There are plenty of YouTube videos and articles advertising which gear you should buy to be the best backpacker. Almost always, “best backpacker” translates to lightest load, and while I’m always trying to lighten my pack, the lightest is usually the most expensive. I’ve been backpacking hard for two years now, so I’ve made enough upgrades to have a light bag, while also being a college student and not breaking the bank. I recognize that some of these items are expensive, but I also believe that in outdoors recreation, you get what you pay for. Here’s my gear list:
The Big Three
Backpack: Deuter ACL Lite 65+10
To experienced backpackers, this bag is truly massive. 75 liters and 4 pounds 6 ounces is almost double what long distance thru-hikers use. For comparison, the Hyperlite 2400 Southwest, a popular choice for Appalachian Trail thru-hikes, is 40 liters and weighs two pounds, but costs $100 more. This bag was bought for me in 7th grade, when it was considered average, and I thought I needed to pack the kitchen sink. It was with me on my first trip to Annapolis Rock in 7th grade, and every adventure since. I don’t need anything close to this bag today, but for now, there’s too much sentimental value to replace it. Though, every trip, I feel those two pounds more and more.
I pair it with an REI Duck’s Back Pack Cover for extra waterproofing in storms.
Sleeping Bag: Sea2Summit Spark Ultralight 28˚
I bought this bag when the 28˚ option was only $250. The first time I picked it up, it was so unexpectedly light, it nearly flew out of my hand. I cut off 2.8 pounds upgrading from my REI Siesta 30˚. The newest version of the Siesta, the REI Trailbreak, is 1.7 pounds heavier but about $250 cheaper. However, I don’t regret paying for the saved weight. A smaller but just-as-warm bag was the biggest difference in my pack weight and volume, which directly influences comfort, which affects how far I can hike. Additionally, its 28˚ rating is an understatement. I’ve taken it down to 17˚ and been comfortable. When I bought it, a bag this light was more of a steal than the current price tag, but it’s still cheeper than similar options.
Tent: Eureka! Solitaire AL
For a first backpacking tent, this is the way to go. At 2 pounds 10 ounces, it’s heavy by backpacking standards, but $110 for a backpacking tent is very cheap. Part of the reason it’s heavy is because it uses tent poles, but if you’re just getting into backpacking and don’t have trekking poles yet, you won’t be able to use the lightest tents. You can also lighten it by buying lighter tent stakes. One con is that the poles are weak: I’d be surprised if they lasted more than two or three years, at which time you can decide to upgrade or not.
Necessities
Sleeping Pad: ThermaRest Trail Scout Sleeping Pad
When choosing a sleeping pad, the two specs to consider are R-value and weight. The higher the R-value, the more insulation from the heat-sucking ground the pad has. ThermaRest is the most popular brand for high-end pads, and the Trail Scout is their entry level pad, weighing 1 pound 6 ounces with an R-value of 3.1. It’s advertised as a 3-season pad, but with the Spark Ultralight sleeping bag, again, I’ve taken it on plenty of winter trips in the teens. For $20 cheaper, you can get the classic rollable foam pad, which weighs 14 ounces with an R of 1.7. I’m a side sleeper, so I need the extra cushion of the Trail Scout, and I find the foam pads too cold in winter, but I use them in summer if I expect to camp on grass.
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2.0
The debate over stoves is between the Pocket Rocket and the Whisper Lite, and in my opinion, the Pocket Rocket is the clear winner. At 2.6 ounces, the only lighter design is made out of an aluminum can. With a very simple design, there are less things that can break. The only con is that is screws onto a specific type of fuel canister, which isn’t always a guarantee to find in stores near a trail. However, it’s still the thru-hiker favorite.
Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze Mini
Sawyer’s filters transformed backpacking filters and quickly rose to the top of most thru-hikers lists. The Mini is only $20 at any Walmart, but I personally wouldn’t buy it again in favor of the full-size Sawyer Squeeze which is still only $35. It even comes with a water bag to fill at the spring. More expensive models can filter more water without having to be cleaned as often, but typically way much more and cost twice as much.
Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm 400
400 lumens is enough to really light up the forest, but it sucks down batteries. For short trips especially at winter when the sun sets early, I can get through on one set, but anything longer than three or four days and I have to bring extra batteries. There are cheaper, chargeable options that are more popular, like the Nitecore NU, but I value lumens and don’t want to pause my hike too long to charge at Dollar General.
First Aid: Adventure Medical Kits 0.3
I don’t bring a huge kit with tons of tools. Most thru-hikers consider even this small pack overkill, but I’d rather overdo it. All I’ve ever needed is medical tape and ibuprofen.
Other Essentials
Kühl Radikal Klassik Fit Pants: Impenetrable to thorns, even in Utah, where every plant wants to stab you. Also warm and fast-drying.
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite 650-Down Jacket: Down jackets are notoriously expensive. I bought this one for $50 in a spring sale.
Injinji Crew Sock Liner; Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks: My favorite pairing to prevent blisters and wick away moisture.
Groovebelt: Even if I don’t need a belt to keep my pants up, I wear one because they can take the place of rope. I’ve hung hammocks with my belt before.
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