Backpacking Gear List (Fall 2016)

Osprey Exos 58

Although the Exos 58 isn’t super ultralight (just regular ultralight), it’s comfortable and comes with a frame that maintains airflow across your back. It’s wide enough for a bear canister or four-season bag, and I’ve used it to carry loads of 40 lbs (18 kg).

42 oz (1.19 kg) – $220 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2

I have both the one and two-person versions of this tent and I love them both. However, Mountain Hardwear has replaced the SuperMegaUL 2 with the Ghost UL 2. Read my full SuperMegaUL 2 review here.

34 oz (980 g) – $450 US

FIND IT AT: Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15

I’ve been using this sleeping bag for a few years now, and although it’s been replaced by the Flame 15 (which is basically the same bag in a different color and 800 instead of 850 fill), I am still happy with this bag. Read my full Phantom 15 review here.

33 oz (935 g) – $500 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite

The NeoAir XLite is arguably one of the best sleeping pads on the market (and is definitely one of the lightest). The pad comes in three sizes, it compacts down nicely, it has a 3.2 R-value, and it is backed by a great warranty (I’ve had one replaced no problem).

12 oz / 350 g – $160 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com

Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Liner

A sleeping bag liner isn’t entirely necessary, but I love having my Thermolite Liner along to keep my bag clean and to use as a sleeping bag substitute when it’s warm outside. Plus, I have a soft spot for the stretchy material its made out of.

8.7 oz (248 g) – $50 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Icebreaker Apex Hat

The Apex Hat is a one-size-fits-all beanie capable of fitting over my 7 5/8 head. It’s lightweight, warm, stretchy, and best of all, merino.

2.33 oz (66 g) – $20 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon

Columbia Outdry EX Tech Shell Jacket

Columbia’s Outdry EX Tech Shell Jacket is undoubtedly 100% waterproof, and although I don’t like the pocket positions (they’re a bit high/awkward, that’s not an important consideration when choosing a shell.

12.1 oz (343 g) – $175 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Columbia Decompression Down Jacket

This ultralight down jacket has been discontinued, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to throw it out just yet. It’s convinced me that I want a down jacket with a hood, and that lightweight and warm are not mutually exclusive.

9 oz (255 g) – $200 US

Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere Long Sleeve Hood

For me, the Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere is the perfect hiking top for fall. It’s made of a wool, tencel, nylon blend which keeps the material cool on the skin while also insulating. It dries three times faster than Icebreaker’s standard wool blend. This could easily become my all-season top.

9.7 oz / 275 g – $120 US

FIND IT AT: Moosejaw | Amazon

Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Midweight Active Short

Although I’m not 100% committed to these shorts (mostly because they don’t have back pockets), the Chockstone Midweight Active Shorts are comfortable, stretchy, quick-drying, and have zipper pockets (which I didn’t like at first, but now I’m happy with).

9.9 oz (280 g) – $75 US

FIND THEM AT: Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Merrell Moab Ventilators

The Moab Ventilators are my favorite shoes for trekking. They’re wide enough for my fat-ass foot, water-resistant (but still breathable), and have awesome tread/laces. There’s a Goretex version available, but I would stick with the standard shoes since they’re far cheaper and breathe a bit better.

13 oz (369 g) – $100 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Superfeet Wide Green Premium Insoles

I started using the Superfeet Wide Green Premium Insoles early in my first thru-hike when I was having foot, toe, and blister problems – and I’ve been using them ever since. I can’t say 100% whether or not they’re responsible for increasing my comfort, but I’m happy to have them along.

1.6 oz (45 g) – $50

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

By the end of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike nearly everyone was wearing Darn Tough socks. They’re comfortable, made with merino wool, have a lifetime guarantee, and offer great cushion. You will never want to buy another brand of socks. Read my full review here.

7.2 oz (204 g) – $20 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Ibex Woolies 1 Boxer Brief

Continuing my wardrobe’s transition from synthetic to wool, Ibex’s Woolies 1 Boxer Brief is the current champion of chafe prevention. They are comfortable, quick-drying, and have yet to become too revolting after days of extended use.

