I have backpacked over 2,500 miles.
Here is a comprehensive gear list and guide for backpacking.
Like many things in life, you learn by doing!
I'm going to talk about what gear you need to do a backpacking trip. Whether you're doing an overnight or a seven-month thru-hike this post is for you!
The Big Three: Sleep System/Shelter, Backpack & Cook System. The three most expensive and necessary items in your arsenal. These items are where you can cut the most weight and space and will be the biggest monetary expenditure. These are also the most important to survival. The most thought should go into these items.
Sleeping BagI'm going to talk about what gear you need to do a backpacking trip. Whether you're doing an overnight or a seven-month thru-hike this post is for you!
The Big Three: Sleep System/Shelter, Backpack & Cook System. The three most expensive and necessary items in your arsenal. These items are where you can cut the most weight and space and will be the biggest monetary expenditure. These are also the most important to survival. The most thought should go into these items.
Sleep System/Shelter
I used the Northface Tephora Prodown 20 degree sleeping bag in a Sea to Summit compression bag for the duration of my 2015 AT Thru-Hike and have since upgraded to the Big Agnes Hitchens UL 20' Down Sleeping Bag.
Down vs. Synthetic for sleeping bags. Down is significantly lighter, compresses a lot more and will keep you warmer than synthetic sleeping bags. Some people will argue that down isn't a good option because if it gets soaked then it clumps together. I have hiked over 2,500 miles with down sleeping bags and have never once had that issue, even after putting them in washing machines and dryers. I highly suggest down to synthetic.
Use your own logic when thinking about the temperature rating of your bag. Don't buy a below 0-degree sleeping bag if you only hike in the south during July - you'll sweat all night. Also, don't buy a 30-degree bag if you plan on camping during the fall or winter. I believe a 15/20 degree bag is good and then use a liner during the colder months - use your own discretion when making this decision.
Having a waterproof compression bag for your sleeping bag is a must imo. There are plenty of brands, just make sure its *waterproof & is capable of *compression For days when you're hiking through rain, it'll keep your sleeping bag dry (preventing hypothermia and allowing you to sleep), you can also put an extra pair of clothes in with it. And the compression allows you to have room in your backpack for everything else. Trust me on this.
Sleeping Pad
Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad is what I used for most of my AT Thru-Hike. Since then I soley use a Neo Air Backpacking Pad, it keeps me warmer, is less bulky and offers more comfort/support.
Shelter
For my AT Thru-Hike, I used the MSR Hubba Hubba NX two-person tent. Having a two-person tent for one person for me is ideal, as all of my gear and myself can fit comfortably inside during crazy weather. Now that I am willing to invest more money into my gear I suggest any backpacking tent by Big Anges.
Many people opt for hammocking as well - which only really works for east coast backpacking due to the amount of accessible trees. I suggest Hennesy Hammock, Warbonnet Hammocks and Dutch Wear Gear for hammocks and accessories.
Backpack
The most important thing is that you get fittest by a professional (REI can help you) so you get a pack that fits your body correctly and will be the correct size to hold everything you plan on carrying.
Osprey Aura 65L is what I carried for 2,000 miles of the trail. Osprey is a wonderful brand with outstanding customer service. If you cut off straps on your bag to save weight or alter your pack in any way, and it breaks or rips, they will 100% fix your pack, no questions asked. They also have great suspension to keep the weight where it should be, and airflow so your back doesn't get super sweaty. I've used three different Osprey Packs if you're looking for a UL pack I have also used and suggest the Osprey Exos.
Also, grab a waterproof pack cover for your pack.
Pot & Stove
I use a Toaks Titanium cooking pot, with MSR Pocket Rocket, fuel canister & spork. There are all sort of brands for pots and stoves. * I recommend titanium pots over popular items such as Jet Boils, due to the fact that I like the option to be able to cook over a fire which will ruin a Jet Boil. I also keep a bandana in with my cook system in order to clean my pot after eating.
Knife & Spork
Bring one, I don't care if it's a cheap buck knife or an expensive fancy thing. You don't need a machete.... a three-inch blade that's been sharpened is plenty. Pro-trick if you lose your spork very five seconds like I do, you can sharpen a stick to eat with.
Water Filtration
I highly recommend a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It has a universal thread and can attach to the brand platypus, most soda bottles, smart water bottles etc. Gravity does half of the work for you while filtering, it's a third of the size of clay filters, significantly easier to clean, and filters water the fastest and easiest out of any filter system i've ever used. I carried this with a smart water bottle to keep my "dirty" or unfiltered water in and filter the water into my "clean" (filtered water only) Platypus Water Bladder System and a backup Nalgene when needed.
I found the water tablets were precautionary things I never used that just added weight, if it makes you feel safer you can always through some in your medkit for emergencies.
I recommend calf-length wool hiking socks, I always bring three pairs. My favorite brand is Darn Tough.
*Don't wear cotton* in the woods. *Cotton Kills* - Cotton takes up to four times as long to dry as synthetic and wool does. If it gets wet and you're in bad weather wearing cotton is how you get hypothermia and die. I know I sound harsh. Now trust me - NO COTTON.
Shoes
For waterproof hiking boots, I recommend a brand called Ahnu. I exclusively hike in trail runners now though, due to their lightness and quick-drying abilities and am in love with Solomon Trail Runners.
