The Best Lightweight Backpacking Gear According to a Thru Hiker
It’s hard to forget the first time you arrive at camp at the end of a long day and still feel like yourself. Your legs are tired, sure, but your spirit isn’t crushed. That was the moment I became hooked, not with counting ounces for the sake of it, but with understanding which lightweight backpacking gear actually earns its keep.
After thru-hiking the Triple Crown trails, guiding hikers of varying experience levels, and watching countless clients try to sort out what to bring, I’ve learned that most people don’t need more stuff. They need less stuff which is light, dependable, and tuned to the conditions they’ll actually face.
Here’s what I’d bring if I were starting from scratch, and what I recommend to anyone trying to build a lightweight backpacking gear setup.
