Essential Backpacking & Camping Gear
Updated June 2024
The right gear makes all the difference when frolicking outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or a veteran, this comprehensive guide covers all the must-have gear for a successful backpacking trip.
When I first started backpacking, I had accumulated a hodgepodge of cheap gear that I either bought or received second-hand. That worked for awhile, but as I backpacked more and more, I began to replace my original gear with things that worked better for me. That is, with gear that was affordable and functional without comprising on quality. With each hike, I learned what I did and didn’t need, and what was worth splurging on or where I could save a few dollars. Now, after hundreds of miles hiking and backpacking (and much trial-and-error) I am happy with all the gear I own and believe I have better outdoor experiences with it. This isn’t to say that good gear equates to good experiences. No, the outdoor warm-and-fuzzies come from a deeper place than that. But the right gear sure can help.
It is my hope that this gear list will help propel beginner hikers into the backpacking space with confidence, while also being beneficial to the backpacking veterans among us. And for even more recommendations, check out Essential Gear For Day Hiking.
The gear on this list fits the following criteria:
Affordable | Some big ticket items are splurge-worthy, but the bulk of my gear is budget-friendly or priced in the mid-range.
Quality | I seek products that are affordable without sacrificing quality. Personally, I’m willing to invest (reasonably) if it will last me.
Waterproof | Being in the PNW, I need to keep dry and warm while frolicking in the elements.
Lightweight | Every ounce counts when backpacking! I like to stay light by using gear that can be easily packed down.
Now, just one wee note before diving in: REI is my main outdoor store so the majority of these products are found there. Many can also be found at your local outfitter or directly with the manufacturer. Second hand stores in your area may also have deals on these items which is a great place to look for gear!
Skip to what you need:
Backpacks & Bags
Sleep System
Organization
Clothes & Shoes
Hiking Equipment
Hygiene
Miscellaneous Accessories
Food & Water
Flash 55L
Best for: multi-night backpacking | REI: $199
This is like the Traveling Pants of bags; it just has something for everyone. It is lightweight (just under 3 pounds), made of water repellent fabric, has thoughtfully placed pockets, includes a variety of straps and doo-dads to customize it to fit your needs, and the top rolls down to make it smaller. Unlike some ultra-light backpacks, this one has a great frame and hip belt that provides much-needed support, too. I’ve used it for up to 4 nights in the backcountry and swear by it. There is a women’s and men’s version.
Ariel AG 65L - Womens
Best for: Multi-night backpacking, mountaineering | Osprey: $300
This 65 liter pack gives just enough space to fit what you need without going over the top. My favorite features are the Anti-Gravity suspension (a blessing for the back and shoulders) and that the top compartment can be detached and made into a small backpack for shorter hikes. This bag fit all I needed to climb Mt. Rainier and was comfortable throughout the journey. For the fellas, the equivalent is the Aether AG 70 Liters (Osprey, $300).
Traverse 32L pack
Best For: Long-distance treks | REI Co-op: $159
This is my go-to pack for long-distance treks where I don’t have to carry a tent. In fact, I used it for both the Camino de Santiago (32 days) and the Tour du Mont Blanc (12 days). It’s honestly a dreamboat of a bag. It has a comfortable but supportive hip belt, is hydration compatible, has a compression top, and even includes a rain cover.
Black Hole Duffel - 55 Liters
Best for: road trips, car camping, flights | Patagonia: $169
Spacious and accessible but compact and light, this workhorse has it all. I love that its soft waterproof exterior is durable enough to kick around yet malleable enough to squeeze into tight spaces (think overhead compartments). My favorite features are the detachable backpack straps and that it’s made from recycled plastic. The 55 liter works best for me as it fits standard carry-on dimensions, but the 70 liter bag is also great and obviously offers a bit more room. This beast has accompanied me on many, many forays, from short road trips to 2+ weeks in Antarctica.
Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent
Big Agnes: $530
The Big Agnes Copper Spur is a splurge, it’s true, but it’s well worth the money for what you get. This ultralight 2-person tent has 2 doors, is super light (2 lbs 11 oz), and you can even create a little shady spot using your hiking poles. Win-win-win. The footprint is sold separately.
Trail hut 2 Tent
REI Co-op: $229
This isn’t the lightest option out there (4 lbs, 14 oz) but for the price (which includes a footprint and rainfly) it is a great backpacking option, especially for beginners who may not know what gear they want quite yet and don’t want to break the bank. It is high quality and comfortably fits 2 people. For years, this tent and I weathered through many literal storms and it never lost its integrity.
