Category: Gear

The Ultimate Care Guide for Your Backpacking Gear

Backpacking gear isn’t cheap. You spend hundreds of dollars on gear that is meant to take a beating out in the backcountry. Not only that but this is stuff that’s…

Backpacking gear isn’t cheap.

You spend hundreds of dollars on gear that is meant to take a beating out in the backcountry. Not only that but this is stuff that’s meant to help you survive in the wilderness so it’s got to perform. Right?

Surprise, surprise! That gear won’t last long if you don’t care for it after each trip and during the off season.

So the question now….how do you clean and store your backpacking items?

If you do a general online search you will come up with hundreds of videos and thousands of websites. There are manufacturer instructions, organic/eco-friendly solutions, brand name chemicals and so on.

How do you get through all that info in order to find out what really works? That’s where this post comes in.

I’ve broken down the standard backpacker’s gear list to the most basic items: clothing, boots, sleeping bag, pad, water filter, bladders, tent and backpacking bag. I’ve done internet research, performed trials on my own gear and checked out backpacker forums, all so you don’t have to.

All this has led to creating the easiest, most comprehensive guide to cleaning and storing your backpacking gear.

So check it out below! 🙂

The Ultimate Care Guide for Your Backpacking Gear

Attention: My post may contain Amazon affiliate links! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Clothing

Washing:

Clothing is a pretty important part of your gear. Clothing keeps you warm, helps cool you off, protects you from rain, sun, UV damage, the list goes on. So taking care of your backpacking clothing is crucial to making sure they last a while.

Whenever buying a new piece of backpacking (hiking & camping too!) clothing, make sure to always read the care instructions. This is the best place to look to see how much effort will be necessary to keep your garments performing as they’re supposed to.

Also be aware that some items cannot go into a dryer, particularly items that are made of 100% wool or have bug-repellent chemicals like permethrin woven into the material.

Those items, along with quick-drying or waterproof garments, will have to be hung to dry.

Personally, I spend a good chunk of money on my backpacking clothing so I usually wash my things in cold/warm water, with a non-scented, non-bleach detergent and then hang dry.

Storing:

You wash your clothing. You fold them. And then you put them away. Sounds pretty darn easy, right?

What about when you’re looking for that pair of hiking shorts or your favorite quick-drying shirt? Perhaps you picked up your spouse’s sock liners thinking they were yours?

Just like you would with your day-to-day clothing, your backpacking clothes need to be organized. Not only will it be easier to find what you’re looking for but when that last minute trip comes around, you’ll be able to pack faster!

I use large, clear storage containers with lids – very similar to these from Sterilite. I also use these to separate backpacking gear from camping, as well as for loaner gear when friends come on trips with us.

Boots

Washing:

“You’re telling me to wash my boots?” You might ask with some surprise. Yep! Wash those suckers but don’t do it by throwing them into the washer.

Instead grab a soft cloth, warm water and gentle soap and a non abrasive sponge. Oh, and a screwdriver.

Use the screwdriver to dislodge small pebbles that can become trapped in the treads. You can also use it to break up dried mud between treads.

Once your boot is clear of debris, use the water, soap and sponge to gentle clean the exterior of your boot.

If you need to clean the inside, take out the insoles (if you have them) and rub down the interior with a damp sponge and gentle soap. Repeat the process with a clean, damp sponge to get the soap out. Always air dry.

Since there is a wide array of boots, ranging from near-naked footies to Gortex covered mountaineering shoes, you might need to do some additional research or check the manufacturer’s website before washing.

If your boots need waterproofing, wash them first and then apply the solution while the leather is still damp. Follow REI’s directions for waterproofing.

You do not need to waterproof your boots if they are Gortex.

Storing:

When it comes to our shoes, we typically kick them off into a random corner of the room. But you should probably show some love to your backpacking shoes. After all, they’re an essential part of your backpacking gear!

Like your clothing you’ll want to have them organized. The best way to do this is keep like boots together: warm weather hiking boots, mountaineering boots, snow boots, water shoes, etc.

This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

You may also wish to keep them outside of a box so they’ll be able to ‘breathe’ which is necessary so the interiors do not develop mold. Also, do not stack them on top of each other – forceful pressure can disfigure your boots, making uncomfortable impressions and divots.

