I hope to live in the Mountain West for the rest of my life. The serenity of high alpine lakes, green meadows with wildflowers, and jagged mountains can’t be beat. However, the climate is extremely variable in places like California’s Sierra Nevada or the Utah backcountry. I’ve spent the past few years fine-tuning my backpacking kit for this region, and made enough mistakes to know what’s necessary and what isn’t.
The high-alpine environment means summer storms, cold nights, hot sun, and high winds. Because of this, you’ll likely end up with a heavier pack than backpacking in the desert or the South. Furthermore, in many areas like the Sierra Nevada you’ll need either a hard-sided bear can or a bear-resistant sack.
This guide is broken up into three sections: your Big Three items (tent, sleeping bag, pack), apparel, and then accessories. I don’t list out absolutely everything in my backpacking kit, as many items like toothpaste or trowels don’t vary from region to region. Most of these items are products I’ve used in the past or am currently using, so if you have any more specific questions feel free to shoot us a message.
High-Elevation Mountain Backpacking Gear List
The Big Three: Backpack, Tent, and Sleep System
Mountain Backpacking Trip Pack
Heavier Pack: Osprey 65 Ariel/Aether (4 lbs, 14 oz)
This is an extremely well-constructed backpack meant to carry heavier loads comfortably. For this reason, it’s a great first backpack, or one to keep in your gear closet if you plan to be carrying 35+ pounds. If most of your gear is on the heavier side, or you’re bringing extra supplies for a shoulder-season trip, I can’t recommend this pack enough.
Mid-Range Pack: Six Moon Designs Swift V (2 lbs, 2 oz)
This is my current go-to pack. It comfortably carries 25ish pounds, and the pocket game on the shoulders and hip straps are insane. Furthermore, the height is adjustable so it’s a great piece of gear to have to loan out or share with friends. It comes damn close to the features of a true ultralight pack, for just $215.
Ultralight Pack: LiteAF 40L Curve Custom Dyneema Pack (~1.5 lbs)
I will caveat by saying that I haven’t used this or any true ultralight pack. However, I know plenty of thru-hikers (like two out of the three co-founders of this site) who have used LifeAF packs and can’t say enough good things about them. This pack is fully customizable, meaning you can choose which pockets and features you want as well as choose a fun design for the material.
Mountain Backpacking Trip Shelter*
Heavier Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 Tent (3 lbs 14 oz)
This is a sturdy and roomy tent that does great in variable weather conditions. Also, the freestanding design makes it easy to pitch on rocky terrain (which you encounter frequently in the Mountain West).
Mid-Weight Tent: REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL2 (2 lbs, 8 oz)
The lightweight version of REI’s popular Quarter Dome tent is a semi-freestanding shelter with plenty of room for two people and gear for two. In my experience, REI tents are extremely durable, sturdy, and well-priced. The vestibules and rainfly need to be staked out to stand, but otherwise the mesh part of this tent can stand on its own.
Ultralight Tent: Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle (2 lbs, 2 oz)
This is a unique take on ultralight tents because of its versatility. Also, the weight is so easily split between two people. Unlike many single-walled ultralight shelters, this bundle combines a net tent and tarp in a way that you can use either separately as well. They’re both non-freestanding and require trekking poles to pitch.
*I list two-person tents here for the sake of comparing apples to apples.
Mountain Backpacking Trip Sleep System
Heavier Sleeping Bag: Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 (2 lbs, 6 oz)
This is a budget-friendly yet still fairly lightweight sleeping bag. Marmot uses a synthetic blend in this bag that is lofty and comfortable, though it does not pack down as small as many comparable down sleeping bags.
Mid-Weight Sleeping Bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 (1 lb, 3.2 oz)
If you haven’t yet tried a quilt, the time is now. This one comes with a strap system that goes around your sleeping pad, so even if you move around a lot at night your quilt stays firmly tucked under your sides. I seriously stay just as warm (if not warmer) in my EE revelation down well below freezing.
Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest Prolite Apex
At 22 ounces, this is not the lightest (nor most packable) sleeping pad. But, with an R-value of 3.8 I’ve been able to comfortably camp in the snow and below-freezing temperatures, which you can encounter at any time of year at high elevations. I’ve also had it for nearly two years, and it’s held up extremely well with no punctures. This is not always the case for inflatable sleeping pads. For backpacking in this region (especially during shoulder season) I recommend a pad with an R-value of at least 3.0.
*Note: I use all 20-degree rated products in a regular length/width for the same reason as above. In my experience, 20 degrees is a sweet spot for the Mountain West lows, though in the dead of summer you can get away with a warmer bag.
