My Backpacking Gear List: All Season Simple Essentials
This is the gear I use for backpacking around the world from the Andes Mountains in Patagonia to the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. Everything on my backpacking gear list I have used for many years and truly love and recommend.
I travel around the world with a total of 3 bags. This guide covers one of them: my backpacking gear list. If you want to know what I pack for a lifestyle of full-time travel, check out My Long-Term Travel Packing List. Additionally, my Travel Photography Gear List covers all my electronics and the equipment I use to document my travels on YouTube.
Many of the links below are affiliate links, which means that I will earn a (deplorable, but noteworthy) commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you and helps keep me traveling 🙂
Equipment
Over the years, I have purchased a lot of gear from Mountain Hardwear. They are high quality and durable, and have kept me comfortable, safe, and warm for years of outdoor adventures. Shop Outdoor Equipment available at MountainHardwear.com.
Z- Packs Ultra Lightweight 62L Backpack: This backpack weighs only 23.6 oz / 668 g! I got this recently as a replacement for the purple Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 60L Backpack (Women’s) that I used for about 7+ years and really liked, but it has been discontinued. (Shop Backpacking Backpacks at MountainHardwear.com). The Z-Packs backpack weighs less than my other pack, and I absolutely love the zipper opening- it makes finding gear so much easier. Gone are the days of having to dump out my entire bag.
Big Agnes copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent: I bought this tent to withstand high winds, and it has done so exceptionally. It held up great in the fierce winds of southern Patagonia. It has kept me dry despite being snowed on and rained on multiple times. For storage, I keep mine stuffed in a dry bag. It fits well in my bag and it keeps the rest of my stuff dry if I have to pack the tent while its wet.
Tip: if you pack your tent while its wet, try to set it up to dry within 24 hours otherwise it can mold.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F Sleeping bag: As someone who is constantly cold, this bag is a game changer. I use this bag for all four seasons and have slept comfortably in the rain and snow. This is my one and only sleeping bag and I have been using it for 7+ years. Shop Sleeping Bags at MountainHardwear.com.
Therm-a-rest Sleeping pad: This ultra lightweight sleeping pad makes the difference between a restless and well rested night’s sleep. It is more comfortable than the ground and will keep you warmer as well.
Pillow: This is an unpopular opinion in the ultra lightweight hiking world, but I think a pillow is essential. I have tried everything from balled up clothes to inflatable camping pillows and could never get a good night’s sleep. That was until I made my own perfectly sized and incredibly comfortable camping pillow using my sewing machine! While on trail, I put this at the bottom of my pack and the weight of everything squishes it down to where it takes up hardly any space. Carrying the extra weight is worth it for me to be able to sleep comfortably, especially after a long and grueling day on the trail. Since I made it myself, unfortunately I do not have a link for you to get your own.
Mayfly Alite Ultra lightweight Camping Chair: After a long day of hiking with a heavy pack on, I just want to sit down and lean my back against something. I have sat comfortably in this chair around campfires and around the world as I photograph wildlife. It is very portable due to its small size and light weight and is also astonishingly comfortable. Unfortunately the company no longer makes these chairs, which is devastating, but it looks like you might be able to get one on ebay.
Gossamer Gear Carbon Fiber Trekking poles: Once you start hiking with poles, you will never go back. Trekking poles provide numerous benefits including helping you climb ascents and saving your knees when you descend. They also help to prevent falling, which in turn helps to prevent injuries, like sprained ankles. They are especially helpful in maintaining your balance if you have a heavy pack on. Trekking poles are an essential part of my backpacking gear and I wont hike without them.
Sit pad: Great for when the ground is wet and you don’t want to get the chair out.
Hydroblu Water Purifier + Cnoc Bag: An essential part of my gear. Small, lightweight, and easy to use.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork: Works well as both a spoon and a fork, and it’s easy to clean. This is the only utensil I bring with me on the trail.
Snow Peak Titanium Stove: Ultra lightweight and compact, it takes up basically no space, adds hardly any weight, and is easy to use. Don’t forget, you will need to purchase a gas canister to use it with, as you would with any camping stove. I have used the JetBoil before and really liked it. The disadvantage is that it is bigger, bulkier, and heaver than the Snow Peak stove. However, it does much better in the wind and uses less fuel since it can boil water in 90 seconds. Pros and cons to each, it comes down to personal preference.
