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Are you new to backpacking? Maybe you’ve been a few times and are still trying to get through your gear to figure out what’s important. In this post today, I’m going to go through my pack and show you everything that I carry in mine and where you can purchase it. Please be aware, I’m not perfect and my gear is ever-changing. What I have right now may be different next month. I’m constantly changing things out, looking for a more effective item, or one that’s more lightweight.
Take a Look Inside
- My backpack – I actually have 2 packs currently. One is a 65L Osprey that I used on my AT thru-hike. I bought another one a few months ago that’s a 45L Deuter I honestly prefer the smaller one, as it weighs less and gives me less reason to carry more than necessary.
- Sleeping bag – My winter sleeping bag is Mountain Hardwear 0 degree bag. It’s just perfect for the winter!
- Sleeping pad – An essential when sleeping in a tent! This helps to keep the cold ground from making sleep uncomfortable. My Therma-Rest NeoAir has an R-value of 4.2 meaning that it’s decent for cold weather camping. For me, it’s just right!
- Water filter – I use a Sawyer Squeeze Mini to filter water. It’s nice because I can carry an empty bag and a small filter and use it when needed, then easily put it away without adding much weight to my pack. The pack that I got on Amazon has a few things that I don’t use, like the straw, so they just sit with my extras at home. I haven’t tried any of the other filtration systems yet. I’ve tried the drops and don’t like the way the water tastes afterwards.
- Stove – I have a small stove that I bought on Amazon. I now only use the stove part from this kit as I felt the pans and cup had too much plastic. The handles on one of my pots melted from the heat! I ended up buying another kit and use the pots from that one. I used to carry a mug for coffee but not anymore. If I want tea or coffee, I now just heat the water in my pan and drink it from there. It’s just one less thing that I have to carry!
- Clothes – This is a tricky one because everyone is so different. I always carry an extra sports bra and underwear as well as 2 extra pairs of socks. One pair of socks is to sleep in when it’s cold. The other pair I alternate with the current pair I’m wearing. I’ve discovered that when it’s cold, it’s best to sleep in just my sports bra and underwear and I tend to stay warmer and sleep better. I also have my various layers for wearing throughout the day. I’m generally wearing a base layer top and bottom (I like Carhartt for these), a long sleeve quick wicking sports top, a zip-up jacket and a rain-jacket/windbreaker
- First Aid Kit – I carry around a small first aid kit in my pack at all times, whether I’m doing a short hike or a long distance backpacking trail. Accidents happen, and honestly, I’m more prone to them than most. My first aid consists of a few Band-Aids, moleskin, anti-itch cream, ibuprofen, a small needle for blisters and a small lighter.
- Toiletries – Although most toiletries are unnecessary, there are some that I carry regardless. The first one is very important! You must have a shovel!! I carry a Deuce trowel for doing my business. I also carry a small pack of toilet paper. Some people bury their paper but I follow the Pack it Out rule and it all goes in it’s own bag of trash. Some other things that you’ll find in my toiletries are a small hairbrush, small toothbrush and toothpaste, small box of floss, and a small pack of facewipes. I wipe my face and hands down every night before bed. I also usually have lip balm and a small container of hand sanitizer.
- FOOD!! – Last, but definitely not least, is the food! This is where I struggle the most. I always feel like I need so much food and end up taking more than enough. I tried to do less one time but then ended up not having enough and now I can’t stop with the overpacking of food! If you’re wondering what foods I take with me backpacking, check out this post here.
Now that you’ve seen what’s in my backpack, show me what’s in yours! Is there anything that I missed?