Hiking and Backpacking Gear we recommend in 2022
- Written by Keith Huster
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- 10 min read
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- Last updated a year ago
Hiking and Backpacking are great ways to get outside, get some exercise, and experience nature. These are some of our favorite items to help make outdoor exploration fun and safe.
Basecamp Odor-Barrier Bags
I use the Basecamp Odor-Barrier Bags to line my food and clothing dry bags while backpacking. The odor-proof barrier is essential when traveling through bear country and also helps to keep other smaller animals away from your essentials.
Basecamp Odor-Barrier Bags
Basecamp Odor-Barrier Bags protect against the scents of life: dirty clothing, human waste, garbage, food, and toiletries.
- Forms 100% Odor Barrier
- K9/Bear Tested
- Heavy-duty/Tear Resistant
- Re-usable & Biodegradable
- 2XL bags and 3 Medium bags in each pack
CamelBak Crux Lumbar Hydration Reservoir (3 L/100 oz)
The low-rider design of the Crux Lumbar reservoir keeps the water weight low on your back. This helps to lower your overall center of gravity and improve stabilization. I use this style of the reservoir while backpacking and skiing.
CamelBak Crux Lumbar Hydration Reservoir (3 L/100 oz)
Give your pack a lower center of gravity with the brand-new Crux LR reservoir.
- Offers 20% more water per sip
- A leak-proof cap is easier to open and close
- The on/off lever lets you seal your drinking tube shut with one hand
- Hydro guard technology inhibits the growth of bacteria in the reservoir and tube
- Big bite valve self-seals after each drink, eliminating annoying drips
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
I love my Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles! These poles are inexpensive yet extremely durable. I have used them on several multi-day backpacking trips and numerous day hikes. These poles have never let me down and have become a staple of my backpacking equipment.
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
- HIGH-QUALITY STRONG VALUE – Poles are built with 100% CARBON FIBER
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT POLES – 7.8 oz or LESS THAN a pound
- QUICK-LOCK & EXTENDABLE: height ranging from 26”- 54”
- COMFORTABLE CORK GRIP: Cork grips provide exceptional comfort
RAVPower 26800mAh External Battery Pack
The RAVPower 26800mAh External Battery Pack keeps all of my camera equipment, phone, and fitness tracking equipment powered while on multi-day backpacking trips.
RAVPower 26800mAh External Battery Pack
USB C Portable Charger RAVPower 26800mAh External Battery Pack with Dual Input Port and Double-Speed Recharging, Phone Charger 2 USB Ports for iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, Android, and Other Smart Devices
- A Future-Proofed Iconic: Future-proof Type-C input and output newly added to the time-tested power bank
- Recharged in 7-8 hrs: Dual input recharge and a max input of 4.5A
- Type-C Compatibility: Top up 3 devices concurrently at the fastest speed possible including a Galaxy S8, Google Pixel 2, Huawei Mate 10, Nexus 5X, OnePlus 2, Xperia XZ, and 2015 MacBook via the USB-C port
- Whopping 26800mAh Pack: Bring your iPhone 8 back to life 8.6 times, iPhone 8 Plus 5.8 times, and iPad Air 2.1 times
- What You Get: Lifetime Warranty, RAVPower 26800mAh Portable Charger, 2 x Micro USB Charging Cables, 1 x USB Type-C Adapter, 1 x Carry Pouch, 1 x User Guide
Hard Travel Case for RAVPower 26800 Battery Pack
Protect your RAVPower 26800 Battery Pack in this stylish hard-sided travel case. I use this case when backpacking to organize all of my chargers, adapters, and cables.
Hard Travel Case for RAVPower 26800 Battery Pack
The perfect case for the RavPower 26800 with plenty of room for its wall charger and several other cables.
Osprey Exos 48L Backpack
The Osprey Exos 48L Backpack is my go-to backpack for multi-day backpacking trips. It is lightweight yet fully capable of carrying the gear that I need to explore the backcountry.
Osprey Exos 48L Backpack
With a balanced volume, it keeps your packing habits under control, and it doesn’t laugh at the strange things you say to yourself as you hike.
- Material: [body] 100D nylon, [bottom] 210D nylon
- Volume: [small] 45L (2746cu in), 48L (2929cu in), [large] 51L (3112cu in)
- Support/Suspension: Airspeed Suspension (4mm Lightwire alloy frame)
- Shoulder Straps: mesh
- Waist Belt: mesh, ErgoPull closure
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3
The Peak Design Capture Camera Clip is the perfect tool for securely mounting your camera while hiking, backpacking, or just out walking around. The simple slide-in clip mechanism keeps your camera from flopping around thus saving it from potential damage. I mount this clip to my backpack shoulder strap to keep my camera in easy reach yet safe from harm. I also use this in conjunction with the Peak Design Pro Pad V2 for added comfort and stability.
