Backpacking Gear

I occasionally get questions about my gear for backpacking. My gear evolves over time, but here is a rundown of my gear list as it stands now. Some of my big ticket items I purchased years ago, before I knew what I really liked and needed, and I might make different choices today. I've included pros and cons of many items.

Backpack

Osprey Agra AG 65

  • Backpack: I currently use an Osprey Agra AG 65 liter pack, without the removable top pocket. It has great storage space, nice pockets, and I do like the airspace against my back. However, it's heavier than I like, and the zippers are a pain. I'd like to try an ultra light pack to drop a couple of pounds.

  • Backpack waterproofing: I use a heavy-duty, construction weight plastic garbage bag as an inside liner. I also keep my clothes in gallon Ziploc bags, and I use several dry sacks to help organize items and keep them dry. I do not use a backpack cover, but a cover or a poncho that also covers the backpack are certainly good options.

Water Filtration

  • Water filtration: I have used both a Katadyn BeFree and a Sawyer Squeeze, and both have their pros and cons. When it's working well, I prefer the BeFree, but it clogs up when it's stored for a while, and too often I can't get it to unclog. I've only used the Sawyer Squeeze for one year. Keep in mind that if you use the Sawyer, you need 2 bottles (one for dirty water and one for filtered water). The bottle that comes with the filter (pictured above, on the right) isn't great. But the Sawyer fits on most standard disposable water bottles.
  • Water storage: I use an Osprey 2-liter water bladder, and I also carry a collapsible 1-liter Platypus bottle for when I need a third liter or want to mix electrolytes.

Sleeping/Tent


  • Sleeping bag: I use a Marmot Cloudbreak 20 synthetic sleeping bag currently that weights almost 3 pounds. If I had the money handy, I would switch it out for a lighter, probably down, bag that would save me a pound or so and pack up smaller.
  • Sleeping pad: I use a Big Agnes Q-Core SLX pad, with a Sea to Summit pump sack. The pump sack doubles as a dry sack for my tent or other gear in a rainy situation. I'm happy with my sleeping pad, though it is noisy.
  • Pillow: I haven't yet found one that I love, but I currently use an Instant Camp pillow.
  • Sleeping bag liner: I use a silk sleeping bag liner. While not essential, it's handy for staying either cool or warm and for keeping the bag cleaner.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
  • Tent: I use a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent that weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces. I do not use the ground cover. And yes, I use a 2-person tent just for me because it's nice to have the room.

Clothing

Let's be honest, I'm not winning any fashion contests on the trail. However, I've figured out pretty much what I need. As a guiding rule, think wool! Merino wool is your friend. It manages moisture and stink well. Also, resist the temptation to bring multiple changes of clothing, as it's unnecessary weight. Get warmth through layering, and make your peace with wearing the same stuff over and over.

  • Underwear: I love my Toura bra from Terra Kaia. I take just one bra for the duration of my backpacking trips. Terra Kaia has panties, as well, but they are hard to get, so I wear merino wool panties. I take 2 pairs of merino panties for hiking and a pair for nighttime.
  • Socks: I wear Injinji toe socks (lightweight, merino wool) as a liner and Darn Tough hiking socks over them. Two pairs of each, as you don't want to be left with no choice but wet socks.
  • Shirts: I take 2 lightweight (around 150 weight, if you're looking at Smartwool) merino wool shirts, one short-sleeve and one long-sleeve. I have also starting wearing a Mountain Hardware  sun shirt (long-sleeve hoodie). It's lightweight enough that I wore it on a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike, and it really helps with sun control. It also gives me a layering option on chilly days.
  • Pants: I wear Baleaf hiking pants. They are lightweight and dry so quickly. they also have great pockets. I bring a pair of leggings for sleeping and an optional warmth layer. Currently, I'm using lightweight merino wool for my leggings.
  • Shoes: I'm not a hiking boot person. Instead, I wear my trail running shoes (Altra Lone Peaks). I used to bring a lightweight pair of shoes (Crocs) for camping and water crossings. I haven't been carrying them lately just to cut down on stuff, but I miss them when I'm in camp.
  • Hat: I don't love wearing hats, but they are important for sun control and holding my mosquito net in place. Look for a lightweight, breathable hat with a wide brim and a string to hold it in place on windy trails. I currently use a Columbia hat.
  • Rain gear: I use a lightweight Columbia rain jacket. I also have a hiking kilt (rain skirt that velcroes around the waist and goes down to mid-calf) from Onewind. I opted not to take it backpacking this year (again, cutting weight), but it would have come in handy. Ponchos that cover the backpack, as well, are also a good option. Again, personal preference.
  • Jacket for warmth: I use a lightweight REI puffy jacket, which I love. REI doesn't make them anymore, but Patagonia makes a similar one.
  • Head/neck insulation: I use a lightweight neck gator (like guys used to wear as masks during COVID) that I can turn into a beanie. For colder hikes, I'll take a warmer hat.
  • Gloves: Always take a pair of light gloves, even in summer. Go warmer for colder weather.
  • Compression sleeves: I occasionally get a form of vasculitis called "hiker's leg," so I sometimes need compression. I'm not a fan of compression socks, so I use compression sleeves that go from ankle to knee.
  • Post-hike clothes: Pack a small pack with post-hike clothes to leave in the car so that you don't have to wear your stinky hiking clothes on the (usually) long drive home. Don't forget to include things like deodorant, lotion, and a comb!