2.8 oz (79 g) – $50 US

FIND THEM AT: Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Sea to Summit Head Net

Basically, a must, the Sea to Summit Head Net is a small, lightweight, and basic piece of equipment with a very important job – to keep insects off your head and out of your face holes. I’ve had the same one for years and usually, just keep it stuffed into my pocket and ready to deploy.

1.2 oz (34 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI| Amazon

Jetboil MiniMo

The Jetboil MiniMo is the stove you want if you’re into making everyone else jealous. Incredibly quick boiling times, a simmering function, a built-in strainer, an attached cup, a low-profile pot that the stove packs into – the MiniMo has it all.

14 oz (400 g) – $135 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

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. Eat your trail meal like the champion you are.

0.3 oz (8.5 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Petzl Tikka XP

The weather-resistant, 180-lumen Tikka XP has a wide beam, a focused beam (they can be used separately or together), and a red light (with flashing modes for all lights). It takes 3 AAA batteries and because of “constant lighting technology”, the beam does not weaken as the batteries are used up.

4.2 oz / 119 g – $50 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Sawyer Squeeze MINI

The Sawyer Squeeze MINI is an incredibly lightweight filter that works great for shorter backpacking trips. I don’t know that I would use it on a thru-hike, but for an everyday filter, it’s hard to beat this thing. Read my full Sawyer Squeeze MINI review here.

2 oz (56.7 g) – $25

FIND IT AT: REI | Moosejaw | Amazon

Petzl Spatha Knife

Some people may like bringing multi-tools, but the only thing I ever used on mine was my knife. I have since converted to carrying a Petzl Spatha Knife and I have been very happy with its cheese-cutting performance (and price). It might not be completely necessary, but it’s definitely useful and I enjoy having a knife with me on the trail (bear fights, etc.)

1.4 oz (40 g) – $40 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack (13L)

For keeping your sleeping bag compact and dry, there are few options better than the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack. I’m not a huge believer in cuben fiber as it basically disintegrates over the course of thru-hikes so I will stick with the nylon stuff sacks.

1 oz (28g) – $22 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks (4L, 9L, 15L)

I am a fan of organization, and the lightweight Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks are what I use to carry my clothing, food, and miscellaneous items. They are water-resistant (not waterproof like the one I use for my sleeping bag), and durable (so long as you keep sharp/pointy objects away from them).

.4 oz (11g) – $15 US / .7 oz (20g) – $18 / 1 oz (28 g) – $19 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | Amazon

Nexus 6P

Most of you probably have your phone situation sorted, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still plug my current (and favorite) phone, the Nexus 6P. This phone takes spectacular photos (it could easily be your camera replacement on the trail), has a decent battery life (especially on airplane mode), and allows me to do all the Halfway Anywhere updating I need to do (when I get service/wifi). The only thing is that it’s huge.

6.31 oz (179 g) – $500 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon

Canon 60D

It’s true, I would prefer a mirrorless camera for all the backpacking I do, but until I come into a large sum of money, I am satisfied using the Canon 60D. For what I need, this camera performs fantastically in both the photo and video departments.

27.2 oz (771.1 g) – $800 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

Although there are lenses out there I would prefer, I don’t have thousands to spend on a lens. The Canon EF-S 10-22mm is awesome for landscape and walkaround photography (and it isn’t too heavy).

13.6 oz (385.6 g) – $650 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon

Joby Gorillapod

Yes, it’s heavy, and yes, it could easily be replaced with a stack of rocks, but for me, having a portable tripod is worth the extra weight. The Joby Gorillapod allows me to quickly set up both boring and unique shots and to stabilize my camera for nighttime photography as well.

7.4 oz (209.8 g) – $50 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

Peak Design Capture Clip

I love Peak Design’s Capture Clip. It lets me attach my camera to my shoulder strap and easily access it at any time. It’s a far cry from having to put down my pack and take out my camera or carrying it on a strap around my neck. Read my full Capture Clip review here.

3.5 oz (100 g) – $60 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon

Peak Design Leash

Although I don’t necessarily use it all the time (since my camera is attached to my Capture Clip), I like having the Peak Design Leash in case I need to do some tricky climbing or I want to get some awesome perspective.

2 oz (56.7 g) – $35 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon