Having good tools is an important part of doing most jobs well, and it's also true of backpacking. Under normal circumstances you won't need gear designed for the heights of Mt. Everest, but you shouldn't buy the cheapest stuff either.
In general, more expensive backpacking gear is better designed, and built of higher quality, lighter materials, so you will mostly get what you pay for. Buy cheap and you will soon be looking for better. Buy good gear, take care of it, and it will last you for many years.
If the price scares you, remember that you will likely be using that piece of equipment for several years, so in the end the cost is really not that much per year :-)
Still the price has got to be affordable; so to find good gear at a good price, take your time and read lots of online reviews before buying. Do your research, and read enough reviews to get a good sense of the pros + cons of a piece of gear.
Find out what the AT hiker types have to say about gear and you won't go far wrong; as long as you realize that hard-core hikers will often sacrifice a bit of comfort in favor of other qualities, which can leave a regular hiker disappointed with their purchase. Again...read lots of reviews.
Frequent your local outdoor equipment store.
They can offer advice, as well as sizing your pack and boots and allowing a quick test drive of sleeping pads to see which one you like before you buy.
Another tip is to create accounts with online gear stores, so they will send you emails about upcoming sales, where you can often save 20% or more.
Here are some Canadian online gear stores:
MEC
Atmosphere Sports
Altitude Sports
Another consideration is warranty.
Certain companies such as Osprey, MEC and Darn Tough Socks, to name a few, have generous warranties that make it worthwhile to pay a bit more upfront.
One common problem with buying hiking gear, is that as your knowledge and experience grows, you will end up with some hiking equipment that you don't want to use anymore. You will come to realize that the gear is unnecessary, poorly designed or too heavy to carry.
One partial fix for this is to keep in mind that most hikers will eventually want to carry lighter gear, so the best way to minimize hiking gear regrets is to go light or ultralight right from the start!!!
Even so, you will certainly make some unfortunate purchases along the way.
This is a natural part of the journey from newbie to seasoned veteran. It should make you more careful about your purchases, but don't let it keep you from getting the gear that you need to become a better hiker.
Example: You now realize that the expensive and heavy pack that you once loved, is adding an extra 3 pounds to your base weight. Ignoring this, and sticking with the heavy pack will hold you back in more ways than one.
Your backpack, tent and sleeping bag/pad are called "the big 3", and are where you can save the most weight. Going to an ultralight pack will immediately save you about 2.5 pounds...and if your present tent and bag are on the heavy side, you may save another 4.5 pounds there. 7 pounds doesn't sound like much...until you feel the difference between carrying a 25 pound pack and a 32 pound one, day after day.
Using good backpacking gear is a pleasure, while the cheap stuff can be a real pain!
Buying knockoff equipment from the other side of the world will obviously save you money upfront, and is sometimes worth it...if you do your research...but there is a good chance of ending up with poorly designed, flimsy gear with no customer support. The well established brands have years of knowledge behind them, a big design budget and reputations to preserve, so will generally produce the best hiking gear.
Do your research.
Don't be in a hurry to purchase.
Let good quality be your goal - not the lowest price.
Buy the lightest and best you can afford.
Take care of your backpacking gear.
A word of caution: Rushing out to buy the very latest hiking equipment can become something of an addiction, so think seriously about why you need a new piece of gear before purchasing. If you already have good hiking equipment, and it is light and doing the job...why not stick with it for a while? A favorite piece of hiking gear can become like an old friend on the trail.
Finally, lets talk about Pack weight.
EVERYTHING that you put in your pack adds weight, so your goal should be to carry only what you need, although that is easier said than done :-)
Modern hiking gear is much lighter than the old stuff, and having lightweight gear is important. Even so, if you fill your large pack to the top with new gear, it will still be heavy!
What pack weight you choose to carry depends on your strength, the terrain and the length of your hike. Traditionally, max pack weight was 20% of your body weight. i.e. 20 pounds for a 100 pound hiker, and 36 pounds for a 180 pound hiker.
Today, a 5-day pack need not exceed 25 pounds in warm months.
Getting your 5-day pack weight down to this level or even lower is not easy or cheap. It takes time, money, discipline, acceptance of some discomfort, and most importantly, feeling ok with not being prepared for every single situation that may come up…no matter how trivial or unlikely.
To begin reducing pack weight, buy an electronic luggage scale. I like the ones with a hook to hang things from. Smaller items can be placed in a light plastic bag before weighing.
Next, get a smaller pack. A pack with 40 liters capacity will automatically limit what you can carry. If going ultralight, consider buying an ultralight pack. One thing to consider is where you will be hiking. If you go to trails that require a bear cannister, you may still need a large pack even if it is ultralight.
Next, think about your shelter. Bivveys and hammocks are possible options, but not for everyone, so try before you buy! An ultralight tent using your own hiking poles is a reasonable choice for many.
Next think about your sleeping system. For summer, get the lightest most packable bag you can find. There are some light but pricy down bags available, or go with something like the SOL Escape Bivvey and a light bag liner. Also get a light weight sleeping pad.
Clothing is heavier than you think, so bring the bare minimum, and only the lightest items. In addition to what you are wearing, pack a tee shirt, shorts, light socks, strapped sandals and light beanie for nights; a couple of pairs of hiking socks and underwear, tights to go under the shorts when needed, and a rain shell and thin windbreaker. This combination should be enough for most situations during the warmer months. A short length of paracord across the back of your pack is good for hanging items to dry as you walk along!
Food is heavy too, so carefully figure out what you will need, and avoid too many snacks! To save time + fuel consider a breakfast of muscli + granola with some powdered milk and water added to a ziplock bag.
Water is really heavy. I carry 2 one liter bottles, that I may or may not fill to the top depending on the situation. Electrolyte flavored squirts are also good to carry to add to a water bottle. Knowing the water sources ahead of time may allow you to carry less water. Always filter your next days water the previous evening!
The desire for total comfort is another thing that can add to your pack weight if you let it. Folding chairs, napping hammocks, hanging showers, collapsible dish pans, insulated bottles...the list could go on and on! These kind of items while intended to make your hike better, can actually make it much worse.
Generally you need to consider everything in your pack and judge if it is worth carrying the weight, or if there is a lighter choice.
Think of things in terms of needs and wants. Simply put, a NEED is something that would be difficult or dangerous to do without on your hike...and everything else is a WANT...so let your wants be few!
As Thoreau said: simplify, simplify.
At the end of every trip, think about the things that you carried and never used, or could have easily done without. Use this process to weed out unnecessary items from your pack, until everything remaining is difficult or dangerous to be without. You may then be in a position to add a few luxury items if the weight allows.
Multi-use items are a bonus when hiking. Bear bag line=cloths line. Z-seat=stove wind screen. Stuff sack=pillow. Extra clothing=extra warmth on a cold night, etc. Thinking about the different uses for an item will lead to a lighter pack.
The desire to be prepared for every possible situation is a big cause of overloaded backpacks. It feels good to be prepared, and feels bad when we are not prepared. This good feeling however, comes at the cost of extra weight that you will have to carry day after day.
An overloaded pack is often the result of "What-if" questions. What if I get lost? What if I run out of food? What if my batteries die? etc.
In themselves, "What-ifs" are all good questions, but you should take the time to consider the likelihood and consequences of each one happening...before deciding to carry the extra gear or supplies. Ask yourself questions like...is it likely to happen at all? If it does happen, will it be a serious problem or just an inconvenience?
To conquer the "what-ifs", you must get to a point where you are ok with not being prepared for everything, only the important things. This is always a balancing act, and a bit of a gamble, so remember to err on the side of safety. Leave a margin of safety, and be realistic about the risk.
Over time, as you gain experience, your pack will become lighter.
Finally, here are some wise words from one of the hiking greats:
In general, more expensive backpacking gear is better designed, and built of higher quality, lighter materials, so you will mostly get what you pay for. Buy cheap and you will soon be looking for better. Buy good gear, take care of it, and it will last you for many years.
If the price scares you, remember that you will likely be using that piece of equipment for several years, so in the end the cost is really not that much per year :-)
Still the price has got to be affordable; so to find good gear at a good price, take your time and read lots of online reviews before buying. Do your research, and read enough reviews to get a good sense of the pros + cons of a piece of gear.
