Tried and True Gear: Backpacking

Outdoor Gear Exchange
OGE employee Dave laying in a sleeping bag with his thumbs up. He is surrounded by backpacking gear. The background is a red gradient.

Backpacking is one of those outdoor pursuits that lives on a giant spectrum. Folks will go for 3 days, some folks complete entire thru-hikes that last months on end, over thousands of miles. There is also a wide variety of gear, when you pick that gear, and a specific reason it has a place in the pack. Some people love being as light as possible. No large comforts. You can move fast, keep weight down, and not worry about feeling bogged down by all those items. All of these choices through sleep systems, food choice, footwear, clothing, all compile to create a specific gear ethos of the hiker. Our staff of OGExperts have a ton of knowledge, but what gear do they bring outside? Name: David Bryan (he/him) Job at OGE: Warehouse Manager Gear I can't live without: My back scratcher keychain (attached to left shoulder strap) and a picture of my wife and dog. Pro-Tip: Prepare yourself mentally just as much as you would prepare yourself physically. Injuries aren't the only thing that can end your trip early. Favorite LOCAL area to go backpacking: Breadloaf Wilderness.

Various camping gear laid out, including a rain jacket, puffy jacket, Darn Tough socks, a mid-layer, baselayers, boxers, and hiking boots

Clothing/Footwear

I realized I don't need things like insect repellent and sunscreen if I just wear the right clothing. Which is why one of my go-to articles of clothing is lightweight, long-sleeved, hooded shirts. Now, instead of reapplying repellent/lotion every 2 hours, I can just pull down my sleeves and lift my hood whenever it gets too buggy or too sunny. Just make sure to also wear a hat with a brim on the front to protect your face from the sun at all times. It seems most backpackers these days are opting for trail runners. I still prefer a classic boot with ankle support and toe guards. Advances in boot technology have made some boots fairly lightweight these days. So, the trade off between lightweight trail runners and bulkier boots can be negligible. I do tend to stay away from waterproof boots, though, as boots that don't allow water in, will also mean water can't get out should you step in a large puddle, get caught in the rain, or just sweat a lot.

David's Picks:

A backpack, camping pillow and sleeping bag on a pink background

Pack/Sleep System

I like packs with lots of pockets where the torso length doesn't tend to extend much higher than my shoulders. The pockets may not be full when I embark, but it's nice to have the extra space in case you happen to pick up unexpected goods during resupplies. The height of the pack just has to do with the fact that I like to be able to bend my head back to look up instead of having to bend backwards a bit at the back to see above me. I have a one person tent that I use as back up should shelters on the trail be full. Otherwise, I always shoot for using lean-tos/shelters/lodges. This makes waking up and getting out of camp that much easier and quicker. A lot of people are afraid to use air pads while backpacking due to the risk of springing a leak. While this is a legitimate concern, if you're like me and have back problems, you'll be much better off with one. For this reason, I make sure my air pad is at least 3" thick. Not just to make sure I'm well off the ground, but also because I can inflate it fully, lay on it, and release some air until the air pad conforms to my body adding extra support for my back no matter what side I happen to be sleeping on.

David's Picks:

Various backpacking gear, including trekking poles, a headlamp, cooking tools, a water filter, a knife, and a beard comb

Camp Kitchen/Accessories

My preferred method of water treatment has always been some sort of water filter. While iodine tablets and chlorine treatments are easy, both tend to leave a chemical aftertaste (think swimming pool water). I prefer filters that I can attach to a bottle and drink straight from while hiking, but also allows me to use a gravity feed system for when I'm at camp. Gravity systems are great because you can carry a large amount of water back to camp and set it and forget it while you finish setting/packing up camp.

David's Picks:

  • Sea to Summit Alpine Spork. Ultralight eating utensils!
  • MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. It's good for larger meals, quick meals, quiet and reliable. There are plenty of small camp stoves available. Get the one that suits your hunger and type of cooking!
  • Buck 863 Selkirk Knife With Firestarter. I'm a big knife guy. A fixed blade is super secure.
  • Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Multi-tool. A good multi-tool has saved me more times than I can count. I always have one on me.
  • Galaxy S24 protective cases or any other protective phone case to ensure your smartphone doesn't break, crack, or get water damage while braving the elements during the many days on the trail.
  • Sharpies are great for journaling, marking, whatever you need.
  • Nitecore NU25 Headlamp. High lumens, red light option is a must. There are tons of good camping headlamps to choose from.
  • Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It's gravity-fed and the flow rate is awesome. They also fit onto plastic water bottles by certain brands. A good water filter is a must!
  • A good Water Reservoir for carrying water. This and a water bottle and I am set.
  • AMK SOL Stoke Shovel . Need to go #2? This gets the job done great.
  • Comb. For the beard and hair, gotta look fresh on the trail!
  • Black Diamond Trekking Poles . I really like how sturdy these are. They pack down plenty. If you haven't tried trekking poles , you will love it!
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