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3
V3 updates: Way smaller, way lighter, all-metal build, ultra-smooth machined/anodized finish, hella comfy ergonomic design.
- Holds camera during any physical activity while providing instant access for picture taking
- Attaches to any strap or belt up to 2.5 Inch (7.6 cm) wide and 0.6 Inch (1.5 cm) thick
- Works with DSLR, compact, and point-and-shoot cameras
- Quick-release lock withstands over 200 lbs. of force
- Allows for fast & easy lens changes
Peak Design Pro Pad V2 for Capture Camera Clip
The Peak Design Pro Pad V2 improves the comfort and stability of the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip. I use this anytime I mount my camera to my belt while out walking around.
Peak Design Pro Pad V2 for Capture Camera Clip
The pad is seamlessly laminated with our weatherproof charcoal nylon canvas, giving it a complete aesthetic makeover. And, in response to Pro Pad v1 customer feedback, we’ve made the new Pro Pad even easier to set up and use.
- Works with all versions of Capture (sold separately): PROpad fits Capture v1, Capture v2, and Capture v23
- Allows 3 different mounting positions: Use PROpad in the top-loading belt position, side-loading belt position, and backpack position.
PETZL TACTIKKA Headlamp – 200 Lumens
The PETZL TACTIKKA Headlamp is an awesome low-cost headlamp. It provides more than enough light when hiking at night or walking around your campsite in the dark. The red-light feature is especially nice for maintaining night vision. I use the PETZL ACCU CORE Rechargeable Battery with this headlamp to help minimize alkaline battery waste.
PETZL TACTIKKA Headlamp – 200 Lumens
Designed for activities where stealth is key (hunting, fishing, nature watching…), the TACTIKKA headlamp offers 200 lumens of power.
- BRILLIANT BEAMS: The TACTIKKA has a wide beam and is compact for comfort. Ideal for activities that are at close range.
- NEXT LEVEL NIGHT VISION: White lighting allows easy movement in the dark and red lighting preserves night vision and stealth
- COMFORT IS KEY: Features a convenient and adjustable headband and includes an emergency whistle in the back.
- DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE DARK: With its longest burn time at 240 hours, the TACTIKKA will power your all-night adventures.
- CHARGE IT UP: Every TACTIKKA includes three standard batteries and is also compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery (sold separately).
PETZL ACCU CORE Rechargeable Battery
The PETZL ACCU CORE Rechargeable Battery works in conjunction with my PETZL TACTIKKA Headlamp. I really appreciate the rechargeable aspect of this battery so that I don’t feel like I am wasting so many alkaline batteries.
PETZL ACCU CORE Rechargeable Battery
This high-capacity lithium-ion 1250 mAh rechargeable battery guarantees high-performance lighting for HYBRID headlamps. Compatible with the following Petzl headlamps; TIKKINA, TIKKA, ZIPKA, ACTIK, ACTIK CORE, TACTIKKA, TACTIKKA +, and TACTIKKA +RGB. It recharges directly with the integrated USB port. The CORE rechargeable battery offers an economical and sustainable solution as the main power supply or as a backup battery.
- CHARGE IT UP: Simple universal charging via the USB port (charging cable included). A fully charged battery only takes 3 hours.
- LIGHTS YOUR WAY: The easy-to-understand charging indicator turns red when it’s charging and green when it’s fully charged.
- KEEP YOUR LIGHT SHINING: It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for your power supply or backup battery. Plus, it’s guaranteed to last up to 300 charging cycles.
- TAKE IT ON THE GO: The ACCU only weighs 23 grams. Its compact design makes it the perfect travel companion.
- PETZL PERFECT: The ACCU is compatible with all TIKKINA, TIKKA, ZIPKA, ACTIK, ACTIK CORE, TACTIKKA, TACTIKKA +, and TACTIKKA +RGB headlamps.
Ruffit Dog Carrier Backpack
The Ruffit Dog Carrier Backpack is the best way that we have found to carry Lexi during our hikes. We allow Lexi to hike as much as she can but when it gets too hot (or she just gets too tired) it is nice to know that we can safely carry her back home.
Ruffit Dog Carrier Backpack
- Unique Patented Design
- High-Quality Materials
- Optimal Air Flow for Ventilation
- Adjustable Chest Clip
- Secure and Comfortable
- Proudly Designed in the USA
SAWYER Fast Fill Adapters for Hydration Packs – SP115
I use the SAWYER Fast Fill Adapters for Hydration Packs (SP115) in conjunction with the Sawyer Mini Water Filter (SP128) to refill my hydration bladder without removing it from my Osprey Exos backpack. This is a wonderful convenience while out on the trail.
