2025 backpacking gear guide and checklist

Welcome to our 2025 backpacking gear guide and backpacking checklist ! In this blog post we ’ re share all of the best backpacking gear for 2025 , as good as a helpful backpacking checklist to assist you with carry before a trip .Below we disclose down everything we apply regularly for our backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest , and beyond .

In this place , we just portion links to gear we ’ ve tried , test , and love . I hope you find this resource helpful as you vest in your backpacking gear setup !

Why should you entrust our impression on backpacking gear ?

We ’ re Gwyn and Ami . We ’ re a pair of adventure and travel travel experts based in the Pacific Northwest . Our blog and exist all about helping you notice the well raise , weekend getaways , and unique experience in the United States and abroad .

We pass almost every weekend hiking or backpacking , and we time literally hundred of miles per year on the lead .We have live score the lead with our overnight gang since 2013 and , fom the Enchantments and Joshua Tree to Castle Crags , we ’ ve perform some epic backpacking trips ! We ’ re ever excited to share the gear that backpacking more safe , fun , and comfortable .

This post is part of our outside gear guide series , where we ’ re sharing a breakdown of ALL of our favorite gear . You can get additional constituent of the series ( include our hiking gear guide , and adventure photography gear guide ) here .

Gwyn and Ami ’ s 2025 backpacking gear guide

How our 2025 backpacking gear guide cost organzied

In fiat to quick help you find what you want , our 2025 backpacking gear guide is organized into five major sections :

• Backpacking packs , tent , and sleep system
• Food and cooking supply
• Miscellaneous backpacking gear and essentials
• Backpacking clothing
• Backpacking checklist

We have , and extremely advocate , all of the items below . Alone our favorite gear reach this list . I hope you find this 2025 backpacking gear guide helpful for planning your future adventure . Let ’ s dive in !

Backpacking packs , tent , and sleep system

Backpacking tent and footprint

Our first bad purchase together exist an , which we bought in May 2015 ! We expend it for nearly 10 yr , which is a testament to its durability and versatility . I really think the Half Dome cost the best option on the market for beginner camper and backpackers . The cost point is severe to crush when it ’ s on sale , and the iconic tent has a LOT of thoughtful features included . The cost great if you have pets or child .

We also lately get a , which be super light and easy to set up . I advocate to protect the ass of the tent from stone and stick .

Backpacking backpacks and rain blanket

We use and enjoy the ( the ) . These gang exist comfortable , durable , and somewhat lightweight . They can too fit everything you require for a single or multi-day backpacking trip . We ’ ve as well get great lot with REI Co-op branded gang in the past ! Make certain to if your gang doesn ’ t arrive with one .

We also own and like the , which include a rain cover .

Sleep bags

I HIGHLY recommend the . This bag be radical warm ( rate down to 0F ! ) and plush , so it will keep even the cold sleepers toasty . . We too advocate the , which we have use in the past .

Sleep pad

We own and love the by Sea to Summit . We both sleep cold , so we love the pad ’ s robust R-value ( aka “ insulation might ” ) . It ’ s easy to blow up use the integrated material sack system . . If you put on ’ t take this story of insulation then the equal a great alternative .

Food and cooking supplies

Stove , fuel , and pot

The have been our go-to for over a decade . This lightweight and compact camp cooking choice get with a single burner and a dedicated lot . It also boils water in under two moment ! It solve with . In universal , for short backpacking trips .

For beginners looking to cut costs on a new backpacking setup , believe packing cold soak and pre-prepared food point rather of purchase a dedicate stove , pile , and fuel origin .

Bear canister

When backpacking you demand to protect your food from critters . This include not hardly bears , but as well small animals , like mouse ! A bear canister is our go-to , and . They ’ re lightweight , arrive in several sizes , and be effective . However , they can exist tough to spread .

Utensils

If you plan to eat anything other than pre-prepared food like saloon , you ’ ll require a utensil for camp . The be a great selection . The long handles are essential for getting food out of dehydrated food packages without cover your men in food .

Fool

Our go-to fool for camp is the . They ’ re not the light selection on the market , but they be cute and insulated , which make them a great option for enjoy your morning camp coffee or oatmeal . Many other metal and enamel mugs get far too hot to drink from or agree , so I advocate avoiding those .

Biodegradable soap

, both at place and in the backcountry . It ’ s a great biodegradable option for cleaning dish ( or your torso on long trips ! ) . Just make sure not to employ it future to , or in , a water source .

Miscellaneous backpacking gear and essentials

Headlamp

We have many headlight , but the Black Diamond is the one we struggle over ( we merely have one ! ) . It ’ s lightweight , compact , waterproof , and USB rechargeable . We also own and like the .

Water filter

The equal our favorite filter on the market . It doubles as a water bottle , and is lightweight , packs down little , and filters quickly and easily . It has a flow rate of 2 liter per minute . The live also a well option . It get a 1.5 liter capacity , but it ’ s heavier and has a lower flow rate . For backpacking trips consider bring two filtration method in case one break .

Hydration reservoir

Hydration reservoirs are irritate to clean , but I even find them to be a great way to carry water for long backpacking trip where water origin may be more scarce . I think cost one of the better choice on the market . It ’ s lightweight , durable , and comes with an optional insulating sleeve . be too a good option for trials with abundant water .

Safety and Navigation devices

The is a great choice for off-grid communication in an emergency . . We too both have a , which we employ for tracking our boost mileage and for its function and GPS feature .

