13 Essential Backpacking Gear Items I Bring on Every Trip

Since I started backpacking in 2014, I’ve accumulated hundreds of miles in the backcountry. From the Pacific Coast to desert mesas and high alpine mountains, I’ve tried and tested lots of different gear. So, here’s a list of my 13 essential backpacking gear items that I love and won’t leave without. 

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Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Ever since I learned about Darn Tough socks, I’ve used them on every backpacking trip. They are comfortable, extremely durable, and moisture-wicking, since they are made of merino wool. They come in a variety of lengths, though I personally prefer the crew size the best. And they have a lifetime warranty, so should you ever develop a hole just send it back and you easily can get a replacement pair.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R Rechargeable Headlamp

A headlamp is an essential backpacking gear item, and my favorite is the Black Diamond Spot 400-R. It comes with three different light settings, including a red light, and features 400 lumens of illumination, making it bright enough even for extremely dark situations. It’s lightweight at only 4.2 oz and rechargeable via micro-USB, so there’s no need to carry additional batteries.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket may be my most loved clothing item and is an essential backpacking gear staple. Coming in at only 3.7 oz, this wind jacket is extremely lightweight. But it’s durable as hell and extremely effective at both cutting the wind and keeping you dry during light rain. I can’t praise this jacket enough.

Nunatak PCT Pullover

Probably the most niche brand on this list, a friend of mine who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail recommended the Nunatak PCT Pullover. Since purchasing it in 2019, it’s gone with me on all my backpacking trips, including the John Muir Trail. As opposed to most puffy jackets that are made of down, the PCT Pullover is fully synthetic so it stays warm when wet. And it packs down easily, too. It’s kept me warm during snow storms on mountain passes, so I trust it to work well in almost any situation. 

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System + Cnoc 2L Vecto Water Container

The Sawyer Squeeze has been my go-to water filter system for a while, but in the past few years, I’ve added the Cnoc 2L Vecto Water Container to my setup. Let me tell you, filtering water has never been as easy. The squeeze system combined with the dual open design of the CNOC bag has allowed me to quickly and easily replenish my water when I’m out on the trail. It’s a 1-2 punch that has made my life backpacking so much easier.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt

Ever since making the jump from a sleeping bag to a quilt in 2019, I haven’t looked back. And my quilt of choice is the Enlightened Equipment Enigma. Unlike traditional sleeping bags, which fully envelop you, quilts have an open back, making them lighter and more customizable to fit into your backpacking setup. My bag, rated for 10°F, paired with my Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad (which is featured next), has easily kept me warm in below-freezing temperatures. It’s an essential piece of backpacking gear I will use for a long time.

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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

After a short stint using a closed-cell foam sleeping pad and getting less than optimal sleep, I switched over to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad and could immediately tell the difference. This lightweight inflatable pad weighs only 13 oz and has a packed size of only 4.1 x 9 inches, so you’ll barely notice it in your backpack. But with a high R-value of 4.5, it’ll keep you warm, even on cold alpine nights. 

Goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses

I learned the hard way that you should never take expensive sunglasses into the backcountry and ever since I lost a pair of Ray-Bans to the bottom of a river, I’ve been using goodrs. They are lightweight, polarized, and designed to stay on your head all day. And the best part is that they start at only $25, so you won’t have to worry about losing a pair or two out on trail.

Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat

I realize that this hat is on the expensive side and that you’re probably fine with a cheap baseball cap or wide-brim hat. Still, after four years the Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat has yet to let me down. And I’m sure that you can tell from the photo above that I’ve put it through the ringer. I’ve probably logged over 1,000 miles wearing it. Through it all, it has retained its shape surprisingly well and gives me the right amount of breathability and sun protection. It’s a little dirty and beat-up these days, but it’s still going strong and an essential backpacking gear item I take on every trip.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody

A sun hoodie is a recent addition to my backpacking setup, having only added it in the past year. But it’s made a notable difference in my enjoyment on trail. The Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is quick-drying, comfortable, and perfect for multiple days out in the backcountry. Plus, the addition of the hood makes it great for keeping me warm on cold, windy mornings and helping shield me from the sun during the middle of the day.

Ex Officio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Brief

Ex officio has been my go-to underwear brand for years, both at home and especially in the backcountry. Its Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs are super lightweight, extremely breathable, and surprisingly odor-resistant, which are all must-haves when you’re out in the backcountry. I’ve had several pairs for years that I still wear today, a true testament to their build quality.   

Garmin inReach

An essential backcountry gear item is a satellite communicator, and mine of choice is the Garmin inReach. While I still have the old-school inReach Explorer+, I recommend the mini 2, as it surpasses mine in many ways. It has an upgraded battery, access to four GPS satellite networks (as opposed to one with the Explorer+), and is only 3.5 oz, making it a powerful tool in a tiny package. Though expensive, the peace of mind that it gives me when in the wilderness is priceless.

Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip

As a photographer and videographer, I always plan on bringing my camera out on backpacking trips. And there’s no better way to do so than with the Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip. This simple device allows you to attach your camera right onto your backpack strap, making it easy and convenient to capture a powerful scene or beautiful landscape. It can withstand up to 200 pounds safely, so you don’t have to worry about your camera falling off. 

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I hope that you’ve discovered a new favorite piece of equipment in this essential backpacking gear list! If you’re looking for help planning an outdoor adventure, then please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality, and we’d love to help curate an unforgettable trip. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!

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