backpacking essentials

Latest about backpacking essentials

Mountain stream in Colorado

"Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you" – hiker on spiritual retreat lost for 4 days after being encouraged to leave phone behind

By Julia Clarke published

Participants on the retreat had reportedly been encouraged to fast during the backcountry retreat, and leave their devices behind

Hiking
Sierra Designs Gigawatt 60L hiking backpack with tent

Sierra Designs Gigawatt 60L hiking backpack review: intelligently designed and lots of volume

By Pat Kinsella published

The perfectly proportioned Sierra Designs Gigawatt 60L backpack is great for overnight trail adventures and multi-day treks

Hiking Backpacks
what to wear hiking: hiker smiling

Ditch these 8 backpacking non-essentials for your next trek

By Julia Clarke published

You may be surprised to discover that you can camp quite comfortably without these eight items

Camping Gear
A backpacker's gear sitting next to a tree

10 backpacking essentials: the ultimate checklist

By Brian Metzler, Alex Foxfield last updated

Our list of the 10 backpacking essentials for any overnight hiking trip includes crucial kit that should go without no matter where you're going, what season and how experienced you are

Hiking
Two female hikers walk along a coastal path over looking the Atlantic Ocean

Best backpacking gear: a great base load in well under 7lb

By Julia Clarke published

Our guide to the best backpacking gear keeps your base load ultralight without sacrificing on quality or comfort

Camping Gear