Introduction
This gear guide represents my personal recommendations for backpacking gear that is durable, lightweight, versatile and offers a very high level of performance for the cost.

This Gear Guide is for:

Backpackers who want reliable gear that’s been tested and proven.
Backpackers who want to share this gear guide with people who buy them gifts for the holidays, birthdays, etc. Or heck, this could be your wedding registry!
Friends and family members of backpackers looking for some gift ideas that aren’t hacked together by an unknowing journalist, or by a publisher receiving paid placements from manufacturers looking for advertising spots.

Head on over to backpackinglight.com to read Ryan Jordan's 2018-2019 Publisher's Gear Guide!

Media Mentions from Backpacking Light

Backpacking Light

We provide trusted expertise that allows hikers to enjoy the backcountry with safety, comfort, and confidence.

Backpackinglight.com: PUBLISHER’S GEAR GUIDE (2018-2019)

Backpacking Light

Last updated:

October 21, 2025

| 5 min read

Backpackers who want reliable gear that’s been tested and proven.
Backpackers who want to share this gear guide with people who buy them gifts for the holidays, birthdays, etc. Or heck, this could be your wedding registry!
Friends and family members of backpackers looking for some gift ideas that aren’t hacked together by an unknowing journalist, or by a publisher receiving paid placements from manufacturers looking for advertising spots.

Head on over to backpackinglight.com to read Ryan Jordan's 2018-2019 Publisher's Gear Guide!

Media Mentions from Backpacking Light

Backpacking Light

We provide trusted expertise that allows hikers to enjoy the backcountry with safety, comfort, and confidence.

Media Mentions from Backpacking Light

Backpacking Light

We provide trusted expertise that allows hikers to enjoy the backcountry with safety, comfort, and confidence.

See author bio

Reviews

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

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HomeBlogReviews

Backpackinglight.com: PUBLISHER’S GEAR GUIDE (2018-2019)

Backpacking Light

Last updated:

September 16, 2021

| 5 min read

Backpackers who want reliable gear that’s been tested and proven.
Backpackers who want to share this gear guide with people who buy them gifts for the holidays, birthdays, etc. Or heck, this could be your wedding registry!
Friends and family members of backpackers looking for some gift ideas that aren’t hacked together by an unknowing journalist, or by a publisher receiving paid placements from manufacturers looking for advertising spots.

Head on over to backpackinglight.com to read Ryan Jordan's 2018-2019 Publisher's Gear Guide!

Media Mentions from Backpacking Light

Backpacking Light

We provide trusted expertise that allows hikers to enjoy the backcountry with safety, comfort, and confidence.

Media Mentions from Backpacking Light

Backpacking Light

We provide trusted expertise that allows hikers to enjoy the backcountry with safety, comfort, and confidence.

learn about the author

Reviews

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

Reviews

September 16, 2021

6 Min