Gear List
Here is a list of gear I bring on almost every backpacking and camping trip. There are a ton of resources that can provide more detailed information whether these would be a good fit for you. When I started doing more outdoor activities, I was mainly looking for discounted gear or things that aren’t crazy expensive. If you are not ready to commit to buying new gear, there are several places that offer rentals as well. Renting can serve as a good starting point especially when you’re just getting started. I hope this list serves as a good starting point to help you think about what you might need before heading out into the wilderness.
Essentials
America the Beautiful
If you know you’re going to spend a lot of time at National Parks and National Forests, I recommend getting the America the Beautiful pass also known as the Interagency pass. It costs $80 but it’s really worth it. The entry fee to each park can vary plus it also covers national forests so a lot of the popular trailheads like Lake 22, Heather Lake, Mailbox Peak and more would require a pass like this.
It doesn’t work at state parks though. If you’re located in Washington state, then you will also need a Discover Pass ($31.99).
Purchase the America the Beautiful pass here and the Discovery Pass here.
Tent
Quarter Dome SL 2
Quarter Dome SL 1
Marmot Tungsten 2P
REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent (current)
What I like about products from REI is they are slightly more affordable without compromising on quality. This tent also held up well in rain and windy conditions although I don’t think the wind I’ve experienced have gone beyond 10mph. Don’t forget to purchase the footprint, which is sold separately. The tent is currently sold out at REI.com but the specs and details are still available to view.
I used to have the Quarter Dome SL 1 but I wanted more room inside the tent for gear and now, my dog! They are pretty similar and I like both equally. I used to use a tent exclusively for backpacking trips and car camping trips but recently just found it easier to keep one tent in my car and I’m ready to camp anytime.
Past: Quarter Dome SL 1 / Past: Marmot Tungsten 2P
(Ooh, they changed the color of the Marmot tent and I personally thinks it looks hideous).
Sleeping Bag
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 (Current)
I downgraded my sleeping bag back to the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 for now. I’m hoping to purchase the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15. The reason for that is I’m a struggling millennial and sometimes gear can cost a lot of money. For now, I think the Kelty bag is sufficient for all my adventures. I also use it with a sleeping bag liner to increase the temperate rating a bit. I’ve camped in temperatures that got as low as 25 degrees and the Kelty has kept me quite toasty.
When choosing a sleeping bag, think about whether you want a down or synthetic bag. If you’re choosing a down bag, the fill would significantly impact how warm you are at night. I always bring a sleeping bag liner to me just in case my sleeping bag fails to keep me warm. Plus, it keeps the inside of it clean as well.
NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
When choosing a sleeping pad, things to consider are whether you want an air pad or a self inflatable one. The latter would generally be bulkier and slightly heavier. Air pads tend to generate a little more noise than an inflatable pad though. I like the Nemo Tensor Insulated Pad because I’m personally a side sleeper and I think it does a great job to support side sleepers like me.
Another thing to consider would be the R-Value - the higher the R-Value is, the more likely it will keep you warm at night. But like the sleeping bag, these two things go hand in had. Depending on what bag you have, you might not feel any significance with the R-Value until you get a low-temperated rated bag.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad
Awesome piece of pad. I bring it everywhere - car camping or backpacking. I always want an extra layer underneath my sleeping pad for extra insulation. This thing is lightweight and versatile - I use it as a sitting pad as well when I’m backpacking.
It’s bulky and you definitely have to pack it outside of your pack. But this kind of sleeping pad is so low maintenance that you really can get really rough with it without having to worry about breaking it. It’s up to you whether you want to sleep super close to the ground or not. If I’m looking to shed more weight from my pack, I tend to only pack this and not my Nemo Tensor or the Sea to Summit Comfort Si pad.
Other Camping Essentials
LuminAID PackLite Max Phone Charger Lantern
I got this as a Christmas present and never looked back. I strap it on the my pack while I’m hiking for it to charge. It also comes with a regular USB charger so you can charge it prior to setting out on a hike. It lights up the entire tent very nicely. It gives you a break from constantly have the headlamp strapped around your head.
Find it here.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
If you can only pick one camp cooking system, pick this. I use it for all kinds of trips even when I’m not in the backcountry. It boils water super fast - it’s great for coffee and freeze dried meals.
Tip: when I was traveling to Death Valley and Joshua Tree, I had to buy propane but there was no one I could do the entire canister. I went to the visitor center and asked if I could drop it off there. They adopted the propane and I felt great because I didn’t have to waste it.
Find it here.
Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork - Long
I don’t care if the long one weighs 0.1 oz more or whatever but I always opt for the long one because it’s the perfect length to reach into a bag of Mountain House without dirtying your hands or fingers. Makes a good stirrer for a morning cup of joe too.
Find it here.
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle - 1 Liter
You don’t necessarily want to carry lots of water on the trail - it can definitely add lots of weight to your pack. I always carry a water filter in case I didn’t carry enough water or I know there’s going to be a reliable water source on the way to a backcountry camp.
I personally have only used this brand of water filter so I’m not sure how well it works compared to other lightweight options. This one is easy to use and the water flow isn’t terrible.
Find it here.
On The Trail
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack
I love this backpack. I didn’t love it at first because I thought it was too small but it’s proven to be the perfect daypack size. I use it for all my hiking trips, to work, and for all my travel needs. It fits a laptop and also a water reservoir. The straps all around the pack literally makes it easy for me to strap on all the things I can’t fit into my pack.
It works great with the Peak Design Camera Clip (see below).
Find it here.
Osprey Aura AG 50 Pack - Women's
Not super lightweight but I love this pack. I tested out three packs when I was at REI and this one feels the most comfortable for me. It literally feels weightless when I have this on my pack. This is a 50L pack and it’s plenty for your weekend backpacking trip. Definitely schedule a session to try on a pack - thank me later.
The rainfly isn’t included, but that’s not super important. I’ve heard people line the insides with a garbage bag to keep the contents dry.
Find it here.
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
I upgraded to a Black Diamond from a Prezi because I needed the light to reach longer distances for increased visibility in the dark. You need a headlamp if you’re camping out, or doing sunrise and sunset hikes. Worth the investment!
Find it here.
Danner Mountain 600 Mid WP Hiking Boots - Women's
My go-to hiking boots for all seasons. I’ve tried various brands and even tried trail runners. These boots are non-imposing and that’s what I like about them. They have good traction and keeps my feet try when I’m hiking in streams and shallow rivers. Shoes are subjective though so try them on before you make your purchase!
Find it here.
Camera Gear
Canon EOS 80D DSLR (w/ 18-135mm kit lens)
For a long time, I’ve been shooting with a Canon in the Digital Rebel series (I had the T7i). I decided to upgrade and went for the 80D because it was still affordable. I shoot almost exclusively with the kit lens. I might be compromising quality over other factors but I love this camera so far. The kit lens has been great to use. I personally didn’t want to invest too much just yet as I’m just doing photography for fun - for now.
Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip
I prefer using the camera clip over the strap because it’s easy to access without being in the way. You literally just strap this onto any pack you have (try not have an extra strap though as it might not fit). I started using this and never looked back. Getting to my camera is way easier than it used to be and I don’t have to worry about dropping it or hitting it against anything.
Find it here.