Mac’s Backpacking Gear List 2021 (v3)

SlingFin SplitWing

After using the SlingFin SplitWing for the entirety of the Arizona Trail and the Kings Canyon High Basin Route and it’s proven itself to be an awesome (and lightweight) shelter). It’s a modular shelter system that consists of a separate mesh body, tarp, floor, and vestibule. You can use only the tarp, a tarp+floor combo, a mesh+tarp combo, all the pieces together, or any combination that suits conditions. I’m a fan of the mesh body and tarp used with poles from Ruta Locura (although you can use trekking poles to set up the shelter if you carry them).

21 oz / 595 g
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Western Mountaineering Astralite (Regular)

Since deciding to switch (back) to a quilt, I’ve been continually impressed with the Western Mountaineering 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 and it’s kept me warm in below-freezing temperatures on multiple occasions.

16 oz / 454 g
Find out more | Detailed review

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 usually keep it from flying off (you may have to loop or tie them), thumb loops, and is super comfy. They now have a Citrus (yellow?) color for men’s and Alpenglow (red) for the women’s version.

9 oz / 255 g
Find out more | Detailed review

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 led to much more chafe. I might have to look for new shorts soon.

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 since they came out with a wide version of their shoe, it’s been my go-to on the trail. I will 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 (unless I’m experimenting with another brand that’s finally decided to release their shoes in a wide version).

21.6 oz / 612 g
Find out more | Detailed review

Altra Trail Gaiters (Large)

I’ve talked to a lot of hikers about gaiters and am firmly on the side of “gaiters are good”. None of the gaiters on the market are particularly awesome, but the Altra Trail Gaiters get the job done. The nylon gaiters have a hook attachment at the front (for either your shoes’ gaiter attachment or your laces) and a velcro attachment point at the back. If your shoes don’t already have a velcro strip built-in, then I suggest simply picking up a roll. Also, someone please make some Tyvek or otherwise reinforced gaiters that won’t tear after a few hundred miles of use.

2.6 oz / 74 g
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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
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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
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Chums Glassfloat Classic

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).

0.4 oz / 11 g
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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
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Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (Medium)

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is a lightweight puffy with Patagonia’s synthetic PlumaFill insulation designed to keep you warm even when it’s (a little) wet. It has two zippered handwarmer pockets and two internal drop-in pockets (I love drop pockets – why would you not include them?) With an elasticized hem and cuffs, it does everything I need to keep me warm (basically while setting up camp and for the first 30 minutes of hiking each morning).

9.3 oz / 264 g
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Patagonia Houdini* (Large)

The Patagonia Houdini isn’t something I always bring with me, but if I’m expecting wind, weather, or colder temperatures, then it earns a place in my pack. Hiking in my shell when it’s windy is rarely an option since I run incredibly hot and will end up just sweating. The Houdini is lightweight enough to not provide too much warmth but to be able to defeat the wind.

3.7 oz / 105 g
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Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew* (Medium)

When temperatures drop, I do (sometimes) bust out the base layer (unless I’m hiking in Nepal in which case I typically live in my base layer). The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew is a lightweight base layer that can be used in lieu (or in addition to) a sleeping bag liner or to add a bit of warmth to your setup. If you want something with a zip, for 1 oz / 28 g more, you can get a half-zip version.

6.2 oz / 176 g
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Macpac Nitro Polartec Alpha Pullover* (Large)

A friend of mine put me on to the Macpac Nitro Polartec Alpha Pullover, and another friend of mine (located in Australia) was nice enough to send one of these all the way across the ocean to me. The material is not at all flexible (why I got a large) and it feels fragile and flimsy at first glance. It is indeed fragile, but it can keep you warm. I find it best for long and chilly descents (I run hot) or cold days without a lot of climbing. Used in conjunction with my Patagonia Houdini, it could be a puffy replacement so long as it’s not below freezing outside.

6.2 oz / 176 g
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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. Wind pants are also an option in these situations. 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
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Montbell Dynamo Wind Pants*

Although I typically bring them as bug protection, the Montbell Dynamo Wind Pants have served me well in unexpected windstorms (and on cold mornings) as well. They keep the bugs off me, and I can roll them up when I inevitably begin sweating. I wish there was a way I could get them on and off without taking off my shoes, but I suppose zippers would add some of that much-feared weight.

2.8 oz / 80 g
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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 supposedly 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
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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, it does a good job of blocking out the wind (or of being an eye mask). I usually wear this on my head at night, but if it’s not too cold, I’ll turn it inside-out and use it like a pillowcase.

2.29 oz / 65 g
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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
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The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves (XL)

Gloves, as with tights, are a necessary part of my early-morning backpacking kit. The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are lightweight enough that I can stand to wear them for an extended period of time without my hands getting too hot (I run hot). They do a decent job of blocking moderate wind but aren’t great for rain. They do (at least for now) work well with my phone’s screen.

2 oz / 57 g
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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

Garmin fenix 6X Pro Solar

The Garmin fenix 6X Pro Solar was something I considered for a long time before I finally decided to add to my kit. My only regret is that I didn’t get one sooner. Its battery life is superb, it does an excellent job of accurately tracking my activities (even when in canyons or places where my phone’s GPS has historically had difficulty). The watch’s (and app’s) functionality has proven impressive at every turn and my only complaint is that it uses a proprietary Garmin cable to charge and not USB-C.

2.9 oz / 82 g
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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
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LOCUS Gear CP3*

I don’t always use trekking poles, but since I started using a shelter (the SlingFin SplitWing) that can be set up with trekking poles and since I’ve started doing more off-trail exploring, I have found that a trekking pole has again proven itself useful enough to be carried with me through the wilderness. I picked up a CP3 from LOCUS Gear (based in Japan) and it’s been working out nicely. I wish it had a cork handle, but other than that, no complaints thus far.

5.47 oz / 155 g
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Platypus QuickDraw

The Platypus QuickDraw is the newest offering from Platypus and I used it for the entirety of the Arizona Trail. It operated similarly to the Sawyer Squeeze with a few key differences. It has two caps – one for the top and one for the bottom, it can be field-tested to see if it has been compromised (i.e. to see if it’s still working), and it doesn’t come with a bunch of unnecessary things you won’t use. You can get it by itself, or with a compatible Platypus bag (that the QuickDrwa locks onto for filtering).

2.2 oz / 62 g
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Soto WindMaster

I’m still not steadfastly in the “bring a stove” or stoveless categories, but the newest stove I’m trying out is the Soto WindMaster. It’s been a favorite among Pacific Crest Trail hikers on the Gear Survey which I felt justified some experimentation. I really like the stove and the supports, but I hate that I can’t fit this stove, the supports, and a small gas can into my pot. Ultimately, this will probably be the reason I end up switching back to something more compact. That said, still a great stove with excellent performance in windy conditions.

2.3 oz / 65 g
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TOAKS Light Titanium 650ml Pot

I’m always on the fence as to whether I want to bring a stove. If I’m hiking alone, I’ll usually go stoveless, but when I’m with people, it’s nice to cook dinner together. The TOAKS Light Titanium 650ml Pot will fit a small gas can, a small stove (not the Soto WindMaster), and a bandana (I use one to clean up) without issue. It has a handle for the pot body and the lid, and marks for measurement. All you need as a solo backpacker (just don’t try to make two boxes of mac and cheese at once in it – I’ve tried, twice, it doesn’t go well).

2.8 oz / 79 g
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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
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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
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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
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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 to use the liner as my sleeping bag. I’m on my second one of these because I managed to tear my first one into shreds (I think with a sharp toenail), but I’m still a fan.

3.1 oz / 88 g
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Sea to Summit Aeros Premium (Large)

I accidentally ordered a Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow and instead of returning it, it somehow found its way into my pack. I still have, and probably should be using the Aeros Ultralight Pillow, but it’s been nice to have something a little plusher. That said, my face has been making this thing pretty disgusting and I should probably be sleeping with my buff over it. I will probably end up switching to the regular size of the Ultralight Pillow or maybe I’ll just be really cool and use a car sponge instead.

4 oz / 114 g
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-top (Medium)

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), and while the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-top Stuff Sack is not technically a dry bag, so long as it’s inside of your backpacking and you’re not planning on completely submerging it, you won’t have to worry about your bag getting wet. That said, I probably should have gotten the small because the medium is far too big for the AstraLite.

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sack (Large)

Could the job of storing my extra clothing be done by a plastic grocery bag? Sure. But that would be wasteful. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sacks weigh virtually nothing (because Dyneema because expensive), they’re water-resistant (these ones are less waterproof than the roll-top bags – if “less waterproof” is technically a thing), and they come in three colors and six sizes. I have found the large to be big enough for my extra socks and clothing (I keep my shell and puffy separate). Are Dyneema stuff sacks nice to have? Absolutely. Are they necessary? Not at all.

0.53 oz / 15 g
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sack (Small)

Could the job of storing my electronics (mostly cords) be done by a Ziploc bag? Sure. But that would be wasteful (I use enough Ziplocs for my food already). The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sacks weigh virtually nothing (because Dyneema because expensive), they’re water-resistant (these ones are less waterproof than the roll-top bags – if “less waterproof” is technically a thing), and they come in three colors and six sizes. I use a small for my cords and spare camera battery/memory cards, but could probably get away with a nano (which would save me a whole 0.21 oz / 6 g).

0.35 oz / 10 g
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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 so using 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)
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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 are 1.9 in / 4.82 cm versions that weigh 0.7 / 20 g each (this is what I bring). Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to a new best friend on the trail.

1.4 oz / 40 g
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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. If I was truly ultralight I would just use my credit card to cut my cheese. Unfortunately, my credit card isn’t as good a substitute when it comes to doing battle with night creatures.

1 oz / 28 g
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Therm-a-Rest Instant Field Repair Kit

I can tell you from experience that sleeping on a leaky sleeping pad is no fun. Waking up in the middle of the night, blowing up your sleeping pad, waking up your friends, and then repeating throughout the night is no way to prepare for a day filled with what will presumably be a lot of physical exertion. I bring two (but I might start bringing three) sleeping pad patches with me out on the trail; I usually leave the alcohol swabs at home since they typically are dried out by the time I end up using them. A couple of patches are definitely a wise thing to have stashed somewhere in your pack.

0.2 oz / 6 g
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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
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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
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Smartwater Bottle (1L x 2, 750ml x 1)

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 Platypus QuickDraw or 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
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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
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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
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Repel Sportsmen Max Formula Pump Spray – 40% DEET (6 fl. oz.)

I’m not the biggest fan of DEET, but it works. I’ve been taking a 6 fl. oz. bottle of Repel Sportsmen Max Formula Pump Spray (40% DEET) with me out on the trail because the bugs have been bad and DEET works. I know it’s terrible for plastics and probably me, but when there are swarms of bugs all over me, I really don’t care what I have to do to make the horror stop. I could bring a smaller bottle of repellent on the trail, but I want to be able to apply liberally and without the worry of running out which is why I have a 6 fl. oz. bottle and not a 3 fl. oz. bottle instead.

7 oz / 198 g
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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).

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 – way too much. And remember to pack out your toilet paper!

1 oz / 28 g
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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
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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
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Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank

I have lots of things to charge and I hate having to worry about conserving battery, so I bring 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
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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
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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
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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? The OtterBox does a great job of protecting against drops and the elements. The one thing still at risk of being impacted directly by a rock? The screen. That’s why I also have an OtterBox Amplify Glass Antimicrobial Screen Protector.

3 oz / 85 g
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Sony FE 24-70 f2.8 GM

I’ve made a lot of purchases in recent years and thought to myself sometime later, “Damn, I should have just spent a little more and gotten the upgraded version of X”. I decided not to make this same mistake with my camera setup and got basically the only lens I could imagine myself ever wanting or needing (unless I want to go wider) with the Sony FE 24-70 f2.8 GM. It’s wide enough for epic landscapes and has enough zoom/speed for really anything I will want to photograph in the backcountry. Sure, I could get a huge zoom lens, but 1) I don’t want to have to carry it, and 2) wider is better as far as all the things I’ll be taking pictures of (or at least like 98% of the time).

1.95 lb / 886 g
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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
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Peak Design Shell (Medium)

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. I had to switch from the small to the medium with my new camera. It also protects 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.

2.68 oz / 76 g
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Slinger Silicone Camera Skin

I don’t know that my Slinger Silicone Camera Skin is completely necessary given that my camera is already being protected by the Peak Design Shell, but I’m going to take as few risks as possible with what’s essentially my most expensive piece of backpacking equipment. This lightweight piece of silicone gives me a little more peace of mind while carrying my camera through the backcountry.

1.59 oz / 45 g
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