The best backpacking gear to keep you alive in the woods, according to experts

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2 days ago

Backpacking gear quick picks
Backpacking backpack: Osprey Men's Exos 58 / Women's Eja 58
Backpacking tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with Cnoc Premium 2-Liter Bladder
Backpacking stove: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe StoveHiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors. You can walk deep into the woods, mountains or desert with everything you need to survive on your back.
But since you can only rely on the things you bring, packing everything you need can seem daunting. To help you figure out what to stuff in your pack — and assure you that backpacking is actually fun, not scary — I talked to expert backpackers and combed through the gear I've used for years on backcountry trips to make this list of the best backpacking gear out there.
Osprey Men's Exos 58
"These are great packs, they're affordable and durable and have plenty of room," said Cris Hazzard, a professional hiking guide and the founder of HikingGuy. "[What] I particularly appreciate [about] these is the frame they have on the back. It makes carrying heavier loads easier and also keeps the pack off your back so that it doesn't get sweaty. If I had to recommend one backpack for everyone, it would probably be this."
Osprey Women's Eja 58
Not only are these packs Hazzard's first choice, but they also feature Osprey's legendary All Mighty Guarantee, where the brand will repair or replace your damaged pack no matter when you got it.
REI Co-op Men's Flash 55 Pack
If you're looking to save money on a beginner backpack, you can't go wrong with the REI Co-op Flash 55. It's surprisingly lightweight, weighing 2 pounds 13 ounces for a men's medium, but it still has the essentials you need to carry all your gear for your first backpacking trip.
REI Co-op Women's Flash 55 Pack
Featuring a roll-top opening, a large front mesh pocket, a removable brain, hipbelt pockets, an adjustable torso and tons of other backpacking-specific amenities, this pack can keep all your gear organized and accessible.
Osprey Men's Aether 55
This was the first backpacking pack I bought for myself, and it's still going strong over five years later. It has tons of pockets, it's comfortable, it features a removable brain and the current version comes with a rain cover. If I had one complaint, it's that I bought a size too big. I have the 65-liter version, and as a beginner, that extra room just made it easier to overpack.
Osprey Women's Ariel 55
The women's version has all the same features as the men's but with a different silhouette to better fit women's bodies. Plus, both versions are incredibly adjustable to fit everyone. Weighing around 4 pounds 13 ounces, these packs have more structure and features to help you carry heavier loads.
Gregory Women's Deva 60
This full-featured pack from Gregory is also equipped with all the bells and whistles you'd want in a pack that'll last you for years to come. With an adjustable torso and shoulder straps that rotate to help you keep your balance, this pack doesn't skimp on amenities.
Gregory Men's Baltoro 65
While these packs are heavier than others on this list, the features — such as a ventilated back panel, quick-access zippers, dynamic hipbelt and more — could be worth it for you.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack
This is my new favorite backpacking pack, and while it's not perfect, it's still my go-to. Weighing around 2 pounds, depending on the size, this pack is incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable. On my first backpacking trip wearing it, I loved how it distributed the weight on my hips, and the newly improved load lifters were great for fine-tuning the perfect fit. I do wish the top opening was bigger so it was easier to pack and unpack, but it's a great option for people who want to start cutting down weight in their kit.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
"I've used all the light tents, including the Nemo Hornet and Tiger Wall," Hazzard said. "I think the Copper Spur is the best bet for a few reasons. It's totally free-standing, so [it] will work 100% without any stakes (unlike those others). The Copper Spur seems roomier for roughly the same size and weight. So for me, it's the best overall choice. I also still love my Zpacks Plex Solo, but if you just want one tent overall that you can fly with (no trekking poles needed), the Copper Spur is the move."
Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight 1-Person Backpacking Tent
Nemo is one of my favorite camping brands, and its best backpacking tent is probably the Hornet. It comes in one-, two- and three-person sizes, and weighs as little as 1 pound 13 ounces.
REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent
This tent can be pitched with its included poles, or you could use your trekking poles to save a little weight. Weighing 2 pounds 6.5 ounces, it's surprisingly lightweight for a slightly lower price than its competitors.