Sleeping Bag

Washing:

Let me tell you, whether you have a down, synthetic or blended sleeping bag, after a full backpacking season those things smell rank!

Of course, washing a sleeping bag can be stressful. Not only are sleeping bags expensive but they’re essential in keeping you warm and comfortable at night, allowing you to sleep better.

There are 3 big No-No’s when washing your bag:

Do not use bleach or softeners as they can destroy the insulation material.
Do not use a top load washer, or washer that’s too small.
Do not dry cleaned unless it’s done by a sleeping bag professional.

Thankfully, Mike Jones of CampingGearFit.com has a wonderful, easy-to-use guide on how to wash and dry your down sleeping bag. Mike gives you all the ins and outs of what & what not to do, as well as who you can go to for professional cleaning.

While his guide focuses on down-filled bags, you can also use his guide for a synthetic bag too!

By taking care of your gear, your sleeping bag should last for years.

Storing:

There are two schools of thought for storing your sleeping bag during the off season:

Hanging them (over a hanger or similar)
Rolling them into a stuff sack

Personally, I don’t have room to hang my sleeping bags so I use the stuff sack they were purchased in or I buy a large, mesh laundry bag like this one.

If you use the stuff sack, do not compress it. Make sure your sleeping bag has room inside the stuff sack so that it can breathe.

Whichever your choose, you will want to store your clean bag somewhere it’ll not be squished, moist or scratched up. Also keep them away from UV light (like the sun) and heat, these both can easily destroy the bag.

Sleeping Pad

Washing:

While washing your sleeping bag sounds like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised that most backpackers also recommend washing your sleeping pad as well.

This was one thing I actually didn’t think about until I started writing down items for this blog post as it’s not an item I’d suspect would get dirty.

Pro-Tip: Don’t let chemicals like DEET and sunscreen get onto your sleeping pad. These chemicals will damage the synthetic materials very quickly

So on my latest trip I took a good look at my pad and, lo’ and behold, there was the beginnings of mold!

I nipped that one in the butt real fast.

I was thrilled to discover that gentle soap and water was all that’s needed. Just dip a soft cloth into soapy water, run down the whole of your sleeping pad and mop up with another dry, soft cloth. For tougher spots you can use an all purpose cleaner, just make sure it doesn’t have ammonia in it.

Let the pad fully air dry. Keep the valve open during the drying process and when storing.

Pro-Tip: Sleeping bag liners are a great way to extend the life of your sleeping bag. Liners help to keep body oils and dirt off your bag and can add an extra few degrees, making your bag even more cozy!

Storing:

The best way you can store your sleeping pad is by leaving it unraveled on a flat surface. This works best if you have a self-inflating pad.

But if you’re like me, you don’t live in a mansion so space is pretty hard to come by.

That leaves me with two ways to store my pad, either inside it’s stuff sack (more pads come with one) or hang it.

Some backpackers scoff at the idea of leaving their pads inside the stuff sack.

I actually believe it’s okay so long as you don’t fold your pad the same way after each use. Folding the pad the same way each time can cause the material to weaken at those creases.

If using the stuff sacks worries you, install a hook or peg to a wall to hang the pad. Those with form or self-inflating pads might have issues with this so they don’t drape easily. If you have an air-filled pad, just leave the valve open and drape over a hanger.

Pro-Tip: The material for your pad is thin and can be easily punctured. To prevent this, never place your sleeping pad directly on the ground. Always have something underneath like a tarp or blanket. Also, never carry your pad on the outside of your backpack.

Water Filter

Washing:

Unfortunately cleaning your water filter is a little more involved than just letting it dry – although I usually only clean it once a year and just let it air-dry after each trip.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions but for most water filters, cleaning the filter or cartridge with a few cups of water and a tablespoon of bleach should work fine.

If your filter works sluggishly or you notice build-up, you can use a baby toothbrush to gently remove particles. If you have the Katadyn Hiker water filter, you will need to remove the plastic ‘cage’ and protective film in order to clean the cartridge but it’s easy.

When finished, leave everything out separately to fully dry.

Storing:

Storing your water filter is easier than you think. If you’ve taken the filter apart to let it fully dry, reassemble it and store.

