Here’s a loosely categorized list of the outdoor gear and clothing I use most and love. Some of these items are so well-loved that I’ve had multiple versions of them. If you ever browse through my photos, you’ll notice the same gear and outdoor clothing over and over. My philosophy for outdoor gear is you don’t need a lot of gear but you do need good gear.
My Gear Preferences & Uses
This isn’t intended to be a packing list or a comprehensive guide, just sharing what has and continues to work well for me. Personal preferences as well as types of adventures influence what gear is the best fit for everyone. Here’s a little background about my buying style and the outdoor adventures I use gear on.
Buying Style – My buying style is to focus on reputable outdoor brands usually looking for sales and/or starting with lower to mid price-range items then upgrading as I learn more about what I want. For example, last summer I upgraded from my 30-degree REI brand sleeping bag to a Big Agnes 20-degree that I stumbled upon on-sale and LOVE. I’ll also mix in a few Amazon or no-name brands for items that I feel comfortable taking a little risk.
Trip Types – I day hike the most, followed by car camping and then backpacking a few times a year. I’m a seasonal camper/backpacker which means overnight temperatures are usually 40s or higher when I go and I tap out around at snow temperatures.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you use them to make a purchase, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. The items listed are only ones that I have personally used and truly love.
The Outdoor Gear I Use and Love
Where an item I have is no longer in circulation, I linked to the newer version or closest item thereto. (Yeah, I said thereto, attorney occupational hazard:)). You can browse other gear and alternatives at REI, REI Outlet, and Amazon.
Backpacking Pack
Backpacking Pack: Osprey Ariel 65 Women’s Hiking Backpack
Notes: I have loved and used the heck out of this pack over the past decade for both outdoor backpacking and travel. I’ll be upgrading to newer pack soon-ish, but plan to stay Team Osprey – possibly just the newer version of the same pack. They just make great bags.
Backpacking/Camping Sleep Set-Up
Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes Torchlight 20 [Former that I still Use Some: REI Trailbreak 30]
Sleeping Pad: Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
Pillow: Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase
Sleeping Bag Liner: Cocoon Microfiber Mummy Liner
Sleeping Clothes: REI Kids Baselayers
Tent: Wilderness Technology North Duo 2 Person Tent [inherited from a friend – great budget buy!]
Storage: Hefty Jumbo Storage Bag – 2.5 Gallon
Notes: I use a lot of the same items for backpacking and regular car camping. Tent is ideal if you can split it with someone for backpacking but I’ve also brought it solo and made it work. For now, I’ll take the extra weight vs spending more. If I backpacked more frequently or in more inclement conditions, I’d probably upgrade.
Backpacking/Camping Cooking
Solo/Two-Person Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2
Solo/Two-Person Cookware: G4Free 2 Piece Pot
Group Meals: Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove [+ normal cookware]
Lighter: Basic Bic (two just in case)
Spork: Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long
Water-Filter: Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System
Water Container: Nalgene and/or CamelBak 3L Bladder
Cleaning: Travel Size Dr. Bronner’s
Notes: I don’t personally own the Coleman two burner stove but have used it with friends. It is the go-to stove for car camping and van-lifeing. On the water-filter, you can use just the filter with a SmartWater water bottle which I’ve done, buuuut it can get tough to squeeze and reform the bottle – pairing it with a bladder is the way to go.
Illumination
Headlamp: Petzl Tikka [+ a Black Diamond one]
Low Key Lantern: LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern
Notes: I don’t have the lantern, yet, but have used it and it’s an awesome – adds some lower level mood lighting (not as intense as a headlamp or big lantern) + the colored one adds some fun.
Day Hiking
Day Hike Pack: Current REI Tarn 18 Kids, Former & Future: CamelBak
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Sunscreen (face): LaRoche Posay Anthelios
First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits
Waterbottles: Nalgene
Sunglasses: Goodr
Dry-Sack: Sea to Summit
Notes: REI kids pack works well and I think it’s cute but doesn’t stand up to abuse as well as my prior CamelBaks did.
Footwear
Socks: SmartWool
Shoes: Altra Lone Peak (or varied heavier trail shoes)
Extra Traction: YakTrax
Notes: Wool socks were another game changer for me – keep your feet drier and warmer.
Jackets/Clothes
Winter Jacket: Columbia
Waterproof Jacket: Columbia
Puffer: REI / Future Upgrade: Patagonia or REI down version
Leggings: Athleta
Tank Tops/Sports Bras: Athleta
Shorts: Target Kids
Notes: For clothes, just cited the brands I use most for each type of clothing since styles vary so frequently.
Alright, that’s a wrap! If you’re interested in more gear related posts, check out these articles:
15+ Places to Find Discounted Hiking, Camping, and Other Outdoor Gear
Hiking FAQ: Boots or Shoes or Trail Runners for Hiking?