Find out what the AT hiker types have to say about gear and you won't go far wrong; as long as you realize that hard-core hikers will often sacrifice a bit of comfort in favor of other qualities, which can leave a regular hiker disappointed with their purchase. Again...read lots of reviews.
Frequent your local outdoor equipment store.
They can offer advice, as well as sizing your pack and boots and allowing a quick test drive of sleeping pads to see which one you like before you buy.
Another tip is to create accounts with online gear stores, so they will send you emails about upcoming sales, where you can often save 20% or more.
Here are some Canadian online gear stores:
MEC
Atmosphere Sports
Altitude Sports
Another consideration is warranty.
Certain companies such as Osprey, MEC and Darn Tough Socks, to name a few, have generous warranties that make it worthwhile to pay a bit more upfront.
One common problem with buying hiking gear, is that as your knowledge and experience grows, you will end up with some hiking equipment that you don't want to use anymore. You will come to realize that the gear is unnecessary, poorly designed or too heavy to carry.
One partial fix for this is to keep in mind that most hikers will eventually want to carry lighter gear, so the best way to minimize hiking gear regrets is to go light or ultralight right from the start!!!
Even so, you will certainly make some unfortunate purchases along the way.
This is a natural part of the journey from newbie to seasoned veteran. It should make you more careful about your purchases, but don't let it keep you from getting the gear that you need to become a better hiker.
Example: You now realize that the expensive and heavy pack that you once loved, is adding an extra 3 pounds to your base weight. Ignoring this, and sticking with the heavy pack will hold you back in more ways than one.
Your backpack, tent and sleeping bag/pad are called "the big 3", and are where you can save the most weight. Going to an ultralight pack will immediately save you about 2.5 pounds...and if your present tent and bag are on the heavy side, you may save another 4.5 pounds there. 7 pounds doesn't sound like much...until you feel the difference between carrying a 25 pound pack and a 32 pound one, day after day.
Using good backpacking gear is a pleasure, while the cheap stuff can be a real pain!
Buying knockoff equipment from the other side of the world will obviously save you money upfront, and is sometimes worth it...if you do your research...but there is a good chance of ending up with poorly designed, flimsy gear with no customer support. The well established brands have years of knowledge behind them, a big design budget and reputations to preserve, so will generally produce the best hiking gear.
Do your research.
Don't be in a hurry to purchase.
Let good quality be your goal - not the lowest price.
Buy the lightest and best you can afford.
Take care of your backpacking gear.
A word of caution: Rushing out to buy the very latest hiking equipment can become something of an addiction, so think seriously about why you need a new piece of gear before purchasing. If you already have good hiking equipment, and it is light and doing the job...why not stick with it for a while? A favorite piece of hiking gear can become like an old friend on the trail.
Finally, lets talk about Pack weight.
EVERYTHING that you put in your pack adds weight, so your goal should be to carry only what you need, although that is easier said than done :-)
Modern hiking gear is much lighter than the old stuff, and having lightweight gear is important. Even so, if you fill your large pack to the top with new gear, it will still be heavy!
What pack weight you choose to carry depends on your strength, the terrain and the length of your hike. Traditionally, max pack weight was 20% of your body weight. i.e. 20 pounds for a 100 pound hiker, and 36 pounds for a 180 pound hiker.
Today, a 5-day pack need not exceed 25 pounds in warm months.
Getting your 5-day pack weight down to this level or even lower is not easy or cheap. It takes time, money, discipline, acceptance of some discomfort, and most importantly, feeling ok with not being prepared for every single situation that may come up…no matter how trivial or unlikely.
To begin reducing pack weight, buy an electronic luggage scale. I like the ones with a hook to hang things from. Smaller items can be placed in a light plastic bag before weighing.
Next, get a smaller pack. A pack with 40 liters capacity will automatically limit what you can carry. If going ultralight, consider buying an ultralight pack. One thing to consider is where you will be hiking. If you go to trails that require a bear cannister, you may still need a large pack even if it is ultralight.
Next, think about your shelter. Bivveys and hammocks are possible options, but not for everyone, so try before you buy! An ultralight tent using your own hiking poles is a reasonable choice for many.
Next think about your sleeping system. For summer, get the lightest most packable bag you can find. There are some light but pricy down bags available, or go with something like the SOL Escape Bivvey and a light bag liner. Also get a light weight sleeping pad.
