No items found.

Essential Backpacking Gear: 15 Items I Can’t Hike Without

Written By: Noel Krasomil

If you’re on a quest for essential backpacking gear — the top-notch items that’ll enrich your life on the trail — you’ve come to the right place. Why? Because I’m a hopeless ultralight backpacking junkie, and I’m itching to nerd out over my 15 all-time favorite pieces of gear.

Health, happiness, and comfort in the backcountry have a lot to do with the gear you bring along. The items you pack will become your bliss or your burden every single step of the way. The choice is yours.

I’ve poured countless hours of my life and thousands of my hard-earned dollars into my backpacking habit. So, take a look through all of the lightweight, durable, and versatile gear that I bring along on my overnight trips and swear by wholeheartedly.

After my gear recommendations, I’ve included a complete backpacking checklist and a few tips to help you find some unbeatable gear of your own.

So, without further ado, here are the very best pieces of backpacking gear I’ve ever laid hands on — the essentials, if you will.

LAST UPDATED

December 3, 2023

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

The Packable Life

Media Mentions from The Packable Life

Hello, world. I’m Noel Krasomil, the guy behind The Packable Life. I’m a trail-seeking, deal-finding, street food-devouring, blog-obsessed 30-something from Colorado, U.S.A. I have been a full-time travel writer for over a year, with no end in sight.

I created The Packable Life to inspire others to travel, hike, and blog with purpose — to grow stronger, more focused, and more inspired every day on the road. I want to challenge you to pack lighter, travel longer, hike farther, and blog smarter.

explore more content

MEDIA MENTIONS

Sawyer Squeeze is ubiquitous on any long-distance trail, as it is the most popular water filter. Tried, trusted, and true, this 3 oz water filter is a handy gift to anyone planning a backcountry trip.

The Trek
Media Mentions from the Trek

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

MEDIA MENTIONS

When we’re backpacking, we tend to focus on two things: the beautiful scenery, and what we’re eating for dinner!

Fresh off the Grid
Media Mentions from Fresh off the Grid