Backpacking Gear Buying Guide
Hello, I’m Your Gear Guide
Before you spend your money on expensive backpacking gear, I want to offer a few tips on how to make sure you’re getting the right gear for your adventures. There is a lot of equipment out there to choose from and it can be confusing to know what you need. To make things worse, everyone has a biased opinion based on how they like to backpack, so knowing that, I’m going to make this guide as neutral as possible.
The thing you want to keep in mind when making your purchase is to choose gear based on what you’re going to be doing for the majority of your adventures. Backpacking isn’t some vanilla thing that is the same for everyone. It’s dynamic, comes in many forms, and is rooted in personal preferences. The more you can hone in on what you like to do and how you like to do it, the better off you’ll be. Do that well and the greater the chances are that you’ll make the right choices.
Ground Rules for Backpacking Gear
Use these tips to help keep you on track with each gear purchase and save you money in the long run.
#1: Get Specific and Be Intentional
You might not know exactly what you want to do out there, but I’m guessing you have a general idea of what you’re working towards. Think about where you’re likely going backpacking when you’ll be backpacking, and in what style you’ll be backpacking. Do you live in the mountains or the desert? Are you mainly going to be backpacking in the summer or winter? Do you plan to do big stretches of trail in one go or just camp out in the same spot for a few days to enjoy yourself?
Again, there are no right or wrong answers here, but the more you can dial in on what you’re hoping to accomplish will pay huge dividends when it comes to buying your gear. For trips where you’re covering long stretches of trail, you’ll want to go light to optimize for comfort on the trail whereas, for trips to a lake or a river for a few days, you may want to carry a few comfort items to optimize for your time in camp.
Backpacking gear plays a big role in your overall enjoyment so just do your best to purchase what will work best for you and your adventures and not what someone else thinks you should have.
#2: Keep It Simple and Streamlined
Backpacking is best when it’s simple. The less you carry with you, the less your pack will weigh and the less you’ll have to worry about. When I started being intentional about every piece of gear I brought with me (big or small), my enjoyment skyrocketed because I simply had less to worry about. I had what I needed to be safe and enjoy myself out there without having to take two weeks to prep for a trip.
Simple is the key to backpacking happiness regardless of what kind of backpacking you’re doing. Simple doesn’t mean going without or being ultra-light, it just means simple.
#3: Avoid “do it all” Gear
One of the biggest traps backpackers fall into is trying to buy gear that can be used for every possible adventure they can dream of. They think if they buy something that can do all of it, then they’ll never need to buy more gear. This leads to sub-optimized gear and often a heavy backpack.
Do your best to avoid the gear that can do everything and instead buy the gear that is built for what you’re going to be doing the majority of the time. Whatever that may be, optimize for that and the gear will serve you well.
#4: Buy Gear That Moves the Needle (avoid repeat purchases)
Buy gear that increases capability, comfort, or enjoyment and avoid buying the same gear over and over again. If you have a lightweight single-person tent that works, you don’t need another one. Instead, try expanding your capability by getting a 2 person or 3 person tent. Better yet, buy yourself a 4 Season tent that gives you the ability to do different types of adventures.
#5: Have Fun!
My last and final tip is the have fun with your gear. If your gear doesn’t inspire you to get outside for an adventure, then get the gear that DOES inspire you. Otherwise, what’s the point? Go have an adventure, have fun, and come back home to tell me about it!
No…seriously, email me about it at emory@byland.co!
Backpack Buying Guide
Choosing a backpack should be based on the type of backpacking you’re going to be doing, how much weight you’re carrying, and how you like to pack your gear.
When choosing the volume or size of a pack, don't go crazy. Most backpacking trips don’t require anything over 50-60 liters unless you’re on a remote multi-week expedition without resupply. Remember, the more space you have to pack things, the more things you'll pack!
Backpacking is about being minimal and enjoying going without. The lighter the pack, the more enjoyable those miles will feel.
Backpacks fall into the following categories
Generalist/Consumer Backpacks
If you’re looking for an all-around backpack that can do a lot of different things, you’ll want to go for one of these “generalist” backpacks. They’re slightly heavier, but built well, carry weight nicely, and they’re comfortable (which matters). These general consumer packs are great for those who are still dialing in their gear and might have an item or two that’s a bit bulkier or heavier.
A great feature of these backpacks is they often come with a great warranty.
Osprey Atmos AG 50 - Mens
This pack can take you from weekend trips to thru-hiking so if you’re new to backpacking and you’re not sure what is what, this might be a great option for you.
Osprey has a great warranty and there are a ton of people who swear by them. The Anti Gravity suspension system is beloved by many and for good reason. It's a welcome comfort right from the start.
Shop on Backcountry and REI
Osprey Aura AG 50 - Womens
From weekend trips to thru-hikes, this pack can do it all. It’s the Women’s version of the Atmos with the amazing anti-gravity frame.
Shop on Backcountry and REI.
Ultralight Backpacks
It's important to know that when you go ultralight, you'll be giving up some features and enhancements that come on standard backpacks. But here's the rub, you'll find that you won't really miss those things you thought you needed in a more "featured" pack.
The more efficient you become with your gear, the less you need, and the fewer "features" you'll require on a backpack.
