Backpacking gear tips- a week of High Sierra backpacking
I just finished a magical week of backpacking with my dad. As I prepared for this trip, I was reminded of all the effort that goes into planning and gear selection. The reality is that there’s been so many changes in gear since I first started backpacking decades ago. (Before you ask, yes, my dad and my mom got me into backpacking)
Comfort is number one. A key to comfort is having the right gear for the type of terrain and weather you think you will encounter. Along with a little bit of emergency stuff for the unexpected. Now adays the gear should be as light as possible. There are so many good options out there. I would shop for weight and cost and find the balance between the two.
Below are my tips on gear selection for comfort.
Shelter
No tent: Someone might assume camping means a tent, but there are other options out there- including no shelter. Which is a great option if you feel confident the weather is stable and dry. I spend 90% of my backcountry camping without a tent. I feel good about this with shorter trips. Not so much for longer. I find weather prediction isn’t accurate enough to trust for weeklong trips.
Bivy Sack: The next lightest option are bivy sacks. Essentially a waterproof case to go around you and your sleeping bag but nothing else. This might be a good option if you are gambling on good weather but aren’t 100% sure.
Tent: The next step up is a tent. Single wall tents are lighter than those with mesh and rain flys. The downside to single wall tents is condensation build up or frost. A rain fly helps separate the moisture from you. If you know it will rain a fair bit, I’d go for the more traditional double wall tent.
Stove
No Stove: Just like sleeping in the open someone can choose to go without a stove. This would mean food needs no prep or can be prepped with cold water (instant potatoes for example).
Light weight alcohol stoves: There are a variety of fun commercial or homemade options of stoves(here). My best tip is to play around and test these systems out. These types of stoves are great for long through hikes.
Note Some stove types may not be allowed where there are fire restrictions.
Canister Stoves: Simple stoves that attach to a fuel canister. Some have integrated pots and others have just the stove portion. These are heavier but also very simple to operate. The fuel cans are not reusable so there is more waste. They also don’t perform well at altitude or in the cold. To help mitigate this I sleep with the fuel in my sleeping bag. This is my preferred stove set up for most of my week long and shorter missions. Heavy but oh so easy.
Note Altitude/expeditions– you might want to consider a classic MSR white gas stove with refillable bottles for fuel and a pump. Both these features allow you to maximize efficiency and pressure.
Sleeping System
Sleeping Pads: In my mind some form of a pad/insulation from the ground is non-negotiable. Whether you choose air or foam just depends on comfort and temperature range. Air pads are more comfortable, specifically under the hips and shoulders. It’s worth shopping around as they vary in noise, size, and weight. Airpads can be colder (the air in the pad can pull heat away). If you think cold is an issue, look for insulated airpads or combine with some foam. Foam pads come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. I’ve used the egg crate style for years, but there are much thinner options. These aren’t as cushy as airpads, but they are never pop and can be propped up for seats and sleeping on any surface.
Sleeping Bags: The most important decision is the level of warmth one needs. When looking at temperature readings confirm it’s in Fahrenheit not Celsius. Also, remember that the low rating is survival temps not comfort. I’ve made that mistake and wondered why a 30-degree bag wasn’t nearly warm enough at freezing levels.
Sleeping quilt: In my mind this is the way to go. Quilts are sleeping bags without a zipper draped over you so you don’t feel like you are suffocating. Removing the zipper is lighter weight but really, I chose these systems because they are far more comfortable.
Putting it all together
The only thing left to discuss in this article is your backpack. Finding the right backpacking back is quite the feat. Once again there are all sorts of brands and styles on the market, but weight should be top priority. One of the features that reduces weight is getting rid of extra pockets, compartments, and zippers. This means things must be stuffed into one big bag. But I promise you it’s worth it to make every step easier.
Other important features. The bag must fit. Meaning it should have a torso length that matches you and a waist belt that can tighten over hip bones. Sounds easy but I have only ever had one pack fit me (I’m small framed). At this point, I think I will have to custom order one.
The last feature is water proofing. If you aren’t in a rainy place you might opt for a simple trash bag insert rather than buying a waterproof pack. Or you can use a pack cover (not my favorite). If you know you will be around lots of rain, it’s really nice to get a bag that is waterproof.
Ok. Shelter, sleep, stoves and the bag to carry them are covered with the gear above. Not listed-you might want a spork for food. Maybe a lightweight ground tarp if you are bivying outside.
In conclusion
If you focus on the selections above, I promise you will have a lighter packing = easier walking and more enjoyment. You don’t have to go all in on ultralight to radically improve the experience.
In fact, everyone deserves to decide what weight is worth it. Sometimes there is that one extra thing worth the weight. For my dad, it’s the paperback book. For me it’s ALWAYS the food. I’m willing to carry more weight to eat well. Except when I’m rock climbing and then the climbing gear is first priority. We all have our vices 🙂
