Your Backpack

Your most crucial purchase!  Make sure that it is sized properly so that it can cinch on your hips to help carry the load.  I like when it has a ventilated back so it ‘breathes’.  I also like easy access pouches and storage areas.  If you use a water bladder, get one that has a pocket to hold it (you’ll usually see an embroidered water droplet indicating where the tube comes out).  Don’t scrimp on the quality of your backpack – it will take a lot of abuse and you want it to hold up for many years.  Learn how to fit and pack your backpack here.

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Hiking Poles

I LOVE hiking poles!!!  They have saved me from countless falls and they help take the pressure off my knees when trekking downhill.  They also give me a rhythm as I hike that I enjoy.  My favorite trekking poles are my Leki carbon sticks with the cork grip. They are super lightweight and comfortable.  TSA Alert:  many airlines consider hiking poles a potential ‘weapon’ so they won’t let you bring them in your carryon.        SHOP NOW

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Waterproof Headlamp

Even if you are just day hiking, you’ll want to carry a waterproof headlamp, just in case you unexpectedly run late or have to spend the night in the woods.  For backpacking, of course, a headlamp is a must!  Even though batteries are heavy, bring a back up set.  Make a note at home of when you replaced the batteries so you’ll have an idea of when to switch them out again.  Don’t mix up your used and backup batteries.  SHOP NOW

Folding Knife

I prefer to carry a small, lightweight knife rather than a heavy multi-tool.  When you are backpacking, it’s all about the weight.  Choose a one hand open, lightweight (this one is only 1.28 ounces!) stainless steel folding knife with a clip and frame lock for safety.  I like to paint some neon nail polish on the knife to make it show up when I drop it.  I also tie a short neon pink plastic string to it for the same reason.  Don’t forget to take it out of your pack when you fly!  I’ve had a couple confiscated.    SHOP NOW

Emergency Survival Blanket

At only 3 ounces, as packed, this 4.5 x 4.2 x 1.8 inch four-layered thermal NASA materials inspired blanket can help retain 80% of your body heat!  I never enter the wild without one!  It is waterproof, reusable, cleanable, and opens big enough to wrap your body (56″ x 84″).  You can even use the reflective surface to signal help!  Keep one in every pack, your car and bike.  They have saved my butt on several occasions!     SHOP NOW

Emergency Whistle

Always strap a lightweight emergency whistle to your backpack where you can reach it should you fall down.  Look for a weatherproof, low ounce and LOUD whistle.  This one sports 130 decibels!  It’s made of double tubed non-brittle plastic and weighs practically nothing.  The lanyard lets you strap it to your pack and it has a clip.  When you need help, you want a whistle folks can hear.   SHOP NOW

Dry Sacks

You want to keep your clothes, food and other gear nice and dry, so pack a few of these Dry Bags.  They are veery lightweight, so I tend to err on using a larger bag and then rolling it down when I squeeze out all the air.  My memory isn’t the best, especially when I’m tired, so I use a permanent marker to label them: Food, Clothing, Emergency, Toiletries.       SHOP NOW

Compactor Bag

What do I need a compactor bag for, you ask???   Use these heavy duty bags to line the INSIDE of your backpack!  They will help keep your gear clean and will last a long time.  Also find a heavy duty twist tie.  Once your pack is filled, twist closed the open top, fold it over and then hold it put with the twist tie.  This will keep any rain from getting inside your bag.  Note that regular trash bags tear and are not recommended.  Cough up the cash for these super strong bags – you’ll be glad!      SHOP NOW

Pen-sized Bug Spray

This lightweight, long-lasting 1/2 ounce pump almost 100% DEET bug spray will keep the nasties away!  A squirt repels mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies, chiggers and fleas for up to 10 hours.  Save with a multi-pack.   I like to spray my clothes and let it dry before I put them on.  Keeps both the DEET and the bugs off ME!     SHOP NOW

Carabiners

Lightweight staineless steel keeps the weight down and the rust away!  These carabiners feature a snap lock and are rated to 264 lbs, so it can more than hold your food sack.  I  use carabiners to attach my camp shoes to the back of my pack, as well as any clothes that need drying while I hike.  I also use them to latch my water bottles to keep them from falling out of my pack when I am resting or traveling.  Pack four.     SHOP NOW

Parachute Cord for Food Bag, Tarps, Clothesline and more!

I carry 50′ of neon commercial paracord.  It’s lightweight at a fraction of an ounce, is super strong and since it’s nylon, is super durable and basically sheds water.  I like to use neon cord so it shows up better – less tripping over!  Use the cord to hang your bear bag, a tarp and wet clothes, and to have on hand for an emergency.

