gear

Multi-day Backpack (Women's): Osprey Ariel 65

A robust, comfortable, and highly adjustable pack that is perfect for multi-day trips. Features moisture-wicking materials, hydration pocket and pass-throughs, plenty of external pockets and attachments, a removable lumbar pack, and a heat-molded hip-belt for a custom fit.

Backpack Rain Cover: Osprey Ultralight Large

Custom fit and sized for 50-75 Liter Osprey pack. Packs very small and easy to install.

Day Hike Backpack (Women's): Osprey Sirrus 24

Perfect for a more intense day hike to carry gear, food, and water comfortably. Includes a hydration pack pocket and pass-throughs, breathable back panel, and it's own rain cover.

Day Hike Backpack (Women's): REI Flash 18

I chose this pack for side excursions during longer backpacking trips, mainly because it weighs only 10oz. It was one main compartment with a hydration pocket and detachable straps.

Trekking Poles (Women's): Black Diamond Trail

I got a ton of flak for using trekking poles but they have saved my knees on trips with huge elevation changes and a heavy pack. These poles are the latest version of the ones I use, and both feature a 3-piece design with super easy mechanical locks. I haven't had any trouble with the locks or poles themselves and these have seen hundreds of miles.

Tent: Nemo Hornet 2P

Weighing in at only 2.5lb this tent is remarkably robust and has kept us dry in several thunderstorms!

Sleeping Bag: REI Joule

No joke... for years as an adult I used my original child size sleeping bag! I'm 5'5" and the bag was lightweight but I finally splurged on a new REI Joule. It's such an upgrade! The Joule is comfortable and has kept me warm on a couple below freezing camping trips so far.

Sleeping Pad (Women's): Therm-a-rest ProLite Plus

This pad is lightweight, easy to inflate, and tailored to women. This is a backpacking essential and keeps me warm as a layer of insulation on the ground. Other sleeping pads I tested were noisier or larger than I needed.

Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight

I used to ball up clean clothes to make a pillow and seriously underestimated how much a legitimate pillow can improve your sleep quality while camping. This pillow is ligthweight and packs small. It features a nice nook to keep your head from sliding off, much more so than other backpacking pillows I've tried.

Water Reservoir: Camelbak 3L

This is another piece of gear that I once considered a "nice to have" but what a difference it makes to have water ready on the go. I chose a 3L reservoir to avoid filtering and refilling water frequently. This is a newer model than the one I have and includes a valve and quick disconnect.

Water Bottle: REI Nalgene Wide Mouth 1L

For backpacking trips I always carry a separate bottle in case my reservoir leaks, or I unexpectedly drink it all before I get to my next water source. It's also convenient to have a separate bottle for drink mixes.

Water Filter (Pump): Katadyn Hiker

My original hand pump water filter. This gets the job done quickly and reliably but it is quite tiring on the arms after a long day of hiking. I have never had problems with clogs, or any pieces breaking aside from the carrying bag, which I replaced with a stuff sack. Includes macro pre-filter as well as adapters for common bottles and reservoirs.

Spare Filter Element (Pump): Katadyn Hiker Pro Element

I never needed a spare filter element for this pump after several trips, but this is nice to have around just in case.

Water Filter (Gravity): Katadyn Gravity Camp 6L

I recently upgraded to this gravity filter which is especially useful in larger groups (3+). It is much less labor intensive than the hand pump since you just fill it, hang it from a tree, and let it quickly drain filtered water. It is great in camp at the end of they day since it has a large volume and can supply everyone with drinking, cooking, and cleaning water. We rigged up a trekking pole tripod for areas above the treeline.

Spare Filter Element (Gravity): Katadyn Camp Series

I ran into issues with the gravity filter clogging when we were on the JMT. Fortunately I carried a spare filter and it was an easy swap. I think the macro filter with the pump makes a big difference in the life of the filter.

Stove: MSR PocketRocket

This is the only stove I've ever needed. It packs tiny and is very easy to assemble on a standard fuel canister. At first I was worried that it would be a little top heavy with a pot, but that's never been a problem.

Cookset: GSI Pinnacle Dualist

This is the perfect cookset if you are camping with a friend or significant other. Everything packs up tight inside the pot, including the PocketRocket stove. It includes one bowl, cup, and lid each. On longer trips I ditch the "kitchen sink" bag to save a bit of weight. We also replaced our plastic sporks with the aluminum ones shown next - the plastic ones broke over time.

Utensils: Sea to Summit Alpha Light

This hard anodized aluminum knife and spork combo is lighter than many of the spork-only options out there. They are robust and durable with a handy carabiner. Perfect utensils to stand up to a jar of peanut butter or block of aged cheese!

Bear Canister: BearVault 500

After trying out many canisters this one is my favorite! Read my full review here:

Bear Sack: Ursack Major

Great lightweight alternative to standard rigid canisters. Takes up very little space when not in use. Easy to tie to a tree. Not yet approved for all national parks.

First Aid: REI Day Hiker

I carry one of these small first aid kits stuffed with extra refills depending on the trip length. This kit will address a variety of ailments including wounds, blisters, stomach troubles, and pains. Everyone has different needs and REI has a wide variety of first aid options.

Venom Extractor: Sawyer Pump

When my boyfriend packed one of these in the Sierras I gave him a really hard time. Then I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake! On another trip I stepped on a hornet nest and used the extractor to remove venom. This simple pump can be a real difference maker!

Head Lamp: Black Diamond Spot

Don't leave home without a good head lamp (and maybe some spare batteries)! This is a relatively inexpensive and lightweight lamp. It is dimmable and includes a red-mode setting to help keep your night vision.

Camp Towel: PackTowl Personal - Large

This lightweight, fast-drying towel is perfect for washing up at the end of a long day of hiking. There's a small snap loop to easily hang it out to dry at camp. It also comes with a small mesh bag that can hang conveniently on the outside of your pack.

Sanitation Trowel: GSI Cathole

My first time backpacking I did not realize the importance of a little old trowel! This is an essential item for backcountry bathroom breaks. Similar to the item I use, this trowel is cost effective and lightweight.

Camera/Lens: Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm

The D3100 is a great beginner DSLR. Since this camera was discontinued and replaced with the Nikon D3300, you can get a great deal. It's a relatively lightweight camera and lens combination and easy to learn on.

Extra Memory: Sandisk Pro 32MB

I always carry at least one extra memory card in case the first one is lost or damaged. It's not a huge weight penalty either.

Spare Batteries: Nikon EN-EL14

On longer trips I carry multiple spare batteries, and sometimes even the charger as well. These are official Nikon replacement batteries but Amazon carries cheapear options, such as Wasabi Power.

Notebook: Moleskine Chapters, Ruled 3" x 5.5"

I recently started writing quick journal entries at the end of each day while backpacking. I can't express enough how well this enhances my memories and gives me joy to look back on. These moleskin notebooks are super small and lightweight.