If there's one thing travel-addicted people agree on, it's that when opportunity knocks, you can bet we're going to answer. Some of my best adventures are the result of taking up an unexpected opportunity road-tripping through British Columbia, backpacking in Western North Carolina during quarantine, and taking spontaneous day trips with friends in Hawaii, to name a few. There is a part of me that thrives off of the adrenaline and excitement of taking these opportunities as they come and strapping in for the ride, unknowns and all.
The one caveat of spontaneous adventures, though, is that you don't always have the exact gear you need at the exact right time. For example, when I got the opportunity to camp and road trip in British Colombia with some friends, I was in a different country without any kind of camping gear. I was able to find what I needed by going to thrift stores, improvising (admittedly sacrificing a bit of comfort along the way), and sharing with friends. Similarly, I went on my backpacking trips last summer with gear assembled from relics in my parents' garage and things I had picked up along the way; altogether a pack that would make any ultralight backpacker cringe. The point, though, is that I picked up a few skills on how to make things work. I learned that there are infinite ways to get the gear you need if you really want to, and take up that awesome opportunity for the next road trip or backpacking adventure that comes your way.
So, in the interest of supporting my fellow intrepid adventurers, this is a breakdown of the backpacking gear I've used, with some other helpful resources thrown in. I want to emphasize that I am by no means an expert on backpacking gear, or backpacking itself for that matter. This is simply an explanation of the gear I've used in the past to demonstrate that you can make almost anything work if you really want to.
I should also mention that this guide is not designed for comfort, and probably won't work for longer trips. I used this setup for a few 2-3 day long trips during the summer and wouldn't recommend it for anything longer or in harsher weather conditions. This is how I was able to get out on the trail with limited resources for short term trips, but I also think there is a lot of value in luxury backpacking and using high-quality gear (if any sponsors out there want to prove me right, hit me up ; )). Basically, this guide will get you out the door happily and prepared, but we can only go up from here!
Where to Find Gear
- Bearfoot Theory: 17 Places to Buy Discounted Outdoor Gear
- Slick and Twisted Trails: The Budget Backpacking Gear List [2020 Edition]
- Fox in the Forest: The Secrets to Scoring an Awesome Discount on Outdoor Gear
- Your Adventure Coach: How to Find Cheap Backpacking Gear
For a short-term trip, there are five main bases you need to cover: sleeping, food and water, clothes, pack, and a few miscellaneous items.
Sleeping
7. Sleeping Bag
I use a Coleman mummy sleeping bag that I have had since childhood. It has lasted forever and is comparatively lightweight and compact compared with rectangle sleeping bags from the same era. There are definitely smaller and more lightweight sleeping bags out there among the ultralight genre of gear, but for a few days a normal sleeping bag will work fine. You can also save space in your pack by tying your bag and pad on the outside frame.
8. Pad
My pad is also a childhood relic. It is a foam egg crate pad that is at least 10 years old. It's not as comfortable as the newer inflatable pads but it definitely makes a difference compared to sleeping with nothing underneath. I keep it around because it is very lightweight (what 1/2 foam lacks in cushion it makes up for in lightness) and works great to insulate the back of my body when hammock camping (anyone who's slept in a hammock knows how surprisingly cold your back gets, even in summer).
1 & 2. Hammock and Straps
When I'm backpacking I always opt to sleep in my hammock because it is the most compact, lightweight shelter I own. I use a single nest Eno that I bought on eBay for about $30 eight years ago. Say what you will about hammocks being overrated but they sure do last. While this depends on height (I'm a travel-size 5' 1"), I also find hammocks to be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. You get to skip out on all the rocks and bumps and snuggle in a soft cocoon instead. If the benefits of hammock camping are packability and comfort, the potential downsides are lack of trees and weather. Obviously, don't go hammock camping in a place with no trees. Possibly less obviously, think about the weather. You can get great hammock tarps these days, but it still might be less convenient to wait out a storm in a small hammock compared to a more roomy tent. One last note; definitely pack a sleeping pad for your hammock. The air underneath the hammock gets weirdly cold, even in summer and a pad in the bottom of your hammock will be way more comfortable.
3.Tarp
This is probably my least favorite piece of backpacking gear. When I say tarp I don't mean a nice nylon, fully waterproof rainfly. It's literally a blue tarp I bought at Walmart. It's bulky and annoying to carry but I use it because a) sometimes you just gotta go with the $10 option, and, b) it keeps the dew off at night. I pitch the tarp above my hammock just like a normal rainfly at night, and it does keep the dew off and makes the hammock feel a lot more comfy and cozy. I haven't tested it in a rainstorm yet because I am scared to (only slightly kidding), but who knows, maybe it'll work better than I expect.
Food and Water
11. Water Filter
Some things are worth just going to the store and buying like a normal person, and water filters fit that category for me. I am willing to get experimental with a lot of things (see tarp remarks above), but when it comes to contracting giardia I'd rather hedge my bets. I have the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System and I've found that it works well for a reasonable price. I like it because it is compact, easy to use, and nearly impossible to break.