To store, all you need is one gallon size ziploc bag and two smaller ziploc bags. Label the smaller bags with ‘clean’, the other ‘dirty’, and place the corresponding hoses into each bag.

You never want the hoses to touch since that can cause cross contamination and allow for viruses to get into your drinking water.

Put the smaller bags into the gallon size ziploc along with your filter and you’re done. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy!

Bladder

Washing:

You’d think water bladders wouldn’t get dirty because they hold, well, water. Water creates moisture and moisture breeds mold which will not only make your water taste horrible but can also make you sick.

Getting sick in the backcountry is a big No-No!

If you find film or dark spots on your bladder or hose, you will need to run diluted bleach through both to get rid of the mold. The best way to do this is with hot water and a tablespoon or two of bleach.

Pour the hot (not scalding) bleach water into your bladder, close it up. Hold the bladder above you so that the tube and bite valve hand down. Squeezing the bite valve will release the bleach water through the tube. You may need to do this multiple times depending on how dirty the bladder and tube are.

Once you’re satisfied, run clean, cold water through the bladder and tube so no bleach taste lingers.

For general cleanings, a little dish soap is all that’s needed. You can see how it’s done in this very helpful CamelBak video.

Pro-Tip: Dry your bladder upside-down so that water doesn’t pool at the bottom.

Storing:

Before storing, check the creases of your bladder to make sure it’s fully dried – a wet/damp water bladder can hide mold. Do not store with the lids tightened.

Keep your bladders in an area that’s not cool and dry.

Some people store theirs in the freezer but I usually keep mine in our garage (we live in a moderate, dry climate) or in a kitchen cabinet.

Store the water tubes separately or packed inside the bladder.

Tent

Washing:

Tents are pretty tough and can handle normal wear and tear but after a while will need some cleaning. This is especially true if your trips typically involve rain or snow; mold and mildew becomes an issue.

For general care, you can get away with shaking out the rainfly and tent. Spot clean where necessary.

If your tent becomes muddy or takes on just a little mold, a gentle, non-fragrant soap and sponge will work.

If mold has become a problem, or the tent begins to smell, you will need to use a solution like Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger’s Outdoor Cleaner. Just be sure to use according to instructions.

Never put your tent through the washer machine!

Storing:

Most people store their tents in the tent bag or sack it came in. For the most part, that’s okay!

However, if you live in an area that experiences humidity, you might want to forego that.

Opt instead for a pillow case and loosely store the tent parts inside, separated. This will allow air flow to seep in and help avoid moisture which can cause mildew and mold.

If you live in a drier area, like I do, the tent bag or sack is fine. Just be sure to have items loose inside.

Pro-Tip: Don’t aggressively stuff your tent back into the sack as it can lead to ripping and tears. Instead, squeeze air out of your rainfly and soft tent as much as possible before placing it in the sack. It will expand afterwards and that’s perfectly okay.

Backpack

Washing:

You carry it on your sweaty back, it carries everything and it’s basically what protects all the necessities you need to survive outdoors. Your pack.

Eventually, your pack will get dirty and worn, whether that’s over time or because you set it down in mud. On accident, of course!

If you do by chance set it down in mud, or it just gets dirty in general, cleaning it is pretty easy. Your trusted gentle non-fragrant soap and sponge will easily take care of mud, dirt and abrasions.

If your bag of trail mix melts inside your pack and now you have chocolate smeared across the bottom, again, the sponge is your best friend. Just remember not to use soap inside and gently clean the interior with just water.

Storing:

If you have the room for it, you should store your bag vertically on a wall. This ensures your bag’s internal frame doesn’t become disfigured.

To do this, you will need either a hook, like these metal cup hooks, or several large command hooks.

The metal hooks are certainly more permanent (and stronger) but if you’re in a rental or apartment, the command hooks work well – they’ve held my 56 liter Gregory bag for a full two years without loosening.

If you use the metal hooks, make sure to find the stud first before you drill into the wall. The wall will need to be able to hold approximately 10 lbs so finding the stud helps.

I also love hanging mine so they look organized and stay clean.

If you don’t have the space to hang them, you will need to lay them flat, without heavy items on top. If you have more than one bag you can certainly stack them – just make sure they’re flat so the frames don’t bend.