Clothing is heavier than you think, so bring the bare minimum, and only the lightest items. In addition to what you are wearing, pack a tee shirt, shorts, light socks, strapped sandals and light beanie for nights; a couple of pairs of hiking socks and underwear, tights to go under the shorts when needed, and a rain shell and thin windbreaker. This combination should be enough for most situations during the warmer months. A short length of paracord across the back of your pack is good for hanging items to dry as you walk along!
Food is heavy too, so carefully figure out what you will need, and avoid too many snacks! To save time + fuel consider a breakfast of muscli + granola with some powdered milk and water added to a ziplock bag.
Water is really heavy. I carry 2 one liter bottles, that I may or may not fill to the top depending on the situation. Electrolyte flavored squirts are also good to carry to add to a water bottle. Knowing the water sources ahead of time may allow you to carry less water. Always filter your next days water the previous evening!
The desire for total comfort is another thing that can add to your pack weight if you let it. Folding chairs, napping hammocks, hanging showers, collapsible dish pans, insulated bottles...the list could go on and on! These kind of items while intended to make your hike better, can actually make it much worse.
Generally you need to consider everything in your pack and judge if it is worth carrying the weight, or if there is a lighter choice.
Think of things in terms of needs and wants. Simply put, a NEED is something that would be difficult or dangerous to do without on your hike...and everything else is a WANT...so let your wants be few!
As Thoreau said: simplify, simplify.
At the end of every trip, think about the things that you carried and never used, or could have easily done without. Use this process to weed out unnecessary items from your pack, until everything remaining is difficult or dangerous to be without. You may then be in a position to add a few luxury items if the weight allows.
Multi-use items are a bonus when hiking. Bear bag line=cloths line. Z-seat=stove wind screen. Stuff sack=pillow. Extra clothing=extra warmth on a cold night, etc. Thinking about the different uses for an item will lead to a lighter pack.
The desire to be prepared for every possible situation is a big cause of overloaded backpacks. It feels good to be prepared, and feels bad when we are not prepared. This good feeling however, comes at the cost of extra weight that you will have to carry day after day.
An overloaded pack is often the result of "What-if" questions. What if I get lost? What if I run out of food? What if my batteries die? etc.
In themselves, "What-ifs" are all good questions, but you should take the time to consider the likelihood and consequences of each one happening...before deciding to carry the extra gear or supplies. Ask yourself questions like...is it likely to happen at all? If it does happen, will it be a serious problem or just an inconvenience?
To conquer the "what-ifs", you must get to a point where you are ok with not being prepared for everything, only the important things. This is always a balancing act, and a bit of a gamble, so remember to err on the side of safety. Leave a margin of safety, and be realistic about the risk.
Over time, as you gain experience, your pack will become lighter.
Finally, here are some wise words from one of the hiking greats:
BACKPACKING GEAR THAT I LIKE
TENT: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Pricey, but fairly light weight and easy to setup and takedown.
*Ultralight tents such as the Gossamer Gear 1 or 2 are also nice.
Pricey, but fairly light weight and easy to setup and takedown.
*Ultralight tents such as the Gossamer Gear 1 or 2 are also nice.
LESS EXPENSIVE TENT:
While I don't personally have this tent, it's really good reviews and price are worthy of mention!
*it's said to be a copy of the well known MSR Hubba Hubba tent.
*available from Amazon.ca, there is also a Mongar 1 if you are so inclined.
While I don't personally have this tent, it's really good reviews and price are worthy of mention!
*it's said to be a copy of the well known MSR Hubba Hubba tent.
*available from Amazon.ca, there is also a Mongar 1 if you are so inclined.
SLEEPING BAG: Sea to Summit Trek TK1
A 0 degree bag with water resistant down. It's fairly light weight and comfortable.
*slightly pricey, but only 1/2 the cost of high-end bags with similar specs.
A 0 degree bag with water resistant down. It's fairly light weight and comfortable.
*slightly pricey, but only 1/2 the cost of high-end bags with similar specs.
SLEEPING BAG LINER: Sea To Summit Silk + Cotton TravelLiner.
Light, comfortable and keeps the sleeping bag clean.