Nemo Equipment Dagger Osmo 2-Person Tent
Even though the Hornet is probably Nemo's purest backpacking tent, the Dagger is my favorite. It's heavier, weighing in at 3 pounds 5 ounces for the two-person compared to 2 pounds 1 ounce for the Hornet in the same size. However, you get a ton more room. The two-person Dagger comfortably fits two people and even has enough room for my partner and me to sleep with our dog and some gear inside. Backpacking is a constant balancing act of weight and comfort, but the Dagger is one piece where I'm happy to carry the extra pound.
Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite 2-Person Backpacking Tent
If I wanted to save money building my first backpacking kit, this freestanding Featherstone tent is what I'd get. It's heavier than other backpacking tents, coming in at 4 pounds 3 ounces, but it's simple to set up, spacious and cheaper than most other options. After testing it out on a recent backpacking trip, I was impressed by its roominess. It probably won't last for years and years, but it's the perfect starter tent.
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2-Person Backpacking Tent
Similar to the Nemo Dagger, the Hubba Hubba is a tent that excels at being lightweight without sacrificing comfort. It has all the features you want, including a roomy interior and spacious vestibules for a minimum trail weight of 3 pounds. My friend has a one-person version of the Hubba Hubba and adores it.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt
"OK, I am starting with an expensive ultralight item... but it's so worth the investment," said Sunny Stroeer, co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours and founder of AWExpeditions. "Weighing in at just over a pound and crazy comfortable and warm, if you invest in this quilt, you know you'll be sleeping well, while saving tons of weight and volume in your pack."
Nemo Men's Forte 35 Endless Promise Synthetic Sleeping Bag
My partner is allergic to down, so this has been my go-to sleeping bag for car camping and backpacking. It's a little on the heavy side for the backcountry, but it's one of, if not the most comfortable, sleeping bags I've ever used. Its spoon shape allows for tossing and turning, and its draft collar is a true game-changer.
Nemo Women's Forte 35 Endless Promise Sleeping Bag
While the Nemo Forte is a supremely comfortable bag, what's even more impressive is its sustainability story. As part of Nemo's Endless Promise line, these bags can be recycled at the end of their life. These bags also come in a 20-degree version for colder nights.
Nemo Women's Disco 30 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag
Synthetic bags are cheaper than down bags, but they don't pack as small and tend to weigh more. If you're okay with spending a bit of cash on a bag to get a lighter, warmer experience, splurging on down is the way to go.
Nemo Men's Disco 30 Endless Promise Men's Down Sleeping Bag
The Disco is the down-filled sibling of the Nemo Forte, and it has all the same features that I love. The thermoregulating "gills" are another fun innovation, as they can adjust the breathability and warmth of your bag depending on the temperature.
REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag
REI Co-op's top-tier down sleeping bag is the Magma, which comes in three different lengths and three different widths to accommodate various body types. Filled with 850-fill-power goose down and weighing under 2 pounds, this bag can match up with some of the best on the market.
Sea to Summit Men's Hamelin Synthetic Sleeping Bag
This synthetic sleeping bag is lighter than the Nemo Forte, weighing as little as 2 pounds 8 ounces on the scale. It is a 30-degree bag compared to Nemo's 20-degree rating, but the Hamelin also has nifty zippers that let you easily poke your feet or arms out in the middle of the night.
Sea to Summit Women's Hamelin Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The women's version is bigger and heavier than the men's, even at the same temperature rating. However, both versions have a contoured shape to help you sleep comfortably through the whole night.
Kelty Men's Cosmic Down 20
This budget sleeping bag is probably what most first-time backpackers should buy. It uses down insulation, so it packs down small while being warm, weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces (for a men's regular) and is a screaming deal.
Kelty Women's Cosmic Down 20
The Cosmic Down uses a trapezoidal shape to help retain heat and has an expanded footbox to help you stay comfortable and warm when sleeping in the backcountry.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT
This is one of the most popular sleeping pads on the market for a reason. It's lightweight and warm, weighing 13 ounces for a regular size with an R-value of 4.5. The NeoAir's biggest downside was always the noise it made, and while the new model isn't silent, it's much quieter than before.
Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
"Nemo's sleeping pads are incredible, and a cut above the competition (I have tried, and broken, them all over the years)," Stroeer said. "This one is warm, quiet and crazy comfortable without being bulky. It's insulated enough for shoulder seasons and packs down smaller than a water bottle."
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
I'm a big fan of Sea to Summit's lightweight sleeping pad. It comes in several sizes and shapes, weighs as little as 15.7 ounces and has an R-value of 4.1, which means it can keep you warm in the shoulder seasons.
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad
If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a big fan of comfort backpacking. I'm willing to carry a little bit more weight if it means I can relax and recover at camp. The NeoLoft is my new favorite piece of comfort backpacking gear. It's 4.6 inches thick and weighs 1 pound 8.9 ounces for the regular size. The baffling, material and thickness combine to create the most comfortable sleeping experience I've had on an air pad.
Featherstone Outdoor EL Cordion Ultralight Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pad
Some folks don't like carrying an air pad because they require more setup and are at risk of popping (even though I've never had one pop, nor have I talked to anyone who's had one pop). Closed-cell foam pads are typically cheaper and lighter, but aren't nearly as comfortable as their inflatable counterparts. This pad from budget-friendly brand Featherstone Outdoor is a good first option if you want to try closed-cell pads, since it's lightweight, cheap and decently comfortable. If you'd rather use a yoga mat as a pad, please buy this instead.
Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad
Tim Beissinger, one half of Thruhikers along with Renee Miller and co-author of "Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail" (also with Miller), lists this foam pad as the duo's favorite for backpacking. You can check out all of Beissinger and Miller's favorite pieces of gear on their website here.
Exped Mega Pillow
As a side sleeper, I like having a big pillow so I don't wake up with a sore neck. That's why I love the Exped Mega. It's 4.7 inches thick when fully inflated, and it's so long that you can even deflate it and fold it in half if you need extra loft.
Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow
If you don't want to waste weight or pack space on a pillow, this Outdoor Vitals option is for you. It packs down small, inflates in about three breaths and provides more support than your balled-up jacket.
Nemo Fillo Elite Ultralight Pillow
It isn't as plush as the Exped, and it's not as light as the Outdoor Vitals, but the Nemo Fillo Elite is a fantastic middle ground in the world of pillows. It's inflatable but still has a bit of filling for a more traditional feel, all while packing down to a super-small package and weighing only 2.9 ounces.
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
This is another great pillow that I love to use on backpacking trips. It's super small, lightweight and made with just enough loft to keep me comfortable all night long.
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
This is my favorite backpacking stove. It's super lightweight and packable, easy to use and made with a slightly larger burner than some other stoves, which helps distribute heat around the entire base of your pot. It also features an auto igniter, but it doesn't always work — especially in windy conditions — so be sure to pack a backup lighter.
Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System
Folks who love Jetboil, love Jetboil, and I get it. This kit comes with a stove and an insulated pot, which makes boiling water for dehydrated meals fast and easy. I don't think the extra weight of the system is worth the slightly faster boiling time when backpacking, but it is a very efficient system that makes camp cooking easy.
BRS 3000T Titanium Ultralight Backpacking Stove
If you don't want to spend on a fancy cooking kit, you can save a lot of money on a budget stove. This is a favorite in the backpacking community thanks to its lightweight design and budget-friendly price tag.
Toaks Titanium 750-Milliliter Pot
You'll need a pot to boil water, and this titanium one from Toaks is super light and efficient. Weighing 3.6 ounces, it's the perfect size to rehydrate meals after a long day of hiking.
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Two Pot Cook Set
It's heavier than other options on this list, but this cook set comes with everything you need to make an impressive meal for two people. You can expand your palate beyond dehydrated meals since it comes with both a 2-liter and a 3-liter pot.
LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 1L Bottle
Not only is this one of the best filtered water bottles we tested, but it's also the filter I use on backpacking trips. I bring it because it's lightweight and easy to use. I've had mine for several years now and it's probably time to replace the filter, and after intense use, a small hole appeared in the pouch, but it was an easy fix with a Noso patch. Read our review
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System With Cnoc Premium 2-Liter Bladder
Sawyer has been the go-to brand for backcountry water filtration for years, but the included bags have been a nuisance to use. That's why this new bundle that features a 2-liter bladder from Cnoc is what every Sawyer user has been waiting for. The Squeeze is also Beissinger and Miller's runner-up pick for the best water filter. They said they like the Platypus QuickDraw slightly more.
Grayl 24-Ounce GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle
Hollow fiber filters are great for most instances, but if you know you need to filter out heavy metals or viruses, you'll want to pack along the Grayl GeoPress. It has a more robust filter, but it weighs more than straw filters like the Sawyer Squeeze. Read our review
Nalgene 48-Ounce Wide Mouth Ultralite Bottle
I nearly always use a water bladder while hiking because I find sipping from a hose easier than stopping to drink out of a bottle. However, when I'm backpacking, I tend to use bottles. I do this because they're a lot easier to fill when filtering water, and you can more easily monitor how much water you have left. I like the tall 48-ounce Nalgene bottles because they're easier to pull out of the side pocket of your backpack. I'd also recommend grabbing these attachments so you can drink while walking.
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister
BearVault has been the dominant name in the world of bear canisters for years, but I think REI Co-op's new modular can is better. It's heavier, yes, but cheaper than most BearVaults and has a removable section so you can use it for short and long trips.
Ursack Major Bear Sack
If you don't want to deal with the weight and bulkiness of a bear canister, consider these bear bags from Ursack. They're expensive, but they're lighter than canisters and easier to use too. Beissinger and Miller said this is their favorite bear-resistant bag too.
Coulee Coffee Doc's Blend EcoPour Box
"This is my latest addition to my standard kit and I'm stoked on it," Stroeer said. "Good coffee in the backcountry, in the form of eco-friendly single-serve pour-overs that actually work without making a mess. If you're a coffee snob like me, Coulee is an easy win."
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
This is my new favorite summer hat, and it saved my neck from getting scorched on a recent backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. It features a wide brim, a secure cord to keep it attached to your head in windy weather and a 6-inch neck cape.
Alpacas of Montana Alpaca Ultralight Hoodie
"This hoodie is a game-changer (as are all things alpaca wool — alpaca is a backpacker's hidden superpower!)," Stroeer said. "It's naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and ultra-soft. I wear it for days on end and it doesn't get funky, plus the hood and thumbholes are perfect for added sun and wind protection."
Mountain Hardwear Men's Sunshield Hoody
A sun hoodie is a fantastic layer to wear while backpacking because it keeps you protected from the sun without requiring you to reapply sunscreen every few hours. My favorite right now is this top from Mountain Hardwear. It's super lightweight, dries quickly and is more durable than other thin hoodies I've worn in the past.
Mountain Hardwear Women's Sunshield Hoody
The Sunshield Hoody is equipped with broad-spectrum protection and has a UPF 50+ rating. Its hood can help keep your neck out of the sun, and it even has thumb holes to protect your hands a little bit too.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Men's Hoodie
Beissinger and Miller both note this as their favorite sunshirt for backcountry hiking. It's packed with a UPF 50+ rating, sweat-wicking abilities and perfect stretch.
REI Co-op Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie
Not only do these hoodies have a protective hood and thumb holes for ultimate coverage, but they also come in a wide variety of sizes and colors so you can find the perfect one for you.
Rab Men's Force Hoody
I've heard many people wax poetic about the Rab Force Hoody, especially as a layer for backpacking. It's odor-resistant and dries fast, and while I couldn't find a UPF rating for it, it can still help protect your skin from sun exposure.
Rab Women's Force Hoody
The hoodie has a close-fitting form so you can stay streamlined on the trail, but it has a solid amount of stretch so you won't feel restricted when moving around.
Mountain Hardwear Men's Ghost Whisperer Hoody
For colder nights and evenings sitting around the fire, a packable jacket is a must. This one from Mountain Hardwear has been a favorite of backpackers for years, thanks to its approximate weight of 10.7 ounces and surprising warmth.