And there you have it! Doesn’t sounds so hard, does it? 🙂

If you have any suggestions or comments on how you keep your gear clean and organized, feel free to leave a comment down below!

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Backpacking Beginners Gear

The Ultimate List of Backpacking Luxuries

Andy

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We were barely a mile into our backpacking trip down Grandview Trail in the Grand Canyon when I decided to take a break. First thing I grabbed was several Starburst…

We were barely a mile into our backpacking trip down Grandview Trail in the Grand Canyon when I decided to take a break.

First thing I grabbed was several Starburst I had conveniently tucked away in my hip belt, the other was my phone. You cannot backpack, or even visit, the Grand Canyon without taking hundreds of pictures – the canyon is absolutely breath-taking.

I noticed others were grabbing their phones & cameras too. One took the opportunity to snack on sugary trail mix.

Whatever it is, we all have that luxury we bring on all backpacking trips. It’s usually that one (or two!) thing that makes the trip a little more comfortable.

I’m pretty weight conscious, trying to min/max my bag by making items work double duty, but even I cannot pass up on a few of the below Backpacker Luxuries.

The Ultimate List of Backpacking Luxuries

Attention: My post may contain Amazon affiliate links! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Inflatable Pillow

I don’t necessarily find this to be a luxury, more like necessity really. Have you tried sleeping without a pillow? Kinda sucks. I’m a light sleeper at home so whatever I can do to help myself sleep better in my tent is a huge deal.

If you’re going ultra-lite you can carry a light pillow case and stuff your clothing inside, if you want luxury, check out camping or travel pillows!

I used to use a Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow which is super comfy but a little bulky in my pack. It’s a great pillow for car camping but I tend to take a normal bed pillow instead since weight isn’t an issue there. Still, for the money, it’s pretty good!

I recently upgraded to the Cocoon Sleeping pillow which is inflatable and nestles right into the hood of my mummy bag (doesn’t move around at night!). It’s just a few ounces and packs away into a small stuff sack about the size of a tennis ball. I love that I can choose whether I want my pillow to be firmer or softer and it’s pretty easy to squeeze it into a small area of my bag.

Camping Sandals

After a long day of trekking, it can be a huge relief to get your boots off and let your toes breathe & dry.

Most of us don’t think about it but there’s a ton of moisture in your boots! By letting your feet breathe while camped you are letting both your skin and boots dry so that they’re ready for the next day.

Those suckers have been working hard so treat them right!

Not only should you be allowing your feet to relax, and recoup, you will also want to make time to properly care for them by assessing blisters, reapplying bandages (if necessary), massaging the muscles and letting them dry.

This is where camping sandals come in handy.

While you’re walking around your campsite, setting up your tent, filtering water or just relaxing, wear comfortable shoes like Crocs, Teva sandals or cheap flip-flops.

If you’re sticking to an ultralite trip at least take your boots and socks off while eating or hanging out in your tent.

Thicker Sleeping Pad

There are tons of different sleeping pads out on the market today ranging from ultralite to luxurious. You will find pads that are air-filled to thick foam, 1”- 4.5”+ in thickness, pads that fold into the size of a small log and pads that compress down to the size of a melon (See more details here). Your options are endless!

Keep in mind, a sleeping pad helps with two things:

insulating you from the rocky, cold ground
padding for restful sleep

Since I’m a stickler for weight but didn’t want to give up on comfort I grabbed the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite SV pad which, if set up properly (see video), is pretty darn comfortable. Whichever brand or style you purchase make sure you’re 100% confident in how to set it up – nothing is worse than having your pad deflate the night because you didn’t inflate it correctly.

A good night’s sleep can really set you up for success on the trail the next day. Check out this post from Backpacker Magazine on getting the best sleep in the backcountry.

Lite Folding Camp Chair

This is a real luxury and seems to be one of the top things backpacker splurge on, weight-wise, in the backcountry. And while I don’t carry one myself, after a long day it would be amazing to have a comfy chair to plop into.

There are a lot of backpacking chairs out there so look for one that’s light (2lbs or less), packs down small and has great reviews.

I haven’t tried it before but I’ve heard great things about REI’s Flexlite Chair – that would be a great place to start!

