warm when I’m sleeping thanks to the Alpha Direct fabric.
• Branwyn Boy Shorts underwear
  I always bring an extra pair of underwear on backpacking trips. These merino wool underwear are comfortable, wick moisture well, and best of all, don’t retain smells over multiple days.
• Farm to Feet socks
  These merino wool socks are my top choice for wearing while hiking, and they are 100% made in the U.S., including the wool used to make them.
• Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket (8.4 oz)
  This lightweight waterproof shell is designed for hiking and other high-output trail use. The 3-layer Pertex Shield fabric offers good weather protection and breathability without adding much weight or bulk, and it features pack-friendly hand pockets.
• Outdoor Vitals Zulu Down Jacket (9.5 oz)
  An ultralight down layer that strikes a great balance of warmth and packability, the Zulu uses a seamless baffle design and high-loft 900-fill Muscovy duck down for efficient insulation that works great for backpacking.

Items not in my backpack

Trekking poles

I always hike with trekking poles, no matter the trail. They help to reduce strain on your lower body by distributing some of the work to your upper body, and provide stability on trail while ascending/descending and when crossing streams. These poles from Leki are foldable for portability, and feature anti-shock for reducing impact on your joints.

Camera Equipment

One of the main reasons I backpack is to spend time in scenic locations in the wilderness. In order to capture some of that beauty, camera gear is one of the few items that I’m willing to carry extra weight for. I use a Sony full frame mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses that I can choose according to what I plan to photograph.

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