Food!

You need fuel to keep your body moving up those mountains. I target around 2500 calories a day. You might need more depending on how much you weigh. (I'm about 135#.) You can add lightweight calories with packets of olive oil or peanut butter.


  • Dinners: I use freeze-dried meals, and there are some tasty ones out there. Pay attention to calories (600-900 is a good range), protein (ideally 25+ grams), and the amount of water needed (1.3 to 1.75 cups is good). Brands I like include Peak, Backpacker Pantry, Alpine Aire, some Mountain House. There are others, including some great vegan options.
  • First day food: Keep it light, but this is a good time to bring fresh berries or other perishables. You'll remember them fondly later.
  • Breakfast: I alternate between oatmeal (with additives like nuts, freeze-dried fruit, peanut butter powder, protein powder) and granola for my first breakfast. I just use boiling water with my oatmeal. I have a second breakfast consisting of Belvita breakfast cookies (the hard ones) or a bar (like a Stinger seed and nut bar) an hour or so into the hike.
  • Lunches: I alternate between ClifBuilder bars (mint chocolate are my fav) and mini tortillas with peanut butter/honey or chocolate peanut butter (2-3 tortillas with a single packet of peanut butter mix).
  • Snacks: Go for both sweet and salty, with some dried fruit, as well. This year I took Dots pretzels (great choice), beef jerky, Kind bars, Tootsie rolls (4 each day), dried mangoes, GU energy gels (chocolate outrage is the best), banana chips, Stinger energy waffles, coconut date rolls. Look for things that don't crumble or melt, that are lightweight and tasty and have plenty of calories.
  • Drinks: Don't forget electrolytes! I use IQ Mix and love it. I also bring a single serving packet of Tang/lemonade for a warm drink in the mornings, and I mix guarana powder in it for caffeine (helps with energy and pooping, if you want to know). If you are a coffee drinker, bring instant coffee packets.
Food gear:
  • Bear bin: I use a Bear Vault BV450, which holds food for a 5-day trip if I pack carefully. (Remember, first day food doesn't need to go in a bear bin.) It's somewhat heavy and difficult to pack around, but it's required for some hikes here in Washington, and it's easier than trying to find a place to hang a bear bag. Besides, you can use it for a chair.
  • Eating utensil: I take a long-handled spoon or a spork.
  • Stove, fuel, 2 lighters: One stove for every 4 people is fine. MSR reactor or Jetboil flash are good choices. We've found that a regular size fuel canister is fine for 3 people for a 4-day trip to rehydrate dinners and make breakfast coffee/oatmeal. Take 2-3 canisters for anything over 4 days or with more people. Make sure your cooking system includes a pot and something to measure water in. Bring a baggie to keep your lighters dry.
  • Water bucket: You'll need a collapsible, lightweight bucket for collecting water. Sea to Summit and other companies make good ones. 
  • Collapsible cup: Good for oatmeal, coffee (or Tang/lemonade, in my case), etc.

Toilet Bag

Another let's be honest moment...You think about peeing and pooping a lot more than normal when backpacking. Be prepared!

Not pictured, but necessary: small shovel

I use a small dry sack to hold my toilet items, and I keep it readily accessible in an outside pocket of my pack. I include toilet paper, of course. (Skip the cardboard roll, but make sure you take enough TP. It's light, and you'll hate running out.) I also bring pantiliners (makes the panties last longer), hand sanitizer, a flashlight for nighttime peeing (head lamps are also a good option), and an ultralight titanium backpacking trowel for digging potty holes when there isn't a toilet available to poop in. Ladies, don't forget sanitary items if you still use them. (Thank you, menopause!)

