Last Updated: August 21, 2025
If you’re on a quest for hiking and backpacking essentials — the best gear, clothing, gadgets, and accessories of 2025 — you’ve come to the right place.
Why?
Because I’m a hopeless ultralight hiking and backpacking junkie, and I’m itching to nerd out over my 14 all-time favorite pieces of gear.
I’ve poured countless hours of my life and thousands of my hard-earned dollars into my hiking and backpacking habit, so take a look through all of the lightweight, durable, and versatile gear that I swear by.
After my gear recommendations, I’ve included a backpacking and day hiking checklist, plus a few tips to help you find some unbeatable gadgets and supplies of your own.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Crew Socks
MSRP: $23.00
Weight: 2.5 oz | 71 grams
Materials: Merino wool, nylon, lycra spandex
Since I first tried out the Darn Tough Light Hikers, I’ve worn them on every day hike and backpacking trip since.
These are the most comfortable, breathable, and longest-lasting pair of hiking socks I’ve ever put on.
From Injini to Icebreaker, I’ve tested countless brands, and it doesn’t get better than these.
Darn Tough clearly designed these socks with hikers and backpackers in mind.
Stitched together by a series of panels, every section of the sock has varying levels of thickness that cater to each part of the foot.
Made from a Merino Wool, nylon, and spandex blend, the Darn Tough Hikers breathe well, wick away moisture, and stretch along with the flexing of the foot and ankle.
These features will help prevent sweaty feet, blisters, bruised heels, and busted toenails so that you can focus on the breathtaking nature unfolding in front of you.
All Darn Tough socks are backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee, which means if your socks wear out, aren’t comfortable, or don’t cut it for any reason, you can return them for a new pair (no strings attached).
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp
MSRP: $36.95
Weight: .99 oz | 28 grams
Materials: Plastic, lithium-ion (battery)
My biggest gripe with my old headlamps was the constant need to change batteries.
Whether my light was randomly fading in the backcountry due to a depleted battery or I found myself rummaging around my drawers searching for AAAs hours before my trip, I always arrived at the same conclusion: Headlamps that use external batteries are a pain in the ass.
Thankfully, USB-rechargeable headlamps exist, and neither you nor I has to fumble around with outdated disposable batteries ever again.
My top recommendation is the Nitecore NU25.
It’s lightweight, reliable, and powerful, with a battery that lasts forever, making it my go-to headlamp and a favorite among ultralight hikers and backpackers worldwide.
Its internal 610mAh lithium-ion battery holds as much power as three AAA batteries and can recharge with ease from a portable battery bank or solar panel.
On its lowest setting, the NU25’s battery can run for up to 160 hours, which confirms what you may have been suspecting: This little headlamp is an absolute monster.
Whether I’m lighting up the trail, my tent, or the landscape around me, every time I put on my NU25, I’m overcome with a silly excitement that only gear nerds will understand.
UltraLite Sacks Ditty Bag
MSRP: $22.00
Weight: .67 oz | 19 grams
Materials: ULTRA
Organizing your random hiking accessories and gadgets is essential when backpacking, which is what the best ditty bags are meant to do.
I’ve tried out multiple ditties over the years, including the built-in bag on my old Osprey Exos 48, and I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t get better than the UltraLite Sacks Ditty Bag.
For starters, this bag (I bought the Regular) is the perfect size to hold all of my loose supplies and pieces of gear.
It can fit all my gadgets: my headlamp, spork, paracord, compass, mini-scissors, pen, paper, power bank, USB cables, headphones, toiletries, and first-aid kit with just the right amount of room to spare.
It has a full-length zipper too, which gives me easy access to all of these items without needing to remove anything from the bag while I’m searching through it.
I stash my ditty bag at the very top of my backpack while hiking for easy access on the trail.
That way, if I need a piece of gear, I know exactly where it is and can retrieve it within just a few seconds.
In a world of constant movement and problem-solving, this ditty bag provides an invaluable level of convenience that I’ll never take for granted.
Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
MSRP: $79.00
Weight: 6.4 oz | 181 grams
Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex
I can’t afford to lose anything while I’m exploring the backcountry, which is why I always wear the Patagonia Multi Trails shorts.
They sport three zippered pockets, which prevent my precious hiking equipment from falling out onto the trail as I hike.
Aside from the pockets, these shorts have plenty of other great features that make them perfect for hitting the trail.
They have built-in liners, which offer excellent protection against chafing.
They’re also 3% Spandex, which means they stretch with your movement and won’t constrict your movement whatsoever.
I wore these shorts every single day on the Colorado Trail.
When the weather got chilly, I put on thermals underneath, and when the rain hit or the wind began to howl, I slid my rain pants on over the top.
I also pack these shorts for my minimalist travel adventures.
They’re great to wear while on airplanes, working out, doing laundry, swimming in the ocean, lounging around, you name it.
Not only will the zippered pockets prevent your belongings from sliding out while in transit, but they’ll act as an extra layer of security against pickpockets as well.
Garmin inReach Mini
MSRP: $339.99
Weight: 3.5 oz | 99 grams
Materials: Plastic, rubber, lithium-ion (battery)
Getting lost or injured in the backcountry with no way to call for help is one of the most helpless feelings imaginable.
I’ve been in this terrifying situation before and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Recently, I got my hands on an inReach Mini to cover my ass if I ever need emergency assistance, and I’m thankful that I did.
Equipped with an Iridium Satellite antenna, this tiny hiking gadget can send messages for help from virtually anywhere in the world.
Simply hold down the S.O.S. button, and you’ll connect with the Garmin team, who’ll coordinate assistance with the nearest search and rescue authorities.
It’s also capable of two-way messaging when cell service is nonexistent.
Not to mention, it can share your exact location with anyone in the world and import detailed weather forecasts according to your GPS location.
During my 486-mile hike of the Colorado Trail, I sent out frequent messages to friends and family, which was invaluable for everyone involved.
My loved ones got peace of mind that I was safe, and I was able to stay in touch with those who mattered most.
Zpacks Pillowcase/Stuff Sack
MSRP: $59.95
Weight: 1.4 oz | 40 grams
Materials: Dyneema composite fabric, micro fleece
Sleep is vital, but often tough to come by in the backcountry.
I’ve tossed and turned during my fair share of overnighters, losing countless hours of sleep due to an uncomfortable setup.
One of my biggest issues with getting a good night’s sleep was that I couldn’t seem to figure out a comfortable pillow situation.
I’m a side and stomach sleeper, so inflatable camping pillows were too stiff for my neck, and sleeping on folded up clothing wasn’t cutting it either.
Enter this nifty little pillowcase and stuff sack combo.
For as simple as this product is, it’s absolutely perfect for backpacking.
Its dimensions — 18.5 x 9.75 inches — are ideal for holding my down jacket and ultralight sit pad, and its micro fleece outer fabric is soft against the skin.
I stuff my extra clothes inside it while hiking, and when it’s time to catch some Zs, I use its stretchy paracord to lash it to my sleeping pad so it doesn’t slip off in the middle of the night.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
MSRP: $45.95
Weight: 3.5 oz | 99 grams
Materials: Plastic
Clean drinking water is one of hiking’s ten essentials, so finding the right accessory to purify water while you’re on the trail is a must.
There are plenty of options on the market, but nothing nails the combination of durability, reliability, and packability quite like the Sawyer Squeeze.
The Squeeze is incredibly easy to use and requires no dangling of tubes, pumping, or waiting around for clean water.
To use it, fill a pouch with untreated water, screw the pouch into the filter, and squeeze the water through the filter into your water bottle.
That’s it.
Unlike their closest competitor, the Kathadyn BeFree, the Sawyer Squeeze is built to last.
With proper care, the Squeeze can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water over its lifetime.
The BeFree, which does filter water slightly faster and weighs an ounce less, is only rated to purify 265 gallons of water.
