Mac’s Backpacking Gear List 2020 (v1.0)
It’s the dawn of a decade, and I’ve made a lot of changes to my three-season backpacking gear list to kick off the twenties. Some of my favorite pieces of gear are still with me and are still going strong (socks and fanny pack) while I’m trying others out for the first time (pillow, anyone?).
My immediate trips (Brazil, Chile, Peru) have been canceled due to the current COVID-19 situation (more on that here – as if you needed it), but once this all (hopefully?) calms down and travel is deemed safe once again, I am excited to get back to the mountains.
I’ve included a breakdown of the various weights as well as a description of what I carry in my fanny pack (I told you I liked my fanny pack).
In This Post
The Big Stuff
Worn Clothing
The Clothing
The Backpacking Gear
The Bathroom
Carried/On-body
The Electronics
The Camera Gear
The Rest
Fanny Pack Gear
The Thrupack Summit Bum (my fanny pack) is more than simply a snack drawer (although it is a glorious snack drawer); it also serves to take some frequently used gear out of my backpack and into somewhere more accessible. And it cuts down on my base weight. Fanny pack weight doesn’t count toward base weight, right?
- Head Net: Sea to Summit Head Net
- Utensil: Snow Peak Titanium Spork
- Knife: Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife
- Lighter: Mini Bic
- Anti-chafe Balm: Bodyglide for Her
- Lip balm: Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm
- Sunscreen: Coppertone SPORT SPF 50
- Hand sanitizer: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer
- Phone: Google Pixel 3 XL
- Phone case: OtterBox Defender Series
- Spare battery: Sony NP-FW50 1020mAh
- Pen: Pilot G2
- Marker: Sharpie
- Dice: Five for Yahtzee
That’s a total of 29.49 oz / 836 g (including the Summit Bum and Comfy Strap).
Base Weights
Your base weight is the weight of your entire pack, minus consumables. Generally, consumables include your food, water, and fuel (if you’re using a stove), but this can also include things like toothpaste, sunscreen, toilet paper, and repellant (basically, anything you can use up or consume whilst out in the wildernesses).
- Big 3 (backpack + shelter + sleeping bag): 5 lbs 12 oz / 2.608 kg
- Big 4 (backpack + shelter + sleeping bag + sleeping pad): 6 lbs 8 oz / 2.948 kg
- Clothing (worn): 2 lbs 12.92 oz / 1.273 kg
- Clothing (in pack): 3 lbs 3.08 oz / 1.448 kg
- Camera gear: 2 lbs 5.02 oz / 1.05 kg
- Gear in pack (minus Big 4 + camera gear + clothing): 3 lbs 12.48 oz / 1.715 kg
- Gear in fanny pack: 29.49 oz / 836 g
- Total base weight (minus camera gear): 13 lbs 7.52 oz / 6.109 kg
- Total base weight: 15 lbs 12.54 oz / 7.159 kg
- Total weight (including fanny pack): 17 lbs 10.08 oz / 7.995 kg
Detailed View
Atom Packs Prospector (50 L)
I got an Atom Packs Prospector while in England’s Lake District and could not be happier. I’ve now put nearly 2,000 mi / 3,200 km on it across a dozen countries and it’s still going strong. Atom Packs does all sorts of customizations and I’m already thinking about ordering a new one with new tweaks to make an already great pack even better.
32 oz / 900 g
Find out more
Nemo Hornet Elite 2
I became interested in the NEMO Hornet Elite after seeing the brand gain popularity on the PCT Survey. The Hornet Elite is one of the lightest two-person, semi-freestanding tents on the market and since I gave up using trekking poles, I need a tent shelter that doesn’t require them to be set up.
33 oz / 936 g
Find out more
Western Mountaineering UltraLite (Regular)
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is my go-to 20°F / -7°C sleeping bag. It will actually keep you warm, not just alive, as temperatures slide down closer to 20°F / -7°C. I also use a Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk Sleeping Bag Liner with this bag which adds a bit of warmth and (more importantly) protects my bag from my filth.
29 oz / 822 g
Find out more
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has a redesigned valve and a recalibrated R-value of 4.2. The new one-way valve is amazing – it solves all the problems of the old valve (if that means anything to you – if it doesn’t, just know that the new one is great). Now the only question you need for your three-season pad is whether you want the short one (or some minimalist foam pad).
