I’m breaking down all the gear I take backpacking and camping. Just the essentials—nothing you don’t need. It’s all super useful, but I’m keeping it light and fun. So hang out and let’s dive in.
A Life of Backpacking
I started backpacking when I was about 10, with the Boy Scouts. I’ve continued doing it throughout my entire life—all over the world.
One of the great things about spending more time outdoors is developing a greater appreciation for nature—and with that comes a desire to protect it.
Backpacking is probably the most incredible way for us as humans to get deep into nature and really feel the power of the natural world.
It requires us to load up a backpack with everything we need to survive and be comfortable in the outdoors. And one of the first things that’s probably going to happen on your first trip—overpacking.
We just stuff the backpack full and full and full… Until it’s so heavy that it becomes a burden. You probably won’t even make it out of the parking lot, let alone up the trail on day one.
The Right Backpack
Whether you’re a girl or a boy, you’re going to need a backpack. And those backpacks might look slightly different.
Footwear & Socks
Taking care of your feet on a backpacking trip is critical. If your feet go bad, you’re not going anywhere.
I’ve been using the boots from Zamberlan for almost ten years. They’re insanely durable. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in these. Walked across the deserts of Namibia. Hiked the Camino de Santiago.
What matters most is the sole. Look for Vibram. It’s super tough rubber that lasts a long time. These boots also use Gore-Tex, which makes them waterproof and weather-resistant. I can walk through a stream and stay totally dry—unless water comes in over the top.
Socks matter too. Wool socks are the way to go. They’re warm, breathable, and they don’t smell. For long trips, consider sock liners. They’re thinner and reduce friction between your foot and the main sock. That means fewer blisters.
Speaking of blisters—bring moleskin. It’s like a soft flannel pad you can cut to size and place on any hotspot. Stops blisters from forming or getting worse. Total lifesaver.
Cooking Systems
You’ve got to eat, and I love the Jetboil system. It’s self-contained. Packs into itself. Super easy. Not only does it boil water fast—it also has a built-in French press. Yes, good coffee in the backcountry is possible.
You attach the stove base to your gas canister, press the igniter, and boom—you’re cooking. The pot locks into place, so it won’t slide around.
There’s also a smaller stove I love from MSR. It folds up, clips to your gas can, and you place a pot right on top. Lightweight and simple.
Cooking Gear Breakdown
Cooking gear? Here’s what I use. MSR makes a cookery set where everything packs into one pot. The lid flips over and becomes a strainer—great for pasta.
Inside the pot:
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Plate one
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Pot two
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Plate two
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Two cups with lids
Everything nests. Locks up tight for travel.
Then I’ve got a GSI Outdoors cooking set. Also tiny, also lightweight.
It includes:
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A folding spoon
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Folding spatula
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Small towel
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Cutting board
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Tongs
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A little scraper
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Mini bottles for oil, salt, hot sauce
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A scrubber
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A dropper bottle for Dr. Bronner’s (eco-friendly soap)
And yes—you’ll need a spork.
Food Strategy
Fresh food is great, but it won’t last more than a day without refrigeration. So, eat fresh on day one. Then switch to MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) or dehydrated meals.
These meals just need boiling water. Add it straight to the bag, seal it up, and wait. Some even self-heat without a stove.
They cost around $6–$7 a bag and can feed two, sometimes even three people. It’s honestly kind of amazing how good they are.
If I’m going for a few days, I’ll bring garden veggies like zucchini or squash for the first meal. After that, MREs all the way.
Food Safety & Wildlife Awareness
In places like the western U.S., you need to think about bears.
That’s where a bear canister comes in. It’s required in many backcountry areas. It keeps your food secure and keeps wildlife safe. They’re a bit bulky and hard to pack, but it’s worth it—and required in grizzly country.
Always cook far from your tent. You don’t want food smells attracting wildlife to where you sleep. For extra safety in bear country, bring bear spray. It’s a high-powered pepper spray and could save your life.
Hydration Essentials
You cannot hit the trail without a water plan. In most places, you can’t drink straight from the stream anymore. There’s bacteria like giardia, which can wreck your gut for weeks—or even years.
So you need a filter system. You could use iodine tablets, but they taste awful. What I prefer is a gravity system by Platypus. Two bags. One marked “dirty,” one marked “clean.”
You fill the dirty bag with unfiltered water, hang it up, and gravity pulls it through a filter into the clean bag. That’s it. I like to bring an extra water bladder—mine is a 4-liter from MSR—so I can transfer clean water into it and repeat the process.
Eight liters is usually enough for dinner, breakfast, and water bottles for two people plus a dog.
More Hydration Tools
Other great hydration options:
I use a 3-liter Hydrapak from Osprey. It goes inside your backpack and has a hose with a bite valve so you can drink without stopping.
Also a reusable water bottle. I use Hydro Flask—it’s tough, insulated, and works great. CamelBak also makes excellent, lighter bottles.
Must-Have Extras
A few last essentials:
-A rain cover for your backpack. It works like a rain jacket for your gear.
-A solar power bank (mine’s from Stealth Angel). Charges your phone, camera, and even has a light.
-A headlamp—don’t rely on a flashlight. A headlamp frees your hands and is great for night hiking or setting up camp late. I use the Black Diamond Storm. Super bright, adjustable, and reliable.
Hygiene & Bathroom Setup
First things first, you need a solid first aid kit. You can grab one off the shelf at any outdoor store. Or make your own.
If you’re going the DIY route, do a bit of research. Think: bandages, tweezers, antibiotic cream, ibuprofen, antihistamines, blister pads. All the basics.
A few other must-haves?
- Bug spray.
- Sunscreen.
- A good sun hat—I like a floppy one for full coverage.
- And a beanie for chilly nights.
Here’s something people forget: paracord. It’s light. It packs small. And it’s incredibly useful.
You can use it with a tarp to make a shelter. Throw up some shade. Or hang your gear. Honestly, it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you brought.
Now let’s get into the bathroom stuff. Yep—real talk. You need a trowel. It’s just a small, lightweight shovel.
When nature calls, and it’s #2, head at least 200 feet away from any water source. Dig a hole. Make it deep—six inches or more. Do your business, toss in the TP, and cover it all up.
Why that depth? Because animals can smell shallow holes. And they’ll dig it up. Nobody wants that.
Final reminder—Leave No Trace. Pack out your trash. Respect the wild places. We want to keep them beautiful for the next crew coming through.
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