Mountain Hardwear Women's Ghost Whisperer Hoody
Insulated with 800-fill-power down, this jacket will keep you warm when the temperatures dip. If you want an even lighter and warmer jacket, check out the 1,000-fill-power, 6-ounce UL version. That lighter version is Beissinger and Miller's runner-up pick for their favorite jacket to bring backpacking.
Outdoor Research Men's Helium Rain Ultralight Jacket
This has been my go-to backpacking and travel rain jacket for years, just because it packs down so small. Weighing just 7 ounces, it's an extremely lightweight piece of rain gear that can keep you dry in the backcountry. It's Beissinger and Miller's favorite, too. If you know it's going to rain a lot, you might want to consider a pair of rain pants, too.
Outdoor Research Women's Helium Rain Ultralight Jacket
The women's version is $10 more (Outdoor Research — why?), but still has the same packability and waterproofness. If you don't want to spend a lot on a rain shell, consider a rain poncho instead.
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Pants
Our pick for the best men's hiking pants is prime for backpacking too. They're super lightweight, comfortable and stretchy, meaning they can move with you no matter the terrain. I do wish they had one more thigh pocket, since you can never have too many pockets when backpacking. Read our review
Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Pants
What makes these pants stand out is the amount of stretch they have. Whether you're hiking, backpacking or climbing, you'll never feel restricted thanks to the Ferrosi's super-soft and flexible fabric.
Fjällräven Men's Keb Trousers
If you want a pair of sturdy pants with several pockets and features, the Keb Trousers from Fjällräven are the pair for you. They're pricey and heavy, but they'll last for years and hundreds of miles.
Fjällräven Women's Keb Trousers
I wore the Keb Trousers on a three-day backpacking trip, and while they felt a bit too hot and heavy in the middle of summer, I was super thankful for all the pockets and durability. If you want a pair that's a little lighter, check out the Keb Agile Trousers.
Patagonia Men's Outdoor Everyday Shorts
When I'm looking for shorts for backpacking, I want a pair with the maximum amount of pockets, an adjustable waist and quick-drying materials so I can jump in every lake and river I see. This pair from Patagonia checks all those boxes.
Patagonia Women's Outdoor Everyday Shorts
The women's version offers a different cut, but is still made with post-consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets, and comes with Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee.
Darn Tough Men's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
These are the only socks I backpack in, since they're extremely durable, comfortable and supportive. The extra cushion helps my feet feel fresh even when I'm pounding out miles all day long. Beissinger and Miller said these socks are tied with the Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew as their favorites. Read our review
Darn Tough Hiker Women's Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Not only are these socks comfortable, but they're also ridiculously durable. I've had a pair for over seven years and they still look as good as new. And if they do ever wear down, Darn Tough will replace them. Read our review
Paka Crew Socks
The only other pair of socks I'll bring on a backpacking trip are these from Paka. They aren't as durable or cushioned as the Darn Tough ones, but they're astonishingly comfortable, supportive and stink-resistant.
Paka Men's Alpaca Underwear
It might sound gross, but when backpacking, you probably won't want to carry extra underwear. That's why I always wear this pair, which is made from a blend that uses alpaca wool. I've worn these for multiple days in a row while hiking and they've never smelled bad.
Paka Women's Essential Mid-Rise Brief
Made with the same blend of alpaca, spandex, cotton and Tencel, these briefs will help you stay feeling fresh even after days on the trail.
Smartwool Women's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top
I always like to bring separate base layers to sleep in, since they keep me warmer and give my normal clothes time to air out overnight. Smartwool has always been my go-to for base layers, since they feel soft and help keep me toasty warm at night.
Smartwool Men's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer
Smartwool has both tops and bottoms, and thicker base layers if you want to camp during the shoulder seasons, too.
Altra Men's Timp 5 BOA
These are my number-one shoes for backpacking right now for several reasons. First, I love how Altra's shoes feel on my feet. The zero-drop design and wide toe box create a comfortable, interactive hiking experience that I love. The Timp 5 are my favorite for backpacking over the more popular Lone Peaks because they have cushion. I typically don't mind minimal cushioning, but when I'm hiking for several days in a row, the extra foam helps keep my feet comfortable.
