In this post I'll discuss the gear I currently use, which items I would actually recommend, and which items are on my wish list. Note: most of my gear is a mix of expensive & relatively inexpensive items. I attempted to do backpacking on a budget, which is why I wouldn't recommend some items since they are somewhat cheap. But others I splurged on and totally love.
Although this is mostly a backpacking blog (for now), if you're in the market for basic traditional camping gear, simply purchase gear with light weight equipment in mind so it can be used for traditional camping as well as backpacking adventures where every little bit of weight counts
Side note, I typically will only purchase items at REI when they have sales. Their sales are fairly rare, but they do happen! They have their anniversary sale every May, which is their biggest sale of the year. Also they have a rewards/member program, which you might want to consider opting into if you start acquiring gear from them. The only thing that sucks about their rewards program is they don't give rewards (i.e., money back) on sale items/when you use promo codes, which is essentially the only time I buy from them.
*In this picture from left to right/ top to bottom: 65 Liter Backpack, Sleeping bag/quilt, Stove, Camera Stand, Tent, Sleeping Pad, Water Filter, Water Bottle, Flash Light, Instant Coffee, Cups, Hygiene Body Wipes, Water Insert, Dry Shampoo, Skin Care Products, Make Up Bag, and Hiking Boots.
*Gear missing from this photo: Bear Canister w/ Food, Propane/IsoPro Canister, Spork, Plastic Bags with Spout, Battery Bank, Battery Air Pump.
My Gear.
Backpack/pack(MountainTop 65L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover). This is one of the cheaper backpacks out there, which is the only reason why I purchased it. I would NOT recommend this pack to someone looking for a high quality pack. It isn't the most comfortable, the clasps are fairly cheap, and it came with holes it in. This is my temporary pack until I upgrade to *hopefully* my dream pack (mentioned in my wishlist).
Backpack # 2 (Gregory Paragon 68 Pack - Men's). This is the backpack I have officially stolen from my boyfriend. I actually really like this pack, its spacious, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. And my favorite part is that it's extremely comfortable, from the straps on my waist, chest, and how it sits on my back. Some downsides: 1. It is fairly expensive (~$250), 2. It doesn't have many straps on the outside. This is unfortunate because I always tie random junk (e.g., sandals, toilet paper, water bottle) to the outside straps. Overall, I would recommend this product, which also works well for femme body's.
Sleeping bag/quilt (Sierra DesignsBackcountry Bed 700 / 20-Degree Sleeping Bag). I really like this sleeping bag, it's made of down so it needs to be looked after with care. It feels spacious and keeps me warm at night. It can keep heat in temperatures as low as 20 degrees, which is perfect for most winter trips or traveling to alpine lakes. It is also really LIGHT and compresses really small, which is perfect for saving on space and weight. Btw sleeping bags come with a stuff sac, you can actually use this to compress your clothes to take up less space. As for your sleeping bag, you can just stuff it into the very bottom of your pack.
Sleeping quilt #2 (Nitro Quilt 800 / 20 Degree). This is the sleeping bag my boyfriend uses and it is amazing. The design is more like a blanket, rather than a sleeping bag that wraps around your body. It is the new wave of sleeping bags because it is light weight and compresses really small. It will keep you super warm in cold temperatures, just make sure you get a well insulated pad like this one: Nemo Tensor Alpine - this is the exact one we use and would highly recommend.
Stove (Fire-Maple Pot/Jet Burner Stove System with Electric Ignition). This is another cheaper purchase. It's essentially a knockoff of the Jet Boil Flash Cooking System, which is twice the price. The Fire-Maple gets the job done, but it is made with material that tends to melt if you have the flame going full blast. Also it somewhat leaks gas when screwing it onto the gas canister (??), but this hasn't been a serious issue.
5a. Stove (Jetboil Minimo cooking system). I ended up getting the minimo because it’s way lighter than the fire-maple and other jetboil systems. i read reviews about the igniter not working after a while, so i’ll have to see how that is. so far, no problems!
