Gear List: What’s in my Backpacking Kit?

I get asked this question a lot—people love to geek out on gear! So I’m going to make it easy on you and give you a list. If you have any questions or need advice on gear, just ask!

Backpack: Used the Osprey Aura on the AT, and have now switched to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa. I loved the Osprey Aura for its suspension system and thick, comfortable straps, but it’s on the heavy side and I had some fit issues by the end of the AT. I’ve since switched to the Mariposa, which is lighter, has incredible reviews anywhere you look, and is quite comfortable. It even comes with a sit pad.

Sleeping bag: Used the Kelty Cosmic Down and Sea to Summit Traveler 55 on the AT, now have a Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20 F Down, which is supposed to be among the lightest and warmest on the market. It is incredibly comfortable.

Sleeping bag liner: Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner. (I sleep cold and this adds a few degrees to my sleeping bag. It also helps to keep it clean).

Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2. Great fairly affordable lightweight tent. Perfect size for one person and their backpack.

Sleeping pad. Had a Thermarest Prolite Women’s on the AT, now have a Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Women’s. (I found the Prolite to be really comfortable, but it was on the heavier side and took up too much room so I’ve switched to the NeoAir Xlite).

Rain jacket: Had an L.L. Bean one on the AT (did not keep the water out!) and now have a Marmot PreCip (love love love this jacket—it is super lightweight, comfortable, is a great wind protector and comes in some really fun colors).

Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket (super lightweight, tiny, and easy to use).

Cookware. Titanium pot, cup, and long-handled spork (titanium = super lightweight yay!).

Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze and Evernew water carry system.

Bear bag: Zpacks bear bagging kit.

Dry bags: Sea to Summit.

Hiking boots: Oboz Sawtooth Lows (I keep buying this model over and over. They’re comfortable, sturdy, easy to break in, and for thru-hikers, Oboz will replace a pair of shoes for you on a long trail for free!).

Trowel: Tentlab Deuce of Spades (made of titanium and gets the job done).

Kula cloth (pee cloth). An artistic and more sustainable alternative to toilet paper!

Portable phone battery charger: Anker (these are heavy but hold up and are well worth the weight. Also useful for traveling).

Octopus tripod: For taking photos! Maybe that’s just me. 😉

Trekking poles: Black Diamonds. (I would be dead a hundred times over without my trekking poles, I swear).

Headlamp: Black Diamond Astro.

Socks: Darn Toughs. (These socks are incredible—they’re comfortable, prevent blisters, and the company has a lifetime guarantee).

Underwear: Ex Officios.

Puffy coat: Patagonia Nano Puff. (There is a debate among hikers whether to get down or synthetic. I went with synthetic and this is among the smallest and most lightweight synthetic on the market. I wear it constantly – for hiking, backpacking, walking to work, going to a brewery, anything and everything. Bonus: it packs up so small it will fit in my purse!).

Other: Clothes (quick drying/ layers!), pillow, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, bug spray, sun hat, sunscreen, personal hygiene items, small sponge, knife, trail map, gloves, hat, etc.

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