MY GEAR

Below you’ll see a list of equipment I use while backpacking. Any gear shown here has been field tested by me personally and is a product that I feel confident in recommending. I will never post a link to a product that I have not tried or to a product that I feel doesn’t provide adequate value to a backpacker.

Pack and Tent

Pack – Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 | https://www.gossamergear.com
I absolutely LOVE this pack.  It weighs in at only 32.7 ounces and has plenty of room for all my gear.  Super comfortable as well.

Pack – Osprey Atmos 65 | https://alnk.to/hDj0IrV
I used this pack for years prior to switching to the Gossamer Gear pack.  In my opinion this is a fantastic pack for shorter hikes. However, it’s quite heavy at 57 ounces.

Tent – Zpacks Duplex | https://zpacks.com/products/duplex-tent
I’m so happy I bought this tent!  It weights only 19 ounces and sets up in a snap.  Tons of room for all my gear and holds up great in the rain.

Stakes – MSR Groundhog | https://amzn.to/3ALqVak
These have worked really well for me.  I like the loop for pulling them out of the ground (I was going to remove the loops to save weight, but they are more handy than I thought). I use the 6-inch version of these tent stakes.

Sleep system

Quilt – Enlightened Equipment Enigma | https://alnk.to/5PYMI9W
One of my favorite pieces of gear.  So comfy!  I can’t wait to jump into this every night.  I use the 20 degree version.

Pillow – Sea to Summit Aeros | https://alnk.to/g349JnA 
Inflates in just a few breaths. I’ve tried many pillows and this is the only one I’ve ever liked.

Sleeping pad – Thermarest NeoAir | https://amzn.to/3a1gS4B
Sleeping pads are a personal choice but I’ve been happy with this one.

 

Cooking and Water

Filtration – Sawyer Squeeze | https://amzn.to/3cQW69F
Very common choice among backpackers. The CNOC 2L bladder is the easiest way to squeeze water through this in my experience.

Backup O-rings for Sawyer Squeeze | https://amzn.to/2MJL8Io
These weigh almost nothing and are priceless if you need one.

Toaks 900 mL Titanium Cookpot | https://amzn.to/3ZxdNAS
This is only about 1/2 ounce heavier than the Toaks 750 mL cookpot, but it’s about 20% more fuel efficient at medium heat due to the wider bottom.

Spork – Sea to Summit | https://alnk.to/7qd1Fqz
Nice, long handle for digging into those bags of Mountain House.

Stove – Snowpeak Titanium | https://amzn.to/3q6A46I
I’ve used this for about 8 years now and it still works like new.  Only 2.2 ounces.

2L water bladder – CNOC | https://amzn.to/3fpcFKT
This is one piece of gear I wish I would have purchased a LONG time ago. Works great as a source for feeding the Sawyer Squeeze.

Food bag – Osprey 12L | https://alnk.to/gKJdOq7
A lightweight option for carrying food, although I don’t see many other hikers using these for food storage. Only fits 4-5 days of food at the rate I eat.

Clothing

Rain gear – Enlightened Equipment Visp | https://alnk.to/74qNmWi
This rain jacket is amazing.  Keeps me dry in all conditions, the material is durable and stands up to brush, it’s lightweight and also has pit zips to get some air flow going on those warmer days.

Socks – Darn Tough | https://amzn.to/3oZOXbo
I won’t hike in anything else. I prefer the low rise because they allow my ankles to breathe better than the 1/4 rise version.

Pants – Prana Zion | https://amzn.to/36RYlWI
I don’t often wear pants while hiking, but when I do, I prefer these.  They stretch, breathe well and are pretty light.  They also make great golf pants.

Sun gloves – Outdoor Research | https://amzn.to/3q27W4t
I only wear these in exposed areas, but they do a great job protecting my hands from the sun.

Echo Sun Hoody – Outdoor Research | https://amzn.to/2SDhmYI
I really fell in love with this on the PCT for keeping the sun off my skin in hot weather. It does not provide much warmth though, so have a puffy with you if you expect cooler temps.

Thermal top – Patagonia 3/4 zip capilene hoody | https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-capilene-thermal-weight-zip-neck-hoody/43667.html
My absolute favorite top for anything other than blistering hot temps.

Long-sleeve button down – Columbia Silver Ridge | https://amzn.to/2SDimvW
There is a reason it seemed like everyone was wearing this on the PCT. Great daily hiking shirt.

Compression sleeves – Zensah | https://amzn.to/3ejsvII
I wear these to prevent or reduce vasculitis on my lower legs.  Symptoms usually go away after “trail legs” kick in so I won’t wear them beyond the first 10-14 days on longer hikes.

Waterproof clothing bag – Sea to Summit 13L | https://alnk.to/cSAw4Kt
This thing is very tough. I might be able to save an ounce with a lighter version, but I’d rather have peace of mind knowing my clothes are dry no matter what.

Silicone wedding band | https://amzn.to/3elMnLe
Cheap, durable, and I really don’t care if I lose one of these.

 

Microspikes – Kahtoola | https://amzn.to/3c12hqv
These worked great. Excellent grip on ice and snow. They felt comfortable on my feet.

Miscellaneous

Personal Locator – Garmin inReach Mini | https://amzn.to/3rxYIgT
This has worked great and I wouldn’t go into the backcountry without it. Pairs with your phone through Bluetooth. Can send text messages from anywhere (on the surface of the planet).

Blister/chafing prevention – Glide | https://amzn.to/3a0vwci
One of my most essential items. I can’t believe how few people carry this. They must like getting blisters.  I scrape about a half an ounce into a tiny plastic container that I take with on trail.

Trekking poles – Leki Micro Vario COR-TEC | https://amzn.to/3tJHuio
This is my original pair of trekking poles. They break down for easy storage. I recommend the cork handles.

Trowel – Deuce of Spades | https://amzn.to/3c18Ppf
Accept no substitute. Comes in three sizes. I use the appropriately named #2.

Headlamp – Nitecore NU25 | https://amzn.to/34pB3pi
The most popular headlamp I’ve seen on trail. I love it. USB charging means no carrying extra batteries.

Sitpad – Thermarest Z-seat | https://amzn.to/3oXx0dj
One of my top five favorite pieces of gear. I also use it as a doormat in front of my tent.  NOTE:  I recently switched to a 1/8″ foam pad, but I will not put it on my recommended list until I have used it myself on trail.  If you are looking for one you can find them on Amazon.

Emergency repairs – Tenacious Tape | https://amzn.to/3hYF9N6
I use this stuff all the time on trail. Just take about six inches off the roll with you. It weights almost nothing.

Filming and Recording

Camera – Canon G7X Mark II | https://amzn.to/3aJIWbW
Versatile camera that takes great pictures and video.

Voice recorder – Zoom H1n | https://amzn.to/39YMc4a
This is great for capturing high quality voice audio. Much better than using audio from a camera. I do not take this on the trail – it’s mostly for use when shooting videos at home.

Lavalier lapel microphone – Purple Panda | https://amzn.to/2MFBJ4S
I’m happy with the sound quality. I can wear it under my shirt in the wind and it eliminates wind noise from my voice recording.

Jon Allen Outside is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I am also a member of other affiliate programs. I only provide affiliate links to products that I have used and that I believe deliver value. I will never post a link to a product I do not own or have not tried. If you do happen to purchase a product through one of my links – thank you for your support!