Whether you are a beginner or an experienced backpacker, it can be difficult to find suitable gear. There are numerous review sites to explore, determining which items are worth investing in and which ones can be saved on. What initially began as an enjoyable hobby and an opportunity to experience nature can quickly become overwhelming.
I have put together all my favorite items for you in a single convenient source to assist you in getting started.
There are various backpacking styles that cater to different individuals, including minimalists who prioritize lightweight gear, thru hikers who plan on long expeditions, and beginners who are cautious about expenses for their initial overnight trips. As a photographer who enjoys multi-day overnight trips, my main focus is on lightweight equipment that can accommodate heavy cameras and lenses.
The things I seek in backpacking equipment are:
I desire gear that can withstand long distances and numerous journeys.
When considering weight for backpacking gear, it is important to strike a balance between the desire for lighter weight and the realization that items with lower weight tend to be more expensive.
Is it possible for it to compress or pack down? Considering the limited space in your backpack, it is extremely beneficial to find items that can be compressed or packed down to a smaller size.
If you are going to be carrying footwear, clothing, and a pack over long distances for days or weeks, it is necessary for them to be comfortable.
The budget was a significant factor that should not be overlooked or taken lightly. We made an effort to utilize our front-country camping gear for as much as possible and gradually replaced it with the gear listed below over a period of several years.
While one of the aforementioned criteria may carry greater significance for you, each of them contributes to the selection of your gear. There is an abundance of choices available in terms of weight, budget, features, comfort, and personal preferences. I’m simply sharing what has proven successful for me throughout the years, hoping it assists you in discovering your own ideal options as well.
Clothing Checklist
Prepare yourself, if you have never backpacked before, because what I am about to say might seem unpleasant: During your trip, it is advisable to bring just two sets of clothing. Carrying additional clothing only increases the weight unnecessarily, and there is no real benefit in wearing clean clothes when they will quickly become dirty and sweaty. I adhere to this rule consistently, regardless of the duration of my hike, be it a single day or eight days. However, I do pack enough underwear for each day and some spare socks.
You should have separate sets of clothing for hiking and sleeping. If your hiking set becomes wet and sweaty, I suggest either placing it in your sleeping bag with you during sleep to warm up and dry from your body heat, or if it is not too cold at the camp, continue wearing it to let it dry out on your body. Although it may result in an unpleasant smell and be somewhat repulsive, it is definitely worth it.
- 1 pair waterproof gloves
- 4 pairs of thick socks
- 2 warm merino layers
- 1 sports bra
- Enough underwear to change daily
- 2 pairs of yoga pants or whatever you prefer to hike in
- 1 waterproof ski jacket
- Optional: foldable, water-resistant, lightweight down jacket
- 1 pair hiking boots
- 1 pair camp shoes
- 1 beanie
- 2 thin neck warmers that can double as ear warmers
- 1 hat with brim
- Sunglasses
Gear Checklist
The gear you will need for your trip will largely be determined by the kind of weather you expect to face. The majority of the multi-day backpacking routes I have experienced have taken place in Patagonia, Peru, Kyrgyzstan, and Alaska, primarily characterized by chilly temperatures and the potential for snowfall. However, if you are hiking in a desert setting, your requirements will be distinct.
Toiletries and Hygiene
Toiletries tend to occupy much unnecessary space and add significant weight. Personally, I only pack:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sunscreen
- Menstrual products (a menstrual cup is definitely the easiest and most lightweight option)
- A small pack of wipes
Typically, I do not wash my face while hiking, which may appear peculiar to others. To address this, it is advisable to carry facial wipes and utilize stream water for cleansing. In cases where the water is freezing due to being glacial, it is best to rely on the wipes instead. Personally, I do not believe it is necessary to carry additional fuel to warm water for face washing.
Food Checklist
Typically, I have two options when it comes to my food choices. One option is to bring instant backpacker meals, which are not only convenient, but also compact and delectable. The other option is to visit smaller markets and purchase items such as pasta and powdered sauce. However, it is important to note that neither of these options are known for being exceptionally exquisite cuisine.
When hiking on the trail, the taste of food is significantly enhanced. This could be attributed to the hunger experienced after a whole day of hiking or perhaps it is the mesmerizing view of a glacier or a beautiful valley that adds to the overall dining experience. Regardless, I can confidently say that preparing and consuming meals that I would find only somewhat satisfying at a restaurant in my hometown is considered a triumph while being on the trail.
Favorite Foods to Take Backpacking
The text should be rephrased step by step while retaining the same meaning, without adding or removing any information: 1. The act of eating breakfast meals in the morning. 2. Morning meals that are consumed to break the overnight fast. 3. The activity of having dishes typically eaten in the morning. 4. Consuming food in the morning to start the day after a period of not eating during sleep. 5. The practice of having meals in the morning hours to break the fasting period of the night. 6. Having breakfast, which refers to the meals eaten in the morning after a period without food during sleep.
The Mountain House Granola with Blueberries is available for purchase on Backcountry and Amazon.
The Breakfast Skillet from Mountain House is available for purchase at both REI and Amazon.
The text cannot be rephrased step by step as it only consists of a single word, “Lunches.”
Tortillas
Keeping the same meaning, rephrase the following text step by step: “The term ‘salami’ typically refers to a type of cured sausage made from meat such as pork, beef, or poultry. It is usually seasoned with various spices and then fermented and dried before consumption. Salami is commonly enjoyed as a cold cut in sandwiches, on charcuterie boards, or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes and pizzas. It is a popular food item in many different cuisines around the world.”
A step-by-step thought process for rephrasing the text while preserving the same meaning can be as follows: 1. Crackers. 2. Crackers must be rephrased while maintaining the same meaning. 3. The task is to rephrase the word “crackers” without changing any information. 4. The information regarding crackers should not be added or removed. 5. The text regarding crackers needs to be recalibrated without alteration in meaning.
Peanut butter and jelly, when considering each step thoroughly and sequentially.
Dinners
The chicken fried rice from Mountain House can be found at REI or Backcountry.
The Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef is available at both REI and Amazon.
Pasta Primavera from Mountain House is available at REI and Backcountry.
Snacks can be mentally processed by thinking step by step.
REI / Backcountry sells the PROBAR Meal Bar.
Clif Shot Bloks are available at REI and Backcountry.
