Alec is a landscape photographer and outdoors storyteller with a zeal for pushing boundaries in the wild. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, and visiting remote places, allowing him to photograph locations the rest of the world shies away from. In addition, Alec loves to write about his travels and craft articles that help educate and inspire others to find their joy in nature.
Gear Checklist: Everything I Carry for Backpacking Trips
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Happiest of May to you all. The snow is melting, and backpacking trips are getting closer and closer. I wanted to create a gear guide to help those of you who plan to spend some nights under the stars. This is more or less everythign that I carry and recommend carrying. Usually, my pack weighs around 40-45 pounds which is under the 25% mark of my body weight. That's a good threshold to stay around as going over it can start to wear you down. Feel free to ask me any questions and I'll and my best to help! Backpacking Gear GuideHere's what I'll bring on a standard three-day, two-night trip. If we're taking a three-night trip, it'll require more food and possibly another piece of clothing, but I try to keep it light. The Big 4 3P Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent (for couples and/or with wide sleeping pads), 2 person option is tighter, good for singles 65L Gregory Backpack - handles 4 days great, could push to five with good organizing. I've had my Gregory since 2018. For women, a 55L is a good size! Sleeping Pad - Have also had since 2018. I'm 6 feet 185 and use the Long/Wide, which weighs 2 pounds. Lightweight Sleeping Bag 30% off right now- I have used a Big Agnes 15-degree bag since 2018. (Mammut just sent me this one to try out. Stay tuned.) Use this compression sack to maximize space in your bag. The hardest part is knowing what size to pick. It depends on your sleeping bag size. Warmer, thicker one you'll want a larger size. Cooking & Meals Jet Boil Stove (I've had mine since 2018) Utensils Snacks: Nuts, bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, sweets, sandwiches, crackers/chips, salami Nalgene water bottle Fuel Gravity Water Filter (best for at camp) & Water Filter Bottle (best for on the move) Clothes: Mammut Sunhoodie, REI Sunhoodie (Men & Women), or Outdoor Research Astroman Sunhoodie (Men & Women) Short-sleeved breathable shirt Tights to sleep in (Men/Women) Men's Down Jacket/Women's (Less expensive alternative) Rain Jacket (Less expensive alternative) LOWA Hiking Boots (if there are water crossings, or rocky situations) On a shorter trip, I may opt for my trail runners. These new waterproof ones look great as I've had my feet soaked before and that's not fun. Headlamp Other Luxuries/Case By Case Situations Pillow - Key to a good night's sleep (Or roll up clothes/jacket) Hiking Poles (lightweight, but they don't adjust) Standard adjustable poles UL Backpacking Chair or Crazy Creek Recliner Garmin inReach 2 - Safety is always a priority Compass First Aid - I recommend bringing things from home. Much more affordable Mosquito Repellant Toothpaste and tooth brush Meds/Allergy Looking for less expensive gear? REI Outlet offers greal deals on last year's gear that is perfect. *These are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission at no cost to you. |
Hi! I'm Alec, an outdoor writer, photographer, and content creator.
Alec is a landscape photographer and outdoors storyteller with a zeal for pushing boundaries in the wild. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, and visiting remote places, allowing him to photograph locations the rest of the world shies away from. In addition, Alec loves to write about his travels and craft articles that help educate and inspire others to find their joy in nature.
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