12 oz / 340 g
Find out more
Voormi River Run Hoodie (Large)
I’ve grown accustomed to wearing hooded tops whilst exploring the backcountry and the Voormi River Run Hoodie is one of my favorites. It has yet to fray or develop any holes, has a very large hood, and I’m able to slide up the sleeves when things get too warm. The only thing I don’t like are the thumb loops – they’re just small straps of elastic for some reason.
7 oz / 198 g
Find out more
Patagonia Strider Pro (Medium)
I’ve tried other shorts in recent years, but the Patagonia Strider Pro have yet to be eclipsed. They have a built-in liner, four stretch pockets (large enough for my large phone plus its case) and an additional zippered pocket in the back. Best of all? They supply a full range of flexibility for the hiking.
3.9 oz / 111 g
Find out more
Darn Tough Quarter Cushion (Large)
I can still remember when I first discovered Darn Tough socks – just a few weeks into my first thru-hike. Since then, Darn Tough has been the only brand of socks that have graced my feet. If there’s only one thing you take away from this gear list, let it be these socks.
2 oz / 57 g
Find out more
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (Wide)
The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 has been a popular shoe among thru-hikers for a couple of years now and they’ve just recently come out with a wide version of their shoe – finally. For a very long time, I’ve been wearing Merrell Moab 2 Ventilators (which I still love), but as they were the only wide-specific shoes available, they became my default. I’m excited to be in the Speedgoats for a bit now.
21.6 oz / 612 g
Find out more
Sunday Afternoons Trucker
If you’re just getting into hiking, you might think you need a full-brimmed hat, but all you really need is something to keep the sun out of your eyes. I feel like I mostly change my hat so that I can glimpse a photo of myself and know what era it’s from – my Sunday Afternoons Trucker is simply the next step in a long line of hats I will destroy backpacking.
7.4 oz / 210 g
Find out more
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
As was the case with the hat, sunglasses are a personal choice. We’re talking backpacking here, not mountaineering. There’s not a “best” pair of sunglasses. However, there are good sunglasses and bad sunglasses. I’ve got Ray-Ban Wayfarers because, in addition to not looking too small for my big head (they come in a large size), I want polarized glasses for the desert sun, the hiking at altitude, and the snow.
1.6 oz / 45 g
Find out more
Chums Original Cotton
Fun fact, the official name for this thing is an “eyewear retainer”, but we all know that just makes it sound lamer than it already is. However, for backpacking, these are incredibly useful. I have tried a couple of different eyewear retainers and have found this one to be the most durable (the ones with prints on a piece of neoprene eventually break apart and the print falls off).
0.6 oz / 17 g
Find out more
Arc’teryx Zeta FL (Medium)
The Arc’teryx Zeta FL is made of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus and is a lightweight, packable shell. The hood isn’t helmet-compatible which is a good thing because it means it’s not going to fly off your head in the wind when you cinch it down. It’s also got two zippered hand pockets. I think I probably should have gotten a large, but other than that, I’m happy with the jacket.
7.8 oz / 221 g
Find out more
Feathered Friends EOS (Large)
I wanted to get myself a Feathered Friends EOS for a while, and I’ve finally broken down and done it. No regrets. This jacket is awesome. My only complaint is that it is a lot more orange than the website would have led me to believe (it looks yellow).
10.6 oz / 301 g
Find out more
Pa’lante Grid Fleece Hoodie (Large)
The new Pa’lante Grid Fleece Hoodie is my first step into the world of hiking fleeces, and I’m very happy with my choice. It has a technical-style hood that fits snugly and a kangaroo pocket set up high to allow for access when wearing a harness or hip belt. I got a large and think a medium would probably have been too small on me.
11.7 oz / 332 g
Find out more
Space Cat Leggings
I love both my shorts and waking up and hiking early. However, some mornings those early-morning chills are sometimes at odds with my shorts and so leggings become a nice thing to have. What’s better than just regular leggings? Leggings with space – and cats – on them.
6 oz / 170 g
Find out more
Buff CoolNet UV+
I use the polar buff as a beanie, but I use a Buff CoolNet UV+ on my neck/head/face/wrist during the mornings/evenings/cold parts of the day when the polar would be too warm. This buff is designed to be used in the sun and apparently doesn’t heat up as much as an original buff, but I have trouble keeping it on an entire day (I run hot).