Tent Lamp/Lantern

As silly as it sounds, I love taking a small tent lamp with me. You might be thinking “I have a headlamp, why bring one specifically for the tent?”

Headlamps are great but they’re one-directional which works when you’re trekking through the dark or need just a little light. But when you’re tucking into your tent for the night it’s nice having a small lamp that’s omni-directional, allowing the light to spread out in all directions.

This really helps if there are two people sharing a tent, especially when you both are trying to change or set up your bedding. At the same time.

I also love hanging the lamp from a bush or tree – this allows the entire campsite to have enough light for cooking or hanging out.

Personally I use a Black Diamond Moji lantern or my solar powered Luci Inflatable lantern. The Moji lantern is small, robust and I love that it has two metal hooks so I can hang it. It’s also dimmable. Downside: uses batteries. My Luci was given to me as a gift and I’ve been delighted with it! It’s super light, comes with very bright LEDs and is solar powered. Downside: it doesn’t dim although Luci has apparently come out with newer versions that do.

Baby Wipes or Facial Wipes

Part of me wants to say this is lux, part disagrees and believes it’s necessary for hygiene. Either way, it’s completely refreshing to use baby or body wipes to clean off before getting into your sleeping bag for the night.

Imagine all the dried sweat and dirt on your body. Not to mention the unspeakable bacteria going on…down below. By drying baby wipes out beforehand and reconstituting them with just a touch of water, you could reduce the amount of germs & bacteria that hang out on your body, clothing and sleeping bag.

It also helps reduce the smell. Believe me.

Solar Panel with Charging Station

In today’s world, it’s very difficult to fully remove yourself from technology especially if you use your cell phone as a camera or GPS/map. And while you can call out all the great things about cell phones, it is still tech that requires constant charging or battery changes.

Thankfully there is a large market for solar panels and rechargeable batteries.

Alex and I carry a GoalZero Venture Power Bank and some extra cell phone cords. This little beauty is great! You can hang the solar panel off your pack so it charges as you hike. It can also charge about 3 cell phones so big plus if you’re backpacking with a group.

Hammock

This is my Alex’s ultimate luxury as it’s brought on every backpacking and camping trip. There is a vast array of these suckers; from individual to 2 person hammocks, ultralite to backpacking hammock sets.

My favorite brands is Eno. There are tons of different models so take your time and choose the one best for you.

If you want to use a hammock on your next backcountry trip, make sure to set it up at home first. Like most things with backpacking and camping, it takes some practice. Hammock camping can also take some getting used to since you don’t sleep in one the same way as you do in a traditional tent. Try it out in your backyard or during camping trip and see what you think first.

DSLR or Point and Shoot Cameras

A camera is a wonderful thing to bring to capture the scenery and moments with those you’re trekking with. I love being able to take photos so later I can reminisce on what a fantastic trip we had.

Besides the camera on your phone, you usually have two snap-happy options: DSLR or a Point and Shoot.

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR)

DSLR cameras produce high quality, professional photos. They have a ton of extra features that allow you to shoot in any lighting or situation. You can also change the lenses out to narrow or widen your field of view.

One con is that they can be pretty heavy (not to mention expensive). For just a DSLR camera body, the weight range is anywhere from just under 1 pound, up to 3 pounds. Add in multiple lenses and you’re looking at some pretty significant heft to your gear.

Point and Shoot Cameras

These cameras are definitely cheaper and smaller than the professional DSLR but they’ve certainly come a long way in the last few years.

More and more models are boasting built-in WiFi capabilities, expanded panorama modes and 4k video recording. They’re also coming in around 7-12 oz which you really can’t beat.

Personally, I use my smartphone. The camera quality is pretty good and it’s the lightest thing I can bring with me but you can’t go wrong with a good camera.

Journal or Sketchbook, Pens

Documenting your trip is a great way to capture emotional memories and trail details. Consider picking up a Moleskin journal – they’re light, flexible and come in a variety of styles from college lined to blank sketchbooks. They also very in size depending on your needs. I carry one everywhere.

To save weight, check out apps like Google Keep or Everynote for long form or bulletpoint note taking.

