Our Gear
We've found one of the bigger obstacles to our friends who love spending time outdoors doing trips like ours is the cost/research time/storage space of gear. We can't solve the first or third problem, but as for the second, here you have it, all of the stuff we actually bring on our trips in one place!
For context, because we live in Brooklyn which is very far from most places we travel to, we generally pack everything into two free checked bags (thanks, credit cards) plus carry-ons and use a rental car or Turo at our destination. As such, much of our gear serves a hybrid role of tent camping out of the car and backpacking. This often means versatile gear that makes compromises like being slightly too heavy for ideal backpacking and more expensive than the cheap, heavy car camping options.
We haven't tried most options so take our recommendations as passable examples vs. competition with OutdoorGearLab or Switchback Travel (two of our favorite comparison sites).
While we have used affiliate links in the below to help cover the cost of the site (~$20/month, for those who are curious) and would of course it appreciate if you use the links if you decide to buy new, we highly encourage everyone to try to buy most things used if you have the time and it makes sense. There are lots of great local options as well as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark. Doing so both minimizes waste and saves money and you can find plenty of nearly-new stuff that's high quality at a good price. Although be careful when deciding which items make sense to buy used, Anna once had boots literally disintegrate from lack of use the day before a backpacking trip in Patagonia...
We also try to only use vegan products. Easy in the case of tarps, difficult in the case of hiking boots.
Hiking
Gear obviously changes depending on hike duration and conditions, but to give you a flavor:
Base Layer: Anything breathable / polyester-based
Anna: My very favorite inner layers are Everlane's perform tanks. I wear these under my mid-layer in warmer weather and under synthetic long sleeves in the winter.
Dan: My favorites are the very boujee Vouri which are soft and breathable but are absurdly overpriced unless your wife tracks them down for you on Poshmark for 30% of list price...
Mid-Layer: Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's & Women's)
Outer Shell: Arc'teryx Alpha FL
These are our splurge purchases. Even though we got a mix of heavily on-sale and used, they are expensive! We've been using both on most of our hikes in colder/rainier conditions for the past 3 years and have a great experience. Both layers are quite light and breathable, making them ideal for quickly shedding or adding as conditions change as you ascend or descend in volatile climate zones. Also great options for winter activities with proper layering. It appears Arc'teryx discontinued the Alpha FL
Waterproof Boots: Vasque Breeze LT GTX Mid (Men's and Women's)
Depending on the conditions, we usually wear either boots or trail runners. It's really hard to find vegan waterproof hiking boots! Luckily the folks at Vasque make the Breeze LT waterproof hiking boots which are incredibly light and comfortable for us at least. We also wear these for snowshoeing and winter activities. 2.5 years in and these boots are holding up great other than being a bit less waterproof than they used to be (we haven't reapplied any compounds yet).
Trail Runners:
Dan: Solomon Speedcross. Really great shoes which super light and grippy but have a tough toe box. Main drawback is they last max 1 year of heavy use due to the defined rubber treads wearing through.
Anna: Altra Lone Peak 5 Trail-Running Shoes. Extremely light shoes, my feet feel weightless in them. This may be true for every trail runner but since they are very light they wear through relatively quickly.
Car Camping
Inside the Tent:
1x 2-Person Tent: Mountain Smith Morrison
We use a green Mountain Smith tent we got on Amazon ~5 years ago. Super cheap, light weight and easy to pitch. Hopefully it lasts us another 5+ years. We recommend getting one light enough to backpack with but spacious enough for car camping to stay versatile. Waterproof and easy to set up are key! We are considering adding an ultralight tent ~1.5-3 pounds for backpacking and will add that in once we decide on the right one.
1x 2-Person Sleeping Bag & Pad: Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15 Double Sleeping Bag (synthetic)
This is a polarizing choice! We like to be in the same bag for heat, weight and cuddle related reasons. Make your own choice, but if you prefer a 2-person bag, make sure yet get a 2-person pad. Otherwise, as we've found out, the pads separate during the night and you get a cold and uncomfortable surprise! We use this set from Big Agnes, but to be honest it is too big and leaks heat. We love it in moderate temperature car camping trips, but would like something lighter and smaller for backpacking. (The sleeping pad is awesome!)