1.2 oz / 34 g
Find out more
Polar Buff
The polar buff is the original buff, but with 9 in / 22.8 cm of fleece at the end making it a bit warmer and more versatile. I ditched my beanie and just use this instead. Folded over on itself, it does a good job of blocking out the wind (or of being an eye mask).
2.29 oz / 65 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Head Net
I know that wearing a head net makes you look like a tool, but deep in mosquito country, nobody cares about how dumb they look – only about how many mosquitoes are not currently in and/or on their face. The Sea to Summit Head Net is a lightweight solution with an adjustable hem that it’s probably worth bringing two because you’ll be able to sell one for ten times the price to some sucker without one.
1.2 oz / 34 g
Find out more
Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor (Large)
Gloves, as with tights, are a necessary part of my early-morning backpacking kit. The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves do a good job keeping my hands warm but only an OK job working my phone’s touchscreen. I’ve said this before, but I am still looking for a new pair.
2.8 oz / 79 g
Find out more
Batman Sandals
Camp shoes are not an essential piece of gear. However, the amount of utility and happiness having something easy to wear around camp or in town far outweighs the cost of carrying extra weight. I found these Batman Sandals at a Walmart on the CDT and have had them for almost two years now. Camp shoes do not need to be fancy. Just get something cheap, light, and somewhat durable (you probably want something that won’t disintegrate if it gets wet).
6 oz / 170 g
MSR PocketRocket 2
I’ve been back and forth on bringing a stove, but I’m currently on the wagon and have been happy with the MSR PocketRocket 2. That said, I don’t feel as comfortable cooking in my tent as I did with my Jetboil MiniMo (note: do NOT cook inside your tent – real fire hazard you have there).
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more
MSR Titan Tea Kettle
The MSR Titan Tea Kettle is nice because I can fit both a small can of gas and the MSR PocketRocket 2 inside it (and close the lid). The rubber-covered handle on the lid can be locked in place while cooking which makes removing the lid without burning yourself easy. Plus, it’s titanium which makes it super-duper cool and uber-mega-ultralight. The only bad news is that there are no measurement lines inside the pot. Lame.
4.2 oz / 119 g
Find out more
Snow Peak Titanium Spork
Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonalds, but if you want a utensil that’s going to last forever (so long as you don’t lose it), then get a Snow Peak Titanium Spork. It won’t melt, it’s easy to clean, and it’s mother fucking titanium (which means that you can use it to fight off wild animals). With this spork I can eat my trail meal like the champion while also looking like a total loser because I have a titanium spork – win-win.
0.6 oz / 17 g
Find out more
Sawyer Squeeze
I’ve tried my luck now with both the Sawyer MINI and the Sawyer Micro, but after extensive use of each, I’ve returned to the original Sawyer Squeeze. It’s much better than the two smaller versions and is definitely worth the small amount of extra weight.
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more
BioLite HeadLamp 200
I somehow lost my BioLite HeadLamp 330, which I loved, and so instead of buying a new one, I decided I would try their newer (and lighter) HeadLamp 200. The only drawback is that it’s not quite as bright as the 330, but it’s plenty bright for backpacking (I just need to get over my fear of the woods at night).
1.76 oz / 50 g
Find out more
Garmin inReach Mini
I didn’t use to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), but the Garmin inReach Mini only weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g – so why not be a little safer? It has 2-way texting (which works well), tracking (also works well), and SOS capabilities (fortunately, haven’t had to test this). The only catch is that it requires a (paid) monthly plan to function.
3.5 oz / 99 g
Find out more
Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk
A sleeping bag liner isn’t necessary, but I carried a Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk Sleeping Bag Liner for a couple of reasons: 1) to keep my Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag clean (because having and eventually washing a dirty sleeping bag is no fun), and 2) because most of the time I’m too warm for my bag and just sleep on top of it (with a liner).
3.6 oz / 102 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (Large)
After seeing how popular pillows were with Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year, I’ve decided to try one out for myself. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is what I’ve decided to go with. Honestly, I think I could have gone with the regular size, but we’ll see how things go with this one.
2.5 oz / 70 g
Find out more
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stake Kit
These are tent stakes. These stakes are made from aluminum, they are lightweight, and are 8 in / 20.3 cm long. The heads are drilled to give you the option of attaching a cord to each of the stakes (I did this). Having special tent stakes will not make your hikes any better (unless you’re camping in snow). They are just tent stakes.
