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CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors.

CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

Last updated:
June 27, 2025
|  5 min read

CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

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Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors.

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CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

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The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Experts

Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors. You can walk deep into the woods, mountains or desert with everything you need to survive on your back.

But since you can only rely on the things you bring, packing everything you need can seem daunting. To help you figure out what to stuff in your pack — and assure you that backpacking is actually fun, not scary — I talked to expert backpackers and combed through the gear I’ve used for years on backcountry trips to make this list of the best backpacking gear out there.

Continue reading to learn more about the best backpacking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Experts

Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors. You can walk deep into the woods, mountains or desert with everything you need to survive on your back.

But since you can only rely on the things you bring, packing everything you need can seem daunting. To help you figure out what to stuff in your pack — and assure you that backpacking is actually fun, not scary — I talked to expert backpackers and combed through the gear I’ve used for years on backcountry trips to make this list of the best backpacking gear out there.

Continue reading to learn more about the best backpacking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

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Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored
Kai Burkhardt
Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.
Media Mentions

CNN: The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Expert

The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Experts

Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors. You can walk deep into the woods, mountains or desert with everything you need to survive on your back.

But since you can only rely on the things you bring, packing everything you need can seem daunting. To help you figure out what to stuff in your pack — and assure you that backpacking is actually fun, not scary — I talked to expert backpackers and combed through the gear I’ve used for years on backcountry trips to make this list of the best backpacking gear out there.

Continue reading to learn more about the best backpacking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored
Kai Burkhardt
Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.
Media Mentions
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