Finding the right gear can be a daunting experience. So many websites telling you what the “BEST" is. We will NEVER list gear that we do NOT recommend or have used ourselves. Clickbate isn’t our style. Instead we use over 20 years of field experience as our guide to list gear we love and want to share with our Outdoor Community.  

TENTS

Our top suggestion for a versatile newbie and pro backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 & UL2

• • Big Agnes is tried and true. They also have a good return policy. Since most are sold at REI. We rate this as a piece of our “go to gear" since the ease of setup and it’s ligtweight. However for 2 people and 2 dogs. It’s gonna be a very tight fit. We like the UL3 size for a bit more room when backpacking in pairs.

• Quality “go to" Tent: NEMO Dragonfly 2

  • Excellent balance between weight and features, many storage pockets, large vestibules. A exceptional choice for both front and backcountry adventures. Another tent to easily set up. Durable and will last awhile.

• Our Favorite Lightweight Tent: TarpTent MOTRAIL

  • The MoTrail is a two-person version of the ProTrail. It offers 44% more floor space and noticeably more headroom than the ProTrail and easily fits two wide, long pads. At just over 1 lb / person, the MoTrail’s fast set-up, bug and weather protection, and packability make it a great ultralight companion for weekenders and thruhikers alike. We have personally used this tent at over 12,000 feet in a hail storm and it passed the mustard test.

    Our Suggested Budget Tent: REI Half Dome Plus 2

  • This an excellent choice for beginners and backpackers on a budget. They’re durable, well built, spacious, and very comfortable. The main downside with tents like these is they tend to be bulky and heavy for tough backpacking trips. Split the weight between 2 hikers and it’s not bad at all. The bonus. Pitch the rainfly by itself and use it as a tarp. Good practice to when to convert to tarp tenting.

  Our Suggestion for TARPS

• We love the Equinox 10×12 Tarp It’s durable and can be pitched multiple ways, It has no ground floor. Use 2 hiking poles and and a 50 foot nylon cord and you will have panoramic views. This has been our sleep system for years and it’s one of the pieces of gear we love the most.

BACKPACKS

 Our suggestions for lightweight and all around backpacks. 

• Hyperlite Southwest 3400

• Granite Gear Crown VC 60

• REI Flash 55

• Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60

SLEEPING BAGS

Our suggestions for all around sleeping bags.

• REI Co-op Magma 15° (both Sexes)

• Sea to Summit Ember Down Quilt

• Outdoor Vitals Down TopQuilt for Ultralight Backpacking

SLEEPING PADS

Sleeping pads are the key to staying warm on chilly nights. Most underestimate how important they are. Don’t be that person.

• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite Mattress

• Ultralight 3-Season Pad Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Mattress

• Nemo Tents Tensor Insulated Reg

STOVES

• MSR Pocket Rocket (tried and true)

• White Box Alcohol Stove

• Toaks Alcohol Stove

• BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T

COOKWARE

• Toaks 900 mil Pot

• MSR Flex Skillet

• Campbell Coffee Mug (1 oz)

WATER FILTRATION

Read our Post on Water Filtration vs Water Purification

• Sawyer Squeeze (make this into a gravity system)

• Katadyn BeFree

Water Platys: 

•  Platy Bottle 2L

Water filtration is a trail lifestyle choice. We do NOT suggest UV SteriPens or Aquamira Drops unless you are going over sea’s to another Country. 

ACCESSORIES

• Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 325

• Stuff Sacks: HMG Waterproof Stuff Sacks & Stuff Pods

• Compass: Suunto M-3 D Leader

• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5S

• First Aid Kit: Ultralight .7 Kit (best practice is to make your own)

• Bug Repellant: Permethrin & Picardin Lotion

Always follow the 10 essential rules that include an emergency blanket, waterproof matches, fire starter, sunblock.