Written by: Sarah (@adventures.of.blondie)
Let’s Talk About The Backpacking Big Three
You may have heard people talking about the big three when discussing backpacking gear, especially among those looking to lighten their weight! That’s because the easiest way to cut down weight is to first look at the big three.
But what are the big three?
These are typically the biggest, heaviest and usually most pricey pieces of gear in your backpacking gear.
Put simply, your shelter, your pack and your sleep system. These are non-negotiables when it comes to spending nights in the backcountry and are key pieces of gear to buy right the first time!
So let’s break it down!
The Big Three
Picking a style of shelter is an entirely personal choice based on your needs. The most popular form of shelter is a tent. Picking a tent is worth putting some research into. They come in freestanding, semi free standing and non freestanding and there are pros and cons of both. The biggest one is weight! Freestanding tents are exactly what they sound like, they can stand fully formed by themselves. That means they come with poles, which means your overall shelter weight is more than a non freestanding tent, which doesn’t have poles and instead utilizes trekking poles or similar in order to stand up.
Of course, freestanding tents are much more convenient, easier to set up on the first try and can be pitched almost anywhere. While non freestanding tents take some practice pitching before you can set them up anywhere!
For beginners a freestanding tent is a great option! On the budget end of the spectrum you have my go to for years, the Marmot Tungsten 2 person, a true two person tent. For a lighter freestanding tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 is a popular option although the floor space isn’t as big!
Last year I upgraded to a trekking pole tent and while I enjoy the weight saving, it’s really been a hard learning curve getting a good set up and it also lacks headroom for two people.
Another shelter option is a hammock, this is an option for solo backpackers, looking to save on weight. However it can be hard to find a perfect spot to set up a hammock and many parks, especially national parks, don’t allow them in backcountry campgrounds at all, so make sure to do your research in your area before you commit to a hammock.
Other people enjoy a bivy for fast and light missions. Small, lightweight but with very limited space, these are another option for solo backpackers who just need somewhere to stay dry when they sleep.
Backpacks are highly personal and you should absolutely go into the store and get fitted, try some on with weights and see what fits your body.
Outside of personal fit you’ve got to decide on what capacity you want. A 60 litre pack is great for week long trips in the backcountry or maybe getting out in colder weather when you need more gear and layers. While a 45 or bigger pack is great for those looking at one or two night adventures. Ultimately you’ll want to consider the size of the gear you already own or are thinking of purchasing before settling on a bag.
I have a traditional framed backpack, the 65 litre Osprey Ariel, this is a full bells and whistles pack and it is heavy! It carries weight incredibly well though and can easily handle heavy weight. For shorter trips I don’t need to fill it and it still carries well, plus it's made of highly durable materials. I've been using this pack for ten years and it’s still going strong!
Alternatively there are a range of lighter packs on the market these days, using lighter materials, some of which are even waterproof. These typically don’t have a frame and can only be filled from the top opening. These are a great option for people who are keen to lighten their load weight but they don’t carry big loads well typically, so check the comfortable weight carry limit for these packs and compare it to the weight of your current gear, otherwise you may have an uncomfortable trip!
Sleep system
Your sleep system consists of both your sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
For sleeping pads, you want to check the r value, the higher the number, the warmer the pad! It’s important to pick the right pad as a lot of cold can come up through the ground and no matter how warm your sleeping bag is, you will be cold if your sleeping pad isn’t rated for the conditions.
Outside of the r value, you can choose from a closed cell foam pad like the Thermarest Z Lite SOL, these are work horses, they never pop, they are warm and they are light. However they are not packable or for most people, particularly comfortable.
Alternatively an inflatable sleeping pad is a great option, these come in a variety of weights, typically depending on the material they are made from and the physical size of the pad. I have a Thermarest NeoAir Topo Luxe which has now been discontinued and replaced with the Thermarest NeoLoft which is slightly bigger and therefore slightly heavier. The most popular options I’ve seen in the backcountry though are the Nemo Tensor and the Thermarest XLite.
Last you’ve got the debate of sleeping bag vs quilt, I personally have a sleeping bag, I enjoy being truly cocooned in a bag. For backpacking I have a down bag, these are more compressible and lighter however if you find yourself camping in wet conditions regularly it may be worth considering a synthetic bag as these are able to continue to keep you warm even if they get wet.
For anyone who likes to move a lot or even sleep on their side, a quilt can be a great option. More lightweight than a sleeping bag, compressible and with the ability to easily vent or wrap yourself up, quilts are certainly gaining in popularity in the backcountry.
Conclusion
So that’s it, a quick run down of the backpacking big three and things to consider if you are just getting into backpacking or looking for ways to reduce weight in your current big three items. Happy hiking!