9. Water Bottle
I use a 32oz Camelbak that I have had for a few years. It has traveled with me to Hawaii, across British Columbia, through the streets of NYC, and numerous other places, and proven its durability. I like it because, similar to other outdoor-oriented bottles like Nalgene, it is lightweight, durable, and can hold a lot of water. This is especially helpful if you're backpacking in an area with limited water sources or simply don't feel like stopping all the time to refill your bottle.
Food Bag
I generally double-bag my food in a plastic grocery bag and an old sleeping bag stuff sack. I use this as a bear bag, hanging my food at night and keeping it in my pack by day. While it's no REI smell-proof bear bag, my logic is that the plastic bag will damper the food smells somewhat while the stuff sack provides a durable outer layer. Another benefit of using a plastic grocery bag is that it provides extra protection if anything breaks or you get weird food goo leaks.
Food
I opt not to take a stove when I'm backpacking for two reasons. 1) I don't actually own one, 2) It's often more convenient to eat premade/ready-to-eat foods. Especially on short trips, I find myself valuing speed and amount of calories over culinary prowess so I usually cut myself a break and pack stuff that I can eat quickly and easily. When you're selecting food, keep in mind shelf life, durability (the inside of a backpack is a rough place), and whether or not you want to cook. Here are some of my favorite options:
- avocado (durable, high in calories, and will totally hit the spot if you're craving veggies on the trail)
- crackers or bread
- beef jerky
- granola bars
- peanut butter
- chocolate
- overnight oats
Clothes
I try to opt for athletic/workout clothes, although I have definitely gone hiking in jean shorts (not saying I recommend this; the chafing is real). For backpacking, anything that is moisture-wicking and lightweight will be best, which again, most athletic clothes are. For summer backpacking in the Appalachians, I go for flexible layers. The main bases to cover are:
- shorts
- pants (leggings or sweatpants work great)
- t-shirt (best to cover your shoulders so you don't get sore from your backpack straps)
- jacket or warm layer (while it's not the most high-tech, I habitually use a sweatshirt that I picked up at that thrift store in Canada. Mostly for sentimental value since it is the only souvenir I got, but also because it's super cozy and doubles as a mean pillow.)
- rainjacket
- socks (this is one area where thickness and moisture-wicking ability really makes a difference)
- shoes (this is the item that I am least qualified to talk about since I typically hike barefoot. Basically, find what works for you)
Pack
My backpack came to me in the strangest of ways; my physical education professor had a friend trying to get rid of a backpack and offered it to the class for $10. The moral of the story, you never know when someone is going to show up with something that you need. I honestly don't know what brand my pack is, definitely not a high-profile brand, but it sure works!
Hiking Poles
Whether or not you need hiking poles depends on the trail and your own preferences. I often go without poles for convenience, but there are times in steep or sketchy terrain where they are super helpful. You can buy some lightweight ones or improvise. There are lots of options, Jennifer Pharr Davis, a record-holding AT speed hiker, even used a mop handle during her first AT thru-hike! I sometimes just grab a stick when I need it, though this is obviously dependent on the availability of sticks in your area.
Bits and Bobs
1.Waterproof Plastic Bag
You'll want a waterproof bag to keep things like electronics, paper maps, and anything else dry. I use a double seal ziplock bag and it does the job just fine.
6.Pocket Knife
A pocket knife can be super useful for cooking, cutting rope, altering gear, and any other situations that come up. The one I use is from unknown origins in my childhood, probably passed down from another family member (pro tip: be a younger child and borrow all your siblings' stuff).
2 & 3. Portable Power Bank
I always carry a portable power bank for my phone. Especially if I'm using GPS to drive to a trailhead, making sure I have enough power is a must. I picked this one up inexpensively at Walmart. This is probably a scenario where you should do as I say, not as I do, though, and get something that is reliable and high quality.
Permits and Maps
This one's pretty self-explanatory, don't forget the map!
Shovel
You know why... but if I have to say it, carry a shovel to bury your waste. In a pinch, a stick also works.
8. Lighter
I use a small BIC lighter from the grocery store checkout aisle. It comes in handy for starting fires, and can also be used to light a stove.
5. Flashlight
Fun fact, I accidentally stole this flashlight from an escape room (I swear I didn't know it was still in my pocket, don't come for me). You can also use your phone flashlight, but make sure you have enough power if you go this route.
4. Rope
I carry a few lengths of rope to rig up my hammock tarp, tie gear to my pack, and hang my bear bag. Basically, you can never go wrong with carrying some extra rope.
So there you have it, my sketchy backpacking gear! I hope this post was inspiring to anyone else out there piecing together their adventure gear. At the end of the day, gear is just gear. The real fun comes when you get to use that gear to go to incredible places and experience the world in new ways. Whether you're backpacking for the first time, finally taking that dreamed-of road trip, or exploring a new country, I hope you always find what you need and have an amazing time exploring.
Thanks Wandering Fox. Very helpful!
ReplyDeleteHappy to write it : )
DeleteSuper helpful post! I will be coming back to this again and again. I'm impressed you've kept your water bottle so long. I inevitably lose mine!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm so glad it's helpful!! Haha that's me with sunglasses, I feel like a loose a pair every year : )
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