1x 1-Person Extra Large Sleeping Bag: Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag (X-Wide, synthetic)
As one solution to the issue mentioned above with the 2-Person sleeping bag, we started sharing an extra wide 1-Person sleeping bag for backpacking trips. This sleeping bag is very warm when we both squeeze in there and way more weight efficient than our Big Agnes bag (~2.5 pounds). We wouldn't use it for car camping as it's a bit too crowded to make it truly comfy.
1x Extra Blanket
Can be skipped to cut weight. For colder trips, a nice to have item to make sure you get a good nights rest.
2x Camping Pillows: ThermaRest Compressible
Can be skipped to cut size/weight as its easy to stuff a shirt with extra clothes, etc. which we've done plenty of times. We're currently using this set from ThermaRest which are a nice luxury we don't bring backpacking.
Campsite:
2x Folding Camping Chairs (Cheap & Expensive)
Where does camping become glamping? Clearly not essential and as such Anna's brother once tried to stop us from bringing on a sea kayaking trip we did in Valdez to cut weight. But even he had to admit it was nice to sit in one with a cider at the end of a long day of paddling! We have two Helinox Zeros which weigh in at just a pound for lighter applications and two cheap ones off of Amazon for when we have friends coming with us.
1x Folding Camping Table: Helinox Table One
Yes, a true luxury item, but very nice to have in dusty or other circumstances where there's no good flat rock to cook on. This one is surprisingly durable and stable given the miniscule weight! As a budget option, curious to try this one which looks identical at a fraction of the price.
1.5x Selk Bag
Anna: I absolutely freaking adore selk bags. What is a selk bag? Imagine a sleeping bag and a cozy onesie had a baby. That's what selkbags are, except even better. Wearable sleeping bags! I love camping, I love glasses of wine by the campsite. BUT I get cold. With selkbag no more. I LOVE this product so much. Perfect for hanging out by the campsite and staying warm. When it's really really cold for car camping, you can also wear it for sleeping under a sleeping bag.
2x Headlamps
1x Table Lamp
1x Lighter or Waterproof Matches
We keep in a sealed plastic bag to avoid nasty surprises
1-2x Large Tarps + Rope/Bungee Cords
If you're going somewhere it may rain, don't forget this one! Can be used as a secondary rain/wind barrier for your tent and to cover your eating area (especially in bear territory where eating in the tent is not an option). Also can be nice to put below your tent if on soggy moss.
1x Hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
More of an aspiration item, as we haven't used our hammock too much yet!
1x Hatchet: Fiskars X7
Super useful for splitting wood and hammering in tent stakes. Did Dan spend WAY too much time researching cheap, light hatchets and calling every Home Depot in Anchorage looking for this specific model? No comment.
1x Camp Shower: Advanced Elements Shower
We still have never actually used it to shower given it's always too cold... but very useful if nothing else than to have an extra reusable water stash in the car!
Eating:
1x General Isobutane Stove: MSR PocketRocket
1x Quick-Boil Isobutane Stove: MSR WindBurner
For quickly heating water for tea, freeze-dried meals, pasta, etc. We used to have a JetBoil which we loved to death and were slightly disappointed in its durability/performance in high-wind conditions (Patagonia...) so we've switched to MSR with promising results so far. The build quality and wind resistance are the main selling points.
2x Isobutane Fuel Canisters
We like the flexibility of having two so we can cook faster and redundancy in case one leaks, etc. We generally get one smaller size for backpacking and one larger one for the car site. They can be picked up at camping stores or big box stores like Walmarts as unfortunately you can't fly with them.
1x Small Non-Stick Pan
We picked a general one up from Walmart. Non-stick is great for cleaning and versatile. We sometimes bring two depending on constraints. Make sure to replace non-stick pans when they get scratched up!
2x Set of Reusable Bamboo Utensils
10000x Wipes: Adventure Wipe Compressed Wipes
Many, MANY water activated wipes. These are a GAME CHANGER if you haven't tried them. Really easy to rehydrate with a sprinkle of water and you can bring loads of them to do dishes, personal hygiene, etc. They are very light, so they are super useful to have for backpacking, day hikes, etc. They are also biodegradable.