2400 Southwest by Hyperlite Mountain Gear (40L)
Hyperlite makes some really great gear, and their packs balance simplicity, load-carry capability, and weight. If you want to drop your pack weight and streamline your setup, this is a great option.
Loadbearing Backpacks (aka hunting packs)
If you're getting into backpack hunting and intend on hauling out animal quarters on your back, you're going to want to have a pack that can handle that stress while not making your life miserable (or at least LESS miserable haha!)
Hunting backpacks are purpose-built for load-hauling and if you can carry it, they can too. These packs are built with durability in mind and as a result, weigh heavier than their conventional counterparts but they’ll make 60 to 70 lbs feel like a walk in the park!
Exo Mountain Gear 3500
The 4800 is a great pack size for backpack hunting as it can handle larger loads while still maintaining a slim profile. Whether this is your first hunting backpack or your 50th, the 4800 will meet 99% of your hunts.
Backpacking Tents and Shelters
Tents and Shelters come in a million different variations so the main question you need to answer is; “what are you wanting in a tent?” Most backpacking occurs during summer weather when it’s nice so unless you know you’re going to be backpacking in the winter months, it’s probably best to look for a solid 3-season shelter that is light and roomy. Most tents you’ll find at a quality outdoor store should do the trick, but if you need a little more direction, that’s what this section is for.
Buying Advice
A general rule of thumb is; a 2-person tent is a 1-person tent, and a 3-person tent is a 2-person tent. Solo backpackers are fine with a 1-person tent, but as soon as you bring a friend inside, be sure to size up to account for the space. If your furry friend is coming along as well, you’ll want that extra space.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent: 2-Person 3-Season
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is light, and functional, and will get the job done for any summer or fall backpacking trip. It’s roomy with two doors and comes in at just over 2 lbs!
Sleep Systems
Sleeping pads are meant to insulate you from the cold ground at night by creating a barrier of air between you and it. They also happen to be comfortable to sleep on too. Pads come in many shapes and some are even insulated. The colder the temperature is outside, the more of a barrier you’ll want.
Buying Advice
You may have to try a few pads out to find one that works for you. We all have our sleep preferences so it may take a pad or two to dial it in. I’d suggest aiming for an insulated pad like the ones listed here.
Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
I’ve personally used this pad for over 2000 miles along the PCT and it’s STILL going strong. It’s durable, insulated, pretty light, and won’t break the bank.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
A popular option for backpackers of all kinds. It’s super light, insulated, and highly coveted. The only downside is it might make a bit of a crinkling noise.
Backpacking Camp Stove and Cookware
Unless you’re mountaineering, backpacking at crazy high elevations, or in extreme cold, a gas stove will do just fine. There are a lot of different cookstove options out there, but I prefer integrated systems that boil water fast. I personally don’t cook any food, rather I just rehydrate it so for me a fast boil is key.
Buying Advice
Choose something that works for YOU. If you’re wanting something crazy light, then get something crazy light, if you want something efficient, then get that. Whatever you do, make sure it’s dependable, durable, and sturdy.
Backpacking Water Filters and Storage
Our modern bodies just aren’t built for whatever is lurking in untreated water. Take the time to filter your water and you’ll avoid spending your backpacking trip dehydrated from having to live behind a tree.
Buying Advice
If you live in the desert where water is scarce, you’ll probably want to go with a pump-style filter. If however, you live in the land of running water where it’s easy to gather, a squeeze filter should do just fine.
If you’re unsure, call your local ranger station for their advice!
Backpacking Accessories
Aside from the things you need for your backpacking trips like a backpack, a tent, and a sleeping bag, there are a handful of additional items that you may want to consider including on your packing list. By no means are these MUST HAVE items, but depending on your trip and your situation, they may make your life a lot easier out there.
Learn to understand the difference between NEED and WANT. All of us WANT to bring items that make us feel more comfortable out there, but if absolute comfort is what you’re looking for, backpacking might not be your thing. There will always be an element of discomfort (not pain) to outdoor activities and it’s your job to do your best to mitigate that discomfort knowing you’ll never fully eliminate it.
Buying Advice
Be wary of accessories. They add up quickly and can easily become something you never intended them to be - like a few pounds of extra weight. Bring what you need to get the job done for each trip, assess what worked and what didn’t, and take those lessons learned with you on future trips. Remember, simplicity and essentials are the keys to a good time!
Navigation and Electronics
You need to know where you’re going so GO PREPREPARED. Lucky for you, if you have a smartphone, you can turn that puppy into a GPS by simply downloading an application. At a minimum, you should bring paper maps.
Navigation Advice
Always be as prepared as you can be by researching your route ahead of time. Look up previous trip reports, check it out on Google Earth, and even call a local ranger station for up-to-date information. Go with knowledge, keep track of your progress, and always have a backup plan.
Backpacking Hygiene and First Aid
Staying clean in the backcountry is important, but don’t overthink or make it too complicated. It’s okay to be dirty for a few days, I mean…you ARE backpacking, remember? And don’t go overkill on the first aid kit. Make sure you have something on you to address anything that pops up, but you don’t need to be prepared for surgery in the field.
Buying Advice
Keep it simple, streamlined, and readily accessible.