Altra Women's Timp 5 BOA
Not only do the Timp 5 have more cushioning, but this version also uses a BOA closure system, which I love for backpacking. BOA makes loosening and tightening your shoes effortless, so you can easily slip your shoes on and off once you're at camp.
Hoka Women's Mafate Speed 4
These lightweight shoes are Beissinger and Miller's favorites. "These are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and durable. We love them," they say on their website.
Hoka Men's Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoes
Built for technical trail running, these shoes have the traction, comfort and durability to handle long hikes, even when you're carrying a heavy backpack.
Danner Men's Mountain 600 Evo
If you want more support or you need waterproof boots, Danner's Mountain Evo 600 are my pick. The leather construction is durable and stable, and they feature Gore-Tex to ensure your feet stay dry.
Danner Women's Mountain 600 Evo
These Danners also feature a Vibram outsole, which I've found to be incredibly sticky during my hikes wearing these boots.
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Merrell's Moab line has included fan-favorite budget hiking boots for years. They're comfortable, supportive and have a great grip. They often go on sale, but even at full price, they're cheaper than many other high-performing hiking boots.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moabs come in mid and low cuts, so you can choose which style you prefer. Mid-cut boots offer more protection and support, while low-cut ones are lighter.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
You don't need to splurge on a fancy set of trekking poles for your first few backpacking trips, but I would recommend getting at least a basic pair. Since you're carrying a lot of extra weight, poles do a lot to help avoid falls and can turn hiking into a full-body activity.
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
If you want to upgrade your poles, check out these from Black Diamond, which are Beissinger and Miller's pick.
Nite Ize Radiant RH1 PowerSwitch Rechargeable Headlamp
"I've been using Nite Ize headlamps for years, and love their dual-power flexibility (USB rechargeable or AAA backup)," Stroeer said. "They're also really bright and comfortable without breaking the bank."
Nitecore NU21 Running Headlamp
This slim headlamp is the light source Beissinger and Miller reach for, as it's easily rechargeable and incredibly lightweight.
Helinox Chair Zero
A chair is a non-negotiable for me when backpacking, and this one from Helinox is easy to set up and surprisingly light. Weighing just 1 pound 2 ounces, it's barely noticeable in my pack, but it's my favorite piece of gear once I get to the campsite.
Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
For anyone who squats while they pee, the Kula Cloth is a must. It might sound weird, but every single person I've talked to who has used a Kula Cloth is absolutely in love with it. Read our review
Coghlan's Trowel
I have a fancy, ultralight trowel built specifically for backpacking, but if I'm being honest, I hate it. It's not that great at digging catholes and it hurts my hand. That's why I'd recommend just getting a cheap plastic one. You'll save a lot of money, and this one still only weighs 2 ounces.
Cleanwaste The Original Wag Bag Toilet Kit, 12-Pack
While digging catholes is the norm while backpacking, there are some areas where you can't even do that. In that case, you'll need to pack a Wag Bag. I like these because they're easy to use and lightweight. I just wish they came with more toilet paper, so I like to pack extra.
Nite Ize Gear Tie Assorted Sizes, 12-Pack
"Lightweight, reusable, and endlessly useful," Stroeer said. "I use them to fix everything from broken pack straps to trekking poles. Way more versatile than duct tape or zip ties."
PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
If I'm camping near a body of water, I'm going to jump in it. That's why I always pack a lightweight towel like this one. If you only need a towel for small messes and cleanups, you can get a mini version, but since I use it to dry off after swimming, I use the normal size.
NoSo Patches Lumberjack Patch
"These always come with me in my repair kit," Stroeer said. "NoSo's peel-and-stick patches work [on] everything: sleeping bags, tents, jackets, etc. They're durable, weatherproof and way more fun than duct tape." I even used a NoSo patch to cover a hole in my water filter. The best backpacking gear for you depends on so many things. How long will your trip be? Will you be camping in cold weather? Will the hike be hard? Do you want to prioritize comfort or a low pack weight? All of these questions and more will have to be considered for every single piece of gear you pack. 'When you go backpacking … You are now in the realm of multi-day backcountry hikes — where every extra ounce slows you down, and every missing piece can spell disaster,' Stroeer said. 'It's much more important to be strategic when packing for backpacking than it is for day hiking.'