Light, comfortable and keeps the sleeping bag clean.
SUMMER SLEEPING BAG: Believe it or not, the SOL Escape Bivvy, combined with a light bag liner is all you really need for warm conditions. It's light, breathable, water resistant, affordable, and is handy to throw in your pack for a day hike, just in case.
*it is a tight fit for anyone over 6 ft. tall.
*it is a tight fit for anyone over 6 ft. tall.
SLEEPING MAT: Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated
*light weight, quiet, comfortable and super easy to inflate and deflate.
*the insulated version is nice, even in summer.
*light weight, quiet, comfortable and super easy to inflate and deflate.
*the insulated version is nice, even in summer.
DAYPACK: Osprey Talon 22
A nice little pack for day hiking or biking.
A nice little pack for day hiking or biking.
HEAVY PACK: Osprey Atmos AG 65L
Sturdy, comfortable, well designed and a has a great guarantee.
*this bag weighs 4.5 pounds, and is suitable for carrying loads in the 30 - 50 pound range.
Sturdy, comfortable, well designed and a has a great guarantee.
*this bag weighs 4.5 pounds, and is suitable for carrying loads in the 30 - 50 pound range.
LIGHT PACK: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
This pack weighs 2 pounds and will carry up to 30 pounds of gear.
*internal volume is 32 liters + 18 liters of external pockets.
*the fold over closure design gives this pack a variable volume.
*the removable back pad also functions as a sit pad.
*Gossamer Gear also sells various pouches and other accessories to increase the storage space and usefulness of the pack.
This pack weighs 2 pounds and will carry up to 30 pounds of gear.
*internal volume is 32 liters + 18 liters of external pockets.
*the fold over closure design gives this pack a variable volume.
*the removable back pad also functions as a sit pad.
*Gossamer Gear also sells various pouches and other accessories to increase the storage space and usefulness of the pack.
POUCH: Osprey Grab Bag.
This pouch hooks onto the shoulder straps of your backpack near your chest, and is very convenient for holding snacks, lip balm, phone, etc.
*these seem to be discontinued now, but are useful if you can find one.
This pouch hooks onto the shoulder straps of your backpack near your chest, and is very convenient for holding snacks, lip balm, phone, etc.
*these seem to be discontinued now, but are useful if you can find one.
STOVE: MSR Pocket Rocket
It takes up minimal space, and gets the job done.
It takes up minimal space, and gets the job done.
WATER FILTER: Sawyer Squeeze
A simple and very effective water filter. Use a cup or bottle to fill the squeeze bag from flat water.
*backwash the filter before your trips, and every several days to maintain good flow.
*protect the filter from freezing.
*a flimsy water bottle with the top cut off is handy for filling your squeeze bags on flat water, and can be collapsed flat for storage.
A simple and very effective water filter. Use a cup or bottle to fill the squeeze bag from flat water.
*backwash the filter before your trips, and every several days to maintain good flow.
*protect the filter from freezing.
*a flimsy water bottle with the top cut off is handy for filling your squeeze bags on flat water, and can be collapsed flat for storage.
SPICE SHAKER: This will spice up your backwoods cooking.
Each section holds 2 spices, and there are 3 hole patterns for different types of spices.
Each section holds 2 spices, and there are 3 hole patterns for different types of spices.
GPS WATCH: Suunto Ambit3 Run
Great battery life and features.
*I disabled many of the fitness modes to make it more user friendly for hiking. See the notes under my "GPS Files" tab.
*it has a bit of a learning curve, so practice around town before heading to the woods.
*this watch has many features of a full size gps, but I mostly use it to tell me how far it is to my next stop. (lunch or campsite)
Great battery life and features.
*I disabled many of the fitness modes to make it more user friendly for hiking. See the notes under my "GPS Files" tab.
*it has a bit of a learning curve, so practice around town before heading to the woods.
*this watch has many features of a full size gps, but I mostly use it to tell me how far it is to my next stop. (lunch or campsite)
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON: Garmin inReach Mini
SOS button, 2 way texting, gps, pairs with cell phone, and functions as a basic gps unit.
*it's pricey, and requires a monthly subscription...but makes remote hikes much safer! There is also a convenience factor since you can check in with folks at home.
