Backpacking

Backpack, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Air Mat, Tent, Stove and Pot, Cooking Utensils, Water Filter, Sleepwear, Trekking Clothing, Rain Gear, Hiking Boots, Trail Running/Hiking Shoes, Sandals, Food Bag, Knife, Radio, First Aid Kit, Camera/Video Equipment

Backpacks: Osprey Aether 65 and Osprey Kyte 46

I have used Osprey backpacks exclusively for years. I alternate the size and style of my pack depending on my activity and the duration of my trek, but no matter the style, the brand is Osprey.

Sleeping Air Mat: NeoAirA(R) UberLite(TM) Sleeping Pad Orion Regular Wide

It’s hard to beat a Therm-a-Rest. I use this mat because of how lightweight yet durable it is, but depending on your needs (ultra light, backpacking, car camping, etc) there are other weight and size options available.

Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag

I have used the same sleeping bag for the past eight years, and even when I got it I bough it used at an REI garage sale. The fact that it still manages to keep me warm after years of use is a testament to the quality.

Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Tent: 1-Person 3-Season

When backpacking solo my Big Agnes 1-person tent offers plenty of space and over the years it has held up to extreme weather and immense wear and tear.

Stove and Pot: Jetboil MicroMo Stove and PocketRocketA(R) 2 Stove

I have alternated between two cooking systems over the years and each have their benefits. I enjoy JetBoil stoves for their speed (unmatched!), but occasionally the intensity of the flame (even on the lowest setting) is too strong to avoid boiling over. The MSR stove is compact and efficient, but just not quite as fast in bringing water to a boil.

Cooking Utensils: Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Although plastic is far lighter in backpacking terms, I prefer to avoid plastic at all costs. I also tend to enjoy the durability of a metal spoon. SnowPeak makes an ultra light titanium spoon that allows the best of both worlds.

Water Filter: Sawyer Mini Water Filter

I can’t imagine using a water filtration system other than Sawyer. At this point in my backpacking career “water filter” and “Sawyer” have become synonymous.

Sleep Wear: CozyEarth Joggers

Thickness and style of sleep wear various by season, but no matter the time of year, the brand remains the same for me. I use Cozy Earth because of the antimicrobial quality of their bamboo clothing, which is an outstanding perk for any dirty, un-showered backpacker.

Trekking Clothing:
- REI Co-op Women's Midweight Base Layer Half-Zip Top
- Patagonia Better Sweater Full-Zip Hooded Jacket - Women's
- REI Co-op Women's Midweight Base Layer Tights

My trekking clothing varies by season, but I have listed a few key items that I bring on most treks. If you’re looking for new trekking clothing of your own I would say that anything from the following brands will provide a solid option.
Outdoor Research
Cotopaxi
REI
Patagonia
You can also seek out deals on quality brands at: Backcountry and Steepandcheap

Head Lamp: Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

I have found both Black Diamond and Petzel to be quality brands for head lamps, but I tend to stick with Black Diamond simply because I have become accustom to their features. I also appreciate their product warranty that provides me with comfort when purchasing an expensive product.

Rain Gear: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket - Women's and REI Co-op Women's Essential Rain Pants

I have never backpacked long treks in a notoriously rainy climates, but I have been caught in my fair share of multi day storms requiring effective rain gear. I have found these items to be sufficient for my needs, though if I were to be on an ultra light trek through a consistently rainy climate I would want to search for a more lightweight and compact option.

Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Women's

I have found many brands that work well with my feet, and an equal amount of others that don’t. As of right now these are the top two styles that I am working with.

Trail Running/Hiking Shoes: Mesa Trail - Lightweight Trail Runner

I have not found a trail running shoe that I have liked more. I can’t imagine switching back to any other brand now that I have found Xero Shoes. I have found them to be the ultimate shoe for me because of how lightweight, flexible, and breathable they are. They give extra space in the toes to allow for a natural flex of the foot, and they have a 5,000 mile sole warranty.

Sandals: Z-Trail - EV

I have found Xero Shoes to be the ultimate shoe for me because of how lightweight, flexible, and breathable they are. They have a 5,000 mile sole warranty, they are quick to slip on and off while at camp, and they have amazing grip for maneuvering around a rocky or muddy surface.

Food Bag: Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag - 8 Liters Ursack Major Bear Sack - 10 Liters

The brand varies because I replace this periodically when my bag is torn beyond repair (from tree branches, rocks, normally wear and tear, and luckily not bears). For now this bag has been holding up well. I also have a separate bear proof bag that I bring on treks in areas with bears that I have listed second.

Knife: Gerber Paraframe II Knife - Serrated

I wish I didn’t lose my knife so often, but somehow I do. There are a lot of great brands out there but for whatever reason I tend to return to Gerber. If you’re looking for a new knife I suggest doing your research to find a knife that will offer you the perfect balance of weight, size, and use.

Radio: Motorola T600 H20 2-Way Radio - Pair

I have been using Motorola radios for a few years now as means of communication with people in my own group, but for long distance backcountry rescue scenarios I would not suggest this radio.

First Aid Kit: HART Outdoor Multiday First Aid Kit

My med kit is an altered version of this kit. I add items I might need for the specific activities I am brining it on and restock it often. I strongly suggest you only bring med kit items you know how to properly use. You won’t magically learn how to use gear in the field and it only serves as extra weight.

Camera/Video Equipment:
GoPro HERO9 Black Camera
DJI Spark and Iphone 11plus

YouTube and Instagram are key platforms of mine so I bring camera and video equipment on most treks. Although there are many great high-tech items currently on the market the items I use are the perfect blend of quality and size & weight that I am looking for.

SPOT Device: SPOT Gen4

This is a key item for peace of mind. If not for yourself, then for your family. I have luckily never had to use it, but it is reassuring to know that if I were to be in desperate need of medical attention while backcountry I would be able to receive it at the press of a button. SPOT requires a yearly subscription that covers search and rescue, and the fees associated with it, as well as a set amount of medical expenses.