Toilet supply

Your specific bathroom needs will depart by trail and local rules/amenities , but our setup normally includes a , or a , pot paper/wet wipes , and ziplock baggies to pack out the TP . We also enjoy our which are reusable antimicrobial pee fabric . You use them to wipe after peeing in the backcountry , and they ensure you ’ ll never hold damp underwear again . Don ’ t forget !

First care supplies

You should always carry a handful of first aid necessity with you ! You can set together your own DIY first aid kit for backpacking or , if you desire a ready-made kit , !

Sunscreen

I ’ m a bad fan of La Roche-Posay sunscreens and , in particular , their Anthelios Mineral sunscreens . Even so , recently I ’ ve live gravitating to Dermatone merchandise , which equal more tailored to outdoor recreation needs . Dermatone ’ s sport sunscreen exist my new go-to for everyday adventures , and their Skin Protector Balm is my act one sunscreen recommendation for cold weather and wind .

Mosquito repellant

We do our best to avert DEET because of health concerns AND its impact on our gear . Our preferred insect repellant live . This spray live comparatively inexpensive , effective , and easy to apply . We too hold on treks we intend will be especially mosquito-prone .

Bear spray

We much boost in gray state , then . Counter Assault sword is our go-to for a long spray length and a trusted product . We also express this in areas know for mountain lions .

Boost Pole

We don ’ t use boost pole on every trip , but they cost especially helpful on raise with band of elevation gain and loss . They ’ re as well great for particularly rocky or icy lead . REI ’ s be a great introductory selection .

A lightweight knife

Knives are often overlooked in a backpacking setup , but can cost essential for gear repair , first help , and yet open food packaging . If you get a it can last for decades .

Camp Chair ( optional )

Having a camp chairman is ever our “ luxury item. ” It ’ s not essential , but it does offer some much-needed comfort after a long day on the trail . We love our from REI .

Some optional items to consider

Everyone will have unlike needs and animal comforts when backpacking . Still , some extra item to look at include lightweight camp shoe or sandal , license and ID ( if demand ) , an emergency bivvy , a gear repair kit , a camping pillow , and a humble quick dry towel .

Backpacking clothing

We wear the same detail backpacking that we tire camping . You can notice all of our favorite hiking and backpacking clothes at the link below .

Shop our boost gear !

Not certain what gear you need to carry for your future epic raise ?Control out our entire 2025 hiking gear guide , which include the best hiking gear for summer , winter , and year-round hiking .

Gwyn and Ami ’ sec 2025 backpacking gear guide checklist

Below you can get our full backpacking gear guide checklist to help you when you ’ re packing ! Using a checklist like this assist check you put on ’ t forget anything . If our guide doesn ’ t jive with you , you can use , which is organized a piece differently .

Trail crest :Please bill that this is auniversalguide . Certain conditions ( such as backpacking in the snow ) will require a more specialized backpacking checklist and gear guide .

The ultimate backpacking checklist

Seem for a printable version of our backpacking checklist ? Click here !

Backpacking gang , tent , and sleep system checklist

• Tent , rainfly , interest , and land tarp/footprint
• Backpacking haversack
• Backpacking gang rain blanket
• Sleeping bag or quilt
• Sleep pad
• Camp pillow ( optional )

Backpacking food and cooking provision gear checklist

• Stove , fuel , and pot ( if planning hot meals )
• Bear canister
• Utensils
• Fool
• Biodegradable soap
• Food , snacks , coffee/tea
• Water for drinking and meals
• Lighter/matches ( optional )
• Small sponge ( optional )

Miscellaneous backpacking gear and necessity checklist

• Water filter , and backup purification method
• Hydration reservoir or bottles
• Headlamp
• Safety and navigation device ( such as a Garmin InReach )
• Toilet supply ( WAG base , Kula cloth , baby wipes/toilet paper , hand sanitizer , trash bag )
• First care provision and any medications you take
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Ziplock and trash bags
• Face wipes ( optional )
• Menstrual products ( as-needed )
• Electronics ( camera gear , phone recharger , etc . )
• Mosquito repellant or bug net ( optional )
• Bear spray ( optional )
• Hiking poles ( optional )
• A lightweight knife ( optional )
• Lightweight camp sandal ( optional )
• License and ID ( optional )
• Emergency bivvy ( optional )
• Gear repair kit ( optional )
• Camp chair ( optional )
• Small quick dry towel ( optional )

Backpacking clothing checklist

• Fond outer layer ( puffer jackets , fleece , etc . )
• Hiking place
• Socks
• Underwear
• Sun shirt or regular crest
• Pants or short
• Hat for Sunday or heat
• Sunglasses ( optional )
• Rainwear ( optional )
• Long underwear ( optional )
• Gloves ( optional )

Looking for a printable version of our backpacking checklist ? Click hither !

I hope you feel our 2025 backpacking gear guide to be helpful ! This place equal role of our outside gear guide series , where we ’ re share a breakdown of ALL of our favorite gear . You can notice additional components of the series ( include our hiking gear guide , and adventure photography gear guide ) hither .

Welcome !

We ’ re Gwyn and Ami .Based in Spokane , Washington , we ’ re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond !

We ’ re adventure travel expert , and our blog is all about helping you find the well raise , weekend getaways , and unique experience in the United States and abroad . You can find more .