The Best Backpacking Gear of 2025

By Michael Lanza

Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Montana’s Beartooths, and Colorado’s Weminuche. Glacier National Park and the Tetons. The Grand Canyon (repeatedly). The Canadian Rockies. Southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons. The Wind River Range. The John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail. Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. These are just some of the places where I’ve recently tested the backpacking gear and apparel that I’ve reviewed at The Big Outside—so that I can give you honest and thorough, field-tested opinions that help you find the best gear for your adventures.

And that’s exactly how I came up with the following picks for today’s best backpacking gear.

Three decades of testing outdoor gear and apparel—including formerly as the lead gear reviewer and Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my ability to identify gear that’s truly outstanding, at the cutting edge technologically, and a good value.

In this freshly updated review, I share my top picks for a basic backpacking gear kit, from several of the best packs, tents, boots, and sleeping bags, including suggestions for backpackers on a budget—because everyone has different needs and preferences—to a favorite rain shell, the best trekking poles, down jackets, and air mattresses, the camp kitchen, and water treatment.


Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.


Backpackers hiking below Nevills Arch in lower Owl Canyon, Bears Ears National Monument, Utah.
Mark and Pam Solon backpacking below Nevills Arch in lower Owl Canyon, Bears Ears National Monument, Utah. Click photo to see “The 12 Best Backpacking Trips in the Southwest.”

Much of the gear in this story links to my complete review of it, where you can get more details and find links to online retailers for purchasing it. Purchasing through the “Buy it now” affiliate links below or affiliate links in each complete review supports my work on The Big Outside, at no cost to you—in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thank you for doing that.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my gear picks in the comments section at the bottom of this story; I try to respond to all comments. And please forward this story to other backpackers you think might find it useful.

Want to read about the many places I’ve backpacked while testing gear? See my All Trips List or use the search box (main menu, above), and check out my e-guides to America’s best backpacking trips, including the Teton Crest Trail and The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Michael Lanza of The Big Outside on the 13,528-foot summit of Kings Peak, Utah's highest peak, on a backpacking trip in the High Uintas Wilderness.
Me on the 13,528-foot summit of Kings Peak, Utah’s highest peak, on a backpacking trip in the High Uintas Wilderness. Click photo to read about that trip.

Backpacks

Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (buy it now) and Aura AG 65 (buy it now), both $340, 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.13kg.
Best Weight-to-Performance Ratio: Granite Gear Blaze 60, $300, 3 lbs. 4 oz./1.47kg. Buy it now.
Best-Fitting Ultralight: Osprey Exos 58 (buy it now) and Eja 58 (buy it now), both $260, 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3kg.
Best For Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 65 (buy it now) and Deva 60 (buy it now), both $330, 4 lbs. 14 oz./2.21kg.
Best All-Around Value: Mystery Ranch Coulee 50, $249, 3 lbs. 12 oz./1.7kg. Buy it now.

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The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 ultralight backpack.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 ultralight backpack in the Beartooth Mountains.

Best Ultralight Pack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider
$379, 1 lb. 15 oz./878.8g

Many ultralight packs lack the support for carrying more than about 25 pounds comfortably. HMG’s 3400 Windrider handles up to 35 pounds, its 55 liters deliver the capacity for a week between resupplies, and it weighs much less than some best-selling competitors. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof and built to survive the apocalypse. The fixed suspension comes in four sizes and the simple harness system works. Its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling.

Read my full review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider and see all of my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com.

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Slingfin 2Lite ultralight backpacking tent.
Testing the Slingfin 2Lite ultralight backpacking tent in the High Sierra.

Tents

Best Two-Door Tent That Pitches with Trekking Poles: Slingfin 2Lite, $505, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1.19kg. Buy it now.
Best 2-Person Ultralight: MSR Freelite 2, $450, 2 lbs./907.2g. Buy it now.
Sturdiest and Roomiest 2-Person Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, $699, 1 lb. 2 oz./510.3g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1, $599, 16.8 oz./476.3g. Buy it now.
Best Budget Tent: Kelty Grand Mesa 2, $150, 4 lbs. 1 oz./1.84kg. Buy it now.