You’ll need to change out your BeFree filter far more frequently than the Squeeze, and it’ll cost way more money in the long run.
I’ve traveled to four different continents with my Squeeze and have backpacked over 2,000 miles with it.
It’s sturdy and has no moving parts, which allows it to stand up to the frequent abuse of life on the trail.
Its filter speed has slowed down slightly over time, but that’s a small price to pay for years of clean drinking water.
Zpacks Nero 38 DCF Backpack
MSRP: $249.00
Weight: 10.9 oz | 309 grams
Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabric, mesh
The Zpacks Nero 38 DCF is my go-to pack for everything from quick day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
I’ve hauled five days of food in this thing without issue.
Built from Dyneema Composite Fabric, it’s as light, durable, and waterproof as hiking and backpacking equipment gets.
Even with its stripped-down design, it’s surprisingly comfortable.
The removable sit pad doubles as a back panel and a trail seat, giving the pack just enough structure without adding weight.
The stretchy front mesh pocket is surprisingly tough and is perfect for stashing random accessories, wet gear, or layers on the go.
Both side pockets fit two one-liter Smartwater bottles each; they’re always easy to access, and never slide out.
If there’s a lighter, more functional pack that carries dang near 40 liters, I haven’t laid eyes on it yet.
This backpack is, without a doubt, one of the best pieces of hiking and backpacking gear in my 2025 packing list.
BRS 3000-T Stove
MSRP: $16.89
Weight: .88 oz | 25 grams
Materials: Titanium
Weight savings and functionality are everything in the world of ultralight hiking and backpacking, and this minimalist titanium stove is as lightweight and practical as they come.
Coming in at just under an ounce, the BRS 3000-T weighs a quarter of the uber-popular MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and costs half the price.
This stove is a comically tiny little gadget — it folds up to about the size of a lighter — but is quite powerful for its size.
In ideal conditions, it’ll boil a cup of water for my dehydrated meals in two or three minutes.
The flame on this stove is a tad more erratic than other larger options on the market, but I don’t need it to be perfect; I need it to do one thing.
I use this stove only to boil water and not for actual cooking.
Its three legs fold out about an inch-and-a-half in each direction and aren’t long enough to hold anything larger than a 750 ml titanium mug.
So, if you’re a backcountry chef looking for a stable surface to cook with and a dialed-in flame, don’t buy this stove.
Instead, check out the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 that I mentioned earlier.
Cork Massage Ball
MSRP: $10
Weight: .3 oz | 9 grams
Materials: Cork
Hiking and backpacking will put your body through the ringer, no doubt about it.
Ever hit the trail for 30 miles in one day?
Your muscles, tendons, and joints will feel absolutely wrecked when you finally get off your feet.
One of the easiest ways to recover after a long day in the backcountry is with some solo massage therapy.
That’s where my little cork massage ball comes in.
I used it to break up inflammation in my IT band while thru-hiking the Colorado Trail.
Not to mention, it came in clutch for foot, neck, and glute massages when Advil wasn’t enough.
This thing, paired with some mindful stretching and proper rest, kept me going all the way from Denver to Durango.
It’s cheap, practically weightless, and well worth its space in my pack.
Zpacks Triplex Tent
MSRP: $799.00
Weight: 21.4 oz | 607 grams
Materials: Bio-Based Dyneema Fiber
In 2015, a brutal storm hit as I watched helplessly out the window of my restaurant job.
Large chunks of hail pelted my car, which led to a hefty check from the insurance company.
Was I going to repair my car with the money?
Of course not; I bought a Zpacks Triplex instead.
This purchase was the start of my obsession with ultralight backpacking gear.
After I learned to set up the 22 oz Triplex (it was not easy at first), my experience with the tent was eye-opening.
It’s constructed from completely waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric, which means I’d never need to fuss with a rainfly ever again.
This UL tent is held upright by my trekking poles, meaning aluminum tent poles were also a thing of the past.
