Backpacking Gear Guide: Products & Brands I Use & Love
Last Updated July 2026
While I firmly believe you don't need the newest or most expensive equipment to get into backpacking, I also know how overwhelming it can be trying to decide what to buy when you're first getting started. This page includes the gear I personally use for backpacking, hiking, trail running, camping, and marathon training, all of which often overlap. Whether I'm heading out for a five day backpacking trip, a sunrise trail run, or simply spending a weekend camping, these are the products I find myself reaching for again and again.
Everything on this list is gear I've purchased with my own money, used on the trail, and would happily recommend to a friend. As my adventures have grown from my very first overnight backpacking trip to multi day expeditions through Glacier National Park, the Peruvian Andes, and countless miles of marathon training, my gear has evolved alongside me. Some of these pieces have been with me for years, while others are newer additions that I'm excited to continue putting through their paces.
I'll continue updating this page as I discover gear I genuinely love, retire equipment that no longer meets my needs, and learn what works best in different environments. My hope is that this collection helps simplify your own gear research, gives you confidence in your purchases, and maybe even introduces you to a piece of equipment that becomes one of your own trail favorites.
Navigation & Safety
Garmin Forerunner 570
I've been a Garmin user for years, and the Forerunner 570 has become my favorite GPS watch yet. While I originally purchased it for marathon training, it's quickly become one of my favorite pieces of backpacking gear as well.
I use it to track mileage, elevation gain, pace, heart rate, and navigation throughout my hikes. Being able to glance at my wrist and know exactly how far I've gone, or how much climbing I still have left, is incredibly helpful on long days in the mountains. The battery life has also been fantastic.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
If there is one piece of gear on this page that I recommend every backpacker own before heading into remote areas, it's this.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a satellite communicator, which means it works even when your phone has absolutely no service. It allows you to send text messages through satellite, share your live location, check in with family, download weather forecasts, and trigger an SOS that connects directly with Garmin Response, a 24 hour emergency coordination center.
One of my favorite features is how seamlessly it works with my Garmin ecosystem. It pairs with my Forerunner watch and the Garmin Explore app, making navigation and communication feel like one integrated system instead of juggling multiple devices.
Every time I arrive at camp, I send my parents a preset message letting them know I'm safe. It gives both me and my family tremendous peace of mind.
Honestly, I don't head into the backcountry without it anymore.
Backpacks
Gregory Deva 60L Women's Pack
This item has been discontinued
I absolutely love this backpack for multi-day hikes
It was gifted to me in 2021 and I've carried it through numerous overnight trips since, and it has never let me down.
What I love most is the organization. There are plenty of pockets, easy access points, and thoughtful features that make grabbing gear throughout the day incredibly easy without unpacking everything.
The suspension system is also extremely comfortable, even when carrying several days' worth of food.
Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack (18L)
Shop Here →https://brevite.co/products/the-jumper-photo-2-0?variant=52195338060142
This is my go to bag for shorter day hikes, photography outings, and travel when I don't need my full backpacking pack. It has the perfect balance of dedicated camera storage and room for the rest of my essentials.
The padded camera compartment keeps my gear protected and organized, while the upper section has plenty of space for extra layers, snacks, water, and other day hike necessities. I love that I can comfortably carry my camera without feeling like I'm sacrificing space for everything else I need on the trail.
Whether I'm heading out for a sunrise hike, photographing wildlife, or exploring a new city, this is almost always the bag I reach for. It's comfortable enough to wear all day, doesn't scream "camera bag," and makes it easy to access my gear without slowing down the adventure.
Shelter
REI Trailmade 1 Tent
This has become my go to solo shelter. It's simple, dependable, and an excellent value if you're just getting into backpacking.
REI Trailmade 2 Tent
I also own the two person version because I frequently introduce friends to backpacking. When there are three of us, my friends can comfortably share this tent while I sleep in the one person version.
Both tents have been fantastic and include matching footprints.
Sleeping System
REI AirRail Plus Sleeping Pad
For the price, I think this sleeping pad is hard to beat.
It's comfortable, packs down reasonably well, and has given me consistently good sleep on the trail. While there are lighter options available, I've found this to be an excellent balance between comfort and value.
Cocoon AirCore Pillow
One of those luxury items that's completely worth bringing.
A good night's sleep makes every backpacking trip more enjoyable, and this packs down incredibly small.
Footwear
adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE TEX 2.0
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/235553/adidas-terrex-free-hiker-gore-tex-20-hiking-shoes-womens
I am absolutely obsessed with these hiking shoes.
They've become my favorite hiking footwear I've ever owned. The GORE TEX waterproofing has kept my feet dry through rain, creek crossings, and muddy trails while remaining incredibly comfortable for long days.
If I could only recommend one hiking shoe, it would probably be this one.
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/250844/topo-athletic-mtn-racer-4-trail-running-shoes-womens
These are my newest addition this year, and so far I've been loving them.
I bought them specifically because I wanted a dedicated trail running shoe for my upcoming month in Washington. Living in Hoboken means they haven't had the mountain miles they deserve yet, mostly grassy runs and the occasional intramural softball game, but they've been incredibly comfortable so far.
I'm excited to really put them through their paces this August.
Tevas
Nothing beats taking off hiking shoes after ten hours on the trail.
I'm firmly on Team Tevas and socks around camp.
Hydration
Salomon Active Skin 4 Hydration Vest
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/230696/salomon-active-skin-4-hydration-vest-womens
This completely changed my marathon training.
I'll never go back to waist belts.