Snow Peak Titanium Cooking Cup: Necessary for boiling water for food and tea, this ultra lightweight titanium cup is perfect for any duration of hiking trip. I used to also use it as a mug but I noticed the water would cool very quickly, requiring consuming more fuel or drinking it cold. This should be the only piece of “cookware” you bring on trail. If you use a JetBoil, this is not necessary.
Miir Insulated Mug: Durable and insulated, this mug gets used both on and off trail.
Kula Cloth: For people who have to squat to pee, this is the greatest alternative to toilet paper. Bringing a bunch of toilet paper on the trail is not ideal for many reasons: For starters, you have to make sure to bring enough, which takes up space in your bag. Not only that, but it can get wet (therefore ruined). Then you have to keep the waste until you’re off trail and can properly throw it away. Gross. And bulky. This antimicrobial pee cloth solves all these problems!! You just use it like toilet paper when you pee and then it folds in half and can be clipped anywhere- I keep mine hanging off the outside of my pack. It doesn’t smell, is easily washable (in streams!), and dries super quickly. I use baby wipes for the other stuff.
Medical kit: Honestly, I rarely, if ever, have used my med kit. The main things I keep in there are band-aids, moleskin, tick remover tweezers, and a few pain/fever reducer pills which are probably expired.
Lightweight Microfiber Towel: This rarely gets used since I adhere to a strict “no showering/bathing” policy while on trail. (Toiletries add a lot of extra weight and take up a lot of extra space! And also, I don’t mind being dirty lol). However, if you find yourself camping alongside a lake or river, a compact and lightweight towel will get the job done. It dries amazingly fast. However, using this towel is not a luxurious experience. This is the minimum amount of fabric needed to dry the average person. I found myself wanting a bit of a thicker and heavier towel, but if you’re really going for something small and lightweight, this is the towel for you.
Dry bags: I use these kinda like packing cubes- all my socks and underwear go in one, my tent in another (great for when my tent is wet), water purifier in another. I also use one to ensure my camera stays dry when I bring it on trail (light blue bag on my chest in the photo below).
Clothing
I purchased most of my backpacking/camping clothes and gear from Mountain Hardwear. They are high quality and durable, and have kept me comfortable, safe, and warm for years of outdoor adventures. Shop Outdoor Clothing and Gear at MountainHardwear.com.
Hiking Pants (1 pair): Ideally get something that dries quickly.
Yoga pants (1 pair): They are comfy and designed for physical activity.
Shorts (1 pair): I have a Mountain Hardwear romper, which is a shorts/tank top one-piece outfit. I like this because since it’s one piece, it ensures that my backpack doesn’t lift/pin the back of my shirt up. It is also moisture wicking, dries super quickly, is really lightweight, and hardly takes up any space. Otherwise, I opt for a pair of running shorts. Shop the Women’s Hiking Collection at MountainHardwear.com.
Long-sleeve sun shirt (1): After several days on the trail, it’s important to be able to keep the sun off you while also remaining cool.
Athletic t-shirts (2): Ideally something moisture wicking and that dries quickly.
Smartwool Base layer Pants: Mainly used for sleeping, I also wear them as a base layer when it’s cold. It’s really nice to have a separate change of clothes for sleeping in because it’s more comfortable and will also keep your sleeping bag clean.
Smartwool Base layer Top: Just like the pants, I mainly wear these for sleeping, I also wear them as a base layer under my mid layer when it’s cold. It’s really nice to have a separate change of clothes for sleeping in because it’s more comfortable and also will keep your sleeping bag clean. I thrifted mine so I would recommend checking out thrift websites like Poshmark and Mercari before purchasing new.
Mountain Hardwear Rain Jacket: Layering is the best option for multi-season backpacking, and this rain jacket is simply a waterproof shell. I wear it on top of my puffy coat if it’s rainy. It also adds warmth if it is windy and cold. Shop Women’s Shells at MountainHardwear.com, Shop Men’s Jackets at MountainHardwear.com.