Even though I usually just use when backpacking instead of day hiking, I always like to bring at least some rope along, even in my day pack.  TIP:  When you cut the cord, melt the edge with a lighter so the cord doesn’t fray.       SHOP NOW

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Nalgene non-BPA Wide Mouth Water Bottles

I like to bring a couple of BPA free water bottles PLUS my bladder when I backpack.  If water is scarce, I keep my bladder full, and at least one of the bottles full.  That way, if the bladder runs dry, I know exactly how much water I have until I can treat some more.  When water is super scarce, I keep both bottles full.  These USA made 1 liter bottles have been a bestseller for years.  They are dishwasher safe and weigh just 6.4 oz.  I use the carabiner (above) to secure the bottles in my backpack pocket, so they don’t slip out when I take my pack off.       SHOP NOW

Quick Dry Water Reservoir Bladder

I’m switching to this Oasis from my CamelBak because of its superior drying system: soooo much easier to clean!!! If you backpack where water is scarce, opt for the 3 liter, otherwise you can probably get away with the 2 liter (but still carry two bottles).  Also be sure to bring a portable water treatment system (see below).  Once I’ve cleaned it after a backpacking trip, I allow it to thoroughly dry.  Then, I like to store mine in a large zip bag in the freezer until its next use.      SHOP NOW

Portable Water Treatment – Squeeze System

When possible, I try to select gear that is lightweight and hard to break.  That’s why I use the Sawyer Squeeze (and re-buy it whenever the ceramic filter does break).  The ceramic membrane filters bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100% of microplastics and is easy to use.  You fill one of the included pouches with the untreated water and then squeeze it into your water bottles or bladder.  You backflush the filter to clean it.  Always test it before you head out.  It’s always worked fine for my trips, but I have had some issues if it sits in storage for a long time between uses.  Another option is the gravity or pump systems.  I did a show about choosing portable water treatment systems on the Adventure Travel Show podcast.      SHOP NOW

Portable Water Treatment System – Gravity Fed

A popular portable water treatment option to remove protozoa, guardia and other bacteria is to use this gravity fed system.  Fill the ‘Dirty’ 1.5 L bag from your untreated water source and hang it.  The systems treats up to 700 ml per minute as the water flows through the straw filter into the ‘Clean’  bag.  To backflush the system, hang the clean bag higher.  You can treat up to 1400 gallons with the straw filter.        SHOP NOW 

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Thermal Jacket

I prefer a down puffy jacket.  I have two:  one is heavier insulated (and thus larger even when compressed) that I bring if I expect the temps to drop below freezing, and another cheaper one with much less fill that compresses down to nothing that is my regular thermal jacket for when I just want to take the chill off when I’m on a break and expect temps to be above 40.  I pack the one I expect to need.  There are some decent synthetics out there now, too, which, if you are expecting any wet weather is a better option as down is slow to dry!  The main thing is to bring a thermal jacket even if you don’t think you’ll need one. This, along with a rain jacket is a MUST for whenever you head into the wild.  In an emergency, it could save your life!      SHOP NOW

Rain Jacket

Another “Don’t Head Into the Wild Without” item – no matter the forecast!  If the weather turns, you get stuck overnight or someone gets injured, you will need the protection of a jacket.  I like a lightweight, breathable jacket that keeps the rain out but lets your body ‘breathe’.  Consider getting one with a hood (and when it rains, I wear a ball cap to keep the drip line out of my face).  DO NOT skimp on your rain jacket!  Cheap ones get ‘clammy’ so you sweat inside, defeating the purpose!!!  TIP:  Roll or scrunch your backpacking rain jacket back into your backpack so it doesn’t develop ‘fold’ lines.  This will extend its life.  You can also periodically spray it to maintain its water resistance.     SHOP NOW

Rain Pants

I pack my rain pants anytime there’s a chance that the temps will drop below 40 degrees F.  If it gets really cold, I’ll put on my rain pants for an added layer of insulation.  Wearing them in inclement weather makes even the worst biting rain and sleet tolerable!  TIP:  Buy hiking rain pants that zip up the leg so you can put them on and take them off without removing your boots (you’ll thank me when it starts pouring:)  Like the rain jacket, just scrunch them into your pack rather than folding them to avoid crease wear.       SHOP NOW

Waterproof Gloves

Like the rain pants, I only pack my waterproof gloves when temps might go below 40 degrees F.  My gloves (and the rain pants) have made all the difference on long hikes in abominable weather.  They can change what could be a dangerous exposure situation into merely an unpleasant one that leaves you with a good story (I’m thinking about Jamie’s Scotland 40th birthday party hike as I type this:)   The touch screen fingers are a nice feature since you can use your phone without removing your glove.     SHOP NOW

Wool Hat or Balaclava

When it’s cold and/or windy out, keeping your head warm makes a HUGE difference.  So it’s important to always stick a warm head cover in your backpack.  I prefer a merino wool cap.  You may like a balaclava, which you can use it as a head covering or as a neck buff, if you just want to take the chill off.  The good thing about wool is that it keeps you warm even if it gets wet – a definite plus!  Regardless, seek lightweight perfomance that isn’t too bulky.  This hat comes in many colors.     SHOP NOW

