Written by Lauren (@lolo.explores)
I went on my very first overnight backpack trip over 15 years ago with almost all borrowed equipment. Since then, I have been on hundreds of trips ranging from single nights in the backcountry to 9 days on the trail at one time, spanning all seasons and various weather situations, and have covered ground in multiple countries and continents (North America, South America, Europe and Asia). With every trip I gained more experience and knowledge. I have learned a lot about my gear, what to pack and what not to, and I definitely have some favourites that come with me on every single trip. Although the full list of what is needed for a backpack trip is quite extensive, here are just 5 of the items I absolutely love and never go without.
1. Osprey Aura AG 65L Backpack
There is no doubt about it that having a pack that fits you properly and doesn’t leave you hurting after a day on the trail is key. My first few backpack trips were done with my brothers hand me down bag and even with the adjustments I thought I made to make it work for me, I am not a 6’4” male, the pack was way too big for my frame and it sat way too low on my body. I upgraded to the Osprey Aura 65L pack before my trip to Patagonia and it has been the best companion ever since. It’s still going strong after 8 years and thousands of km’s later. I did have it sized for my body and despite being 5’8” my torso required the smaller XS/Small frame size so I would highly recommend your get measured in a store.
The straps on the Aura have enough cushion that they don’t leave my bony shoulders or hips feeling bruised, the anti gravity system and back panel allows for the bag to feel light on the back and air to flow, the outside front pockets of my older version allow me to stash any small items (sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray etc) that require easy quick asses on the trail, the mesh outside pouch is perfect to stash any extra layer or water shoes that may get used on and off throughout a day, the top brain can hold all essential items needed for the day (filter, hat etc) and can also be removed to make the pack smaller when doing shorter trips. The front loading side mesh pockets and water bladder storage sleeve allow for easy access to hydration without relying on a friend to get your water bottle out for you and the hip belt pouch are big enough to store your phone for access throughout the day and all the snack you might want on the go.
The same bag does come in a 50L option and although people say a larger bag means you will just pack more, I haven’t found that to be the case. I personally like to store all my camp gear inside the bag, as opposed to those that might strap a tent to the outside (this bag does have the straps to do so) and the bigger bag just make it easier when I first got started at backpacking and didn’t have the smallest lightweight gear. At this point on a typical trip, my bag is not even close to being full but I haven’t felt the need to downsize. I do find the extra room more versatile and easier to hold a bear bin when needed on trips, and it has allowed me to use the one bag for bigger international trips when travelling with both my camp gear and other regular travel clothes.
2. Jetboil Flash
Everyone I first started backpacking with owned the Jetboil Flash so I didn’t even question what stove to get when it came time to buy my own. Although I have since used other brands of stoves on trips and other Jetboil models, I still always come back to my Flash for my personal trips.
There is nothing better than a warm meal after a long day on the trail and I just love the how quick it boils water. It is also one of the easiest cook systems to use on the market. Your gas, pot and flame system all combine into one easy container for travel, and the bottom cover can act as your cup. I personally opt to have meals with me in the backcountry that don’t require cooking or dishes, so I do use my stove primarily for boiling water and heating up food. Being able to rehydrate a meal so fast with my flash and quickly make my oatmeal and coffee in the morning while packing up camp is essential for my needs. On single night trips, the flash also works for me to bring heavier microwave style meal pouches where I can simply just heat up the pouch in the boiling water. The flash is also compatible with a few accessories and I find having the coffee press and pot support make it a versatile stove for me to also use on the rare occasion I go car camping.
Your tent is one of the biggest ticket items when it comes to backcountry gear but splurging on a higher price point tent is worth every penny if it shaves off some of the weight you have to carry. I used a bulky heavier old tent for years because I got it gifted to me and I honestly wish I upgraded sooner. I fell in love with the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent after sharing my friends on the TMB trail and I immediately went out after and bought one for myself. It has been light weight enough to pack on flights for my international trip and to use a 2 person tent when going solo but also being roomy enough to share with someone else (as long as you don’t have a wide version of sleep mat).
What I really love about this tent though is all the features that make it stand out against the many other tents I have slept in (which has been almost every other major competitor tent on the market). There are multiple pockets inside the Copper Spur that help you store all those small gear items, the door has 2 zippers which makes it so much easier to get out of (especially in the middle night when you get up to use the bathroom or when the tent is went), and the door can be held up with trekking poles to make an awning. There are also guy-lines attached which I have used to help dry out clothes overnight on the trail without having to string a separate clothesline. The tent has a matching footprint which is sold separately but I have always used one with my tent and I would recommend purchasing it to help the extend the lifespan of your tent.
4. Thermarest z-seat
The Thermarest Z-Seat comes with my on any mountain adventure where I’m carrying more than a run vest. On a backpack trip I keep it on the outside pouch of my bag for easy access to be able to pull it out at moments notice to sit down anywhere on the trail. At camp, it’s what I kneel on while setting up my gear in my tent, as a side sleeper I use it under the hip area of my sleep mat for extra cushion, and I sit on it while cooking dinner. It helps keep you from getting wet or dirty pants when sitting down in the backcountry and is a must have for my adventures.
5. Teva Sandals
While having comfortable shoes while backpacking is important to keep your feet happy during the day, hiking boots and trail runners are often a personal preference based on a person’s foot shape. Taking off those shoes at the end of a long day to rest your feet and let them breath is always the first thing I do when I get to camp. I take my teva sandals on every backpack trip to switch into at camp and find them so much more comfortable and easier to get around in than crocs or flip flops. They are light weight enough to pack up and carry for overnight trips, they are perfect to switch into for water crossings, the adjustable straps make them a snug fit on my narrow feet and they can easily be worn with socks so you can still keep your feet warm at night. The soles have enough cushion making them comfortable to walk in for very long distances, I have clocked over 25km in one day before in a pair, and the soles have enough grip for any surface. They are also versatile enough that they can be used in the city on crossover trips or when stopping in town for a bite to eat on the way home from the backcountry without making you feel like you are out and about in hiking footwear.
