Choosing the right outdoor gear can help you avoid awful situations when you are camping in the wilderness.
Every trail teaches you something new about what works and what doesn’t. After just a few years of hiking and camping, I’ve learned the hard way which pieces are worth every penny and which ones you’d better leave behind.
I remember my first backpacking trip through Yosemite a couple of years back. Fresh out of college with more enthusiasm than sense, I packed cotton t-shirts, a heavyweight pullover and jeans. Boy, did I regret that. One unexpected rain shower later, I was shivering in wet clothes that refused to dry. That miserable experience taught me the value of proper outdoor clothing. It also taught me that you can’t cook venison to perfection in a fire pit.
Now, after hiking a lot across America’s most beautiful trails, I am pretty certain about the kind of gear choices that can help me in my journey.
Every single thing in my pack serves a purpose now. Or at least I think they do. I did test them all though. This guide shares what I’ve discovered through countless trips (and plenty of trial-and-error). While good gear alone won’t guarantee an amazing outdoor experience, it sure helps keep you comfortable enough to focus on the adventure ahead and earn yourself some fantastic memories.
Here are some of the lessons I learned and a quick list of the essentials that worked for me.
Table of Contents
BACKPACKS & BAGS
Earth Pak Waterproof 55L Backpack
Great For Days of Hiking & Camping With A Chance of Rain
Found this one on Amazon and I find it pretty awesome. It’s not really heavy, can hold all the important stuff in, has a lot of pockets, and you can easily wash off stains.
Osprey Hikelite 26L
Great For Long Days of Treks & Mountaineering
My most reliable companion back when I explored Chattanooga. Osprey is just incapable of disappointing anyone who loves adventuring outdoors. The 26L Hikelite was all I needed for some of my most memorable trips. It’s really ventilated and distributes weight evenly. You won’t find your back sweating much even after hours of walking.
SHELTER STUFF
MC TOMOUNT Tent
Really Really Easy To Set Up
I found this gem on Amazon after a rough couple of camping trips where my tents gave me serious emotional damage. You can classify this one as lightweight, and anyone without any camping experience can set it up.
Hyke & Byke Snowmass Mummy Sleeping Bag
Easily makes you feel like a centuries old Mummy
Took this one from my brother in law on my 5th or 6th camping trip. Been with me ever since.
Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Camping Pillow
Extremely comfy
A friend of mine recommended it. God bless him.
Leatherman Skeletool
Everything you need
If you don’t have a multitool with you, there will be situations where you just want to lay on your back and scream at the sky.
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
After that first wet cotton disaster, I learned that the right layers make all the difference between misery and comfort.
Sport-Tek JST56 Waterproof Jacket
I Saved A Lot By Not Buying More Down Jackets
I learned that you don’t always need a down jacket when you are on a camping trip. The JST56 is hard to find though. I loved the quality at first sight. Now I don’t mind endorsing the brand. I own half a dozen Sport-Tek t-shirts now. Back to the topic. I wear this jacket over a long sleeve Sport-Tek ST350. Pairs up nicely.
The North Face Down Hybrid Jacket
My Wallet Hates It. I Love It.
I wasn’t keen on spending over $150 on a jacket. But I finally did. I keep this one handy just in case the JST56 fails me. It’s just all round awesome.
CornerStone CS620 Full Zip Hoodie
Been In Places With Me. Still Looks & Feels Great.
Got it from the same place I got the JST56. Thermal lining is legit. But the best thing about this heavyweight hoodie is the durability. Both of us took some punishment out in the wild. And this one is just ready for more.
CQR Tactical Pants
You Will Look Like A Badass.
Yet another Amazon find. Looks awesome and feels awesome.
Timberland Hiking Boots
Obviously
Off-trail terrains can’t beat ‘em. Rocks can’t beat ‘em. Even a 100-mile trek can’t beat ‘em. Timberland hiking boots are just built different. The Appalachian Trail was a walk in the park.
Quick Tips
- Test everything before the trip
- Pack spare socks – they’re worth the extra weight
- Keep one set of clothes dry for camp
- Pay attention to the climate and the duration of the trip
- Don’t overspend on your take-with-me stuff. Trust me.
A quick note on budget: While some gear requires investment, many items offer the kind of performance you expect at reasonable prices.
Each item in this blog earned its space in my pack. If you have great recommendations, do let me know in the comments.
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