The other day, my neighbor told me she was buying all new summer backcountry gear and wondered if I had any suggestions….

“Oh yes, I have tons!”

Most of my gear is a few years old, and it is not Ultralight, by any means. Although I do love my current gear, of course, I dream about upgrading my equipment one day…

Before you read this one,

I have quite the extensive collection of blog posts that are dedicated to gear, that’s if you are interested:

Tents

I currently have the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 person tent

It is a bit on the heavy side weighing sub 4 pounds; however, it is excellent quality, easy to assemble and disassemble and holds up on all kinds of weather. It is also very spacious and easy to pack. I love the customer service that Cascade Designs provides (the Mom company of MSR) as they will speak to you on the phone and get any issue resolved. My tent pole recently broke, and although I repaired it in the backcountry, it was a temporary fix, and I reached out to them for a permanent fix. They were more than accommodating and even gave me kudos on doing a decent repair job in the backcountry.

If I were to upgrade I would look into the following three tents:

Nemo Hornet 2 person tent: This tent is a sub 3-pound tent but not freestanding
Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent: This tent comes in at 3 pounds and IS freestanding
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 person tent: The lightest Big Agnes 3 season tent coming in right at 2 pounds and IS freestanding. This is their newest tent and probably the one I would purchase if I chose to upgrade.

In terms of Big Agnes, I will say a few things: Their customer service is fantastic. I know a few of their reps, and they go above and beyond; however, their sleeping bags are mediocre, and I would NOT recommend them, but I would highly recommend their tents. Their sleeping pads are decent.

Sleeping pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm: This is THE BEST inflatable sleeping pad on the market. I currently own this and will only continue to buy this. It has an R-value of 5.7 and is easily packable, inflatable and is rated for four seasons. There is a lighter version known as just the regular Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, which has a lower R-value and is a bit lighter and is considered a 3-season pad.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol: This is the best non-inflatable sleeping pad. Super lightweight but not super warm; however, I choose to layer this as a bottom layer when I camp in the snow.

Stoves

I am super lazy, so I love the Jetboil; however, the MSR pocket rocket and SnowPeak stoves are fantastic and much lighter, but they do not come with a push start lighter or wind guard. However, the push starts lighter is the first to go out on the JetBoil, so I always carry a travel-sized lighter in my first-aid kit. For a wind guard, you can simply use a piece of aluminum foil. The SnowPeak and MSR stoves require a pot. I would recommend purchasing a lightweight titanium pot (SnowPeak makes great ones)

Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Z Poles Adjustable: Super lightweight but I am currently in a battle with the repair department, but it is a super great, foldable, lightweight, and durable product.

Bear Canisters

Bearikade by Wild Idea: THIS IS A MUST. I have the Weekender and can fit ten days of food for Moo and I. This bear canister is super lightweight due to its carbon fiber material, super easy to open, and very durable. I have struggled over the years with the BearVault and do not recommend, nor would I ever purchase. Also, the owner of Bearikade is a super cool dude out of Santa Barbara.

Sleeping bags

I own a Kelty bag and have always used Kelty bags because they are warm (mine is 20 degrees), durable, and light-ish. However, if I wanted to splurge, I would look into Western Mountaineering (Mammoth Mountaineering carries this brand) or Feathered Friends. Both of these brands only support “mom and pop”. These bags are super lightweight and are customizable.

Down quilts are also “a thing” and are even lighter in weight. I have never personally used one, but I have only heard positive things from so many people. I would highly recommend Enlightened Equipment for down backcountry quilts.

If you want a sleeping bag liner, I recommend the SeatoSummit thermolite reactor; I have this and love using it in shoulder seasons and the winter. It adds about 15 degrees to my bag and also protects the lifespan of my bag.

Down clothing

Goosefeetgear: This is a small company with custom designed down clothing, ranging from gloves, hats, and jackets to booties, pants, and balaclavas. My dream is to own a pair of their pants and booties one day!

Water filters

I will only and always and ever use the BeFree Water filter by Katadyn. I have the 1-liter filter bag. In terms of water reservoirs, I use the Platypus 2 liter foldable bags since they are lightweight and do not take up the volume when they are empty. They are also great for carrying alcohol. However, in the winter, I do take a Nalgene bottle as they are double-walled so you can pour boiling water into it to stuff in your sleeping bag for warmth.

Packs

I have the Women’s Dueter 60+10 pack, which is adjustable, and I have zero desire to change or “upgrade”. I love how it fits, I love the pockets, and I love how it has a top and bottom compartment. And who doesn’t love a flower on their pack?!

So if you really are measuring ounces and want to go UL, I would look into the Z-packs backpacking bags since they weigh next to nothing, but, they are not as durable and do not have the fancy pockets, zippers, etc. (since these things add extra weight). If you want to get fitted, you may be out of luck since Z-pack is not carried in retail stores.

Spoons, forks, pack towels, coffee mugs, pillows and etc.

SeaToSummit: This brand makes the best small luxury backcountry products. I own their bowels, pack towels, backpacking pillow, cutlery, coffee mug, and dry bags. They probably even make an excellent poop shovel, aka trowel.

Humangear

I just discovered this brand called humangear, and I am over the moon excited about it. They make backpacking storage containers, cutlery, cups, and mugs. I purchased GoBites “the click” a spoon and fork that snap together to make it an extra-long utensil. This sliding-mechanism adds length and makes them compact, easy to store, and impossible to lose (since they click together). My mind is blown!