Everything you need to go backpacking

What’s essential and what’s a luxury is a hotly debated topic for backpacking.  

This guide is a curated selection of the essentials most experts recommend you bring on a weekend backpacking trip. And if you have space, don’t forget to squeeze in your favorite luxury item, too. 

Backpack

The best backpacking backpack is the one that fits your body and your gear. Experts repeatedly praise Gregory for the fit and adjustability across several styles and sizes.

Women’s – Gregory Maven 58

“Gregory Maven 58: Well-designed and Comfortable – I’m so glad I gave the Maven 58 a go. The pack is lightweight (3lb 8oz for the S/M), has seemingly endless thoughtful touches, and is COMFORTABLE, and it nearly made me give up on packs this size. When I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, for example, I did it with a 34L…” Read More

Men’s – Gregory Baltoro 65

“Built for Comfort! – Gregory continues to deliver with the Baltoro line of packs. The well thought out features and design of the waist belt and shoulder straps allow for a dialed in fit that allows all day comfort on the trail. . What you give away in pack weight you gain in total comfort on the trail with a pack that can handle the…” Read More

Navigation tools

The weight of worry is not worth carrying. Sometimes things go south and being able to communicate far from cell service brings peace of mind.

Garmin inReach® Mini 2 

“Great peace of mind in small package – Absolutely love the unit! Small and lightweight with easy to use features. Paired with android phone and thru app easy to send/receive messages or directly on unit. Durable unit as well and handles back country hiking/camping like a boss with no issues regardless of terrain or weather. Well worth its weight in gold.”

Tent

Sleeping under the stars is lovely. So is privacy, security and a barrier between you and the bugs.  

The Big Agnes Copper Spur regularly appears on lists of top backpacking tents for its full features and ultra light weight.  

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2

“Great backcountry tent – Light weight and compact tent, perfect for backcountry camping missions. Roomy enough for 2 people to comfortably sleep, love that it’s freestanding and has 2 doors. Cute colour. Easy to set up. Gear storage pockets and loft is very convenient. Reflective guy lines make them east to see in the dark with….” Read more

Sleeping bag

Even light sleeping bags can offer 3-season comfort for a good night’s rest.

Women’s – Mammut Perform Down Bag -10C

“packed small! – This bag packed small, was so warm ( too warm for 0 degree weather so I loved it) and the storage bag plus carrying bag it comes with are so nice! It’s not the smallest packing bag but it packed surprisingly small for a -10c bag and was very light. I am 5’3 and 130 lbs and it was big for me ( what isn’t though lol) but I…” Read more

Men’s – Mammut Perform Fiber Bag -7C

“This is a great bag – One of the first things that I noticed and fell in love with this bag was how small I can compress it! It was great in 20 degree weather and had plenty of room for me to fit into. One of the coolest features was not just the internal pocket but also the mag lock at the top of the zipper- really helped keep the bag secure…” Read more

Sleeping pad

With how light and compact a sleeping pad can get, the extra cushion and insulation is often worth the extra 19.6 ounces.  

Klymit Insulated Static V Lite sleeping pad  

“Lightweight and warm – This has been a great addition to my backpacking kit. My current sleeping bag is a “system” bag, so the only insulation I get is from the sleeping pad I bring. The insulated V-Lite has kept me plenty warm in the 40’s and the weight is great!“

Water needs

No camp is complete without clean water. Simple as that. 

Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0L Microfilter

“Great filter – I have used this in the mountains of Montana and the lakes of Michigan. The design is simple yet effective. No more keeping track of hoses. If you are looking for something that just works then look no further. The flow rate is good and the filter does a great job at removing silt and sediment. I haven’t used it with really…” Read more 

Camp stove

Eating outside is even better when the meal is warm. Add accessories to tailor your cooking system — and don’t forget your fuel.  

Jetboil Minimo

“Just the perfect system – Using the minimo previously, I bought a second. It’s nice looking, lightweight enough for backpacking, and big enough to hold entire meals. It heats up very quick, sometimes a tad too quick but that would just be my user error because it’s just that darn effective, little jet engine that thing…” Read more

Bonus points:

This Jeboil Minimo stove, built specifically for backpackers, ignites with a push button. But for a campfire or a backup, consider a rechargeable lighter like Dark Energy Plasma Lighter

Combine all three utensils (and more) into one with the Chowpal Mealtime Multitool. If a small bowl is all you need, consider the collapsible GSI Outdoors Escape Bowl. Chowpal Mealtime Multitool

Headlamp 

After the sun goes down, you’ll still want a way to see. Getting settled for the night, midnight bathroom breaks, checking on sounds — it’s all on the table.

NiteCore NU25 UL 400 Lumens Ultralight rechargeable headlamp

“Great headlamp – Really appreciate how light this is. I dropped a bit more than an ounce from my petzel actikcore 600, which I love, but I’m trying to shave weight in any way possible. I was worried this wouldn’t be as bright but 400 lumens is still totally fine. I like that it has different settings but the best part is the fact you can see…” Read more

Multitool   

Don’t underestimate the functionality of a multitool — or how fantastic it feels to have one when you really need it.

Gerber Dime Multitool  

“All The Tools You Need Most Often – All multitools are designed to work better than the tool you don’t have at the time. The Dime seems to be the best tool of its size that I have used, including Leatheman, Buck, and Coast models. The spring-loaded pliers are very useful in this size, since you can’t get a finger behind the handle to…” Read more

First aid kit 

Don’t let minor cuts and aches become big problems. It’s also a good idea to check for — or supplement with — bug protection and sun protection.

Sawyer Picaridin

“Powerful and Kind Bug Repellent – We used this when we went backpacking in a bug-dense area and it worked wonderfully. I didn’t receive a single bug bite, and I’m usually the target of mosquitoes. It’s also extremely easy to remove with some kind of body wipe.”

Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Tin

“Badger sunscreen – A lot of zinc and mineral sunscreen goes on white and doesn’t rub in at all. This is NOT that sunscreen. Our whole family used this on a trip to Florida. Honestly we applied it once each day and forgot about the rest. It rubs in great! It lasts for a long time. Not greasy, not smelly, just good simple protection…” Read more

Hygiene and bathroom kit

No need to be coy about it, everyone needs to relieve themselves at some point on a backpacking trip. Your kit should include a cathole trowel,  along with disposable tissues or a reusable Kula Cloth.

Dead Down Wind Base Camp Wash towels

“Great product – Convenient, small and very useful. I always keep these in my pack and love that I don’t have to worry about any added perfumes.”

Go light, not without

Every item — even the luxury gift to yourself — earns its place. You’ll tailor your ideal pack for every trip but for your core backpacking gear, keep this list and you’re golden.

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This guide doesn’t include food but please don’t starve. If you’re looking for the simplest menu, pick MRE, snacks like freeze-dried fruit, energy waffles and electrolytes. Shop Now