Chocolate

I definitely carry this with me on every trip. There’s nothing like having a little pick-me-up on the trail or for dessert. Look for your favorite kind or try a new brand. Since you’ll be burning calories while hiking, chocolate, in my book, is a guilt-free trail treat!

If you’re hiking in hotter weather, you might want to leave the chocolate bar at home. Instead, opt for hot chocolate or mix Ovaltine & powdered milk with cold water for delicious chocolate milk.

Fresh Fruit or Ingredients for a Meal

My husband’s grandfather used to take boy scout groups out backpacking and for the first night he’d cook with fresh ingredients over the fire. Not instant stuff like oatmeal or dehydrated meals, but real food like steak, sausage, even a hearty breakfast. At least on the first day.

You can do this to so long as you plan it right. Items like dried meats and cheese do pretty well, same with harder fruits like oranges and apples.

If you’re looking to create a meal, try picking up your ingredients just before you hit the trailhead – this way they are fresh and, if you’re taking meat, they’ll at least stay pretty cool (depending on your environment, of course).

This usually is a ‘first night’ thing but, hey, the weight is sometimes worth it for a gorgeous view and a killer meal.

Lux Coffees Filters or Via Packets

We all have that friend who is a true coffee connoisseur. They’re the one person who absolutely, without a doubt, cannot go a morning without a good cup of Joe. And of course, it can’t be made just any plain ol’ way. Oh, no.

There are filters, mini espresso machines, even DIY hacks on how to create the perfect cup of backcountry coffee. So here are few of the favorites:

GSI’s Outdoors Java Drip coffee maker stands out among backpackers as an awesome, lightweight version to your standard drip coffee. It’s fast, clean and folds into itself for easy storage in your pack.

This means you won’t have to deal with awkwardly shoving it into your pack. Or, in my case, looking for small items to shove into it so you can condense bulk.

The low price point helps as well.

Another option is the MSR MugMate which fits in most backpacking mugs/cups. This one is a little more expensive but seems to be quite a favorite since it’s small and almost weightless. It doesn’t pack down like the Java Drip but seems to be a great alternative.

Both the Java Drip and the MugMate only make enough for one cup – so bring extra grounds if you want seconds.

I usually bring Starbucks Via packets which are lightweight, single serve and don’t require any clean up. Just toss into your mug with hot water and you’re good to go. It’s not the best tasting coffee, mind you, but it’s decent and still kick starts your day with caffeine.

If you’re budget conscious, try filling a small coffee filter with 2-3oz of you favorite coffee ground. Twist the top closed and secure with dental floss. Toss into your cup with 6oz of hot water and seep, just like a tea bag. When it’s seeped about 2-3 mins, take the bag out. Enjoy.

Pro-tip: Get unflavored dental floss, unless you’re into mint flavored coffee. I won’t judge you if you are.

Flask with Favorite Alcohol or Wine

Alex and I always bring a flask of whiskey when we’re on backpacking trips. It’s definitely one of our favorite luxuries. It’s great to have after dinner, goes well with hot chocolate and provides warmth, not to mention it’ll block pain receptors so that sore back feels some relief.

So grab a flask, add your favorite adult beverage and enjoy! Just remember to be responsible.

Wine is also another luxury drink you can bring and there are some really good box wines out there. Laugh all you want but it’s true. Because of the surge in millennials becoming affluent wine drinks, the wine industry as changed the way wine is presented, including taking their best vintages and boxing them.

For camping, this is extremely convenient. For backpacking, you could take the bladder out of the box and carry it like normal.

Book or Kindle

If you’re a bookworm then bringing a book into the backcountry just seems natural. For those who are weight conscious, this can be a real luxury.

If you’re considering trekking some literature out into the wilderness, I recommend sticking to either thin paperbacks or an e-reader. Hardcovers are way too heavy.

E-readers like Kindle’s Fire HD are best. If you finish a book halfway through your trip, you have the rest of your digital library with you! These are especially useful if foul weather has you hunkered down or your trails mates have already turned in for the night.

If you don’t want to carry the extra load, you can always add e-books to your phone using the Kindle application (for Android or Apple), or the equivalent.

Pro-tip: Make sure to download the book(s) you wish to read before hitting the trailhead – WiFi doesn’t usually exist in the backcountry.