Great Balance of Space, Features, and Weight

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$550, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22kg

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 in Utah's High Uintas Wilderness.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness.

For years, the Copper Spur HV UL2 has remained a leading choice for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. While some would call it merely “lightweight,” semantics aside, it sports an abundance of features and space for a freestanding, two-door shelter well under three pounds, starting with the most conspicuous: two awning-style doors that can be set up in rain to allow cooling ventilation without getting wet inside or rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing. The DAC Featherlite hubbed poles create steep walls that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, 40-inch peak height, and 88-inch length. It pitches easily, the two vestibules are spacious and ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur has abundant interior pockets. Very few freestanding, two-door tents strike such a space-to-weight balance.

Read my full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at backcountry.com or another version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL series at backcountry.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots.
The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots.

Shoes and Boots

Best Lightweight Shoes: Danner Trail 2650, $190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz./666.2g Buy them now.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Boots: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX, $199, 2 lbs./907.2g Buy them now.
Best Midweight Backpacking Boots: Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, $230, 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05 kg Buy them now.
Most Breathable and Sticky: La Sportiva TX3, $159, 1 lb. 9 oz./708.7g Buy them now.
Best Trail Running/Ultralight Hiking Shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 6, $155, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g Buy them now.
Killer Value: Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof, $180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g Buy them now.

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Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 sleeping bag.
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 sleeping bag.

Sleeping Bags

Best Down Bags: Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Egret UL, $529-$629, 1 lb. 5 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./595.3g.-708.7g. Buy a Hummingbird UL 30 or 20 now or an Egret UL 30 or 20 now.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30, $440-$480, 1 lb. 6 oz./623.7g-669g. Buy a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 now.
Marmot Hydrogen 30, $399-$419, 1 lb. 9.4 oz.-1 lb. 11 oz./720g-770g. Buy a Marmot Hydrogen 30 now.
Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F, $649-$689, 1 lb. 11 oz.-1 lb. 14 oz./765.4g-861g, and Spark Pro -1C/30F, $549-$579, 1 lb. 6 oz.-1 lb. 8 oz./619g-672g. Buy a Sea to Summit Spark Pro now.
Best Value 800-fill Down Bag: Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 15F/-9C, $319-$339, 2 lbs. 8 oz./1.13kg. Buy it now.
Most Comfortable: Sierra Designs Cloud 20 or Cloud 35, $300-$340, 1 lb. 7 oz.-2 lbs. 1 oz./652g.-935.5g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 or Hyperion 20, $430-$580, 15 oz.-1 lb. 6 oz./425.2g.-623.7g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Quilt: Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt 35/20, $250-$280, 1 lb. 5 oz.-1 lb. 11 oz./595.3g.-765.4g. Buy it now.
Best Winter Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0, $680-$710, 2 lbs. 7 oz.-2 lbs. 11 oz./1.11kg.-1.22kg. Buy it now.
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20, $100-$110, 3 lbs./1.36kg. Buy it now. Or Kelty Cosmic Down 20, $150-$180, 2 lbs. 7 oz./1.11kg. Buy it now.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.
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The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 sleeping bag.
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 sleeping bag.

Best Value Down Bag

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C
$245-$265, 1 lb. 12 oz./793.8g

When shopping for sleeping bags, it’s helpful to compare certain key specs: temperature rating, type and amount of insulation (or fill), total weight, and, of course, the price. Using those metrics, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C looks really good, with RDS-certified, flourine-free, 650-fill-power down, enough warmth for many backpackers on typical overnight temps of summer in most mid-latitude mountain ranges (except for people who tend to get cold more easily), and a cut that delivers more generous space than many bags—all at a weight south of two pounds and it packs down to 7×13.5 inches. Among down bags, this is a good price for a bag of this quality. It also comes in 15-degree and 0-degree versions.

Read my full review of the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30. 

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F at backcountry.com, or other versions of the men’s and women’s Bishop Pass bags at backcountry.com.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket.
Testing the Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail.