0.4 oz / 12g (Per Stake)
Find out more
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack (13 L)
Even with a pack liner, it’s a good idea to keep your sleeping bag in a dry sack (because your sleeping bag literally keeps you alive at night). A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack does the trick. It’s not designed for submersion, but using one inside your pack will keep your sleeping bag dry. It has a roll-top and comes in six different sizes.
1.4 oz / 40 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2.5 L)
I use a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack to keep my cables and electronic-related things organized inside my pack. Sometimes, I use a Ziploc bag for this, but they always end up breaking – also, plastic, etc. If I didn’t carry so many electronics, this wouldn’t be necessary, but I need to take photos and to charge things.
0.5 oz / 14 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack
I use a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack just for my extra socks and my baselayer – my puffy and my shell I shove around the rest of my gear in my pack. I guess this piece of gear isn’t completely necessary, but I do love organization.
0.4 oz / 11 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case
Keeping my phone dry (and functioning) in the rain is a pain in the ass, so I have a Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case to help with this problem. It’s easy to open and I can still use my phone’s touchscreen through the plastic. However, it is difficult to dry the inside out should you get it wet.
1.2 oz / 34 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Liner (50 L)
For a long time, I was using a trash compactor bag as my pack liner, but then I realized that the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Liner only weighs 0.2 oz / 6 g more than the bag I was using. It has a roll-top closure and is more durable than a trash compactor bag.
2.6 oz / 74 g
Find out more
Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife
Unless I’m traveling (and not checking a bag), I carry an Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife. I need something to cut my cheese – and fight off woodland creatures. You can even get one of these in different colors. Very exciting, I know.
1 oz / 28 g
Find out more
RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball
Is a RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball a luxury item? Is caring about my tortured muscles a luxury? Does it matter? These cork balls measure 2.5 in / 6.35 cm across and weigh 1.4 oz / 40 g each. Not light enough for you? There is also a 1.9 in / 4.82 cm version that weigh 0.9 oz / 25 g each. Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to a new best friend on the trail.
1.4 oz / 40 g
Find out more
Noso Puffy Patch
I discovered Noso Puffy Patches and they’re pretty sweet. Ripped your puffy, sleeping bag, or just want to decorate your gear? Instead of some duct tape, why not fix things up with a cat? A bird? A colored ‘X’? They’re a lightweight solution to hemorrhaging feathers from your gear. That said, they’re stupid expensive for what they are – maybe just get some tape. Make a good gift?
0.35 oz / 10 g
Find out more
Gorilla Tape
Tape. An often overlooked, but incredibly useful thing to have with you on a thru-hike. Tear your down jacket? Tape! Rip your tent? Tape! Need to shut up your hiking partner? Tape! Just don’t bring an entire roll. I like Gorilla Tape because it’s incredibly sticky, waterproof, and thick. I’ve used this to patch a hole in my shorts before and the tape didn’t come off even after multiple washes. That said, get whatever tape you want – just bring some (because you can’t have any of mine).
1 oz / 28 g
Find out more
Smartwater 1L Bottle
You just use a store-bought plastic water bottle? Yes. And you use it over and over again until the label has fallen off and it’s practically turned into a sock before you replace it? Also yes. Smartwater (and LIFEWATR) bottles are quite structurally sound compared to something like collapsable Arrowhead bottles and they slide easily in and out of backpack pockets (trust me, this is important). You can also put a Sawyer Squeeze on the top and filter from one bottle to another. That said, I’m using a plastic bottle so I’m going to hell.
1.4 oz / 40 g
Find out more
Mini Bic
Since I use an MSR PocketRocket 2, I need to carry a lighter (I should probably carry one regardless). I carry a Mini Bic. It is like a regular Bic, but mini. You know, because ULTRALIGHT. I guess I could just carry like five matches instead and that would be even more ultralight, but I’ll stick with the lighter. Be responsible with fire, friends.
0.39 oz / 11 g
Find out more
TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL
I’ve talked a lot about pooping in the woods and packing out your toilet paper in the past, and I will probably continue to do so. Backcountry poops aren’t glamorous, but they are a reality of trail life. A lot of people don’t bring a trowel saying that a shoe, a rock, a trekking pole or whatever will substitute. Sometimes this will be the case, but other times you are not going to be able to dig a proper cat hole (that’s a hole for your poop). The TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL is an acceptable solution to the trowel question.
