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Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye Backpacking Tent Review
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Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye Backpacking Tent Review

by Daleen Cowgar
written by Daleen Cowgar

Big Agnes is well-known for their lightweight, high-quality backpacking tents, especially the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. How I came to call it my own, however, was strictly chance. A friend knew I was looking for a two-person backpacking tent and recommended the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. When I looked it up online, there just so happened to be a sale. It must be destiny, I thought, and bought it on the spot. I’ve yet to regret it. Read below to see why I love it or visit Big Agnes to see their full specs.

Overview specs

Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye Big Agnes backpacking tent

Seasons: 3-Season
Sleeping Capacity: 2 Person
Floor Dimensions: 86 x 52/42 (head/foot) in / 218 x 132/106 cm
Peak Height: 39 in / 99 cm
Vestibule Area: 8+8 ft / 2.4+2.4 m
Pack Size: 5.5 in x 18 in / 14 x 46 cm
Pack Weight: 2lb 8oz / 1.13kg
Trail Weight: 2lb 3oz / 992g
Minimalist Setup Weight: 1lb 11oz / 765g

The test

Three days in my backyard in chilly November and an overnight backpacking trip in the Seneca Creek backcountry in hot July.

The backyard test

If you’ve read some of my other tent reviews, you know I always set up in my backyard before taking the tent on an actual trip. This was no different with this tent! My sister and I popped it up in my yard for the first time last fall when I first purchased it. The temperature got down into the 20s that night and we ended up with a light dusting of snow. The Tiger Wall did fantastic, and we didn’t have an issue with coldness, snow drifting in, or any leaks.

The backpacking trip to Spruce Knob and the Seneca Creek backcountry

Some plans got derailed over the summer, and so it took a bit before I could go out on an official trip with the Tiger Wall. I took it down for a weekend backpacking trip at Spruce Knob, West Virginia. I used it as a one-person tent even though it’s technically rated for two. My friends and I found a delightful spot next to Seneca Creek and tucked away early for the night. The weather was perfect, with only a slight shower as we turned in. My Tiger Wall stood sturdy for me, and I didn’t feel a drop of rain. The tent dried off quickly during the night and was fully dry and ready to be packed up in the morning.

The Big Anges Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye ultralight lightweight backpacking tent tucked away from the campsite at Seneca Falls, Spruce Knob, West Virginia
Tucked away at Seneca Creek, West Virginia

The full Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye backpacking tent review

Set up and tear down

Big Agnes tents are many things: lightweight, durable, and well-loved. They are also very easy to set up and tear down. The Tiger Wall is no exception. There’s only one pole to keep track of, making it extremely easy to set up. This pole builds out into a “T,” with a cross pole to help hold the roof out.

You know that annoying problem where you’re staring at a pile of fabric, trying to figure out what part is the head and what part goes with the foot? The Tiger Wall doesn’t have that issue. Instead, everything is color-coordinated! All things related to the footer of the tent—the pole, the tent strap, the rain fly—is yellow. Poles and straps related to the front of the tent are white or silver.

Front color coordination
Back color coordination

I easily set the tent up by myself and it was a quick teardown the next morning as well. Additionally, the fast fly process (while not tested out by me) looks to be extremely quick and easy as well.

Construction

Due to Big Agnes’ Solution Dye process, the Tiger Wall is resistant to UV fading and, Big Agnes suggests, higher quality. (Learn more about the Solution Dye process below.) The tent fly and floor is a water-repellent silicone-treated nylon ripstop. The tent body is breathable ripstop nylon and polyester mesh. Additionally, there are nine lightweight stakes included.

When going on longer hikes (such as a thru-hike) or during continuous use, Big Agnes suggests hikers use a product like Nikwax Solarproof to maintain waterproofing and UV resistance.

Comfort

My favorite thing about the Tiger Wall is its huge vestibules. Some vestibules barely give you room to finagle your backpack underneath—but not the Tiger Wall. They measure out at 8ft squared off of either door, which gives you plenty of room for your backpack, your boots, and any other gear tuck under there. The tent itself is small, which doesn’t give you much room to bring things in. Even in the snow, however, I never had an issue with anything getting wet.