Best Rain Jacket

Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket
$449, 11.5 oz./326g

Throughout more than two weeks in Iceland—trekking hut-to-hut for a week on the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails and on dayhikes along the Ring Road—I lived in this lightweight shell for hours a day, zipping it up against cool wind and rain most days and occasional wind-driven deluges. Hiking in the hardest conditions most hikers, backpackers, and climbers will face, it rose to the challenge.

Combining durable Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric with OR’s waterproof-breathable AscentShell membrane, the Helium AscentShell delivers solid weather protection and superior breathability and comfort. Its adjustable, helmet-compatible hood kept rain off my face when hiking into heavy, wind-driven mist. With four zippered pockets, two mesh stuff pockets inside, hook-and-loop cuffs and an adjustable hem, it delivers excellent performance for a packable shell weighing under 12 ounces.

Read my complete review of the Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket at rei.com or outdoorresearch.com.

Best Budget Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell, $140, 10 oz./283.5g Buy it now.

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking.”

The Featured Friends Eos Down Jacket.
Testing the Featured Friends Eos Down Jacket on the John Muir Trail.

Down Jackets

Best Down Jacket: Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket, $409, 11 oz./311.8g Buy it now.
Best Synthetic Jacket: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, $295, 14 oz./397g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, $360, 8.8 oz./249.5g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Synthetic Jacket: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody, $329, 9 oz./255.1g Buy it now.
Versatile Down Jacket: Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket, $280, 15 oz./425.2g Buy it now.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking and running poles.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking and running poles.

Trekking Poles

Best Overall: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, $210, 12.7 oz./360g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Gossamer Gear LT5, $195, 10 oz./283.5g Buy it now.
Most Versatile: MSR Dynalock Ascent, $170, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g Buy it now.

Need a good headlamp? See “The Best Headlamps.”

Using the Pump Sack to inflate the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT air mattress.
Using the Pump Sack to inflate the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT air mattress.

Air Mattresses

Best All-Around Air Mat: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and XT Extreme, $219-$249, 1 lb. 1 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./482-709g. Buy it now.
Best Comfort-to-Weight Balance: Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress, $200-$230, 13 oz.-1 lb. 5 oz./369-595g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, $200-$240, 11.5 oz.-1 lb. 1 oz./326-482g. Buy it now.
Best Inflatable Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light, $45-$50, 2.5 oz./71g. Buy it now.

What do you really need for backpacking?
See my “Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

The MSR WindBurner Group Stove System.
The MSR WindBurner Group Stove System.

Camp Kitchen

Best Ultralight Pot: MSR Big Titan Kettle, $100, 6 oz./170g. Buy it now.
Best Cook Set: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set, , $$180, 19 oz./527g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Stove: Jetboil Flash, $125, 13 oz./369g. Buy it now.
Best Family/Group Stove: MSR Windburner Group Stove System, $250, 1 lb. 4 oz./567g. Buy it now.
Best Bear Canister: Bear Vault BV500, $93, 2 lbs. 8 oz./1.1kg. Buy it now.

Buy smart with my pro tips on buying a backpack, backpacking tent,
hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag.

MSR PocketRocket 2
The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove.

Best Ultralight Stove

MSR PocketRocket 2
$60, 3 oz./85g (4 oz./113.4g with plastic case, included)

Backcountry stoves come in a variety of designs these days. But in many respects, the simplest design remains the most versatile and reliable, and the PocketRocket 2 continues to embody everything a backpacking stove should be. It fires up easily every time, boils water fast, has good flame control for wilderness gourmands, weighs next to nothing, and costs less than many of its best competitors.

Whereas some types of stoves have limitations on what you can cook with them, you can use the PocketRocket 2 for cooking almost anything, almost anywhere, for any size party (or more than one stove for a large group). That may explain why it’s so popular.

Read my full review. The PocketRocket Deluxe ($70) adds a piezo push-button igniter, but as with that feature on other stoves, its performance can be erratic.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR PocketRocket 2 at backcountry.com.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Find out more here.

Katadyn BeFree 10L Gravity Filter.
Katadyn BeFree 10L Gravity Filter.