I’ve since stayed hundreds of nights in my Triplex, and it has endured some truly sketchy weather conditions.
Gale-force gusts of wind? Torrential downpour? Snow? Sleet? Dust storms?
This tent has stood up to everything.
The Triplex is a complete model of efficiency and might be my favorite piece of backpacking gear I’ve ever owned.
It paved the way for me to become an ultralight backpacker, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
Nitecore NB10000 Battery Bank
MSRP: $59.95
Weight: 5.3 oz | 150 grams
Materials: Carbon fiber, plastic
As much as I love escaping the grip of technology addiction by hiking through the wilderness, I’m still pretty reliant on my electronic gadgets and devices.
Staying in touch with loved ones, listening to music, signaling for help if I get lost — tech plays a vital role out in the middle of nowhere.
So, it’s essential to keep everything charged, especially when I’m wandering around the backcountry for days on end.
That’s where a handy little battery bank like this one comes in.
It’s the lightest 10,000 mAh bank on the market. Seriously.
The carbon fiber shaves ounces off my base weight, and every detail was engineered with gram-counters in mind.
Anyhow, you should probably grab this little beast for your hiking and backpacking kit.
It’ll keep your phone, watch, satellite messenger, and all other addictive accessories topped off for days.
Coal Headwear ‘The Provo’ Hat
MSRP: $40.00
Weight: 1.6 oz | 45 grams
Materials: Polyester
I run through hiking hats like they’re going out of style.
But this one might stick around for a while.
It fits me well and is incredibly breathable: my two non-negotiables for hiking and backpacking hats.
Made of 50 UPF polyester, it keeps the sun from sneaking through and toasting my pasty scalp.
Its side vents, bungee drawstring, and crushable design all make it easy to love and hard to throw in the donation pile.
My wife thinks I look kind of like a dork in this thing, but she simply doesn’t get it.
And she’ll never stop me from wearing it when I hit the trail and wander off into the woods.
FarPointe Alpha Direct Camp Pants
MSRP: $80.00
Weight: 3.2 oz | 91 grams
Materials: Alpha Direct
Okay, these thermal leggings are definitely a niche item for the diehard ultralight crowd.
But that’s kinda the camp I fall into, so here we go.
Weighing a ridiculous 3.2 ounces, they can replace the long underwear in your backpacking kit while trimming serious weight.
Seriously. These weigh as much as an energy bar.
Alpha Direct fabric isn’t nearly as durable as your standard polyester, but you aren’t supposed to put these pants through the ringer.
These thrive during camp life and sleeping bag duty (not while you’re bushwacking through the backcountry).
Oh, and one more thing: they’re kinda see-through.
So, if you decide to grab a pair, be sure to wear them with underwear or layer them with your hiking shorts.
Or don’t. I’m sure the other hikers will enjoy the show.
Complete Backpacking Checklist
Here’s the checklist I use while getting ready for my multi-day backpacking trips.
Add and subtract gear according to the needs of your upcoming trip, check the boxes as you pack, and you’ll be ready to hit the trail.
How to Find the Best Hiking & Backpacking Gear
If you want to become a stronger backpacker, keep the following advice in mind.
These four tips will help you put together your own killer hiking and backpacking setup that’ll set you up for success on your next overnight adventure.
Seek Out Lightweight Gear
When considering a new gadget or piece of hiking equipment, I always start by looking at the item’s weight.
The lighter the piece of equipment is, the more likely I am to buy it.
Why? Because the less weight I carry while on the trail, the more I enjoy myself.
Since my disastrous 2014 trek in Iceland, I’ve shed 30 pounds off my base weight, and life on the trail has improved immensely.
I move faster, cover more miles, am less prone to injury, and feel way better at the end of the day.
Buy quality, lightweight gear, and your hiking experience will improve immensely.
Plain and simple.
Seek Out Durable Gear
Lightweight gear is great and all, but it won’t be of much use on your hiking or backpacking trip unless it does what it’s supposed to do, day in and day out.
