Backpack Essentials with weight details!



Grand Canyon National Park

I first started backpacking about 10 years ago. I am lucky enough to live about two and a half hours outside of The Red River Gorge. It is a beautiful geological area in Slade, KY. It is a perfect weekend getaway which fueled my love for camping and backpacking. My experiences at the Gorge gave me the confidence to do more strenuous hiking and take longer trips.

Cloud Splitter Arch - 1.8 miles (unmarked); one of my many favorite spots at the Gorge. I could go on and on about this place but, that is a post for another day!

I created this list to show new hikers or maybe even experienced hikers some options for tried and trusted gear. You should always aim at keeping your pack less than or equal to 25% of your body weight. When it comes to longer trips, every ounce matters. This gear can be pricey but, you can slowly buy things as they go on sale. I also did a lot of research and took my time reading reviews. I became a little obsessed with it honestly, which is why I wanted to share all of my efforts with you! Although these are not the cheapest items out there, they will last for many years. I hope that after reading my list, you will feel a little less overwhelmed about packing for a trip. Don't forget, this is supposed to be fun, after all. 😅

***You can click on each image and it will take you directly to the item on Amazon w/ current prices & more details.***

• Start with a good backpack. I have the Deuter Act Lite 45 + 10 SL Pack. It is a great value for the price and will hold all the gear you need. I originally purchased mine at REI, however, Amazon has it on sale! Weight: 4 lbs 3 oz
  
  

• If you are looking for a good day bag, I purchased this Teton bag several years ago. It is great for a longer day hike where you only need your hydration bag and some snacks. This is also a lightweight option to take on camping trips where you will only need your day pack and can leave your full backpack in the tent. This bag comes with a hydration bag! Weight: 2.45 lbs

• If you don't want to order a smaller day bag, this is a great option for a hydration bag. Both of these packs hold my HydraPak 3L reservoir perfectly and I would recommend at least 3L for longer trips. It is nice because you can fold it inside out for easier cleaning. I've had this model for years and it hasn't let me down. Weight: (full 3 liters plus product weight) 6 lbs 7 oz

• You want to have a good sleep system. Keep in mind weight and functionality. I have had great experiences with the Therm-A-Rest brand and my sleep system is primarily composed of their items.
• When buying a sleeping bag, consider what seasons you plan on camping in the most frequently. I wanted a good bag that I could use for colder nights. I also tend to get cold easily so I found this Kelty Cosmic 20 degree sleeping bag to fit my needs. Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz

• This next item is the the Therm-A-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot - Regular length. I was torn on buying this or a mattress pad which is more common. I got this on sale and it was actually cheaper and lighter than the mattress pad I had in mind. This was the best purchase I've ever made considering it allows me to sleep on my side comfortably. I have used this on multiple backpacking trips and even at friend's houses because I prefer this over the couch! It is really simple to assemble and only takes a few minutes. Weight: 2 lbs

• I've tried inflatable pillows, I've tried using shirts/clothing items as pillows, and all of those attempts had left me with a sore neck in the morning. This compressible pillow is amazing because you can pack it down to one fifth of its normal size and you simply shake it out to expand to its full size, instantly. It is another one of my favorite purchases. A good night of rest is SO important after all of the hiking you have done and will do the next day. Weight: 12 oz

• This is a preference but I also really like having this pillow keeper, it does exactly what the name says, it holds your pillow in place so it doesn't slide off of your cot in the middle of the night. It easily wraps around the cot and acts as a pillow case. It also has a storage pocket on the bottom which is nice for your headlamp or anything else. Weight: 1.6 oz

• I just recently purchased the cot warmer which adds about 10-15 degrees of extra warmth. This is great for cold nights and worth the purchase. Weight: 1.6 oz

• For even colder nights, I like to take a bag liner for extra warmth. This Thermolite reactor extreme liner adds a season rating to your bag or can act alone during the summer for a lightweight option. Weight: 14 oz

•  Now that we have the sleeping arrangements out of the way, we can move on to other necessities that I take on every backpacking trip. You will always need a good headlamp! Whether you plan on hiking at night, exploring a cave, or simply have to use the bathroom at night, this is a necessity!  I use the Energizer brand and it has never failed me. I like that it has several settings and is adjustable. Don't forget to take an extra set of AAA batteries as a back up. Weight: 3.2 oz

• If you plan on doing any swimming, I use this lightweight microfiber towel. It is extremely soft and fast absorbing. It also dries 70% fast than cotton which is important. Weight: 2.9 oz (Large Body Towel)

• Dr. Bronner's soap is a great organic soap that can be used for pretty much anything you can think of. From washing your body, to your dishes or clothes, it is great for long trips to keep everything so fresh and so clean, clean. *OutKast Voice* 😆 I get the lavender scent since lavender is a natural bug repellent!

• For people that would rather skip the soap, these Sea to Summit wipes are a great alternative and are compostable! They are skin friendly and PH balanced so they won't leave any film on your skin. They are also unscented so they are perfect for anyone.

• Footwear is very important. I like to buy quality products that I know will last for a long time. I've done plenty of research on boots and I always go back to these. So comfortable and they are great right out of the box as you don't really have to break these in. I highly recommend the Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry. I also recommend getting the mid-ankle boot for support.

• Wool socks are a must when it comes to hiking. Smartwool is by far the most comfortable brand of socks I've ever owned. They also have great support with extra cushion where you need it the most.

• For the ladies out there, it is really important to avoid cotton anything. It does not dry quickly and can hold moisture which can cause problems. I always take ExOfficio sport mesh briefs to hike in. They are breezy, comfortable, and keep you fresh! These were a game changer for me. They also can compete with good old VS since they have lace options and cute color choices. Weight: 1.6 oz

• If you like to take a lot of photos and videos like me, I simply take my phone and use a tripod. This way, you do not have to disturb fellow hikers to snap a shot for you. I found this light weight tripod and it even comes with a stuff sack and Bluetooth remote. It is an affordable option and good quality. Weight: 7.8 oz

• I am lucky enough to typically always take these trips with my boyfriend. He carries our tent in his pack. I love the 2 doors so we don't have to crawl over one another. This is also a light weight option with plenty of room for my cot and his sleeping pad on the inside. This one is also really easy to set up and can be done by yourself. Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz

• We use this Jetboil which is super easy to use and boils water in 2 minutes. This will give you a hot meal in a flash. Just remember to take an extra fuel canister as a back up. Also, if you are flying, you cannot take the fuel canisters on the plane. Make sure you can buy one before your hike or plan accordingly. These work great with backpacking meals such as Good to Go or Backpacker's Pantry brands. I have listed a few of my tried and trusted favorites below! Jetboil Weight: 1 lb

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