*The cost of the monthly subscription can add up, but think of it as insurance!
*be aware that it requires a clear view of the sky in order find it's gps position and to send.
SOS button, 2 way texting, gps, pairs with cell phone, and functions as a basic gps unit.
*it's pricey, and requires a monthly subscription...but makes remote hikes much safer! There is also a convenience factor since you can check in with folks at home.
*The cost of the monthly subscription can add up, but think of it as insurance!
*be aware that it requires a clear view of the sky in order find it's gps position and to send.
COMPASS: Brunton TruArc 3
A decent pocket compass at a good price.
A decent pocket compass at a good price.
MULTI-TOOL: Leatherman Squirt PS4
Very light and compact, with a wide assortment of useful tools.
*the Gerber Dime is a good and less expensive alternative.
Very light and compact, with a wide assortment of useful tools.
*the Gerber Dime is a good and less expensive alternative.
POCKET KNIFE: Opinel 08 Trekking knife
*a stainless steel folding blade with a light wooden handle.
*a stainless steel folding blade with a light wooden handle.
HIKING SOCKS: Darn Tough
Darn pricey, but they have a Lifetime Guarantee!
Just send back the holey ones to get a new pair.
*Smart Wool socks are a less expensive alternative.
Darn pricey, but they have a Lifetime Guarantee!
Just send back the holey ones to get a new pair.
*Smart Wool socks are a less expensive alternative.
COOKING POT: MSR Titan Kettle. If going light, this titanium pot will do the job. It can also serve as a mug in a pinch.
*pricey, and the handles get really hot, so slip on some 3mm silicon tubing.
*pricey, and the handles get really hot, so slip on some 3mm silicon tubing.
SPOON: Sea to Summit Long Handled Spoon.
Great for cooking and eating out of a bag or deep container.
Great for cooking and eating out of a bag or deep container.
WATER BOTTLE: Any 1 liter plastic water or soda bottle.
*wash it out and remove the label to make your own ultra-light water bottle.
*wash it out and remove the label to make your own ultra-light water bottle.
NECKERCHIEF: The good old bandana is a another classic for good reason.
*it has a many uses, but my favorite on a hot day is soaking it in a cold stream and rolling it up before knotting it loosely on my neck.
*Square Knot: Right over Left and under -> Left over Right and under.
*it has a many uses, but my favorite on a hot day is soaking it in a cold stream and rolling it up before knotting it loosely on my neck.
*Square Knot: Right over Left and under -> Left over Right and under.
ANTI CHAFE: Apply to any areas prone to chafing or blistering before you hike.
*there are lots of alternatives, but I do prefer the "classics".
*there are lots of alternatives, but I do prefer the "classics".
HAND SANITIZER: It not only kills germs, but also removes sticky pitch, sooths bug bites and can serve as a fire starter.
HEAD LAMP: Petzl Actic Core.
Good brightness, easy to control and rechargeable.
Good brightness, easy to control and rechargeable.
LEUKOTAPE: Thin smooth super sticky tape, useful for blister prevention and treatment.
*do not apply to soft water-logged skin, as it will tear the skin when removed.
*do not apply to soft water-logged skin, as it will tear the skin when removed.
SEAT: Therm-a-rest Z-seat. Light and packable comfort.
PILLOW: Therm-a-rest Down Pillow. More light and packable comfort.
*its made to stuff something inside to provide more volume.
*its made to stuff something inside to provide more volume.
PILLOW: Use the MEC Air Pillow by itself or inside the Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow...zzzzzz:-)
HIKING CAP: Outdoor Research folding cap.
*folds up very small for storage in a pocket.
*folds up very small for storage in a pocket.
TREKKING POLES: Black Diamond Trail Trek Poles.
Trekking Poles not only help you up and down the hills, but also make water crossings much safer, and will prevent many falls on rough terrain!
Trekking Poles not only help you up and down the hills, but also make water crossings much safer, and will prevent many falls on rough terrain!
TRACTION DEVICE: Black Diamond Access Spikes
For slippery trails.
*they work well and are quite easy to pull on.
*sized for Trail Runners, so go up a size category for boots.
For slippery trails.
*they work well and are quite easy to pull on.
*sized for Trail Runners, so go up a size category for boots.