SAWYER Fast Fill Adapters for Hydration Packs – SP115
- The adapter set allows you to quickly fill your hydration bladder with clean water without removing it from your pack
- Compatible with both the Sawyer Products Squeeze Filter (also known as PointOne) and Sawyer MINI water filtration systems
- Attach the Sawyer water filter to the adapters and squeeze water into your reservoir via the drinking tube
- Designed for use with industry-standard 1/4-inch inner diameter tubing
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System provides safe, clean drinking water while out on the trail. Its compact size and light weight make it the perfect addition to my backpacking kit. I really appreciate the simple design and ability to use this filter in conjunction with the Sawyer Products Fast-Fill Adapter (SP115) to refill my Camelbak hydration bladder without removing the bladder from my Osprey Exos backpack.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Weighing 2 ounces and fitting in the palm of your hand, the Sawyer MINI Water Filter provides 0.1-micron absolute filtration — removing 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa.
- Attach to the included 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch to drink directly from the filter or squeeze water into a water bottle.
- Screw onto most disposable water bottles.
- Attach inline on a hydration pack — no adapters required.
- Sip from the personal drinking straw and drink directly from the source, or scoop up a bottle of water directly from any freshwater lake, river, or stream.
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and international travel, and emergency preparedness
Sawyer Products Squeezable Pouch
The Sawyer Products Squeezable Pouch is perfect for collecting water from lakes and streams. Once collected, the water can be easily filtered using the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filter.
Sawyer Products Squeezable Pouch
- Set of three 32-ounce replacement pouches for Sawyer Squeeze Filter and MINI water filters
- Can easily be filled in any lake or river, and under a faucet; attach directly to Sawyer water filter for direct drinking or filtering into containers
- Durable, lightweight, and collapsible for easy portability; great for hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking, camping, and emergency preparedness
TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot
The TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot is the perfect size for backpacking. The smaller size 4 oz fuel canisters fit perfectly inside this pot allowing for efficient storage and travel.
TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot
- Material: Titanium (Grade 1 or 2, no coating) Total Weight: 3.6oz (103g)
- Capacity: 25.4oz (750ml) (measured to the top of the rim)
- Dimension: 3 3/4″ (95mm) (D) (external at lower part) x 4 3/8″ (110mm) (H)
- Origin: Designed in California manufactured in China
- Notes: 1. Gradation marks in ml and oz. 2. It comes with a mesh sack. 3. TOAKS 375ml & 450ml cup, TOAKS Wood Stove (small), the 4oz gas canister can nest inside this pot. 4. Nalgene 32oz, Klean Canteen 42oz water bottle can fit inside but the lid cannot be covered. 5. It can nest inside TOAKS 1100ml Pot with Pan or TOAKS 1600ml Pot with Pan. 6. TOAKS Titanium 550ml D103mm Bowl (BWL-550-D103) can nest this pot from outside.
TOAKS Titanium Spork
The TOAKS Titanium Spork is a very durable ultra-light backpacking spork. The extended length is great for reaching deep into backpacker meal bags.
TOAKS Titanium Spork
The TOAKS Titanium Spork is a high-quality ultralight titanium spork with a matte finish handle. Ultralight and easy to carry. Dimensions: Length – 6 5/8” (168mm); weight – 0.6oz (17.1gr). A great product for outdoor cooking, BBQs, and camping. A product of TOAKS.
- Toaks ultralight titanium Spork.
- Dimensions: Length – 6 5/8” (168mm); weight – 0.6oz (17gr).
- Compact
- Matte finish handle.
- Perfect for outdoor cooking and camping.
Wasabi Dual Battery Charger for Olympus Cameras
The Wasabi Dual Battery Charger is powered by a USB connection which allows me to recharge my camera batteries using a portable USB charger. This makes it easy to recharge batteries while on multi-day backpacking trips.
Wasabi Dual Battery Charger for Olympus Cameras
This Wasabi Power battery and charger kit include 2 batteries for the Olympus BLN-1 and one dual USB charger. All items meet or exceed OEM standards and come with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
- Includes 2 batteries and 1 charger for the Olympus BLN-1
- Each battery features Premium cells, 7.6V, 1300mAh
- Charge 2 batteries at a time from any USB power source; Outputs 600mA (x2)
- Batteries must be charged with Wasabi Power charger; Charger works with the original Olympus batteries
- All items include a 3-year manufacturer warranty
Compatible with the following models:
- Olympus OM-D E-M1
- Olympus OM-D E-M5
- Olympus PEN E-P5