Core Backpacking Gear

Here is a list of the core backpacking/trekking gear I use or have used over the years. This is core-gear only, so essentially the pieces that make up your camping home - backpack, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. See the Other Gear page for other common items needed for camping.

Each item in the "UltraLight" category is what I currently use after trying several options over the years, choosing to go "ultralight" (UL), researching gear online, and getting suggestions from other Trekkers. I can vouch for this list and each item is highly recommended.

I included a cost-conscious list too. If you've never done any trekking or backpacking, you may want to start here. These are all items Jon or I have used over the years or their 2020 equivalents.

Ultralight means shaving ounces in all areas and sometimes giving up comfort. For sleeping gear you always want to go light because who wants to carry unnecessary weight? But with a backpack, going UL means limiting your total volume and weight of gear and forgoing some of the back support that heavier backpacks provide. You can mix and match each of these categories, but avoid going for the UL backpack and then getting the cheaper other gear.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear

Total Core Gear Stats

Total Weight: 183.5 oz / 11.5 lb (5.75 lb each)
Total Cost: $1478 - REI sells the tent and sleeping pad so pay attention to their garage sales and their 20% membership deals. Gossamer and Enlightened have sales sometimes as well, at least at Christmas.
Note: this is for a 2-person home. Jon carries the sleeping pad and tent/vestibule while I carry the tent poles/stakes and the sleeping pad. Jon's weight is slightly more than mine but I like to think it's an even split - according to body weight/pack weight ratio.

Cost-conscious option

Ultralight Backpacking Gear

Total Core Gear Stats

Total Weight: 12.3 lb / 196 Oz (for women's options)
If comparing to UL, add 3.5 lb / 36 Oz for a second sleeping bag and pad. 15.8 lb.
Total Cost: $817
If comparing to UL, add $289 for the second sleeping bag and pad. $1106.
Cheapest Option Total: $489 + $220 for the second bag and pad = $709
Note: Most of these items can be found at REI, so keep an eye on their garage sales, the outlet, and their 20% coupons. Also, feel free to substitute - these are the things we used to use but this industry keeps coming up with awesome new things, so keep an eye out and try new things.

Backpack

Ultralight

Cost-conscious

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 or Mariposa 60

Weight: 30.6 Oz/1.91 lb (Medium belt and bag)
Cost: $215 ($225 for Mariposa) + $45 for belt
Why it's the best: Its super lightweight, comfortable, holds all my stuff, and it has a sit pad! Jon has the Mariposa version and likes it as much as I like my Gorilla so if you want more room, you can try that one. Its the same weight and holds 50% more. Seems like sorcery to me.

Cost-conscious

Gregory Jade 53 (Women's) / Gregory Baltoro 65 (Men's)

Total Weight: 3.4 Lb, 54.6 Oz (Jade) / 4.8Lb, 77 Oz (Baltoro)
Total Cost: $199 / $299
Note: These bags weigh a lot more but they can also carry a lot more and distribute weight much better than the UltraLight versions I recommended. They are good solid bags for most backpacking trips. These are the bags we did the 80 mile O-Trek in Patagonia with so they are not exactly "starter" products. I'd recommend going to REI and letting them size a pack for you.
Cheapest Option: Look for REI Outlet items, I've seen plenty of acceptable options on there in the $130 price range.

Tent

Ultralight

Cost-conscious

Nemo Equipment Dagger UltraLight

Weight: 62 oz/3.9 lb
Cost: $429 for the 2-person
Why it's the best: Well, I won't claim this is the absolute best tent - there are lighter options - but it is roomy enough for Jon, Me, and our 50 pound dog when she comes along. Most importantly, the vestibule is large enough to keep our dirty boots and backpacks covered, dry, and separate from our sleeping area. The vestibule is critical for a rainy climate. It's also long enough for a tall guy to fit in (Jon is 6'3").

Cost-conscious

REI Half Dome 2 Plus

Total Weight: 5.3 lb, 85 Oz

Total Cost: $229

Notes: This is a roomy lightweight option with plenty of pockets for storage. I like having two doors so I don't have to crawl over Jon for mid-night bathroom trips. It also has the vestibule space I need for wet weather.

Cheapest Option: The REI Co-op Passage 2 for $159. This has a little less space but weighs about the same as the half-dome.

Sleeping Pad

Ultralight

Cost-conscious

ExPed Hyperlite Duo Winter (Ultra 3R Duo)

Weight: 51 Oz / 3.2 lb
Cost: $319
Why it's the best: If you've ever had 2 sleeping pads in a tent, you know there is that dead zone between them that is cold and you always end up in it. Not a problem with a 2-person sleeping pad. It's a game-changer even if you aren't a couple. We have the winter version because the extra insulation makes a significant difference in keeping you warm, so it's worth the extra weight. We also have the long/wide version because Jon is tall. Finally, The yellow pump bag is one of the greatest things to happen in backpacking.
Update 2023: They obsoleted this version, but the Ultra 3R Duo is a little lighter. Our Hyperlite actually had a busted seam and ExPed was awesome about sending us a replacement (Repaced with Ultra) no questions asked. Great company.

Cost-conscious

Nemo Astro 25L

Total Weight: 1.4Lb, 22 Oz
Total Cost: $70
Notes: This is comfy, rolls up really small, and is pretty affordable.
Cheapest Option: There are usually sales, etc for pads around the $50 range.

Sleeping Bag

Ultralight

Cost-conscious

Enlightened Equipment Accomplice. We have the 20oF, 850 down, long version.

Weight: 39.5 Oz / 2.5 lb
Cost: $470
Why it's the best: I'd say this is the best option if you have someone with whom you can share a sleeping bag. You share warmth with each other and you save a lot of weight by not having the extra material or insulation a single bag requires to keep you fully enclosed and warm. We've used it in sub-freezing weather (down to ~25oF) and we've been warm and comfortable. I was concerned about the "quilt" not completely covering me, but with the insulated sleeping pad it's not a problem. They do have single options as well and I've heard good things about them from other trekkers.

Cost-conscious

REI Joule 21

Total Weight: 2.2 lb, 34 Oz
Total Cost: $319
Notes: I get cold at night so the 21 degree bag is perfect for me, even in the summer. I used to use a 0 degree synthetic and it was about the same level of warmth but much more bulky. Jon uses a 35 degree down bag that they don't sell anymore.
Cheapest Option: There are 20 degree down bags in the $150 range.