Camera Stand (Bontend Flexible Tripod). I already had this camera stand prior to taking it backpacking. I like the camera stand itself, but I bet there are better lightweight stands out there that are just as effective.
8. Sleeping Pad(Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad, Long & Wide). This sleeping pad is a perfect example of me purchasing unnecessary shit, but I love it. I'm 5'6 and this sleeping pad is extra long and extra wide, which is intended for a grown ass human (which I am not). It is super comfortable, pretty durable, and lightweight. Downside is that the insulation is not ideal for cold weather. If you have a low temperature rated sleeping bag and are not backpacking when it's extremely cold, then this isn't an issue. If you don't get this sleeping pad, then I recommend getting one that is at least 3 inches thick. Good sleep is everything.
9. Water Filter(Katadyn Vario Filter). THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! The water filter game has changed so much over the years. This filter has a dual action pump that pumps water twice as fast as normal water filters. Highly recommend. If you get this water filter, then you should get the water bottle that fits with it (#9).
10. Water Bottle (Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle). I really like this water bottle in general. But the reason why it's amazing is because it screws onto the bottom of the water filter!!!!! Making it super easy to directly pump water into the water bottle. If you get the water filter, you should get this water bottle too.
11. Headlamp. Honestly, any headlamp will do as long as it is bright and doesn't weigh too much.
12. Instant Coffee (Starbucks Instant Coffee Medium Roast Packets). As far as coffee goes, there aren't too many light weight options. I am not a huge coffee drinker so I'm not too picky about the taste of my coffee.
13. Cups. Get any lightweight cup(s) that can withstand boiling water. I just so happened to have some, but I have no idea when or where I got them. I've heard people recommend the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug, but I can't attest to it. It's on my wishlist though.
16. Bear Canister (BearVault BV500 Food Container). So unfortunately bear canistered are heavy and so awkwardly shaped. I do recommended getting this brand and size though because you are able to pack enough food for 2 people for 3-4 days.
17. Propane/IsoPro Canister(MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister). I typically get the 16oz one but if you are only going for 3 days, then the 8oz canister should be enough and it will be lighter.
18. Spork (Sea to Summit Ultra Light Spork). I really like this spork, I highly recommend it because it is light and extremely useful when eating out of the freeze-dried bags. There is also the TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl that my friend Allyrecommends because it doesn't grind against your teeth (note: that this hasn't been an issue with the Sea to Summit Spork). You will be able to reach all of the food at the very bottom of the bag. No food left behind.
19. Plastic Bags with Spout (Plastic Liquor Pouch Drinks Flasks). This is also a huge recommendation for transporting alcohol. You never want to bring an actual alcohol bottle because it is extremely heavy and bulky. I use these little plastic bags in order to save on weight and space. Just make sure that you don't puncture a hole in the bag. Also recommend putting the drink pouches in ziploc bags to ensure it doesn't leak, plus ziploc's are good to have in general for storage.
20. Battery Bank (Portable Charger Anker PowerCore 20100mAh). This battery bank recharges my phone about 8 times, which is perfect for 2 people, backpacking for about 4 days. Just remember that most remote places do not have cellular service so if you turn your phone on airplane mode, the battery will last longer.
21. Chair (Helinox Chair Zero). This chair is everything, especially when you just want to relax and get comfortable. It's extremely lightweight and a must for bougie backpacking.
22. Rechargeable Air Pump (Portable Electric Air Pump). This is one of those totally unnecessary items to everyone else, but to me it's essential. This sweet angel can blow up everyone's sleeping pads and all of our obnoxious floaties. This is the real MVP.
23. Pillow (NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow). Pillows are totally a Nikki essential, but most people won't find them necessary. I think this one because it is light, comfy, and compact.
Note: I will discuss Dry Shampoo, Skin Care Products, Make Up, and Hygiene Body Wipes in a later post.
Wishlist.
These are the items I have my eye on because they are either light weight, cute, and/or durable. I'm hoping to eventually get them in the future:
Please use these tips as a guide and not an end all be all. GoneBackPackn is not responsible for any injuries or hardships that may occur during any adventure. Take the listed advice at your own will and at your own risk.