The best backpacking gear is the gear that fits you, suits your climate, and gets used. Specific models change constantly, so this guide focuses on what to look for in each category and where extra money tends to matter. For a full checklist, see the backpacking gear list.
What “best” means in backpacking
Reviews often rank gear by weight and price, but comfort, durability, and fit matter too. A very light pack that does not fit your back is not a good pack. Think about:
- Conditions: Where and when you hike
- Weight: Lighter gear is easier to carry but often costs more or wears faster
- Reliability: Gear you can trust in bad weather
- Fit: Especially for packs and footwear
The big three
Backpack
Get fitted if you can, ideally in a store with some weight loaded in. Torso length and hip belt fit are the key factors. Capacity depends on trip length and how compact your gear is. Many weekend packers use a pack in the 40 to 60 liter range, though that varies.
Shelter
Options include freestanding tents, trekking-pole tents, tarps, and hammocks. Freestanding tents are forgiving; lighter shelters save weight but ask more of you at camp. See the hammock backpacking gear list if you want to sleep off the ground.
Sleep system
Prioritize warmth for the lows you expect. A good pad is as important as the bag. Down is light and compressible but loses insulating ability when wet; synthetic is heavier but tolerates damp better.
Water treatment
Pick a filter or purification method you will actually use. Squeeze and gravity filters are common, and chemical treatment is light as a backup. Keep filters from freezing, which can damage some types.
Cooking
A small canister stove and a single pot cover most trips. If you prefer cold food, you can skip the stove, though check how that fits your food plan and conditions.
Clothing and footwear
Footwear is personal. Trail runners and boots both work depending on terrain and preference. Break shoes in before the trip and bring socks that suit them. Layer for weather, and make sure your rain jacket is truly waterproof.
Light, navigation, and safety
A headlamp, a map app with offline maps, and a basic first aid kit are non-negotiable. A satellite communicator is worth thinking about for remote areas.
Where to spend and where to save
Spend where fit, warmth, and weather protection matter: pack, sleep system, rain gear, and footwear. Save on stoves, utensils, stuff sacks, and trekking accessories. If you are watching costs, see the budget backpacking gear list. If you are new, backpacking gear for beginners suggests what to buy first.
What to skip
Extra gadgets, duplicate tools, and heavy “just in case” items. Try packing your gear at home and removing anything you did not use on the last trip.