0.6 oz / 17 g
Find out more
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent (3 oz)
I use Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent to keep me sane and free of itchy red spots (and ticks). The active ingredient is picaridin and, unlike DEET, it doesn’t smell, melt plastics, or make you want to gag. I like the spray because I can use it on my head and shoulders when the bugs get really bad and start biting through my clothes.
3.2 oz / 91 g
Find out more
Bodyglide for Her (0.35 oz)
The worst thing on the trail is chafe (and more specifically, ass chafe). Thankfully, there is Bodyglide for Her to alleviate the suffering. It’s the same thing as Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm but it’s also “rich in vitamins A, B, E, and F”. What? Do only “hers” need vitamins? I want some, too. Just remember to apply before the chafe parade starts.
2 oz / 57 g
Find out more
Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm
When EXTREME WALKING, you want a lip balm with SPF. I use Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm. The elements will ravage your beautiful lips if you aren’t careful to take care of them. It doesn’t really matter which lip balm you get – just get one with SPF.
0.8 oz / 23 g
Find out more
Coppertone SPORT SPF 50
Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), it should be designed to not run off when you sweat, and it should ideally be SPF 50 (above SPF 50 provides only marginal additional protection at an often much more expensive price). I like the consistency of Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (I don’t really like Banana Boat). What do you like? Not being sunburned? Excellent.
3.2 oz / 91 g
Find out more
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer
If there’s one thing I can say my hiking partner Mr. Appa taught me, it’s that he taught me about Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer. It’s a spray-on hand sanitizer that makes my hands smell lavender-y and (hopefully) cleans them. Hopefully, it comes back into stock soon (damn you, COVID-19).
2 oz / 57 g
Find out more
Neosporin Ointment
A lot of people don’t talk about (or don’t bring) any kind of first aid into the backcountry, but it’s a good thing to have some antibiotic ointment around for when you slice your hand open whilst cutting off some of that sweet and delicious cheese. I carry a small tube of Neosporin Ointment to fight off the infections. Have I used it? Yes. Is it worth carrying? Sure.
1 oz / 28 g
Find out more
Band-Aid Bandages
It’s not a bad idea to have a couple of Band-Aid Bandages tucked away somewhere in your pack for stopping the bleeding that will inevitably occur out of somewhere on your body during your hike.
0.2 oz / 6 g
Find out more
3M Medical Tape
Carrying a bit of 3M Medical Tape won’t cost a lot in terms of weight, but it can be very helpful should you slice something open and have a need for more than just a Band-Aid. I guess I can just rely on my Gorilla Tape, but I don’t really want to rip all my hair (and skin) off.
0.6 oz / 17 g
Find out more
GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush
I like the GUM Travel Toothbrush because it folds into itself for storage and packs away easily. However, once the bristles start to wear they get stuck in the brush when closing it. Still, I typically use one of these on the trail since they can fit easily in my pocket, fanny pack, or backpack.
0.8 oz / 23 g
Find out more
Travel Toothpaste
In case you are unaware, there are small versions of toothpaste available. You do not need to bring a huge tube of toothpaste whilst hiking. Get a travel-size toothpaste in many of the towns along the trail. Or you can just do the super-uber-duper-mega ultralight savage thing and not brush your teeth.
1 oz / 28 g
Find out more
Charmin Ultra Soft
Oftentimes I have to take what I can get in terms of toilet paper on the trail, but if I ever get the choice, it’s Charmin Ultra Soft for the win. Keeping clean will minimize butt chafe and maximize your poo-free-ness. I usually pack out an entire roll – definitely way too much (remember to pack out your used toilet paper).
1 oz / 28 g
Find out more
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
It took me a while to come around, but damn, having some Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes (or really any wet wipes) can be life-saving in the backcountry. In addition to ensuring the cleanest of bums following a backcountry waste disposal, they can be used to clean your disgusting feet to help keep them blister-free. But as with toilet paper, just remember to pack them out.
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more
Thrupack Summit Bum
The Thrupack Summit Bum has become an essential piece of my hiking kit (and my not-hiking kit – I shamelessly use it off the trail and receive nothing but complimentary stares from everyone). This lightweight fanny pack revolutionized my hiking and is now where I keep all of my snacks for the day, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lighter, etc. It has an exterior pocket that can fit a large cell phone, two interior pockets, and it’s water-resistant. Not to mention its huge sex appeal. Read my detailed review of it here.
