Backpacking Basics Reviews

The foundation for all backpacking gear will include your backpack and shelter. Nothing can make or break you trip like your backpack and shelter. The following gear is lightweight but in my opinion does not sacrifice much in the way of comfort. And while you may want to choose different gear based on your trip and style, I highly recommend the following brands. Each brand is considered an innovator and leader in their industry for their respective products, insuring your gear won’t fail you when you need it most.

Backpack

The Gregory Baltoro 65 Is a highly regarded backpack for its perfect blend of durability and lightweight. It is also extremely customizable, thus ensuring a proper fit and allowing you to go farther in better comfort.

Tent

Big Agnes has always been a big name in backpacking tents and they really outdid themselves with the new Fly Creek UL2. Not only does this freestanding tent keep you dry, but it weighs well under 3 pounds.

Sleeping Pad

The Gossamer Nightlight Sleeping Pad is a favorite when it comes to lightweight pads. I’m a big fan of foam bads because of the durability and this pad does not disappoint. These pads are tough, flexible, resilient, and have great UV stability, and will not absorb water. The pad comes in a 3/4 length, but I prefer the torso length pad weighing in at just under 2.5 ounces.

Sleeping Bag

Golite has a great reputation in the Ultralight Backpacking community and their line of sleeping bags in one of the reasons why. They use 800+ fill Power Goose Down which translates into a bag that will keep you warm down to 20 degrees while still weighing just a tad over 2 lbs.