Mountain Hardwear Rain Pants: Layering is the best option for multi-season backpacking, and these pants are simply a waterproof shell that I wear over my hiking pants when it’s rainy. It also adds warmth if it’s windy and cold. Shop Men’s Hiking Collection at MountainHardwear.com.
Altra Trail running shoes: I do not wear hiking boots!! I swear by trail running shoes. They are more comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and dry quickly (which is absolutely crucial- no one wants to put on a cold, wet pair of hiking shoes first thing in the morning). I have worn them in all four seasons, including snow. While my feet occasionally get cold in the snow, I never get blisters or have any foot problems.
Sandals: Trust me on this, you will want something easy to slip on and wear around camp. This is especially true for going to the bathroom in the middle of the night! I used to have a pair of Teva and loved them- they were great for both crossing streams and hanging out at camp. Currently I have a pair of Birkenstocks, which are very comfortable and I wear them both on and off the trail.
Smartwool Socks (4 pairs): I usually bring 4 pairs depending on the length of the trip. I bring a couple different thickness/heights to ensure I will be comfortable in all weather. I also bring an extra pair that is just for sleeping because it’s really nice to sleep in clean socks.
Underwear: It all depends on how comfortable you are wearing dirty underwear. I usually bring 3-4 pairs for a week of backpacking, plus a cloth pantyliner or two if I’m going to be on my period.
Hat: Keep the sun off your face and neck!
Cold Weather
Arc’teryx Coat: This puffy coat keeps me warm in all weather, and I wear it on and off the trail. I thrifted mine. 🙂
Melanzana Mid Layer: Layering is the best way to stay comfortable on any trail and through any season. My mid layer fits nicely over a regular shirt or base layer and under my coat.
Mountain Hardwear Mittens: I will say it with my chest- MITTENS ARE BETTER THAN GLOVES. They keep your fingers so much warmer! You can easily hold poles or a mug while wearing them. Shop Gloves at MountainHardwear.com.
Warm hat: I got mine in Chile- hand knit with alpaca wool. 🙂
Mask/ Face covering: A relic of the pandemic, I found that wearing my handmade wool mask while hiking in wind and snow kept my face from freezing (bonus: it was also great for wiping my runny nose lol). It is now a permanent addition to my cold-weather hiking gear.
Other + Toiletries
Goodr Sunglasses: It’s important to wear sunglasses that block UV rays, and I prefer something lightweight and inexpensive. I have been wearing Goodr for years, and not only are they high quality, but their customer service is excellent. I put a huge scratch in one of mine and they sent me a new pair for free. Love that.
Fanny pack: Another game changer- mine is from the brand High tail Designs and it is waterproof! This super convenient bag is perfect for your phone (pics of the views!), snackies, chapstick, or anything else you need without having to take your pack off. I pretty much use mine like a purse at this point- it comes everywhere with me.
Headlamp: This one is chargeable! (I am so over buying batteries).
Leatherman: You really just need a knife, it doesn’t have to be any particular brand. However, I love the quality and durability of Leatherman. I forgot to bring mine so I had to purchase a knife abroad. Better than nothing and handy to have, I don’t want to be stuck in the woods without one.
Raw Elements Sunblock: The sunblock pictured is Surf Durt, but recently I have been using the brand Raw Elements. It needs to be worn every day you’re outside, even if it’s cloudy. I use zinc based sunblock because the other stuff is bad for the coral reefs, and it also causes cancer when exposed to heat. Thanks for that, Big Sunblock.
Hand sanitizer: Sometimes you will want to/need to eat snacks with your hands which you haven’t washed in several days.
Bug repellent: If you’re like me and mosquitos love to feast on you, it’s critical to have some bug repellent. Not a fan of deet, this natural repellent works as well as the others but smells and feels much better.
Itch cream (Tiger Balm): They bite me no matter what I do, and Tiger balm is cheap and super effective 10/10.
Chapstick with medical tape wrapped around it: Great in case you get a blister, cut, scrape, or need to tape something. Also, great to have in case your lips get sunburned or chapped.
Baby wipes: For cleaning myself.
Backpacking Meals: Convenient and delicious, though they can get pretty expensive. There are some healthier ones on the market now, and even some vegan options.
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