Get your hands on durable hiking and backpacking equipment that isn’t likely to break, tear, or give out when you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
Nobody’s got time for that.
To ensure that you buy durable gear, stay away from anything made from notoriously cheap materials or produced by brands with subpar reputations.
Nerd out as you research specs and spend time diving deep into unbiased reviews.
Who knows, you might find your own piece of essential hiking or backpacking equipment that’ll last for 2025 and far beyond.
Seek Out Versatile Gear
Versatile pieces of gear are valuable in multiple situations; the jack-of-all-trades equipment, if you will.
For instance, my Zpacks back panel can function as a seat, pillow padding, exercise mat, and backpack frame.
My Zpacks stuff sack/pillowcase can function as — you guessed it — a stuff sack and a pillowcase.
(I could even use it as a laundry bag to wash my clothes, though I haven’t yet.)
Search for gear that’ll be purposeful in a handful of different circumstances, and you’ll be well on your way to assembling your perfect kit.
Seek Out Well-Reviewed Gear
So, how do you ensure your next piece of hiking gear will be lightweight, durable, and versatile?
By reading over lots and lots of reviews, of course.
When searching for your next gadget or accessory, you’ll likely have a specific set of questions that can’t be answered by the product’s description alone.
Scouring through good reviews will often reward you with detailed, candid, and helpful answers.
Keep your eyes out for phony, fake, or paid reviews, as they’re biased and unlikely to tell you the whole story about a product.
Biased reviews aren’t always easy to distinguish from unbiased ones, which is why it’s essential to read over lots of reviews from many different websites.
Final Thoughts: Hiking & Backpacking Essentials
Wandering into the wilderness for hours, days, or weeks at a time may seem crazy to most people, but we hikers and backpackers know that it’s one of the most liberating feelings on earth.
Maybe you’re a backcountry junkie like I am, or perhaps you’re just a beginner looking to step up your game.
Whoever you are and whatever your reasons for ending up here, remember this: the equipment you bring along matters and could be the difference between an incredible trip and a maddening one.
So, if you’re in the market for the best hiking and backpacking gear of 2025, go out and buy some of the essentials that I swear by.
If all goes as planned, this top-notch equipment will make you stronger, happier, and more confident on the trail.
I have been backpacking for close to 50 years. This is a great article with good, simple, solid advice. Follow it and you will be comfortable, warm and dry on the trail.
Thanks, I really appreciate it! I hope one day I can say that I’ve been backpacking for 50 years. I’m about to completely update this post and add short reviews of all of my favorite gear, so keep your eyes open for it!
This is a fantastic article! Thanks for compiling all this for us.
Thanks, Stephen! Glad you found it useful.
Thanks for this! Just to share, my essentials are hammocks, hiking hats, and a packable backpack which I mostly get from https://coalatree.com/products/nomad-packable-backpack-black, a sustainable brand which has been my favorite for some time now. After reading this, I’m definitely adding more to my outdoor essentials!
1) You listed rainpants…but did not itemize or have a weight for them?
2) How many actual hours can you get off the rechargeable headlamp you recommend under actual use. We recently hiked the AZT in mid October with many more dark hours that required headlamp use. I also found in a the MOAB 240 ultra race the rechargeable headlamp I use on the very rough trails and where trail finding was difficult that 10-12 hours was all I was getting.
3) One pair of socks for 5 days. Do you wash to get the grit out. I find dusty trails, volcanic soils etc the need to wash and dry socks to prevent blisters.
4) Does this lean of clothes work for through hiking? I resupply days I have stood around in the heat in raincoat and rainpants trying to wash the essentials. What is your method?
Thank you for laying down the challenge to get my pack weight lighter. At age 71 I am finding a greater need to lighten the load.
Terry, sorry for the late reply! Thanks for the in-depth feedback.
1. I left a checkmark for rain pants since I do bring occasionally them on backpacking trips. I’d say I leave them behind 80-90% of the time, which is why I haven’t itemized them or included a weight. I’ve learned over the years that my rain jacket/shorts combo is usually great for light to moderate rain, unless I’m hiking in a shoulder season where I’m anticipating seriously cold weather.