Parsec 20F/-6C sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest: $329
Warm and cozy beyond belief, this bag has fulfilled all my sleepy dreams. Notably, it features a toe warming pocket, which if that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what can. The price tag may be daunting but a sleeping bag is certainly one of those investment items that you don’t want to skimp on. The Questar, also from Therm-a-Rest is a good runner-up option. It’s also 20°F but has a slightly lower price tag ($265).
NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest: $260
At 1 lb and packing down to the size of a Nalgene bottle, this is the ideal sleeping pad. Its R-value is 7.3 (fancy speak for “keeps you very warm”) and doesn’t squeak, so it’s also good for your tent mates.
Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest: $58
Some people like to use this as their only sleeping pad, which is great for those people and their perfect backs. Personally, I need a little more. I bring this along as an extra pad when going on multi-day trips just in case my inflatable one pops. It’s also great to have to lounge around camp on or stretch.
Aircore Camping Pillow
cocoon: $30
For being made of a thicker material, this pillow smooshes down surprisingly well into its drawstring bag. Plus, it fits nicely in the hood of a sleeping bag, which keeps it in place throughout the night. It is great for planes, road trips, and camping alike.
Kammok Roo Single Hammock & python straps
Hammock: $75, Straps: $45
My hammock often falls under “luxury” items to pack but sometimes straddles on the “necessity” category for being so dang fun and comfy. The Kammock is easy to sling and features ultra durable fabric. The straps, purchased separately, are incredibly strong as well and have several loops for hanging at various distances.
Expandable Packing Cube Set
REI Co-op: $35
Without a doubt, there is no better organizational system to reduce your pack size than with packing cubes. Since I discovered them many, many moons ago, these little miracle workers and I have become inseparable. While most people use them to pack clothes, I like to get a little wilder. I use them to keep miscellaneous gear from bouncing around or even pack snacks in them. And yes, also my clothes.
Stuff Sacks
Sea to Summit: $60
These colorful ditty sacks are great for all sorts of things; keeping shoes separate, holding toiletries, keeping dirty laundry separate—the options are truly endless. Currently, I use mine to hold safety gear and my stove setup. I love the 3 liter dry bag, which is available on its own, too.
Sea to Summit makes durable bags that wick off water, though there are more budget-friendly options on Amazon if that’s more your speed.
medium containters
humangear: $12
These containers are perfect to keep small things together and I like that they come in different colors to stay better organized. I use them to store medicine, safety pins, hair ties, bobby pins, bandaids… well, you get the idea. They are durable and stay closed; you simply squeeze it and the top comes off. (There has to be a euphemism in there.)
Atom Insulated hoodie
Arc’Teryx: $300
I was on the hunt for a warm, lightweight hooded puffy and I’m so happy that I settled on this Arc’Teryx jacket. Was it pricy? Yes. Has it been a dream? Also yes. It’s form-fitting enough to look nice but has enough room to layer under and still move around comfortably. It’s versatile, water resistant and super cozy.
Down Sweater Jacket
Patagonia: $279
For many years, this was my most-treasured go-to jacket for all things. Quick layer of warmth? Check. Something lightweight that can also pack down? Check. Great in the city and the mountains? Check, check. It’s not bulky, can be easily layered under, and is toasty warm (but not overly so).
Rainier Rain Jacket
REI Co-op: $100
If you are looking for a well-made and budget-friendly rain coat, then you’ve found your match. Compared to North Face jackets (which are lovely in their own right), I like that this one can fit layers underneath without it losing its shape and becoming bulky. The extended visor on the hood is also helpful to keep the rain at bay.
Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket
Outdoor Research: $225
This jacket is pricier but has lasted me for years and I foresee it lasting many more, even with the beatings I give it. It’s kept me dry and warm on rainy PNW hikes, through downpours in the city, and while climbing up Mt. Rainier. The hefty price tag is because it’s truly a quality jacket, but mostly because it’s GORE-TEX. Personally, I love the strength of the fabric (read: no tears) and the roomy hood actually shields rain—and it’s compatible with helmets!