So there you have it! All the luxury items backpackers take with them to make the backcountry just a little bit easier.

And while this is a pretty detailed list, there are tons of items you can take with you to make your trip easier. These items are also tailored by each person depending on their likes/dislikes, as well as the trip they’re taking.

So get out there and take a luxury item or two with you. You’ll be surprised at how it can improve your trip!

Got a favorite backpacking item you just have on the trail? Perhaps it’s something not listed here? Leave a comment below and let us know what you’d bring on your trip.

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Backpacking Beginners Gear

10 Essentials For Hiking & Backpacking

Andy

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If you’re a seasoned backpacker, or even long distance hiker, you already know about the 10 Essentials; a list of the essential items each outdoorsman should always carry. It was…

If you’re a seasoned backpacker, or even long distance hiker, you already know about the 10 Essentials; a list of the essential items each outdoorsman should always carry. It was created by The Mountaineers in the 1970’s and then modified for new tech in 2003.

While it’s become second nature for outdoor enthusiasts to carry these items, for newcomers it’s a new concept and once you’ve seen the list your first thoughts might gravitate towards: How am I supposed to carry all that?!

Attention: My post may contain Amazon affiliate links! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Whether you’re going out for a few hours or a few days, you should always bring these items. as your safety might highly depend on them.

Here’s the list:

Water
Food
Navigation
First Aid
Insulation
Sun Protection
Light
Fire Starter
Repair Kit
Emergency Shelter

Now let’s break this down into detailed blocks:

Water

Generally speaking, you can survive approximately 3 days without water but it’s not pleasant. This is why water is a must, no matter the length of your trek or the weather/trail conditions.

Most day hikers carry a 1 liter nalgene. For backpackers, taking along a water filter is a must, as well as, a minimum of 3 liters of water. Personally, whether it’s backpacking or a day hike I always carry a 3 liter bladder.

I like to carry the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Mircofilter as it’s lightweight, fast (can fill a 1 liter bottle in a minute) and does an excellent job of removing most harmful viruses, bacteria and particulates.

Iodine tablets are useful as a backup and will kill most viruses and bacteria, however, it won’t kill certain parasites like Cryptosporidium. Iodine tablets are light to carry, work in about 20-30 minutes, but have a slightly metallic taste. Still, it’s good to have it with you as a backup.

Food

Have you ever been ‘hangry’ out on the trail? I sure have and my husband tells me it’s not a pretty sight…

This is something you customize for each trek, depending on whether you’re taking snacks for a day hike, or full meals for a backpacking trip. My suggestion, try looking for high protein, high calorie items like nuts, jerky, trail mixes and bars. You can easily make your own granola bars & trail mixes at home.

If you have a dehydrator, try making homemade fruit leathers or my Spot On Jerky!

Navigation

Best thing to do if you get lost: keep calm. Nowadays most phones have GPS and you can download hundreds of trails apps like AllTrails (Free) and BackCountry Navigator ($11.99). We use BackCountry Navigator on an old smartphone and it’s been superb!

A paper map of your trail and the surrounding area is also super helpful in case your GPS or phone loses battery.

In addition to having a map and GPS/trail app, check in with the Ranger Station if you can on your way in and way out. Some parks will require this, so check ahead of your arrival.

First-Aid

Let’s be real here: when you’re out in the wildness with friends someone is bound to get hurt or, at least, a gnarly blister (See REI’s cure for blisters).

There are tons of first aid kits out there, as well as some really awesome articles/videos on making your own kit. For example, my friend LeeAnn, who joined our Grand Canyon trip, had a clear nalgene full of first aid items to cut back on weight. Super clever!

While you won’t need to carry a whole pharmacy you should have the basics : band aids, ointments, tweezers, pain killers and moleskin. Some store bought first aid kits will have more than others but once you have the basics you can add necessary items as you go.

I’ve been using the REI’s Backpacker Weekend First-Aid – Unfortunately they no longer make this one but the HART Health Weekend First-aid kit is pretty much the same thing. It has all the basics for any injury, it’s affordable, and folds easily into a zipper pouch. The fact that it’s red makes it easier to find in your pack.

Pro-tip: I inspect it before heading out and resupply it after each trip, if necessary.

