8 months ago
7041
49
Posted On: March 6th 2026, 01:59 pm
If I had to restart backpacking from zero:
After a lot of trips (and a lot of gear I wish I didn’t buy) Here’s what I’d do differently ⤵️
Lightweight tent: Your shelter is one of the heaviest things you carry, so it matters a lot. I’d spend the extra money here and get something truly lightweight. When you’re hiking miles in, every pound makes a difference 🏕️
A good inflatable sleeping pad
(ideally with an easy inflate system) This is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades in backpacking. Blowing up the one I have is the worst thing on earth before going to bed. Save yourself the dizziness 😵💫
A solid 0° sleeping bag: If I could only own one bag, it would still be a 0°. You can always vent it or unzip it when it’s warmer, but when it’s cold you’ll be glad you have it. The one thing I’d change: I’d spend the extra money on a lighter one. My bag feels like carrying around a brick 🧱
Second hand titanium cookware: Titanium pots, cups, and utensils are ridiculously light and basically indestructible. I’d look for them used before buying new again. Outdoor gear holds up forever and people are always selling it. Steel and aluminum work, but the weight adds up fast. Plus you’re saving the planet 🌿🌲
A water filtration system you trust: Underestimated until you’re deep in the backcountry. A reliable filter means you don’t have to carry nearly as much water weight.
❗️Pro tip: a used Smartwater bottle threads onto many water filters and works way better than the bag provided IMO.
Headlamp that takes batteries: You’ll use it constantly: cooking, setting up camp, late hikes, early mornings. Having one you don’t need to charge is way more convenient. Just don’t forget spares.
Dry bags and compression sacks: Nothing ruins a trip faster than soaked gear (or not being able to fit everything back in your bag)
A sit pad (so underrated): A tiny foam sit pad is one of the best comfort items you can bring. Dry place to sit, kneel while cooking, clean pants, can’t beat it.
Save this for when you’re building your backpacking setup 🤍⤵️
#earnedfreedom #backpackingtips #granolalife #campinggear #naturetherapy
After a lot of trips (and a lot of gear I wish I didn’t buy) Here’s what I’d do differently ⤵️
Lightweight tent: Your shelter is one of the heaviest things you carry, so it matters a lot. I’d spend the extra money here and get something truly lightweight. When you’re hiking miles in, every pound makes a difference 🏕️
A good inflatable sleeping pad
(ideally with an easy inflate system) This is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades in backpacking. Blowing up the one I have is the worst thing on earth before going to bed. Save yourself the dizziness 😵💫
A solid 0° sleeping bag: If I could only own one bag, it would still be a 0°. You can always vent it or unzip it when it’s warmer, but when it’s cold you’ll be glad you have it. The one thing I’d change: I’d spend the extra money on a lighter one. My bag feels like carrying around a brick 🧱
Second hand titanium cookware: Titanium pots, cups, and utensils are ridiculously light and basically indestructible. I’d look for them used before buying new again. Outdoor gear holds up forever and people are always selling it. Steel and aluminum work, but the weight adds up fast. Plus you’re saving the planet 🌿🌲
A water filtration system you trust: Underestimated until you’re deep in the backcountry. A reliable filter means you don’t have to carry nearly as much water weight.
❗️Pro tip: a used Smartwater bottle threads onto many water filters and works way better than the bag provided IMO.
Headlamp that takes batteries: You’ll use it constantly: cooking, setting up camp, late hikes, early mornings. Having one you don’t need to charge is way more convenient. Just don’t forget spares.
Dry bags and compression sacks: Nothing ruins a trip faster than soaked gear (or not being able to fit everything back in your bag)
A sit pad (so underrated): A tiny foam sit pad is one of the best comfort items you can bring. Dry place to sit, kneel while cooking, clean pants, can’t beat it.
Save this for when you’re building your backpacking setup 🤍⤵️
#earnedfreedom #backpackingtips #granolalife #campinggear #naturetherapy
Comments (49)
5 months agowyatth2002
i like having the petzl with the battery pack because i can bring extra batteries but it’s rechargeable battery is fine most of the time
6 months agoalexi.aguilar.2
what tent u running? i like the look dawg, i run Hubba Hubba MSR 2 person tent
6 months agosawyerfadless
For me it would go. 1 sleeping bag, 2 sleeping pad, 3 tarp/tent and then all the rest of the do hikys
7 months agocassarainwonderland
My favorite thing is my pocket rocket isobutane stove paired with my Stanley boil set that came with two coffee cups inside. Doesn’t matter where I am going- car camping or backpacking those two things always are the first on my list to pack!
7 months agonoahk10
The sit pad is an absolute a sleeper item. $9 on Amazon, virtually no weight. Has been on my must have list for years now 🤙🏼
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