Mac’s Backpacking Gear List 2020 (v2.0)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction (Medium)

I used a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest on the Continental Divide Trail and a second (black) Southwest in New Zealand – been a fan of HMG ever since. I got the 2400 Junction because I wanted something a bit smaller I would be able to bash through the wilderness with without having to worry about my gear getting wet (it’s waterproof) or my pack getting torn to pieces (this thing is tough).

30.12 oz / 854 g
Find out more | Detailed review

Nemo Hornet Elite 2

I like having the NEMO Hornet Elite 2 in my pack so long as I’m not expecting any prolonged periods of terrible weather. As a shelter that I can use in lieu of cowboy camping (because of bugs, cold, or perhaps blowing dust/dirt), this tent does a great job. I wouldn’t use it as a two-person shelter, but it’s great for solo trips.

33 oz / 936 g
Find out more | Detailed review

Western Mountaineering Astralite (Regular)

I’ve experimented with quilts before and had mixed results. However, I decided to give them another shot since my go-to sleeping bag manufacturer, Western Mountaineering, is now in the quilt game with their Astralite. The Astralite is a 26°F / -3.3°C quilt which is a bit higher than my typical 20°F / -6.7°C sleeping bag, but Western Mountaineering is known for being conservative with their temperature ratings and I have yet to have a cold night in the Astralite.

16 oz / 454 g
Find out more

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has a redesigned valve (the best sleeping pad valve on the market, I would say) and an R-value of 4.2. The 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 | Detailed review

Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie (Medium)

I’ve slowly grown into a connoisseur of backpacking hoodies and the Ridge Merino Solstice is by far my favorite at the moment. It has a high-volume hood with drawstrings that can actually keep it from flying off (you may have to loop or tie them), thumb loops, and is super comfy. My next hoodie will probably be another Ridge Merino Solstice in a new color – this thing is great.

9 oz / 255 g
Find out more

Patagonia Strider Pro (Medium)

I’ve tried other shorts in recent years, but the Patagonia Strider Pro has 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. That said, they appear to have done something with the fabric used in the newer version of the shorts which has lead to much more chafe. I might have to look for new snorts in the near future.

3.9 oz / 111 g
Find out more | Detailed review

Darn Tough Quarter Cushion (XL)

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. They redesigned their socks in the last year or so and I have not gone from wearing a large to now wearing an extra-large – something to note if you were on the border before.

2 oz / 57 g
Find out more | Detailed review

HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (12, 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. I still use my Merrell Moab 2 Ventilators for off-trail adventures, but for anything where I know that I’ll be on a road or trail, I now use the Speedgoat.

21.6 oz / 612 g
Find out more

Outdoor Research Surge Running Gaiters (L/XL)

I’ve talked to a lot of hikers about gaiters and am firmly on the side of “gaiters are good”. I like the simplicity of the Outdoor Research Surge Running Gaiters, but Outdoor Research appears to have discontinued them, sadly. I might have to try their Overdrive Wrap Gaiters when I manage to kill my final pair of Surge Gaiters.

1.2 oz / 34 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

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket (Medium)

The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket is probably a jacket I should have gotten in a large (I guess I just can’t get any bulkier), but I have enjoyed the medium. The cuffs close tightly around my wrists, there are three pockets (one chest and two hand-warmer), and it (sometimes) comes in awesome colors. Perfect for lightweight backpacking.

10.4 oz / 295 g
Find out more

Icebreaker 200 Zone Half-Zip (Medium)

I tried the fleece life, but I run too hot to justify bringing a fleece along. Instead, I have started to opt for bringing an Icebreaker 200 Zone Half-Zip when cooler temperatures call for more insulation. It has a deep zip to buy me some extra time when I finally decide to take it off (or want to display chest hair to the world) and is merino – what more can I ask for? Oh yeah, and it has thumb loops.

9.7 oz / 275 g
Find out more

Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight (Medium)

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. How do I put these on and take them off when I use shorts with a liner? Get naked, obviously.

6.2 oz / 176 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)

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 Continental Divide Trail 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 they get 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 | Detailed review

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 McDonald’s, 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 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. I use the Squeeze with a Smartwater (or similar) water bottle instead of using the included bags. The Squeeze will remove floaties, bacteria, and protozoa from water sources.

3 oz / 85 g
Find out more | Detailed review

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

Rab Silk Neutrino Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner isn’t necessary, but I am taking a Rab Silk Neutrino Sleeping Bag Liner for a couple of reasons: 1) to keep my Western Mountaineering Astralite clean (because having and eventually washing a dirty sleeping bag is no fun), and 2) for when I end up too hot during the night and just want. touse the liner as my sleeping bag.

3.6 oz / 102 g
Find out more

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (Large)

I’ve been using the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow and I am pretty sure that I like it? I still want. to try the regular size (sometimes the large feels too big), but I am fairly certain I wake up noticeably fewer times during the night with this below my head (or under my face). Definitely worth the extra weight if that is in fact the case.

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 (8 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.

1.1 oz / 30 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.

0.4 oz / 11 g
Find out more

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (4 L)

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.

0.5 oz / 14 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. Not necessary, but worth it if it means keeping your phone functioning.

1.2 oz / 34 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

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

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

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

Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray (24 oz)

I really hate bugs. Even gazing at a beautiful photo of your hike can be tormented by memories of mosquito swarms. That’s why, in addition to carrying repellent, I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail. One treatment lasts up to six washings or six weeks. Just don’t use it to insect-proof your cat (it’s toxic to cats in its liquid form – but safe after it dries and binds to your clothing).

Find out more

Kiss My Face Lip Balm

When EXTREME WALKING, you want a lip balm with SPF. I now use Kiss My Face Lip Balm (my previous choice, Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm, left my lips white). 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

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

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. There’s a peppermint version available as well.

2 oz / 57 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

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

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

Dr. Bronner’s 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 some Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste (or just any travel-sized toothpaste) and keep yourself from becoming a complete woodland savage. Or you can just do the super-uber-duper-mega ultralight savage thing and don’t brush your teeth with toothpaste.

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

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

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.

2.5 oz / 71 g
Find out more | Detailed review

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

Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank

I am going to be doing some big sections between resupplies on the Sierra High Route and so I am bringing a Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank. It weighs almost a pound, but it is necessary if I expect to be able to charge my phone, camera, headphones, and headlamp for the entirety of each section. There are three USB ports and a USB-C port (used to both charge the battery pack and a device). It also has pass-through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery.

15 oz / 425 g
Find out more

Samsung Galaxy Buds+

It took me a while to finally get earbuds without a wire. I liked being able to drape my headphones around my neck when I wasn’t using them. I also feared dropping and forever losing an expensive earbud down the side of a mountain. But now I’m a big fan of the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. As a bonus, they have their own little battery pack case which means more juice in my large battery pack for my phone and camera.

1 oz / 28 g
Find out more

Google Pixel 5

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 5 here. I’m not much of an iPhone fan, so I stick with the Google. This thing has a killer camera and a battery that makes me think twice about my need for my enormous battery pack.

5.3 oz / 150 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

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 | Detailed review

GoPro HERO9 Black

I’ve gone back and forth on carrying a GoPro with me in addition to my camera, but the image stabilization has gotten so good in the GoPro HERO9 Black, that I’ve decided it’s worth it since I’m trying to take more video out on the trail. I keep my GoPro in my fanny pack and bust it out whenever I’m feeling inspired. I have found myself definitely using it enough to justify having it along.

5.6 oz / 159 g
Find out more