Insulation

You started your trek out with sunshine and high temps; better yet, you’ve made it to the peak just in time for a spectacular sunset! But when that sun sets and the temperature drops, or the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll be struggling to keep warm & dry, especially in the cooler seasons and/or at higher elevations.

Layering your clothing is highly recommended as you can put on or take off whatever you need to take keep your body at a comfortable temperature. Keep in mind the weather you’re heading out into and make sure pack accordingly.

For example: a full day hike in the high Sierra Mountains, early-summer:

Base Layer: sports bra and/or quick drying underwear, sock liners, socks (I personally use Darn Tough)

Mid Layer: hiking pants/shorts, moisture-wicking t-shirt or long sleeve shirt

Top Layer: fleece jacket and/or windbreaker, or lightweight down jacket

These are just the basics which you can build off but, again, your clothing choices will really depend on the weather and your comfort level.

Sun Protection

As much as I hate putting it on, sunscreen is the best protection around even for those who swear they don’t burn. UVA and UVB are the largest contributing factors when it comes to skin cancer which, on average, effects over 3 million people each year.

Doctors recommend using sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15+ but because I’m pale I use a sports version sunscreen that has SPF 50. Overkill? Perhaps. Sunburns have landed me in the hospital before so I’m glad for the additional SPF protection.

Hats and sunglasses are another big things for sun protection. You can wear anything from a baseball hat to outdoor sun hats but in warmer climates you may want something with ventilation.

In the winter time I use a wool hat with either a fleece or micro-chamois liner that allows moisture to escape through the fibers while still retaining heat. Keep in mind, your head and feet are the major areas for heat so keep them cool in the summer and warm/dry in the winter.

For me, sunglasses are a must! Constantly squinting can force the muscles in your temples to work overtime leading to wrinkles and migraines. While I personally love Oakley for my sunglasses you can honestly use any brand.

Light

The sun is setting and you still haven’t reached your destination. Looks like you’re going to have to hike in the dark. And while most phones have a “flashlight” mode it’s annoying to have to carry it while trying navigate the trail. That’s where a small, reliable headlamp comes in handy because it’s, well, on your head rather than in your hand.

Look for one that has several modes including a dimmer for white light, a red light mode to help keep your night vision and a flash mode that can be used to signal help.

Honestly, I use mine for more than just backpacking since it’s super versatile. Just make sure to carry spare batteries in case you’re running low.

Fire Starter

Some backcountry areas allow a campfire (always check with the ranger station as to their current fire rating/condition). Alex and I will each carry our own lighters and kindling can be made from dried sticks, moss and more.

When building a fire, whether it’s for warmth, cooking, nostalgia,whatever it is, be sure there is a good 20′ clearance around you and that it’s free of leaves & debris. Create a pit with large rocks surrounding it and keep the fire small. No need to create a bonfire.

When you’re ready to leave (or turn in for the night) make sure your fire is completely out using, at least, 1 liter of water to cover the coals. Stir with a stick and hold your hand 6″-12″ above the coals, checking hot spots. If at that height it’s still warm, douse with more water.

Having waterproof matches or a magnesium fire starter are a great back up in stormy weather.

Repair Kit

While I do agree with this being on the 10 Essentials list I rarely carry a full repair kit.

Instead, I’m a believer in duct tape! I leave a roll in the house, in my truck, wrapped around my nalgene bottle and my lighter – honestly all over the place. It’s a cheap alternative to a full repair kit. You can use duct tape to patch a hole in your tent, apply to your heels for blister protection and tap down your shoes if the soles are coming off.

I honestly just love the stuff.

Emergency shelter

It’s smart to carry a tarp as you can hang, rig or fly it over your tent in the event of rain or snow, as well as provide additional shelter if something happens to your tent. Tarps are fairly light and can pack down pretty small.

I have the Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp and so far it’s been pretty good but a tarp from your local hardware store would work too.

An alternative would be to use natural materials like branches, logs and stones but…I’m lazy and use a tarp instead.

Sounds like a lot, I know.

Try splitting some of this up between two people so it’s easier to carry. You can also find a clever solution where you can use two items together, like my using duct tape around my nalgene bottle.

So there you have it. The 10 Essentials.

It’s best to be ready for any situation!

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