Gear is a Big Deal. Who Knew?

When I first began backpacking 3 years ago, I had no idea the industry was as big as it is. At the time, I considered backpacking more niche and approached my gear search as such. Queue visions of the old outside frame packs. I didn’t know about REI and didn’t consider that my local outdoor store would have backpacking equipment. All I really knew was that I didn’t want my pack to weigh a lot. For some reason, past Richard never considered googling for the best backpacking gear.

And so my first gear choices were just searches on Amazon with a focus on a combination of price and what looked the best. It will come as no surprise to learn that I still use only two pieces from that original purchase – a med kit and a summer sleeping bag. Everything else has been replaced!

During my first few trips, I learned so much about gear from the backpackers around me. I also learned about backpacking podcasts and that YouTube could be a great resource. I guess I was living under a rock until that time! I immediately started to become a gear junkie and watched every video I could find on the best lightweight gear, how to pack your gear, and all the general tips and tricks that are out there.

Fast forward to today, and I now have a tried and tested gear setup that I have used on dozens of backpacking trips and for well over 600 miles. I lean more toward comfort on the trail right now, so I don’t expect to have the lightest pack out there any time soon. One of the biggest aha moments for me was finally understanding that cutting down the weight of my pack could come in smaller ways. I didn’t just need to look for the large items to trim down, but I could cut pounds just by making smarter decisions overall. The 4-6 ounces here or there all add up in the end and can help shed pounds.

The Pack – Osprey Exos 58

I initially tried a couple of budget backpacks when I first started, not wanting to spend a lot of money in case I decided that this was not for me. These packs did the job and were….ok. But once I fell in love with backpacking, I knew that I needed a better solution. For me, this solution came in the form of the Osprey Exos 58L – the old black and green version. My first budget packs didn’t have a stretchy front pouch and I was jealous of my friend and his Osprey Atmos. I originally intended to get that pack, but when looking into my options, I found the Exos, which seemed to have everything I was looking for in a pack. While I would have loved to get the 48L, I decided to get the 58L so that everything would fit well in the pack.

I removed the compression straps on both sides and the bottom. I like to carry my tent in one of the side pockets, and after struggling to secure it using these straps, I opted to just use some shock cord with a stopper and that works extremely well! I took off the brain and thought I would miss it a lot more than I have.

The Tent – Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The first tent that I used weighed in at a whopping 5.5 pounds! I loved the ease of setup and teardown with that tent, and it proved to be very effective in the wind and rain as well. I hated to move on from it, but knew that I needed to go lighter.

I really wanted to get a Durston X-Mid, but at the time it was impossible to snag one. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait for them to be readily available, so I had to decide on another tent. It wasn’t that hard of a decision, and I bought the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2. This tent is widely used and recommended, and after some research I felt that it was the best fit. I did look around at a few other options, but I knew from the start which would be the winner. I bought my Tiger Wall in early 2022, and it has been my palace tent of choice on 15+ adventures.

The Sleeping System – Nemo Disco 15, Big Agnes Rapide SL

Sleeping when out on the trail is one area that I have not completely figured out yet. I thought that this was a me problem and was glad to hear on one of the latest Backpacker Radio podcasts that other, more accomplished hikers, struggle with this just as much! I can usually get a very restful 4-6 hours of sleep, but then I am tossing and turning the rest of the night.

My current sleeping pad of choice is the Big Agnes Rapide SL, and is probably the most comfortable sleeping pad I have used so far. I previously tried the Nemo Tensor, but I had issues with two different pads and losing air throughout the night. For whatever reason, these pads seem to develop tiny holes and would only hold air throughout the night on just a few trips. So far, I have had no issues with the Rapide. My only complaint is that I wish I had purchased the 25″ instead of the 20″. It can feel very narrow at times. I was shocked to find that they make a 40″ version as well! Now that would be comfort.

To protect my sleeping pad, I am using the Gossamar Gear 1/8” foam foldup mat. I have found that this mat is great for stopping my sleeping pad from sliding at night and provides extra protection against any possible punctures.

My sleeping bag of choice is the Nemo Disco 15. I love the roominess of this sleeping bag because I don’t feel so restricted in it. I am a side sleeper and will rotate on both sides throughout the night. This sleeping bag is great for a mover and its large head area doesn’t make me feel constrained. I have used this bag in temperatures down into the single digits and it held up well to the cold. On the Hiker Challenge, I don’t plan on camping in temperatures below 0-5, so this sleeping bag will keep me warm enough.

You take that? Ewww.

The most notable item of other gear that I take is….a camp chair! I received one as a Christmas present from my dad and I take it on every trip I go on now. I have since upgraded to the REI Flexlite chair. At only 1 pound, it is a sacrifice that I am willing to make! I will break out the chair during lunch or rest stops and is always needed at camp! Whether I get to camp early or later, I always find time to relax in the chair.

So that is my gear list. I know that I have room for improvement with the gear, but for now, I am pretty happy with it all overall. I plan on spending the next four months taking a second look at my gear and making sure that I am completely comfortable with it for my thru-hike of the Foothills Trail in May.