Mac’s Backpacking Gear List 2021 (v2)
After bikepacking the Arizona Trail, I've made some changes to my backpacking kit for the summer. Most notable, changes to my shelter (now using a SlingFin SplitWing) and my water filter (now using a Platypus QuickDraw).
Later in the summer, I'm also hoping to try out a new quilt, some new stakes (very exciting, I know), and some new trekking poles (or maybe just a single trekking pole). I should probably get myself some fancy Dyneema stuff sacks for my electronics and spare clothes as well.
I've been considering ditching my sleeping bag liner and just bringing my base layer on all my hikes instead, but it's light enough (at 3.1 oz / 88 g) that I don't think I'm ready for a change yet. If you have any lightweight baselayers to suggest (mostly a top because I already love my bottoms), I'd be happy to hear what's on offer.
The gear list below is what I will be using for lightweight three-season backpacking; most of my plans this year are for the Western United States. I'll be updating this throughout the year (or, more accurately, I will be making additional posts throughout the year), so if you have any suggestions for new gear to try out, I'm happy to hear from you!
Find it here.
May 8, 2022
Halfway Anywhere
Long-distance hikes, shorter-distance hikes, pictures of hikes, videos of hikes, guides of hikes - mostly hikes.
LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
My only complaint is that eventually, backflushing won’t be enough. These can clog up after some time and no amount of back flushing will fix its low flow. I went through 2 on the AT. However, it will attach to Smart Water Bottles and most bladders!
MEDIA MENTIONS
Built for backcountry reliability and portability, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is our pick for the best portable water purifier.
MEDIA MENTIONS
The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Pacific Crest Trail water filter this year – for the fifth year in a row. It’s a $39, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or with compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers).