2. I couldn’t tell you how many hours I get off my Nitecore NU25, since I’m not a huge night hiker. It’s never died on me yet, though, since I don’t use it a ton and charge it up every few days in my tent. Maybe for your style of night hiking/trail running, something with more battery life and higher lumens would do better for you, like the Ledlenser MH10?
3. I don’t go five days without washing my socks. I rinse them out every couple of days and completely wash them whenever I get into a town. If I were to go on the AZT, I’d probably bring a second pair of socks since I’ve heard it’s a very rough trail on the feet.
4. This set of clothes worked very well for my when I thru hiked the Colorado Trail, though I have to admit I had a friend bring a pair of Frog Toggs rain pants for the last 100 or so miles of the trail since it was mid-September, there was fresh snow on the ground, and temperatures were dropping. I try to treat myself to a cheap hotel on resupply days so I can wash my items in the sink, though sometimes that’s not an option. I do sometimes have a Ziploc freezer bag to wash items individually, thought I didn’t include that on my list.
I’m glad you found inspiration in my article, Terry! Keep hiking and let me know if you have any more questions.
Noel,
I’ve been reading your articles here and have found them very helpful !! Thanks for taking the time to help others out. This is exactly what I was looking for to help me get started with back country backpacking. Thanks !!
Glad I could help out, Chad! Let me know how your first trip into the backcountry goes.
I couldn’t agree more with you in regards to the Nite Core NU25 headlamp. It’s a gear nerd’s dream! My friends and family look at me with distain as I try to exploit its many virtues. The thing I like about it most isn’t the even the weight (I bought the version from Litesmith.com where they replace the band with stretchy reflective cordage taking the weight down to 1.12oz) but the thoughtfully considered modes. Instead of just hi, med, and low settings, I love that every mode has a purpose. This includes the separate soft light LED for reading. The flash modes include an SOS and beacon mode instead of just generic flash. And the two red modes allow for a minimum non-disruptive red light in the tent or a red light that’s enough to hike to if you don’t want to hurt your night vision. I could go on and on. I absolutely love it. As a side note…I saw that you replaced this light in your gear assortment with a tiny flashlight. I’ll have to check it out. If that flashlight is cool enough to replace this headlamp then I need one!
Jason, thanks for all the detailed comments! I’m happy that you’re giving me such detailed feeback on the blog. I love the NU25! What an incredible little headlamp. I did replace it with a little flashlight to save weight, but the NU25 could make a comeback onto the gear list eventually. I haven’t decided yet. The little flashlight is great, but it’s not as functional on the bill of my hat as an actual headlamp.
im off camping but i have renn 65ltrr which ii use for camping , airbed, pillow, towel, clothes, pan set, headlight, and tent light plus plate,bowl,mug are packed the sleepping bag , mains, folding table and stove and water carrier are ready to take but would it be too much gear
Eye opener! Im literally “trying” to get into backpacking. Everything is expensive, but your reviews were reasonably priced! Thank you for taking the time to review affordable gear. Will be saving your page!
Doeno – gear is great and great-gear is even greater!- but don’t let gear and its price keep you off the trail. I bought one good back pack and sleeping bag 25 years ago and they are still in service. We have given up tents and mats for home made hammocks and a tarp as a rain fly. Our stoves are “penny stoves” made from a beer can and our cook sets are $8 pots from Walmart. Personally we enjoy making our gear or finding creative options that are just as functional at a fraction of the cost. Being outside is the goal. The trail doesn’t care what I’m wearing . Enjoy!
Hi,
thanks so much for the list! It helps a lot.
I am planning to hike in Patagonia (Chile and Argentinia) and bring the Garmin inReach Mini. A friend of mine warned me, that some countries do not allow communication via Satellite without prior registration of the device.
Did you registre yours and if yes, do you have a hint where to do so?
Thanks in advance