Backpacking Essentials

In this post:


Clothing

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie

This hoodie is magical. It’s the only mid/outer layer I’ve worn where I didn’t sweat through it in the first 30 minutes on the trail. It’s vented and insulated, in the places that make sense.

Ventus Active Hoodie - Men’s

Survival

Adventure Medical Kit

A first aid kit is essential in the backcountry. Adventure Medical Kits are great for backpacking because they provide the essentials in a watertight and lightweight package.

Gerber Dime

While you may not need a blade, or plyers, or a can opener, a multi-tool like the Gerber Dime can really come in handy when you need to process wood for a fire, fix a tent pole, or trim a guyline.

Nitecore NU25 Headlamp

When you need to get up in the middle of the night, or your day hike goes longer than expected, a good headlamp is invaluable.

Sleep System

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

As I get older, I keep putting a higher priority on quality sleep. This isn’t the lightest, but it is comfortable (for me, at least).

Food and Water

Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter

There are two main players in the backpacking water filtration market, and the BeFree is my personal favorite. Just make sure to keep your filter clean be shaking or swishing often.

Notes and References

Some of the preceding links are affiliate links, where I earn a small percentage if you purchase that item. I don’t like using ads, so this is one way I can help cover hosting costs.

I didn’t discover these products on my own, I watched hundreds of backpacking gear videos from the following fantastic channels: