The Best Gear for Trekking
Trekking gear has gotten complicated with all the sponsored reviews and affiliate link roundups flying around. As someone who has worn through multiple pairs of boots, retired several backpacks, and tested more stoves than any reasonable person should, I learned everything there is to know about what actually works on the trail. Here is my honest gear guide.
Footwear
Your feet do all the heavy lifting, so this is where you invest first. I cannot tell you how many treks I have seen ruined by bad footwear. Look for boots with solid ankle support, waterproofing, and thick soles for traction. Merrell, Salomon, and Lowa all make reliable options that I have personally beaten up on trails. And please — break them in before your trek. I showed up to a week-long trip in brand-new boots once. Once.
Backpacks
A good backpack makes everything else easier. Padded shoulder straps and a hip belt are non-negotiable — the hip belt should carry most of the weight. Multiple compartments help keep your gear organized so you are not digging through everything to find your headlamp. The Osprey Atmos and Deuter AirContact are two models I have relied on for years.
Clothing
That is what makes a good layering system endearing to us multi-day trekkers — it handles everything the weather throws at you. Start with moisture-wicking base layers in merino wool or synthetic. Add a fleece or insulated mid-layer for warmth. Top it with a waterproof breathable shell for wind and rain. This three-layer system has kept me comfortable from desert heat to alpine storms.
Footwear
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
- Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
- Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Backpacks
- Osprey Atmos AG 65
- Deuter AirContact Lite 60+10
- Gregory Baltoro 65
Clothing
- Icebreaker Merino Base Layers
- Patagonia R1 Fleece Jacket
- Arc-teryx Beta AR Jacket
Navigation Tools
Even experienced trekkers can get turned around, and I include myself in that group. A reliable compass and topographic map should always be in your pack, GPS or no GPS. The Garmin GPSMAP 66i provides real-time tracking and can be a genuine lifesaver in remote areas without cell signal. I carry all three — belt and suspenders approach to navigation.
Water Filtration
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Clean water is not optional. Carrying a filter or purification tablets means you can safely drink from streams and rivers, which dramatically reduces how much water weight you need to carry. The Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree are both compact and effective. I have used the Sawyer for three seasons now and it has not let me down.
Sleeping Gear
A bad night of sleep at camp means a bad day on the trail. Choose a sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperatures you expect — and then go a bit colder to be safe. The North Face and Marmot make solid options. Pair your bag with an insulated sleeping pad — the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm is popular for good reason. That ground insulation makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
Navigation Tools
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Silva Ranger Compass
- National Geographic Topographic Maps
Water Filtration
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
- Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
- Aquamira Water Purification Tablets
Sleeping Gear
- The North Face Cat Meow Sleeping Bag
- Marmot Trestles Elite Sleeping Bag
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad
Cooking Equipment
Hot food on the trail is a morale multiplier. The MSR PocketRocket and Jetboil Flash are both lightweight and boil water fast. I use a titanium cook pot from Snow Peak that has survived years of trail abuse. A hot meal at the end of a long day makes everything better.
Safety Gear
A first aid kit is mandatory. Adventure Medical Kits makes solid options that cover the essentials — bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers. A multi-tool like a Leatherman handles repairs and unexpected situations. And always carry a whistle and signal mirror. These weigh almost nothing and could save your life.
Cooking Equipment
- MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700 Cook Set
Safety Gear
- Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7
- Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
- Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle
Lighting
A headlamp is essential — no exceptions. The Black Diamond Spot and Petzl Actik offer adjustable brightness and long battery life. I always bring extra batteries or a portable charger. A small lantern at camp is a nice luxury that does not weigh much.
Weather Protection
Weather in the wilderness does not follow forecasts perfectly. A portable weather radio like the Midland ER210 keeps you informed of incoming changes. And always pack rain protection for your backpack — even if the forecast says sunshine. I learned that lesson on a supposedly dry weekend that turned into three days of rain.
Lighting
- Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
- Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
- Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Lantern
Weather Protection
- Midland ER210 Weather Radio
- Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho
- Osprey Ultralight Raincover
Good gear is an investment that pays dividends on every trip. Take the time to choose items that fit your needs, test them before you hit the trail, and take care of them between trips. The right gear does not just make trekking more enjoyable — it makes it safer.
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