2.5 oz / 71 g
Find out more
Thrupack Comfy Strap
The Thrupack Summit Bum comes with a strap, but if you want an upgrade on both your comfort and your awesomeness, then a Comfy Strap is worth the investment. This strap comes in a variety of prints, but most importantly it is stretchy (and comfy). It’s totally unnecessary, but I am happy I have one.
2.2 oz / 62 g
Find out more
RAVPower 26800 Power Bank
I don’t dwell on being exceptionally ultralight because I know that my RAVPower 26800 Power Bank is a beast. The 26800mAh battery with three USB ports and a USB-C port (used to both charge the battery pack and a device) has pass-through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery, and since it uses a DC 5V/2A input to charge, it will charge more quickly than other comparable battery packs. I use this to charge my phone, headphones, camera, and headlamp on the trail and have never run out of juice before needing to be recharged (too scared to try a smaller battery pack).
16 oz / 454 g
Anker Soundbuds Curve
Using headphones might mean that you don’t hear that mountain lion sneaking up behind you, but not using headphones means hours of boredom. Are headphones worth the risk? Probably? If you are going to use headphones on the trail, do yourself a favor and switch to Bluetooth headphones. My biggest concern is battery life, but the Anker SoundBuds Curve will last nearly the entire day (if hiking from sunrise to sunset and am using them the entire time) – a quick charge with lunch will make sure they last. I’ve had multiple pairs (Anker is good about replacing products that die prematurely) and am still a happy customer.
0.8 oz / 23 g
Find out more
Google Pixel 3 XL
You’re probably not looking at this gear list in hopes of finding yourself a new phone, but I get asked which phone I am using often enough that I’ve decided to include the Google Pixel 3 XL here. I’m not much of an iPhone fan, so I stick with the Google.
6.49 oz / 184 g
Find out more
OtterBox Defender Series
I don’t use a cellphone case to make my phone more aesthetically pleasing; I use a cellphone case to protect my phone. The OtterBox Defender Series does exactly that. It’s not waterproof, but my phone is apparently water-resistant? This is why I got the Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case as well. The OtterBox does a great job protecting against drops and the elements.
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more
AMLINK Quick Charge
I look for three things in a wall charger and the AMLINK Quick Charge 3.0 has all of them. They’re 1) more than one output, 2) a quick charge compatible USB-C input, and 3) a folding plug (to avoid accidentally stabbing a hole in or tearing your gear inside my pack). There are lots of wall chargers that fit this description. The only problem? It’s pretty heavy. I should probably invest in a lighter one.
6.1 oz / 173 g
Find out more
Sony a6500
I’ve been using a Sony a6500 for a few years now and I am very happy with it. It’s relatively lightweight, compact (fits in my jacket pocket), has in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording, and (maybe best of all) it can be recharged via USB (i.e. with my battery pack).
14.25 oz / 404 g
Find out more
Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4
I got the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS so I would have something with a bit of a focal length range. This lens takes beautiful photos and is relatively lightweight (not full-frame compatible), but it’s still not my ideal lens. Perhaps one day I’ll have enough money to upgrade (or just switch to something heavier).
10.9 oz / 308 g
Find out more
Peak Design Capture 3.0
The Peak Design Capture Clip is practically part of my backpack, I never take it off. It makes carrying my camera incredibly easy and saves me from having to open my pack to access my camera or having it hang annoyingly from a strap around my neck. There’s also an attachment for a GoPro if I decide I want some POV video (or if I need a dashcam for my inevitable fight with a bear).
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more
Peak Design Shell (Small)
To me, the Peak Design Shell is an essential piece of equipment with the Peak Design Capture. The Shell comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your camera dry in the rain (in addition to protecting it from the sun, dust, would-be robbers, and snow should you be so (un?)lucky). It can be tricky to adjust the zoom and focus with the Shell on and I usually remove it each time I take a photo. It’s made from a stretchy fabric that will also help to prevent nicks or abrasion when you inevitably bash your camera against a rock.
4 oz / 113 g
Find out more
What do we think? Do you have any suggestions, critiques, or questions on the gear? I’m always happy to talk gear – though I’m often hesitant to admit it. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you. This helps pay the bills and keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!
