Favorite Backpacking Gear

my favorite backpacking gear

With all of the gear that I've had the privilege of testing over the years, a few key items have stood out as my favorites. Here they are!

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S2S Aeros Premium Pillow

I tried many different backpacking pillows and got horrible sleep with all of them until I found the Aeros. I've tried a few other highly-rated pillows since then and I keep coming back to the Aeros Premium. I use the regular size which weighs 2.8oz (79g).

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

REI

Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20

Custom quilts can be great, but if you're looking for a stocked quilt, the Vesper 20 is my go-to. Super comfortable, super lightweight, and super warm.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

Backcountry

Moosejaw

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

In 2020, I purchased six brand new water filters and did a couple of tests to see which one is best. You can find that video here. I have been using the BeFree ever since. It has an excellent flowrate and only weighs 1.3oz (37g). I use it with the Hydrapak Seeker seen below.

Available at the link(s) below:

Hydrapak Seeker 3L

The Hydrapak Seeker has an opening that allows the BeFree filter to thread onto it directly. It is my go-to water reservoir, and I use the 3L version for most all trips.

Available at the link(s) below:

Toaks Titanium 750ml Pot

A titanium cooking pot that is super light, holds up well, and is not difficult to clean. I occasionally use the 550ml version if I don't plan to do any cooking in the pot and will only be using it for boiling water.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

REI

Primula Brew Buddy

This is my favorite way to make coffee on trail using ground coffee. Its cheaper, lighter, and more compact than most other trail brewing methods. Not quite as easy as instant coffee packets, but way more cost effective.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

Hilltop Packs DCF Food Bag

I never expected to put a food bag on a favorites list, but Hilltop Packs makes some great bags (and many of them can be custom printed). This is their large DCF bear bag which held all of my food for a 6-day trip with room to spare.

Available at the link(s) below:

Hilltop Packs

Nitecore NB10000 Battery Bank

This 10,000mah power bank is the smallest and lightest of its kind. I've been using it for over a year both on trail and in daily use, and it is still performing well. You can see my full review here.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

Moosejaw

Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool

My Gerber Dime goes with me on every trip. It does have a small blade, but what I use even more often on trail are the scissors, tweezers, and pliers.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

Helinox Chair Zero

My favorite backpacking chair! Weighs just 18oz (510g). It doesn't come on every trip with me, but I always miss it when I don't bring it along.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon

Backcountry

REI

Kammok Python 10 UL

I often like to take a hammock for lounging around at camp or hiking breaks during the day. I wanted to drop some weight from the bulky hammock straps I had, but I still wanted the convenience of a multi-loop strap. The Python 10 UL was just that.

Available at the link(s) below:

Kammok

REI

Nitecore NU20 Headlamp

Very lightweight, waterproof headlamp that is USB rechargeable and has the extra lumens when you need it. Also has a plastic tab to prevent the light from turning on accidentally in your pack.

Available at the link(s) below:

Amazon