You’ve saved up paid time off hours, spending weeknights researching trails and reading every last word on The Trailhead. The time has finally come to get out of Dodge and have the backpacking experience of a lifetime. The last thing to do–and it’s pretty essential–is select the right gear for the adventure!
The following list of recommendations is one we’ve shared with thousands of backpackers just like you, and it’s a setup that can be easily modified and tailored to each season, varied environments, and different trip lengths.
PACK
2400 Southwest (As the number of days out increases or limited options for resupplies demands it, move up in pack volume – three to four-day – 3400, five to eight day – 4400)
Shoulder Pocket or Versa (for easy access to phones, maps, cameras, snacks, satellite communicators, etc.)
SHELTER
UltaMid 2 Pyramid Shelter
Ultralight Stake Kit
2 Voile Straps (to create your shelter center pole with your trekking poles)
SLEEP SYSTEM
40º Top Quilt (choose the appropriate quilt or bag for the temperature ranges the time of year of your trip)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
Stuff Sack Pillow
KITCHEN
MSR PocketRocket Stove
VARGO Ti-Lite 750ml
Mini Bic Lighter
REpack Freezer Bag Cooking System
Vargo Titanium Long-Handle Spoon
(Consider adding something like the GSI Outdoors Compact Pot Scraper for cookware clean up)
HYDRATION
Sawyer Squeeze Filtration System
Platypus Platy 2.0 - 2 L Reservoir
(Add another Platypus Platy or additional Smartwater Bottles if water sources are limited on your route)
ORGANIZATION
Jumbo 13L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Shelter)
Small Pod and Small 2L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Kitchen/Cookware/Food)
Nano 0.3L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Electronics)
Small 3L Roll-Top Stuff Sack (Sleep System)
Large Pod (Clothing/Ditty)
*CLOTHING
Rain Jacket/Shell
Fleece Hoodie
Fleece Beanie
Down Hoodie
Hike Socks
Camp Socks
Undies
(*What you wear every day is up to you! Don’t rely completely of what looks to be a perfect forecast! Weather can change quickly, and many of these items can help mitigate uncomfortable circumstances that could lead to dangers like hypothermia.)
MISCELLANEOUS
Trekking Poles
Pack Towel
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
NiteCore NU25 Headlamp
iPhone and case
Extra Misc (License/Credit Card/Advil/Soap)
TOTAL WEIGHT: *Approximately 10lb
(*Give or take a few ounces based on time of year, pack size, sleep system, and clothing)
(*Before consumables like food, water, and fuel)