1x Condiment Bag: True Lime Packets, Mini Habanero Sauce, Pre-Mixed Ketchup/Mustard, Whatever Else Strikes Your Fancy!
2x Plastic Wine Glasses
Who are we kidding we also use these at home after breaking all of our nice glass ones...
1x Light Plastic Cutting Board
1x Sharp Knife
1x Wooden Spoon
2x Bowls, Mugs
Misc:
1x Toilet Paper Roll
We often forget and bring one from the hotel room...
1x Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo
Caffeine Chocolates / Mints
Really nice if you need a morning or afternoon energy boost and don't have the time or conditions are poor to make tea/coffee
1-2x ~30,000 mAh Power Bricks
Backpacking
2x Backpacking Packs: Osprey Atmos 65 & REI Flash 55
We've had the Atmos for about 4 years and have had a great experience. Durable, plenty of storage space and a sophisticated webbing system that keeps our backs relatively sweat free. Biggest drawbacks are cost, a bit too heavy and makes a somewhat annoying squeaking sound. We just got the REI Flash in early 2022, which is slightly smaller but significantly lighter and cheaper. So far, it's been a great pack and we definitely prefer it over the Osprey. It is SO light and has many great storage properties.
2x 3L Hydration Bladders: Platypus & Camelback
The Camelback system is superior overall and has not leaked in 5+ years of use. The Platypus is easier to pour out of but lower build quality.
1-2x Water Filter: Sawyer Mini
These are amazing! You can inline into your bladder for easy access on the trail. Allegedly not as good as UV or other advanced treatments but we've never had an issue thankfully.
Kayaking/Packrafting
1x Packrafting Safety Book: The Packraft Handbook
We can't emphasize enough how important safety and preparation are for packrafting. It's a very dangerous sport and being underprepared can mean the difference between life and death. Luc's book has been essential for teaching us basic preparation. Safety courses and learning from experienced friends are even better!
1x Inflatable Tandem Kayak: Sea Eagle 473 RL
This was our pandemic splurge purchase. It's honestly a marvel of engineering that something that packs up to this size and weighs in at ~40lbs can become basically a totally normal kayak. The key is the drop stitching technology which lets the air pressure get an order of magnitude higher than the cheaper but still great options. We've even kayak-camped out of the boat with multiple days of gear and it held up great. The boat tracks very well in the water and can really move even when fully laden. It also feels quite stable and we've taken it in windy conditions in frigid Alaska water with no issues. Unfortunately our use case has moved a bit since we bought and we're moving on to packrafts primarily but highly recommend to those without the space for a traditional kayak or want to be able to fly with one as checked bag.
2x Packrafts: Alpacka Classic
We bought our packrafts before our summer in Alaska. (Shout out to Anna's brother David for the incredible wedding present!) We LOVE these rafts and really feel like our summer activity options expanded with them. We have the newer version with spray skirts (using the PVC piping) and the cargo fly. We highly recommend getting both of these features, since they're helpful for any run, short or long.
2x Kayaking PFD: Astral E-Linda PFD (Women's) and E-Ronny PFD (Men's)
Obviously, super essential for packrafting! It's nice to have a light and comfortable PFD. We like these a lot, they feel secure when on correctly but are very light.
2x 2-Section Paddles: Aqua-Bound, Manta Ray CS/FB Posi-Lok 2PC
We ended up going with 2 piece paddles but haven't had any issues fitting them in our backpacking bags. We like these paddles, light and sturdy!
2x Dry Suits: Kokatat Gore-Tex Legacy
Essential for hazardous cold water conditions. So far, we've used them about ~10 times over the summer for packrafting and/or kayaking. No leaks or issues so far. Very comfortable and breathable for a dry suit! (Tight on the neck, as it should be.)
2x Whitewater Helmets: NRS Havoc Livery Whitewater Helmet
Another essential. These helmets are relatively light and work well. Much cheaper than alternatives. Thankfully, we haven't had to really test them yet.