Hyperaxis fleece jacket
REI CO-OP: $149
This thing is my one true love (along with all the other things I’ve deemed my “true loves”). It is perfect for traveling, camping, hiking, backpacking, or just throwing on to take a walk or go to the store. Not only does it have a great shape and lots of discreet pockets, but it’s also very cozy. I’ve had mine for over five years and it’s still in great shape, including the inner fleece lining.
Echo Hoodie
outdoor research: $75
With its uber lightweight and moisture wicking material, I pack this hoodie on nearly every outdoor overnight all year round. It’s a fantastic base layer for winter hiking, cool nights at camp, or to keep the sun and bugs at bay. The hood is nice as well, though the pony tail opening admittedly weirds me out a bit.
Sahara convertible pants
REI Co-Op: $90
Zip-off pants? Yes, and hear me out. These convertible pants weaseled their way into my heart for their durability and comfort, as well as for being lightweight and water resistant. While trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, I ended up having to wear them for about 6 days straight during a streak of bad weather and they barely smelled at the end of the day(and trust me, that’s impressive because my body certainly did). And who doesn’t love having the option to change into shorts at a whim—or even just unzip a little and vent. I really love these and if zip-off pants is the hill I die on, then so be it.
Clementine 2.0 Shorts
Vouri: $58
Last year, I finally caved and bought a pair of Vouri shorts. Now, I have them in several colors. At first, I was deterred by the price, but they are well worth it. They are breathable and easy to move around in, which is ideal for hiking, and the fabric is so dang soft and silky. To be honest, the tiny pocket is pretty useless but other than that, they are perfect and I highly recommend. The men’s version is just as good, or so a man tells me.
Hiking Micro crew socks
Darn Tough: $25
Yes, these are $25 a pair, but trust me on this one, you want them. Greatness doesn’t come cheap, my friends. Darn Tough wool socks are just so darn good at their job. They last for years and consistently keep my feet dry, warm, and blister-free. Best of all, they are not smelly! And if they tip toe in that direction, I simply lay them in the sun and they are ready to go for the next day.
hurricane xlt2
Teva: $75
To complete your sultry camp look, nothing beats a good ol’ pair of Tevas. Reliable, comfy, and affordable, they hit the hiking gear trifecta. While the Hurricane’s are a tad pricier than the Universal’s, these offer more support and traction. There are one’s for the gents as well, don’t worry.
mountain 600 hiking boots
Danner: $220
I can honestly say that I have never had an issue with these boots, even when breaking them in. Maybe I’m lucky? Or maybe these boots are just that good? I’ve tried other brands in the past, like North Face and Keens, but they just don’t hit the same as my Danners. Unlike shoes with mesh, Danner’s suede keeps feet ultra dry; I can walk through streams and the water just wicks off, even still, years later. They are also sturdy without being too rigid and are surprisingly lightweight. Plus, I can barely get them dirty even if I try. Don’t ask me how, it’s sorcery. There is also the men’s version.
trail ergo cork Trekking Poles
Black Diamond: $120
I don’t care if I look like an old geezer tromping up and down the mountain, hiking poles are wonderful things and you can’t convince me otherwise. They save the knee joints by distributing weight, are helpful in propelling you forward when hiking up, and they help ensure you don’t fall going down. Not only do I hike faster with poles, but they make my body feel far more capable. I favor these, in particular, for their ergonomic cork handles, which are good for moderating sweat. are grippier, and more comfortable.
Liner Gloves 2.0
REI Co-Op: $27
As someone that doesn’t like bulky things, these liner gloves are a dream. I find that many gloves constrict my fingers, leaving them to feel like incapable robot hands, but not these. No, these gloves are comfortable and add a bit of warmth without feeling like your hands are stuck inside bricks.
Headlamp 425
Biolite: $60
This headlamp is comfortable on the noggin and offers great light, which is really all one needs in a headlamp. But if you want to get fancy with it, this one tilts, has a rechargeable battery (which is long-lasting, I might add), and has multiple light settings (including red light). Gold stars all around.
Skeletool
Leatherman: $675
No matter how you slice it (hehe), a multi-tool is essential camping gear. Whether it’s a Swiss Army knife, Leatherman or other less fancy knife, it can really save your toosh, possibly even your life. I like the Leatherman Skeletool for its useful combination of tools—enough that I have what I need, but not so much that I’m lugging unneeded weight.
