Most Underrated Pieces of Backpacking Equipment: Inexpensive Gear That Makes a Difference

Gear in this video:

My favorite gear for backpacking:

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[shanenevius]

As a PNW hiker, a backpacking umbrella has become my new best friend! Keeps me dry on the trail while still letting me stay cool. My rain jacket is great for when I’m sitting around camp, but I get too overheated hiking with it on. The umbrella is a perfect solution, especially paired with a stretchy loop to pop on the shoulder and keep it attached to me handsfree.

[MGA_]

A couple birthday cake candles. It'll help conserve fuel when trying to light stubborn fires. Each lasts 20-30 minutes

[robuncorked]

Regarding trekking poles, one other benefit I find is that it forces me to maintain proper posture, especially when I get tired going up hills. Where I used to start hunching over on climbs, even resting my hands on my knees, with trekking poles I stay upright and use the poles for assistance instead. It has dramatically helped me take that pressure of my back.

[Melanie-Shea]

Just a tip, compress the compression sack by kneeling on it with your knee so that the straps are not under tension. It’s a lot easier / compresses more. But it is also a good idea because a lot of compression straps will not stand up to the way you were using it for very long.

[stephanmeyn]

two items I'd like to add:
1. Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink. It comes with a tiny pouch, so t takes up literally no space and the pouch comes with a belt loop. Ideal if you come to a stream and you want to get water out quick. Also great if you want to wash away from a stream so as to not have the washing water pollute the stream.

2. a small sewing kit. Basically a small pouch with 6 sewing needles and thread. Other than duct tape, there is no more versatile repair kit around. I had a seam give on one of my boots on day 2. I spent an hour, slowly building a repair seam. They held until the end of the trek.

I have to add on trekking poles. At age 66, my reflexes aren't what they used to be. The poles give you that little bit of extra stability that prevents you from going over when the ground is suddenly not what you thought it was.

[jessicab]

I never see these mentioned in essential gear, but there are two things I never go backpacking without. First is a wilderness first aid kit, with a few doses of over the counter meds thrown in. Dark Angel Medical makes a really great and very compact trauma kit that is perfect for backcountry. Second is a PLB (personal locator beacon). Both are very small and light but could potentially save you or someone else on the trail in an emergency.

[KO]

My backpacking chair makes my list of essential gear. The extra weight is well worth having something comfortable to sit on at camp.

[thumperthumper]

For me I would add a shamogh. I never knew hoe useful it was until I got one and started using it. I was amazed that every time I walk out the door that shamogh has to be with me. Fantastic in the winter and the hot summer. Love my shamogh.

[larryfolloway]

I’ve watched lots of backpacking videos that talk about socks. I’ve never seen anyone bring up under armour but they have the best synthetic socks I’ve tried. They’re fitted with a right and left sock. They really help with foot fatigue and I’ve never had a blister.

[NotALizardPerson]

To me the trekking poles are the difference between my knee being useless after the first day and not having any issues at all no matter how much distance and elevation I cover.

[visnuexe]

I would add an emergency help item or two: a whistle for directing or broadcasting you need help, especially if soloing so help can locate you. If you are immobilized at least people might find you. Wear that on you always. Are you in densely wooded or rocky terrain? A helicopter or drone can possibly find you if you have an emergency orange blanket/tarp you can find many uses for like making a chair from a tripod rig to putting your gear and shoes out of the rain, to using as a wind break. It's added weight that may save your life!

[bobbymcdonald]

a buff is multi purpose, an absolute must to pack or carry. nice vid by the way.

[mysterylovescompany]

Oh, & if you don't have a compression sack, dry bags are another great way to pack your bedding smaller than its stuff sack allows; the roll-top gives you a lot of power for how compressed you want it, the shape fits better into your pack as it will mold around other items better than the ss would, & the only thing to worry about is - as w. a compression sack - just making sure you don't pack it down overtight & damage the down.
Obvious bonus; your precious bag/quilt is better protected from that mortal enemy of all down-item -users - moisture. :-)

[Baasicstuff]

I have carbon fiber trekking poles I will be picking up some aluminum ones for peaks and rocky areas. Wind is the biggest reason, Carbon Fiber poles will blow all over in 20 mph wind tripping you at the wrong time, it happened once, to me and accuracy is effected when wind grabs your pole, the slightly heavier aluminum seems to not be influenced by the wind as much. I will see

[CharlesBlank]

I bought carbon fiber with cork handle trekking poles from my local costco for $30. The brand is cascade mountain. I think they go for around $60 on Amazon.

[mysterylovescompany]

Unadvertised advantage to the StS Water Cell design, over narrower or harder designs; in a pinch, you can use it as a pillow.

[scottroach]

One important note regarding the stove windscreen. If you use a canister stove that attaches directly on top of the canister there is an explosion risk if the screen is too close, thus reflecting the heat back at the canister. Better to keep one side open and keep it far enough away from the stove to prevent canister overheating. The video shows his stove has a remote canister away from the windscreen which is good.

[dirigodave]

Hike the white mountains in New England…trekking poles are an absolute must! Especially in winter!

[valdius]

Five finger liner socks. Then wool sock over that. That’s a great way :)

[dw]

Darn Tough hiking socks are the cat's pajamas. Made in Vermont and carry a lifetime warranty, which I've never had to use - so it may suck, but nevertheless, great socks.