Mountain Backpacking Trip Clothing
Even in the dead of summer, I expect lows in the 40s when I’m backpacking in the Mountain West alpine areas. Because of this, I normally opt to bring a base layer, fleece mid-layer, down jacket, and rain jacket with me (especially for a longer trip with variable weather). The articles listed here are what I’m currently wearing for summer adventures and what I plan to bring for any longer trips later this season. If the forecast is a bit warmer, I’ll leave my base layers at home and sleep in shorts and a fleece mid-layer.
Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
This is one of the most popular down jackets for thru-hikers for a reason. It’s extremely lightweight yet still holds enough warmth to provide insulation when it’s needed. I have the 1000 fill-power ultralight version, which is just 2 ounces lighter than the 800 fill-power jacket.
Fleece Midlayer: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Cowl Neck Pullover
This jacket and my Melanzana hoodie trade off places in my pack. This one does a better job of regulating my heat when I’m exerting myself, but it’s slightly heavier than the Melly. I also love the cowl neck design to sleep in my quilt with, as the neck can be a bit drafty.
Base Layer (Optional): Smartwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve + Pants
These are the coziest and warmest base layers I own, so I love having them for cold nights. I typically try to wear my fleece as a cold-weather hiking layer so my base layers are fresh(ish) for sleeping.
Hiking Shirt: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie
Sun shirts really do make a massive difference. At high elevations the sun scorches you even harder, and clothing is the easiest way to protect your skin. If I ever feel like I want to get a tan I’ll just wear my sports bra.
Gloves and Beanie
For these small accessories I recommend just using whatever you already have on hand. I typically rock a Prana beanie with beer mugs on it, and a 5+ year old pair of Marmot gloves.
Shorts: Arc’teryx Kapta Shorts
I bought these shorts this last spring for trail running, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for everything outside. They have a built-in linter (major chafe saver) and a couple of hidden pockets for keys or snacks.
Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket
This is far from the lightest or most affordable option. But wet clothes make me cranky. For a couple ounces more it’s 100% worth it to have this 3-layer Gore-tex design jacket, as afternoon thunder and rainstorms are very common in the Mountain West. Additionally, it is also a very effective wind blocker for climbing and descending from high passes. For a more affordable option, check out the REI XeroDry GTX.
Accessories
Without listing every item I bring when I go backpacking (like toiletries, headlamp, etc.), these are a few items I bring specifically for Mountain West backpacking trips.
Food Storage
The Mountain West has a ton of wildlife and plenty of large animals. There are areas where food storage is regulated and you’re required to bring a hard-sided bear can. However, for other bear areas there are little to no regulations yet you still need to have proper food storage techniques. For information on what is required where you are going, check the National Forest Service website and search for the area you are camping in.
Bear Can: Bear Vault BV500 Food Container
This is what I bring when bear cans are strictly required. Places like the Sierra Nevada through Yosemite and national parks in Utah check that you have a hard can. It adds a couple pounds of weight but it’s not worth the fine or getting your food stolen by a bear to be caught without one.
Bear Bag: Ursack Major XL Bear Sack
This is what I bring when I am hiking in an active bear area but hard-sided cans aren’t required. This is much of Utah, California, and places in the Pacific Northwest.
Stuff Sack: Sea to Summit Ultra SIL Dry Sack 20L
This is what I use for food when I’m not in an active bear area. It’s big enough to fit about a week’s worth of food, but the roll top compresses easily, allowing easy use for shorter trips or as you run through food.
More Mountain West Backpacking Accessories
Trekking Poles: REI Flash Carbon Poles
These are the poles I’ve used for the past year and they’ve held up extremely well for hiking, trail running, and setting up my non-freestanding tent. I recommend bringing trekking poles, especially if you’re encountering steep ascents/descents and rocky terrain.
Battery Pack: BioLite Charge 40
Because the Mountain West is often more remote, town stops tend to be fewer and far between. Additionally, the lack of cell service and crowds of people mean I am checking my downloaded maps more often, which can suck battery. This model has about ~3 full phone charges in it, which comfortably lasts me 3-4 days. The BioLite Charge 80 lasts about 6 charges.
Stove (Optional): Jetboil Stash
I never backpack without a stove. I love warm dinners and I need coffee in the morning. The Stash is an ultralight full cook system that I have loved the past few months. It’s in and out of stock at major retailers like REI and Backcountry.
Sunscreen: It doesn’t matter, just bring it.