Waterproof Jacket
Down Jacket
Journal & Archival Pen
Osprey Aura 65L is what I carried for 2,000 miles of the trail. Osprey is a wonderful brand with outstanding customer service. If you cut off straps on your bag to save weight or alter your pack in any way, and it breaks or rips, they will 100% fix your pack, no questions asked. They also have great suspension to keep the weight where it should be, and airflow so your back doesn't get super sweaty. I've used three different Osprey Packs if you're looking for a UL pack I have also used and suggest the Osprey Exos.
Also, grab a waterproof pack cover for your pack.
Cook System
I use a Toaks Titanium cooking pot, with MSR Pocket Rocket, fuel canister & spork. There are all sort of brands for pots and stoves. * I recommend titanium pots over popular items such as Jet Boils, due to the fact that I like the option to be able to cook over a fire which will ruin a Jet Boil. I also keep a bandana in with my cook system in order to clean my pot after eating.
Knife & Spork
Bring one, I don't care if it's a cheap buck knife or an expensive fancy thing. You don't need a machete.... a three-inch blade that's been sharpened is plenty. Pro-trick if you lose your spork very five seconds like I do, you can sharpen a stick to eat with.
Water Filtration
I highly recommend a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It has a universal thread and can attach to the brand platypus, most soda bottles, smart water bottles etc. Gravity does half of the work for you while filtering, it's a third of the size of clay filters, significantly easier to clean, and filters water the fastest and easiest out of any filter system i've ever used. I carried this with a smart water bottle to keep my "dirty" or unfiltered water in and filter the water into my "clean" (filtered water only) Platypus Water Bladder System and a backup Nalgene when needed.
I found the water tablets were precautionary things I never used that just added weight, if it makes you feel safer you can always through some in your medkit for emergencies.
Clothing
I always carrying a tank top and shorts to hike in then a backup set of synthetic leggings and a long sleeve merino wool shirt for night. Plus three pairs of socks. I am a minimalist in this regard and am okay hiking in dirty clothes.I recommend calf-length wool hiking socks, I always bring three pairs. My favorite brand is Darn Tough.
*Don't wear cotton* in the woods. *Cotton Kills* - Cotton takes up to four times as long to dry as synthetic and wool does. If it gets wet and you're in bad weather wearing cotton is how you get hypothermia and die. I know I sound harsh. Now trust me - NO COTTON.
Shoes
For waterproof hiking boots, I recommend a brand called Ahnu. I exclusively hike in trail runners now though, due to their lightness and quick-drying abilities and am in love with Solomon Trail Runners.
Waterproof Jacket
Down Jacket
Other Essentials
Headlamp
It needs to have a few different brightness settings and a redlight setting. Don't forget this item and an extra set of batteries in your medkit.
Stuff Sacks
Stuff sacks are great for organizing, I currently use Big Agnes Tech Dry Bags.
There are plenty of brands that offer these. I recommend a waterproof one with a roll down top. I used a small one for my med kit, toilet paper, toiletries. A medium one for my extra clothes. A large one for all of my food/trash.
Bandanas
Use them for sweat, snot, tears, blood, pee, cleaning - the uses are endless. I usually bring 2-3 of them.
MedKit
My med kit always now just consists of the following: Nail clippers. Floss. Needle. (use floss in place of thread if you need to stitch yourself or your pack up). Neosporin. Ibuprofen. Toothbrush & Paste. Benedryl. Paracord - That's it.
I use a Menstrual Diva Cup for my periods. If this doesn't float your boat then OB Tampons are my second choice.
Map/Guide
Always have a guide or map for where you plan on hiking. Safety first.
Many people carry "camp shoes". Cheap plastic flipflops from walmart or crocs to wear once settled at camp. I didn't find it pertinent for my own comfort and a waste of weight and space.5. Bandanas.Stuff sacks are great for organizing, I currently use Big Agnes Tech Dry Bags.
There are plenty of brands that offer these. I recommend a waterproof one with a roll down top. I used a small one for my med kit, toilet paper, toiletries. A medium one for my extra clothes. A large one for all of my food/trash.
Bandanas
Use them for sweat, snot, tears, blood, pee, cleaning - the uses are endless. I usually bring 2-3 of them.
MedKit
My med kit always now just consists of the following: Nail clippers. Floss. Needle. (use floss in place of thread if you need to stitch yourself or your pack up). Neosporin. Ibuprofen. Toothbrush & Paste. Benedryl. Paracord - That's it.
I use a Menstrual Diva Cup for my periods. If this doesn't float your boat then OB Tampons are my second choice.
Map/Guide
Always have a guide or map for where you plan on hiking. Safety first.
Extra but not needed items
Hiking Poles
There are plenty of brands. I do recommend hiking poles, they'll save your knees by absorbing some of the impact of hiking.
Camp Shoes
Journal & Archival Pen
Other hiking resources I enjoy
For the weight-conscious: https://www.geargrams.com/
Hike your own hike.
This guide was last updated: July 2019.
This guide was last updated: July 2019.
Have any questions or comments on my gear?! Feel free to leave me a comment or email me at: madelinerella@gmail.com
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Instagram: @rellamadeline