UltraLight watertight medical kit
Adventure Medical Kits: $34
Lightweight, waterproof, and has the medical basics—which is me just repeating the title of this product. As with any kit, I take everything out and make sure I know what is inside, and add things that fit my specific activities as well.
Face wipes
Ursa Major: $23
I used to carry a whole package of wipes even though I only needed a few for a backpacking trip. Then I tried these little guys and now I buy them in bulk. The pack comes with 20 individual wipes and I tend to bring 2-3 with me on a trip. They are easy on the skin (on mine at least) and get make-up and dirt off with ease.
multi-purpose soap
Dr. Bronner's: $3.50
You can’t go wrong with Dr. Bronner’s organic and biodegradable soap. I use it to wash my clothes in the river, to clean camp dishes, to wash my hands… you get the point, it does it all. It’s a wonderful multi-purpose soap that smells fresh as can be (I recommend the peppermint or tree oil).
Micro-fiber towel
Nomadix: $40
I chose the Nomadix towel because: a) it is absorbent, b) it has a colorful pattern, c) the surface is textured, and d) it is quick-drying. I don’t know what more I can say about a towel, but as far as towels go, this is a good one.
Reusable antimicrobial Pee Cloth
Kula Cloth: $20
Yes, this is a pee cloth. No, it’s not gross. This is the brilliant alternative to using toilet paper or drip-drying an I stand by it. It can hang on the outside of your backpack, is easy to clean, and you can lay it out in the sun to dry. Sorry men, but your comments are not welcome here.
Nikwax Spray-On Water-Repellent Treatment (17 oz.)
REI Co-op: $23
Living in the Pacific Northwest makes for a damp existence. Before fall and winter hikes, I spray this glorious invention all over my gear for added protection (and because I can’t afford all things Gore-Tex). Some may prefer to wash it in their clothes but I find the spray-on version to offer better control of coverage. It is also more versatile in that you can use it on clothes, shoes, bags and more.
Black Diamond Carabiner
REI Co-op: $7
You love carabiners, I love carabiners, we all love carabiners. I keep 1-2 of these wonder workers on my backpack for whatever I may need them for. Can’t squeeze something in my bag? Clip it on the outside. Have a sweaty shirt you need to air out without stopping? Clip it to the backpack. The Black Diamond carabiner is my tried and true option.
Matador Pocket Blanket
REI Co-op: $34
If you are searching for a warm fleece blanket, this is not it. If, however, you are looking for a pocket-sized blanket to take on-the-go, this is an exceptional choice. I feel like this blnket is my party trick; I pull this wallet-sized thing out of my bed and—boom—I have a blanket to sit on. I love that it comes with little stakes attached to the corners to help it not fly away. The downside is that it can be tough to stuff back in without a drawstring, but it’s lovely all the same.
Flexite Air Chair
REI Co-op: $100
Not all camp chairs are made the same, my friends. At exactly one pound, this is an unbelievably sturdy yet lightweight option. While it doesn’t have a cupholder for my precious beer, it is slim to pack, easy to set up and comfortable to relax in. And I suppose I can set my beer on the ground every now and then if I must.
Z-Seat
Therm-a-Rest: $33
When I don’t want to lug my camp chair, I bring along my Z-Seat. I also bring it on day hikes so I have something squishy to sit on while drinking in the views. Sure, it’s a luxury item, but it’s 2 oz. and folds into a thin rectangle that fits in the side pocket of my backpack.
Inflatable Lantern
MPOWERD: $25
This inflatable piece of wizardry packs down small but offers a mighty light. It is solar powered and has several settings including soft light, bright light, brighter light and flashing light options. A headlamp works just fine, but if you have extra room in the backpack, throw this bad boy on in, you won’t regret it. I recently upgraded to the one with a charger on it and love it.
Camp Cribbage
Outside Inside: $18
A camp luxury if there ever was one but it’s easy to justify packing it. Not only is it entertaining, but it’s just a hair over half a pound. It comes with pegs, cards and instructions for newbies.
Circle G’s polarized sunglasses
Goodr: $25
It’s hard to beat $25 for a pair of durable, good-looking, polarized sunglasses. So, yes, to answer your question, they are worth the hype. This style in particular is my favorite as I have a tiny face. 12/10 recommend.
windburner duo stove system
msr: $165
This was a splurge but it’s served me well thus far. It boils water at lightning speed and is good for two people, or one very hungry or thirsty human—that’s up to you, I’m not here to judge. The lid has an easy pour hole, the fuel can fits inside with the ignition, and the frame is protected with the gray bowl that can double as a food receptacle.