The vest hugs your body so well that after a few miles you almost forget you're wearing it. It carries water, nutrition, your phone, extra layers, and plenty of snacks without bouncing around.
I'm excited to start using it on shorter mountain adventures too.
Sawyer Squeeze with CNOC 2 Liter Bladder
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/247832/sawyer-squeeze-water-filtration-system-with-cnoc-premium-2-liter-bladder
This has been my primary water filtration setup.
It handled Glacier's North Circle Loop beautifully, although we did have one minor leak scare that thankfully turned out to be an easy fix.
For two people, I think the two liter CNOC is just about perfect. That said, filling everything can take a little while.
Katadyn BeFree Gravity Water Filter 6 Liter
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/189214/katadyn-befree-gravity-water-filter-6-liters
Being able to filter six liters while setting up camp instead of making repeated trips to the water source is an absolute game changer. I used this in 2024 and it is on my list to get one of my own.
Hydration Bladder
Shop Here →https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C58THTDM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
I use a hydration bladder inside my backpack on longer hikes and backpacking trips. Having water readily available through a hose makes it much easier to sip consistently throughout the day instead of waiting until I'm thirsty or stopping to grab a water bottle.
Camp Kitchen
GSI Glacier Camp Stove
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/123404/gsi-outdoors-glacier-camp-stove
Simple.
Reliable.
Lightweight.
Exactly what I want in a backpacking stove.
I've never felt like I needed anything more complicated.
GSI Halulite Dualist Cookset
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/225824/gsi-outdoors-halulite-dualist-hs-cookset
This has become my favorite cookset because everything nests neatly inside itself.
It's the perfect size for two people and has everything I've needed on every backpacking trip so far.
For car camping, I enjoy bringing a much more elaborate kitchen setup with frying pans and real plates, but for backpacking this strikes the perfect balance between functionality and weight.
First Aid
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker Medical Kit
Shop Here → https://www.rei.com/product/113007/adventure-medical-kits-mountain-series-backpacker-medical-kit
I think this is an excellent starting point for most backpackers.
I made a few modifications by adding things like an ACE wrap and a SAM splint, but it already comes with a solid foundation.
If you're interested in exactly what I changed, check out my DIY Backpacking First Aid Kit Guide.
Clothing Favorites
Rather than listing every piece of clothing I own, these are the brands I consistently reach for.
Hiking Shorts
Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts
Rain Jacket
Patagonia Rain Shell
Insulation
Outdoor Ventures Packable Puffer Jacket
I was honestly surprised by how much I liked this jacket. It packs into its own stuff sack, weighs very little, and has kept me warm on chilly mornings.
Shirts
Nike One Classic Dri FIT Tees
Nike One Classic Long Sleeves
These are hands down my favorite hiking shirts. They're incredibly soft, lightweight, dry quickly, and I own them in more colors than I'd care to admit.
Socks
Bombas
Darn Tough
The Darn Tough lifetime warranty is pretty hard to beat.
Trail Accessories
NEEWER Backpack Camera Clip
Shop Here → https://a.co/d/0hOSKkun
This has become one of my favorite photography accessories on the trail. It securely mounts my camera to my backpack strap, keeping it protected but instantly accessible so I don't have to stop and dig through my pack every time I want to capture a photo.
Paracord
One of those items you'll hopefully never need but will be incredibly thankful to have if you do. It can be used for emergency gear repairs, hanging wet clothes, securing equipment, replacing broken guy lines, creating a clothesline, or countless other campsite tasks.
Red Duct Tape
This might be my most unconventional piece of gear. I use bright red duct tape to clearly label my waste bag so there's absolutely no confusion about what's inside. It also doubles as an excellent repair tape for torn gear, tent poles, trekking poles, backpacks, and just about anything else that might break on the trail.
Ice Cleats
After my first experience crossing steep snowfields in Glacier National Park, these became an immediate addition to my gear closet. While I haven't had many opportunities to use them yet, they're lightweight insurance when early season snow or icy conditions are possible and provide significantly more traction and confidence underfoot.
Waterproof Headlamp
A headlamp is one of the Ten Essentials for a reason. Whether you're setting up camp after sunset, making an early alpine start, or simply getting up in the middle of the night, having both hands free is invaluable. I specifically recommend choosing a waterproof model since weather and creek crossings are never guaranteed.
Nuun Electrolytes
I bring Nuun tablets on every backpacking trip, hike, and long run. They help replace electrolytes lost through sweat, making it easier to stay hydrated and reducing the likelihood of muscle cramps during long days on the trail.
Thorne Amino Acids
These have become a staple of my recovery routine during marathon training and after long hiking days. I typically drink them after strenuous efforts to support muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and help me feel ready for the next day's adventure. While they're certainly not essential backpacking gear, they've made a noticeable difference in how quickly I recover after big mileage days.
Hygiene
Shower Body Wipes
Shop Here → https://a.co/d/06zYnvD4
These are a godsend in the back country and even car camping when there’s no shower facility. They’re light to carry in a pack and help me refresh after a long day on the trail.
Why I Buy So Much From REI
Almost everything on this page came from REI, and that's intentional.
I'm an REI Co op member, and between the member rewards, outstanding customer service, generous return policy, and knowledgeable staff, I think it's one of the best places to buy outdoor gear.
Last summer, I spent nearly an hour with one of their camping specialists comparing different camp kitchen setups. They walked me through each option, helped me make sure everything nested together correctly, and even showed me how to use several pieces before I bought them. They've also helped me replace broken straps, answer gear questions, and generally made getting into backpacking feel much less intimidating.
For someone who's still learning with every trip, that kind of expertise has been invaluable.