Water Treatment

Best Pump Filter: MSR Hyperflow, $150, 9 oz./255g. Buy it now.
Best Gravity Filter: Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L or 10L Filter, $115-$135, 9-10 oz./255-284g. Buy it now.
Best Filter Bottle: Lifestraw Go, $40-$45, 650ml to 1L, 7.8-8.6 oz./221-244g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Personal Filter: Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 0.6L, 1L, or 3L bottle, $45-$55, 2.5-3.5 oz./71-99g. Buy it now.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

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Leave a Comment

23 thoughts on “The Best Backpacking Gear of 2025”

  1. Michael,
    I purchased the Granite Gear Blaze 60 based on your review as my 11 year old son and I were hiking the entire Greenstone Ridge trail on Isle Royale.
    I thought I was at 40lbs or 20% of my body weight, but somehow it came in at over 50lbs when the pack was weighed for the seaplane ride over?
    It handled the excess weight like a champ and it felt really comfortable the entire way.
    I always consult your gear guide before each adventure and your expertise is greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing your experience with the Blaze 60, Ashley. I’m glad to hear it worked out so well for you and not surprised to hear that. Keep in touch, I’d love to read more of your field observations about the gear you use.

      Reply
  2. Why do you prefer the Katadyn Gravity Filtration System over Platypus’ version? Seems like the Platypus system has more favorable reviews online.

    Reply
    • Hi JP,

      Fair question. I’ve used the Platypus gravity filter and it’s a good one and easy enough to backflush in the backcountry (which is important because these filters occasionally need that). It involves two bags versus one, which makes setup a little more involved and makes the system a little heavier to carry. Mostly, I really like the speed, ease, and reliability of the BeFree filter, which is even easier to clean in the backcountry by just swishing it around in water. I hope that answers your question.

      Reply
    • Hi Edward,

      Sounds like you’re suggesting a backpacking gear checklist (find that here). My intention with this article is recommending best picks for major backpacking gear choices that many readers seek reviews to learn more about. I just don’t think many readers are looking for recommendations on a compass or fire-starting kit.

      Reply
  3. I HAD A FRIEND “CAPTAIN”
    WHO HIKED THE PACIFIC CREST WITH ONLY A MEXICAN PONCHO…
    MANAGED TO EAT FOR FREE ALONG THE WAY.
    A PURE LITE HIKER
    ANY ONE ELSE TRY IT ?

    Reply
    • Hi Gregory,

      That honestly sounds like a very bad plan that’s likely to result in not eating enough, ending your trip prematurely, or at best imposing on other people rather than taking the responsibility for providing for yourself.

      Reply
  4. Hey Mike. Great reviews, as always. Some good ideas for replacement gear and glad to see a few of my old standbys still on the list. Including, after all these years, the Pocket Rocket. We’ve been in love with that stove for many years. Cheers.

    Reply
  5. Hi Michael. I really enjoy reading your blog. And all the pictures! You just want to jump and go! I have not done any backpacking trips so far but I think we are mentally ready. I agree that gear is very important. However, for a family of 4 it comes to a heafty $$$$. Honestly, I am not even sure where to start. It would be helpful to have something like “beginner tips” or “best budget sleeping bags”? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Yes, Jay, I didn’t call the Sierra Designs Nitro 20 “cheap,” I called it “best value” because of the performance and features for the money, as the review explains. For backpacking, low weight and bulk and water-resistant down all are qualities that deliver value. And this bag happens to be on sale right now for $270 at moosejaw.com.

      Reply
  6. Hello. I’ve got a few suggested adds. I have tried the Therm-a-Rest Neoair UberLite and found it to be just as comfortable as the xlite. Also it was warm as well when I tested it! Also for a budget tent, The North Face O2 two-person tent (it’s really best for solo) is a great tent for the price and weight (2 lbs 6 oz). Finally, I’ve become very fond of the Therm-a-Rest Corus HD quilt. At 24 ounces it’s very light for the comfort it offers. I’ve taken it down in the 40’s with no problem. It has baffles which I like and the foorbox is great, and it has a good attachment system. Those are just some of my thoughts.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the great suggestions, Scott, much appreciated. In fact, I’ve been testing out the Therm-a-Rest Neoair UberLite air mattress and I like it, too; watch for my upcoming review of it.

      Reply