International Header

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

Last updated:
September 17, 2021
|  5 min read

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

YouTube video highlight

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Read more about the project

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

Thumbnail Slider Image
No items found.

ESSENTIALS

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Deal of the Week: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

This tried-and-true filter is guaranteed to last.

When the Squeeze debuted in 2012 it represented a major leap in water filter technology, and we gave it an Editors’ Choice Award. Almost a decade later, it’s still one of the best filters on the market: It weighs just 3 ounces, can filter up to a million gallons, and provides clean water quickly via its included 32-ounce squeeze pouch or a plastic water bottle. Sawyer has since introduced smaller, lighter filters, but the longevity of the original Squeeze system still makes it a favorite of hikers everywhere. Get the Squeeze from EMS for 20 percent off its $49.99 list price, dropping it to $39.99.

You can find all of Chris Meehan's gear favorites by heading here.

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

ESSENTIALS

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Deal of the Week: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

This tried-and-true filter is guaranteed to last.

When the Squeeze debuted in 2012 it represented a major leap in water filter technology, and we gave it an Editors’ Choice Award. Almost a decade later, it’s still one of the best filters on the market: It weighs just 3 ounces, can filter up to a million gallons, and provides clean water quickly via its included 32-ounce squeeze pouch or a plastic water bottle. Sawyer has since introduced smaller, lighter filters, but the longevity of the original Squeeze system still makes it a favorite of hikers everywhere. Get the Squeeze from EMS for 20 percent off its $49.99 list price, dropping it to $39.99.

You can find all of Chris Meehan's gear favorites by heading here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Backpacker
Backpacker
Backpacker Magazine helps you get out more.
Tips & Guides

Backpacker: Essentials Gear

ESSENTIALS

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Deal of the Week: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

This tried-and-true filter is guaranteed to last.

When the Squeeze debuted in 2012 it represented a major leap in water filter technology, and we gave it an Editors’ Choice Award. Almost a decade later, it’s still one of the best filters on the market: It weighs just 3 ounces, can filter up to a million gallons, and provides clean water quickly via its included 32-ounce squeeze pouch or a plastic water bottle. Sawyer has since introduced smaller, lighter filters, but the longevity of the original Squeeze system still makes it a favorite of hikers everywhere. Get the Squeeze from EMS for 20 percent off its $49.99 list price, dropping it to $39.99.

You can find all of Chris Meehan's gear favorites by heading here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Backpacker
Backpacker
Backpacker Magazine helps you get out more.
Tips & Guides
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer
November 25, 2025
6 Min
Scary Mommy: 27 Things Dads Actually Want For The Holidays
Read More

Media Mentions

Sawyer has a longer-lasting permethrin-based solution. It impregnates fabrics with an odorless treatment for clothing and gear that lasts for up to six washes to repel or kill ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs.

Best Products
Media Mentions from Best Products

Media Mentions

When I first started this blog in 2014, backpacking was one of the ways that I became immersed in the outdoor world.

Bearfoot Theory
Media Mentions from Bearfoot Theory

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Squeeze is a time-tested, on-the-go filtration system. This lightweight option is wonderful for personal use, providing great functionality on multi-day excursions and daily adventures in the backcountry.

Gear Lab
Media Mentions from Gear Lab
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory