Backpacking Gear List

These are very important for both warmth and comfort. Those are the two factors to look at when choosing your clothes. Use the layering principle, where-by you have multiple layers of clothing to take on/off and mix-match as conditions change. Let's start from the ground up:

Socks - I use and love my Thorlo Trekking socks ($10-$20). They have ones for different purposes (hiking, backpacking, etc.), but I just use the thicker backpacking version for all my activities (hiking, skiing..). Under my Thorlos I have a polypropylene liner that wicks the sweat away from the foot.

Underwear - I use long polyester/lycra underwear shirts and long-johns. They keep me warm, comfortable, and wick the sweat into the outer layers of clothing or into the air. They can comfortably be worn without any outlayers on warmer days.

Mid-layer - I prefer fleece, all the way. The fleece pants are used only on extremely cold conditions and when I have Gore-Tex pants to keep them dry. On warmer days or without the Gore-Tex, I'll wear whatever I can scrounge up (some people like wool). I always use my Polartec 200 jacket or Polartec 300 vest depending on the condition (or put them together for extra warmth!).

Outer Shell - Of course, Gore-Tex is prefered here. It lets your body "breath" while keeping wind and rain out. The pants are expensive and optional, but when you're in a down-pour, they pay off ($120-$250). In terms of jackets, you want to make sure you're getting something that will last. If it's Gore-Tex approved (and I wouldn't recommend anything else), usually you can count on it to be water-proof and of at least a pretty good quality. In choosing the jacket for you, I suggest trying them on and then buying the most comfortable jacket with the extra features you like (arm-pit zips, extra pockets) that is within your price range. Usually between $200 and $350 gets you a good jacket (unless you're being ripped off or getting a super extreme one).

Headgear - You loose a lot of heat from your head. Wide-brimmed hats are good for keeping the sun and rain off, and toques or balaclavas keep you nice and toasty.

Rainwear - If you can't afford Gore-Tex, you may opt to get a rain poncho. However, in my experience, the non-breathable rubber gets you wet, anyways, from your sweat, and it's heavy.

Cooking

Mountain Safety Research is definitely the company you want to go with for stoves. Their stoves are excellent quality, small, packable, and reliable. The three common ones they make are the XGK II, the WhisperLite, and the WhisperLite Internationale. The XGK II is $90, the WhisperLite $60, and the Internationale $65. The XGK II is a little more sturdy than the others, works even at really high altitudes, and burns almost anything. The only difference between the two WhisperLite s is that the Internationale burns Kerosene--which is worth the $5 extra. I own the Internationale, and it is the most popular stove that I know of.

Besides the stove, you want a few good quality pots (at least stainless steel, but titanium is very light) of different sizes that you can choose from for different trips. I prefer to pack light and small, so I usually take either a 1L or a 1.5L, but this is a personal choice. A stainless steel or teflon pan can be handy for some meals, but I don't cook much so don't bother with one. Then you should have your cutlery and at least a bowl (plate is optional).

Talking of food, I don't care to eat extravagently when on the trail, so live off of porridge, bars (all different types..fruit, power, chocolate, etc), soup, trail mixes, and the like. What you bring is chosen from what you can stand to carry, cook, and eat. For tips and suggestions, see a wilderness cookbook.

Sleeping Bags

There are so many available, it's hard to choose one. First decide--synthetic or down filled, mummy or barrel style, and what temperature rating? Synthetic is cheaper and insulates better when wet than down but isn't as warm. Mummy bags taper down your legs. Ask yourself what temperatures you'll be using it in. I prefer synthetic mummies, with down in the winter (if warmth really matters). Once you've made your decisions, go to a store and talk to a sales rep about the bags on the market that suit your needs. Prices range more than most equipment--from $100 to $1000. I believe $150-$200 can get you a reasonably good bag.

Sleeping Pads

As far as I'm concerned, there are two choices here: foam or self inflating air matress? Foam is cheaper but doesn't insulate as well. If you're getting a foam pad, Evazote is a popular brand--abrasion and UV resistance, resilient, light, warm, and reasonably priced (around $20). Get the thickness based on the warmth you'll be needing. For self inflating air matresses, go with Therm-A-Rest. I prefer the standard thickness, long size ($65). The short version leaves your legs dangling, and the thicker sizes are heavier and more bulky. The "Lite" versions are less thick and so good for packing in the summer, but aren't recommended in the snow.

Backpacks

Two main choices: internal or external frame? You get a more rigid pack with the external frame (you know, the kind with a metal frame), but most packs now-a-days are internal. They conform better to your body and are more attractive. Figure out how much you need the pack to hold then go to your outdoor store and talk with the sales reps, try some on with weight in 'em. Look for a pack that seems to make the weight disappear (puts it on your hips, not your back and shoulders). Most are pretty good (remember, usually if the price is cheap, so is the quality), so go with the one that feels right for you and has the extra features you like. You're looking at between $200 and $400 for a pretty good pack. Personally, I like the top-quality packs Arc-Teryx Bora and Gregory Massif.

Boots

These are of paramount importance to the backpacker--make sure you get a pair that fits you perfect. You need a sturdy boot with a good tread. I prefer my boots cut above the ankle, but not so high as to restrict movement. Leather is always good, and a Gore-Tex liner is optional (do you want wet feet?). If you find the perfect boot that isn't Gore-Tex, you can buy $50 Gore-Tex socks, with the benefit that you can wear them in every one of you boots or shoes. Boots can be from $150 to $300. This price goes down if you're just getting a boot (shoe) for some lighter hiking. I suggest just getting a sturdy hiking shoe for day trips, but for backpacking and light mountaineering you need a good strong pair that can handle the snow and ice and the extra pounds of a heavy pack. I love my Scarpa Fitzroy boots (regular $370, but they were on sale for $270, plus I got a 25% membe4rship discount. $200 total--wow!).

Tents

With tents, the best thing to do is to talk with some people who know a lot about tents and what's available on the market, etc, like sales reps. You gotta know how many people you need the tent to hold and then check out some different designs. Watch out for the weight, too. Tents can be pretty expensive--if money is a concern, make sure you get quality but don't bother with all the extra features that aren't necessary for you. Myself, I like the personal bivi shelters--like a swollen sleeping bag that accomodate one person (around $300). They are small, lighter, easy to pitch, and private (no snoring to keep you awake ;). I use a real, high-quality tent for winter, though.

Miscellaneous