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Youll need to get essentialsbackpack, tent, sleeping bag, and pad.
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
Even if youre going lightweight, look for products made from durable, rip-proof materials.
After months of research and pack try-ons, Royal found the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10.
you might adjust nearly every aspect of this packfrom the torso length to the shoulder load adjustment.
Even when loaded up, it is not tapping the back of my head or shifting around too much.
While this backpack comes in mens and womens versions, Royal chose the mens model.
Have you ever worn a pack that doesn’t fit right in the hips?
This method helps fill in uneven ground and keep sharp objects away from my sleeping pad.
Jeanelle Carpentier, photographer, writer, and global backpacking guide, recommends Feathered Friends Flickr UL Quilt.
Theyre locally made in Seattle, Washingtonmy home state!
she raves, explaining that the feathers are quality.
That degree rating15 degreesrefers to the lowest air temperature at which someone would still be warm inside the bag.
So-called three-season bagssuitable for three out of four seasonstypically range from 20 to 30 degrees.
Stefan Ballek, Grand Canyon program manager forWildland Trekking, also uses Western Mountaineering bags.
I use it for nine months out of the year in the Southwest and Im comfortable, Ballek says.
However, Western Mountaineering bags come with a hefty price tag.
Extremely high-loft down that is also lightweight and compressible.
As Davis notes, once the down gets wet, it is no longer effective at keeping you warm.
I sleep really well on it, and it doesnt make noise.
The more weight you take off your joints and body, the more enjoyable your backpacking experience will be.
She loves the Kylmit Static V inflatable sleeping pad.
And with its low price point, you probably will too.
The sleeping pad weighs only 16.6 ounces and has a lifetime warranty!
It also doesnt sound like a potato chip bag while Im sleeping on it.
So if youre a restless sleeper, you’re free to toss and turn to your hearts content.
Another perk of inflatable pads?
Tarp Tent Rainbow
Tarp Tent
With her extensive backpacking resume, Davis has used plenty of tents.
Her favorite is the Tarp Tent Rainbow.
Its super fast and easy to set up, and its also freestanding.
Freestanding means that you dont need to stake the tent out for it to maintain its shape.
However, with the Rainbow model, you do need trekking poles to achieve freestanding status.
Many tents use trekking poles to create the frame or to hold up the vestibule.
This unique design allows the two-person Rainbow to weigh in at under 2.5 pounds.
Gear that comes in handy for emergencies is also key.
When it comes to tents, its hard to beat the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2.
I used this two-person tent on the [Pacific Crest Trail], and it was amazing.
My friend and I shared it for five months!
(Most backpacking tents are known for being a little too cozy.)
It holds up against intense sun and heavy rain, Doering says.
However, as it is a three-season tent, she would not recommend it for winter backpacking.
Sawyer Squeeze Filter
Pretty universally a backpackers favorite filter is the Sawyer Squeeze Filter, Davis says.
When I started backpacking 17 years ago, we used a clunky pump filter that would break or clog.
So this is a much better solution.
The Sawyer Squeeze is a simple gear, and Davis loves that its easy to use and extremely effective.
As soon as water passes through the filter, it is clean and ready to drink.
Doering recommends Nalgene water bottles instead of more complex water bladders.
Hydration bladders can freeze and the hose can get funky, so I prefer water bottles.
These bottles are light, durable, and easy to fill.
Theyre also highly functional.
They come in handy for cooking or rehydrating food, Doering says.
I know some people who soak oats overnight.
MSR 6L Dromedary
My favorite piece of backpacking gear is my MSR dromedary, says Basabe.
I wouldnt bring a pillow by itself, but this versatile piece of gear gets the job done.
Not only can this water dromedary double as a pillow, but it will make camp life a breeze.
This backpacking essential will quickly become a must-have gear item.
As Basabe explains, If I have a regular water bottle because I forgot the dromedary, Im bummed.
If youre eating only dehydrated meals and boiling water, this Jetboil Flash Stove is the most efficient option.
It boils water in only 100 seconds, using minimal fuel in the process.
Carpentier stresses that they are trustworthy, lightweight, and compact.
For cooking for groups and making complex meals, Ballek uses the MSR Dragonfly.
Its like using your stove at home.
Its heavy and loud, but has a larger, more stable base than other stoves.
you’re able to walk away from your pot and tend to camp duties.
The Sea to Summit X-Bowl is ultra packable and nests perfectly inside the brands cooking pots.
I love the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles, specifically for travel, Carpentier says.
My favorite feature of this headlamp is the headband!
It is super adjustable so no matter how Ive styled my hair, it fits.
There is even enough slack to wear a thick hat.
Bonus: The headband is removable, so it’s possible for you to wash it after a trip.
I definitely have to give a shout-out to my Leatherman Rebar Multi-Tool!
This handy multi-tool packs a punch in a small package.
Among its array of features are a mini saw, pliers, and multiple types of screwdrivers.
I have used it to cut P-cord, sticks, andmy all-time favoriteas a can opener.