That might sound intimidating, but you don't have to get it all right on your very first trip. 'Beginners often carry too much stuff,' Beissinger said. 'The weight of every item you put on your back makes the trip just a little bit less fun, so it's a good idea to really think through whether or not the weight of every item will be canceled out by the enjoyment you'll get from it.'
As you test out more gear and go on more trips, you'll learn what you need to take and what you should leave at home. 'First-time backpackers typically bring too many clothes,' Stroeer said. 'All you need is one of each layer; duplicate items for any given layer, like, say, multiple T-shirts or multiple pairs of pants or socks, are unnecessary and nothing but extra weight.'
'Also, beginners sometimes underestimate weather variability — just because it's warm and sunny when you start a trip doesn't mean it will stay warm and sunny the whole time,' Beissinger said. 'Being unprepared for inclement weather can make a trip unpleasant or even dangerous.'
When creating your gear list, try to use what you have at home before buying new pieces of gear, because prices add up quickly. 'You don't have to spend a lot, but there generally is a rough correlation between price and quality, at least to a point,' Hazzard said. 'You don't want to skimp and then have something fail when you're out in the middle of nowhere. A good clue for figuring out what works well is to see what outfitters are renting. If an outfitter is renting a certain type of tent or sleeping bag to multiple people over a few years, it's probably gonna work for you too.'
Stroeer also suggests waiting for sales or looking to buy from secondhand places like REI Outlet, garage sales and gear swaps. 'Especially when you're getting started, it's smarter to test the waters with reasonably priced gear before dropping hundreds of dollars on ultralight or premium items,' she said. 'As long as your gear keeps you warm, dry and fed, it doesn't need to be fancy.'
The following FAQs were answered by Sunny Stroeer, Tim Beissinger and Cris Hazzard.
How to pack a backpacking pack?
How to pack a backpacking pack?
'Thoughtfully! Packing (and fitting) a backpack correctly makes all the difference between enjoyment and drudgery,' Stroeer said. 'Keep heavy items like food and your tent close to your back and centered, ideally just above your hips. Sleeping bags and lighter gear go toward the bottom, while essentials like snacks, maps and rain gear should be easily accessible in outside pockets or the brain of your pack. Keep small items organized in stuff sacks to make unpacking at camp easier. And before heading out, do a shake-down hike; you'll be surprised what you decide to leave behind.'
What size backpacking pack do I need?
What size backpacking pack do I need?
'That's dependent on the duration of a trip and people's packing styles,' Stroeer said. 'The longer you're out there, the more food you'll have to carry (which, by the way, typically weighs in around 2 pounds per person per day). To start with, I would recommend a 50- to 60-liter pack, which can accommodate most weekend to five-day trips, especially if you're still dialing in your gear and packing efficiency. Ultralight folks can get by with 40L, but that's usually after lots of trial and error. Try gear on before buying to make sure it fits your torso and hips properly; comfort is key.'
How much should a backpacking tent weigh?
How much should a backpacking tent weigh?
'Tents in the 2- to 3-pound range generally offer a good balance of lightweight, room and durability these days,' Hazzard said.
'A tent should weigh as little as possible while remaining within your budget,' Beissinger said. 'High-end two-person tents can weigh less than 1 pound, and there are mid-range models that weigh several pounds. All else being equal, less weight is better, but choosing your ideal tent is a matter of balancing several variables — weight, durability, form-factor (free-standing versus not) and price, just to name a few.'
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Tim Beissinger, one half of Thruhikers and co-author of 'Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail'
Cris Hazzard, a professional hiking guide and the founder of HikingGuy
Renee Miller, one half of Thruhikers and co-author of 'Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail'
Sunny Stroeer, co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours and founder of AWExpeditions
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test most of the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, we spoke to professional hiking guides to get their insights and favorite pieces of gear. This story's author, Kai Burkhardt, is CNN Underscored's outdoors editor and loves going backpacking, especially in his home state of Colorado. He went on multiple trips to test out gear for this story.