A few weeks ago, I wrote a first post covering what I wear while hiking. Today, I will delve into what I carry in my pack. This list is what works for me, and it’s more simplified than what I would recommend for a beginner. Over the years I have become more comfortable with less gear—the more time you spend hiking, the more comfortable you become with what works and what doesn’t. My recommendation is to get out there and see what works for you.
*All hyperlinks attach to the actual item I use.
My Pack
Over the five years that I’ve spent hiking, my backpack is probably the one piece of gear that has changed the most. I started off carrying a Camelbak backpack that wasn’t designed for long treks in the backcountry, and was not sized to me specifically. It worked, though, and never gave me any issues.
My first real hiking backpack was a Gregory Pack. This was the only pack I’ve had that had a frame. Unfortunately, when I was being fitted for the right size at the gear shop, the person didn’t do it properly, and the pack was way too small. An ill-fitting pack caused me to develop a cyst in my spine, which pinched my sciatic nerve and caused me to develop foot-drop in my left foot. Needless to say, I don’t have that pack anymore.
My second real backpack was an Osprey Skimmer 30L and I used it until 2019. It was the perfect size for three-season hiking except if I needed to carry snowshoes. It was too small to strap the snowshoes onto the top. Once I decided to start doing overnights, it was obvious I would need a bigger backpack.
For the past two years, I have used a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 2400 and I love it. It only weighs 1 pound, 14 ounces, which for the size is relatively light. It’s actually comparable in weight to my old Osprey (weighing in at 1 pound, 12 ounces) but with much more space. Because I don’t like swapping out gear, I use this pack now for all hikes. I don’t swap out for a smaller pack on shorter hikes—this one works just fine even on short hikes.
What’s in My Pack
In the summer I carry less gear than in winter; however, for beginner hikers I would recommend that they carry my winter gear list all year long. In the event that I was stuck outside overnight, or injured, my winter gear has much more in the way of safety and first aid essentials. I take calculated risks, but only because I am comfortable enough taking these risks.
*Asterisked items are typically things I only carry in winter.
First Aid Kit
Floss/Needle
Pepto Bismol/Tums
Aleve
EpiPen
Super glue
Aquatabs
Q-tips/Eye drops
Alcohol wipes/Antibiotic
Band-Aids/Gauze
Safety Gear
*Emergency Bivy
*Survival Blanket (I carry a two-person model)
*Hand Warmers
Black Diamond Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Swiss Army Knife
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Paper Map
Garmin Explorer Satellite Phone
Extra Gear
Chapstick with Leukotape wrapped around it
Black Diamond trekking poles
*Nalgene water bottles or in summer Smartwater bottles
Toilet paper and small bottle of hand sanitizer
Bandana
Sunblock
Bug Spray
Extra Clothes
*Smartwool Socks
*Long-Sleeve Shirt
*Smartwool Leggings
Arc’teryx Cerium Puffy
Arc’teryx Windbreaker Jacket
The North Face ETips Gloves
Just like with clothing, finding what gear works for you is a matter of trial and error. The more time I spend in the backcountry, the more comfortable I get with what I need to carry. Depending on weather, what trails I’m going on, and how long I’m planning on being out there, I adjust my gear. At a bare minimum, I recommend carrying all the items listed above for beginner hikers. There are many people who carry more than I do; however, I know the risk I’m taking by carrying less gear. On the other hand, there are many times when I see people hiking with no backpack at all, and it concerns me. Overall, it’s all about educating yourself and gaining experience. Every hike is another chance to try out your gear and adjust it accordingly; just make sure you bring at least the essentials on every trip.