Fingerless Glove Mittens

I actually have a couple of pairs that I use depending on the forecasted weather – and I always err on the side of the weather turning worse.  If the weather is supposed to be pleasant, I pack my lightweight merino wool gloves.   You can get merino wool liner gloves with sensor technology so you don’t have to expose your hands to use your phone – sweet!  But more often, I pack my heavier duty wool fingerless glove mittens, just to be safe (I hate being cold!).   Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, but I find them bulky to use when I hike, so these give you the best of both worlds.      SHOP NOW

Merino Wool Base Layers

I consider packing my merino wool base layers for any trip where I think the temps might drop below 40 degrees, even though I hardly wear them during the day.  If it is supposed to be chilly, I’ll just stick in the top.  But if it is supposed to be cold, I bring both just in case something goes wrong and I have to spend the night.  I usually wear my woolies as my pajamas when camping.       SHOP NOW

Smartwool Socks

Regardless of the weather, I wear Smartwool socks of differing thicknesses depending on the temps. I like how wool stays warm even when wet, but whenever possible, I try not to hike with wet feet, so I usually bring a backup pair.  Not matter the thickness of my Smartwool socks, I wear my Injinji toe socks as a liner to prevent blisters.    SHOP NOW

Quick Dry Liner Socks

Liner socks reduce friction on your feet, so help prevent blisters.  This makes them a ‘must wear’ for me.  I actually have three kinds of liner socks that I use, depending on the weather and my adventure plans.  I like silk or quick dry liner socks for warmer weather.  I like thicker polyester wicking socks for cooler weather.  But I always pack a pair of  Injinji ‘toe socks’ (see below) to slip on if I get a hot spot between my toes.  TIP:  NEVER buy cotton!!!  When hiking and backpacking cotton ‘kills‘ because it takes so long to dry so can give you a chill (exception for the super hot tropics, but I still just buy high performance synthetics or wool clothing).     SHOP NOW

Injinji Toe Liner Socks

Try toe socks if you ever get blisters between your toes.  For some reason, my left second toe sometimes gets a ‘hot spot’ when hiking.  If I slip on a pair of toe socks, the friction goes away eliminating a potential blister!  So I always wear one pair of Injinji toe liner socks, plus pack another pair of either silk or synthetic wicking liner socks as backup.      SHOP NOW

“One” Compression Sock

I always pack a single compression sock in my backpack in case I twist or sprain my ankle.  With a compression sock, I am more likely to keep the swelling down enough to make it back to civilization (Listen to my interview on the Adventure Travel Show podcast on How to Prevent and Treat Sprained Ankles).  Buy this three pair set so you can stick a compression sock in all your pack’s Emergency Kits.  Available in a couple dozen colors and styles for men and women.     SHOP NOW

Long Sleeved Button Up Performance Hiking Shirt

I love these shirts!  I wear this hiking shirt 90% of the time.  Wear the sleeve down for chill and sun protection.  You can also roll up and button the sleeves to make it short sleeved.  The high tech fabric helps to shield you from the sun (SPF  40), yet it breathes to keep you cool.  The 100% polyester fabric dries quickly, hides dirt pretty well and even looks decent if you have to wear it in town.  Available in tons of colors.    SHOP NOW

Short Sleeved Performance Shirt

When it’s super hot AND (for me, at least) shady, I’ll consider wearing a short sleeved synthetic performance shirt to hike in.  This colorful cycling shirt works for both activities and comes in many colors and styles.  Depending on the temperatures I’m expecting, I might instead choose to wear a colorful merino wool short sleeved base layer shirt as my top, particularly in spring and fall.  This merino top also works as a comfy night shirt in the summer to keep my core warm when camping.       SHOP NOW

Zip Off Hiking Pants

Get pants and shorts in one!  I love zip off hiking pants and lean towards Kuhl and Columbia brands.  I look for lightweight, quick dry, high quality pants.  If they offer SPF protection, that’s a bonus, as is a little stretch for comfort.  Squat and lift your legs when you try them on to make sure they move and feel right on you.  SHOP NOW

Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes

Which hiking footwear I choose to wear depends on the terrain I’ll be hiking on.  If it’s going to be super rugged, with lots of rocks and roots tempting to twist my ankles, I’ll opt for the hiking boots.  On easier terrain, I will use hiking shoes.  Often I will wear my Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners (I’m on pair #5!)  I prefer breathable hiking footwear, although many prefer waterproof.   Choosing the right footwear for both the adventure AND YOUR PARTICULAR FEET can make all the difference in your enjoyment of your trip.  Check out my Adventure Travel Show podcast episode on How to Choose the Right Hiking and Backpacking Footwear for You.     Buying the right footwear is a critical decision!  If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be happy!  Be sure to try them out before your first trip!!!  TIP:  Consider upgrading your insoles to Super Feet.    SHOP NOW

Gaitors

If you will be hiking on scree or always seem to get pebbles in your boots, consider wearing gaitors.  Gaitors help keep junk from getting in your hiking shoes.  They can also help keep your boots drier.  I’ve also worn them on grassy areas to keep some of the bugs and dampness off me, especially when hiking in tall grass.  They are lightweight and can be useful.      SHOP NOW

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