Note: While I'm not personally a fan, many folks like the Kula cloth (antimicrobial, reusable pee cloth). Keep in mind that even with the Kula cloth you would still need TP for pooping.

First Aid Kit

I don't take an extensive first aid kit, but you have to be prepared.

  • Ibuprofin
  • Prescription meds as needed
  • Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol prep pads
  • Cash (not first aid, but handy for unexpected trail fees, etc.)
  • Bug repellant with Deet (I currently use the Ben's brand wipes, but spray works)
  • KT tape with tiny scissors (or an ace bandage, but I find KT tape more versatile)
  • Blister kit: I prefer Compeed, but that's more a European thing. Dr. Scholl has a pretty good substitute.
  • Tenacious tape: for tent or other gear repairs
  • Paper/pen: I always take a piece or two of paper and a pen in case I need to leave a note for someone.

Toiletries and Miscellaneous Items



Essential items:
  • Phone: This is a really important piece of my equipment, as it contains my trail maps, camera, compass, journal, books, white noise (I have occasional insomnia), emergency flashlight. In my opinion, it's totally worth the extra weight of bringing a power bank.
  • Power bank and charging cords: I currently use an INIU 10000mAh5V/3A Power Bank that has USB and USBC in and out and weights 6.9 ounces. I use it to charge both my phone and my Garmin watch. It lasted for a 6-day backpacking trip with plenty of charge to spare. Bring short charging cords.
  • Personal cleansing wipes: I bring one for each day, individually wrapped. If you can bathe in a stream, great! But that's not always possible.
  • Brush/mirror (the multi-color round thing): Probably not necessary for a guy, but a woman needs to feel human at least once a day.
  • Ponytail holders (if you have longish hair): one or two should be fine
  • Running watch: I use my Garmin. I guess it's not absolutely essential, but I like to know where I am with my mileage.
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste: Keep it light! I use a super light toothbrush and a mini tube of paste. I have also used Wisps in the past for shorter trips (disposable mini toothbrushes with toothpaste in each brush).
  • Deodorant: You may not think it's essential, but I do. I take a travel size deodorant. Go for unscented.
  • Mosquito net: super light, super cheap, makes life soooo much better
  • Sunscreen: small tube should be fine, especially if you use a sun shirt. Sunscreen also helps provide some moisture for the skin.
  • Lip balm with sunscreen: I learned the hard way on this when my lips got burned...
  • Sunglasses
  • Prescription glasses (if needed)
  • Bandanas: One is essential, two is nice. 
  • Trekking poles: I'm still using hand-me-down poles someone gave me years ago. There are certainly lighter poles out there, but these have served me well.
Nice to haves:
  • Mini lotion: I'm on the fence about this. I've had trips where I haven't taken it, and I've regretted it because I hate having dry skin. But I've had many trips where I don't use lotion at all.
  • Fisherman Friend: Nobody needs a cougher in camp when everyone's trying to sleep. Fisherman Friend cough drops are the best at controlling coughs.
  • Clothesline: That's the gray and black pouch. It's a 10' nylon rope that's great for hanging clothes and useful for emergencies, as well. I sometimes use it, sometimes not.
  • Wired ear buds: I have occasional insomnia, and sometimes the only way I can sleep is with white noise or an audiobook (thank you, Jane Austen).
  • Regular lip balm: because the stuff with sunscreen doesn't do a great job of moisturizing
  • Towel: I use a small, microfiber towel that is light and dries quickly. But a bandana can double as a towel if you want to save weight.
  • Ultralight/stuffable daypack: This almost goes on the essential list for me. It's super handy for carrying stuff around camp and for day hikes in the midst of a backpacking trip. 4Monster makes a packable daypack that weighs just 4 ounces.
  • Ear plugs
  • Cooling towel: My body doesn't regulate temperature well, so for hot hikes, I find a cooling cloth helps a lot. I don't know what the technology is, but once you get them wet they stay wet and cool for quite a while, even in extreme heat (Grand Canyon, anyone?). 
  • Phone holder: I generally keep my phone in the thigh pocket of my hiking pants, because I take a lot of photos, but if you don't have that option, you may need something to carry your phone. I also bring a quart freezer bag to keep my phone dry on rainy hikes.

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