PocketRocket
MSR: $50
Sure you can buy a Windburner or Jetboil, but you can also get something slimmer, albeit slower, for a fraction of the cost. It may take a few extra minutes to boil something but you’ll be outside anyway and time is nothing when camping. This pocket-sized ignition fits into standard fuel canisters, so no worries there either.
G4Free Camping Cookware (4-Piece)
Amazon: $18
For durable cookware without breaking the bank, these are a fantastic choice. The 4-piece set includes two sized pots and lids which nestle into each other. I like that the handles fold, that the above ignition fits inside and that I can use the lid as a bowl for my food.
GoBites Uno Spork
humangear: $5
There’s only so much that can be said about a spork, but I’ll give it my best shot. What I love about this one is that it’s simple and to-the-point, but it’s also a spork, so that’s par for the course. It is made of plant-based resin, which is a notable feature! You may as well just get two while you’re at, you know, in case one goes missing (I may or may not speak from experience).
Pack-Away Soft Cooler
REI Co-op: $30
I use this to keep snacks and drinks cold for when I arrive back at my car after a day of hiking. Trust me, a cool drink after a long hike is a truly beautiful thing. Perhaps one day I will splurge on a Yeti cooler, but my REI bag does the trick for now.
Big Zip EVO Reservoir - 2 Liters
Platypus: $48
This guy fits in a standard daypack or backpack, is easy to fill, and very secure. As a bonus, there is no plastic-y taste, which is basically all a water drinker can hope for. Unless you drink water like it’s going out of style, the 2 liter is a good size, which you can refill after reaching camp.
Pro tip: if you hike in winter, the tube can freeze, so always bring a bottle just in case.
32 Oz. Water Bottle
Nalgene: $16
Ah yes, the good ol’ Nalgene. These reliable bottles are often seen lovingly plastered with stickers and used for years. I once lost mine (temporarily) and was distraught having lost my beloved sticker-ridden friend. As to its actual use, which is the point of this, I prefer the 32 oz. wide-mouth design but the smaller 16 oz. is also nice to have on hand.
Nalgene Easy Sipper
Amazon: $4; Nalgene: $4
Since I have the wide-mouth Nalgene, it’s lovely to have a guard as to not get slapped in the face with water. Enter the Nalgene Sipper. Hallelujah.
Water Filtration System
MSR: $125
My go-to water filter is the MSR 10 liter gravity flow for its simple operation and set-up. I’ve tried a few others and have been very frustrated by how slow they drip, but this MSR bag is easy to fill, has a speedy power and is reliable. It’s also only 12 ounces!
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
REI Co-op: $13
For an affordable and sturdy mug, this is a great choice. It’s lightweight, easy to clip on the outside of a bag, has a lid, and keeps things warm just like it should. I often keep snacks inside when I’m not using it, which helps with picking space. I highly recommend it for its overall functionality.
Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee—Pack of 6
Kuju Coffee: $15
Desire a fancy cup of joe in the morning but find yourself in the middle of a mountain? Boy do I have a solution for you! Kuju Coffee makes these delicious pour-over packets in three different roasts. My one qualm is that if they break, the grounds get everywhere and make it undrinkable, so be delicate with the pour! For something less bougie and prone to break, Alpine Start’s Dirty Chai Latte ($10, pack of 5) is delish.
Dehydrated Meals
REI Co-op: Price varies
If you want to start a heated debate around the campfire, naming the best dehydrated food brand is a good place to start. In my opinion, GOOD TO-GO is consistently flavorful and filling (shout out to Mexican Quinoa Bowl) and I appreciate that they offer many vegetarian choices, though there aren’t a ton of options overall.
Backpacker’s Pantry is hit or miss for me but they have many more options for all meal times (and their lasagna may be my favorite camp meal of all time). I’ve recently dabbled with Patagonia’s meals, which I’ve liked especially for breakfast.
GU energy gel
GU: price varies ($1.50-$.50 ea.)
I like to have a few GU Energy Gels tucked away in easily accessible pockets for a mid-stride boost. Of the gels, my personal favorites are Chocolate Outrage and Vanilla Bean, but I’m a simply kind of gal. As far as snacks go, chews and stroopwaffles are also great, though I find the latter to be less filling.