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye camping tent vestibules

When you have two people side-by-side in the tent, it can get tight, as backpacking tents do. However, the peak of the Tiger Wall is held high, and the wider “head” or “shoulders” of the tent allows both me and my sister to sit up at the same time without feeling like we were being pushed into each other. The tapered feet enable you to cut out that extra weight without feeling claustrophobic.

Additionally, the Tiger Wall has ample pockets. There are small pockets in the corner by each person’s head for any small items you’d like to keep close: watch, headlamp, pocket knife, etc. Above, at the head, is a media holder, the perfect size for a cell phone with easy access for headphones. And then, there is a large mesh pocket as wide as the ceiling that can hold (as I discovered) quite a bit. I had a notebook, dirty clothes that needed to dry out, battery pack, and a few other odds and ends up there and it still could have held more.

Packability

The Tiger Wall is large enough to be a 2-person but light enough to carry as a single-person tent. Moreover, the thin fabric can pack tight, making it easy to tuck in my backpack without much hassle. If you want to cut the weight down even further, it’s set up for “Fast Fly” so you can take only the poles, ground tarp, and rain fly, bringing your total weight down to 1lb 11oz.

Common questions about the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye backpacking tent

What is Big Agnes’ “solution dye” and why does it make the tent environmentally friendly?

Solution dye is a process by which Big Agnes treats some of their tents. According to Big Agnes, solution-dyed fabric has:

  • 50% reduction in water needed
  • 80% reduction in energy required
  • 80% less chemicals

This process makes them resistant to UV fading and improves the quality of the tent—all while being better for the environment!

What is Big Agnes’ tent warranty?

All Big Agnes products include a Limited Warranty against manufacturing or material defect. They don’t, however, warranty products damaged from “normal wear and tear, alteration made by owner, misuse, accidents or damages caused by uses other than intended.”

See what’s included in the warranty here.

Overall sentiment: The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye as a backpacking tent or camping tent

The Tiger Wall is one of my favorite tents. You get what you pay for, and though it’s a bit pricey, it’s well worth it. The lightweight or ultralight aspect of it, combined with its durability, practicality, and environmentally friendly manufacturing, means it’s going to be my go-to tent for a long time.

Ready to check the Tiger Wall out for yourself?

Buy it today

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UL Obsidian 1P backpacking tent by Featherstone Outdoor Gear
AdventureBackpackingCampingGearGear ReviewHiking

UL Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear: UL Backpacking Tent Review

by Andrew Baldwin
written by Andrew Baldwin

As a person who loves solo backpacking, I’m always on the prowl for what single-person (1P) backpacking tent has the best bang-for-its-buck. I came across the UL Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear, decided to give it a test run, and I was quite surprised with the results. Read the full review below and check out the full specs at feathersttoneoutdoors.com.

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear ultralight tent

In this review, I cover:

Overview Specs

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear backpacking tent

Seasons: 3-season

Sleeping Capacity: 1 person (See our review of the two-person tent here.)

Floor Dimensions: 81 x 38.5 inches / 205 x 98 cm

Peak Height: 45 inches / 114 cm

Vestibule Area: 25.6 in / 65 cm

Pack Size: 17.87 x 4.3 in / 20 x 11.1 cm

Pack Weight: 3 lbs 12 oz (1.69 kg) 

Trail Weight: 2 lbs 12.5 oz (1.27 kg)

The Test

A set-up test in the backyard and then an overnight backpacking trip in the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness in southern Utah.

The Backyard Test

Trying to go backpacking without first setting up your new tent is like trying to run a marathon without first trying on your running shoes. Sure it might work out, but that’s a heck of a gamble to make, isn’t it? So, I took one hot early spring afternoon to set it up in my backyard to see how I liked it and also how my dogs, Riley and Carson, liked it since I would be taking Carson with me on an upcoming backpacking trip.

The Backpacking Test

I loaded the tent up in my backpack, hopped in my truck with Carson, and we headed down to the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness (charming and inviting name, huh?) near Escalante, Utah, where we did an out-and-back backpacking trip on the Pine Creek Box Trail. The weather was beautiful and sunny, but very windy with light snow flurries in the forecast for that evening.

Despite getting cold and wet from a lot of small stream crossings, Carson and I were able to find a nice stealth camping spot in the late afternoon, set up the tent in swirling snow flurries (OK, I set up the tent, Carson isn’t that well-trained yet), and settle in for the night. It was definitely cold and the wind whipped through the canyon all night, but we stayed warm, dry, and comfortable, and had a nice, easy hike out the following morning under blue skies and (finally) calm winds.

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear camping tent set up in Utah

The Full Review of the UL Obsidian Backpacking Tent

Set up and tear down

For starters, I really liked the color scheme of the tent. Black and yellow is a color scheme I haven’t seen before on a backpacking tent, and I thought it was really cool. Everything was packed nicely in the bag that the tent came in, so it was very quick and easy to tell what part of the tent was what. And I really like how the footprint comes with the tent (several tents, you have to order the footprint separately, which just adds to the total bill).

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear ultralight one-person tent

Then it came time to actually set up, and here was where I ran into one of two things I would change about this tent.

First, the Obsidian requires more stakes than a typical 1-person backpacking tent. This is because at the foot of the tent, the loops for the tent body extend further than the footprint and so you have to stake both the tent body and the footprint separately. 

Overall, you need 11 stakes just to do a normal stake-down of the tent:

  • 2 stakes for the head of the tent
  • 5 stakes for the foot of the tent
  • 4 stakes for the rainfly

This means if it’s windy, you’ll need to use even more stakes and the guy lines to fully secure the tent. And if the ground you’re camping on is sandy (which was the case on my backpacking trip) or rocky, you’ll have to use lots of rocks to secure the tent since staking isn’t an option.

This could also be remedied by manually adjusting the length of the loops.

The other issue I ran into is that the door zipper is down by the foot of the tent. Normally on other 1P backpacking tents, the zipper is near your head so it’s quick and easy to get in and out of the tent (like if you get the call of nature in the middle of the night…or a dog that’s about to throw up after eating too many sticks).

But aside from these issues with excessive staking and the zipper at the foot, the tent was easy to figure out how to put together with color-coded poles and directions. And my dogs approved of it immediately as soon as it was done!

My dog sleeping in my Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear tent

Durability

This was the thing I was initially the most skeptical about with this tent, but turned out to be quite impressed. Durability and cost tend to go hand-in-hand with tents, and since this tent was on the cheaper side, I was really curious how it would hold up against rain, wind, and normal wear-and-tear.

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear backpacking tent

Like I said, I was pretty impressed. For starters, the floor of the tent was thick and solid. With the footprint, the floor stayed dry, even though I set up on a damp patch of ground next to a creek in the wilderness.

Also, the rain fly, when staked down correctly, did a great job of completely covering the tent. As I mentioned, it was really windy in the canyon that Carson and I camped in (windy the entire hike in and all night), but I never felt a draft because of the fly. Overall, Carson and I stayed nice and toasty!

I would presume because of how well the rain fly did against the wind that it would do a nice job in rain, as well, but being totally honest, I’ve had no experience with rain in this tent, so I can’t make a complete judgment call.

I’ll say the same thing with overall durability of the tent over time. Since I’ve only taken it out on a one-night backpacking trip, and the material seemed to do fine, I don’t know how well it will hold up long-term. I’d be really curious to see how it holds up on a longer backpacking trip (7 nights+) in various weather conditions.

Comfort

Curled up in the Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear with my dog

I was very impressed with the comfort level. The Obsidian is wide for a single-person tent at 38.5 inches. That means you have some flexibility in your travels. You can bring your pack into the tent with you, and if you’re camping with a reasonably sized dog, he can fit in there all nice and cozy! My dog Carson is a pretty big boy at 80 pounds, but he curled up into a nice ball. After I put a quilt over him, we slept nice and cozy together all through the night without being (too much) up in each other’s space.

The trade-off for the tent being wider than other 1P backpacking tents is that it’s a little short. I’m a pretty tall guy at 6 foot, so factoring in my dog, the small bits of housekeeping items I had in the tent (I left my pack out under the vestibule), and my sleeping pad, I was pretty much occupying the entire length of the tent. If I was any taller, I’d need to keep my knees bent.

One other thing on comfort, I like having access to pockets on the sides of the inside of the tent for storing items like my headlamp, contacts case, phone, etc. However, this tent didn’t have that. Instead, you only have a small gear net on the ceiling which didn’t work out that well. I was able to put my headlamp and a couple other items up there, but it took a couple efforts because they kept sliding off since I didn’t put them exactly in the center.

Packability

I have a lot of experience with long-distance backpacking and something I’ve learned is how important of a factor weight is. For a one-person backpacking tent, this is a bit on the heavy side (60 oz; 3 lbs 12 oz). Since I’m not huge on ultralight backpacking, that wasn’t a big deal for me nor was it really noticeable on this one-night trip. If you’re a backpacker concerned about weight, be wary of this.

The bigger issue I had was with consolidation. I’m really big on being able to pack everything down as small as possible into only one stuff sack. When I thru-hiked the AT in 2019, I used the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 and I loved how I could fit everything (footprint, tent body, rainfly, poles, and stakes) all into one bag. Not this tent. The storage bag it came with seemed a flimsy in its design (like it would rip after a few outings where you’re stuffing everything into it) and it wasn’t big enough to pack everything together to make travel simpler. At the very least, the poles had to be packed separately. 

Overall Sentiment: UL Obsidian 1P as a Backpacking Tent or Camping Tent

Featherstone Outdoor Gear’s motto is to make the outdoors accessible to all. Considering how much less this costs than many other UL 1P backpacking tents (only about 25% the cost of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1P), I’d say they live up to their motto. However, the problem is that I always thought the rule with tents that it’s truly “you get what you pay for.” High cost—usually a pretty darn-good tent. Low cost—usually a pretty crappy tent. 

However, the Obsidian 1P ultralight backpacking tent broke that paradigm. Despite being cheap in cost, it’s not cheap in overall quality. A surprisingly good bang for the buck. Yes, there are a few small things about the tent that I didn’t like, but I can be a pretty picky backpacker and these were indeed just small things. In terms of the big issues, this tent will do just fine!

Overall, I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better 1P backpacking tent without having to pay at least three times more money. It’s not a tent I would recommend for long-distance backpacking because of its weight and because I don’t know about its durability, but for your weekend warrior who goes three-season backpacking or camping for a few nights, this is a great tent you can get for yourself without making your bank account cry.

Obsidian 1P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear


Ready to check the UL Obsidian 1P out?

Buy it on FeatherstoneOutdoors.com

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Gear Review

UL Granite 2P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear: UL Backpacking Tent Review

by Daleen Cowgar
written by Daleen Cowgar

As I’ve been researching best backpacking tents, the UL Granite 2P backpacking tent by Featherstone Outdoor Gear is a tent that continues to show up. Intrigued, I finally got the opportunity to take it for a test hike. Read the full review below and check out the full specs at featherstoneoutdoors.com.

In this review, I cover:

UL Granite 2P backpacking tent by Featherstone Granite
The UL Granite 2P by Featherstone Outdoor Gear

Overview specs

Seasons: 3-Season
Sleeping Capacity: 2 Person (See our review of the 1-person tent here.)
Floor Dimensions: 84 x 51 in / 213 x 130 cm
Peak Height: 43 in / 109 cm
Vestibule Area: 25.6 in / 65 cm
Pack Size: 16 x 4 in / 41 x 10 cm
Pack Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz (2.10 kg)
Trail Weight: 4 lbs (1.81 kg)
Minimalist Setup Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg)

The test

A camping test in the backyard and then an overnight backpacking trip at Mohican State Park.

The backyard test

The UL Granite 2P UL backpacking tent after its first night in the storm
The UL Granite 2P backpacking tent after successfully surviving its first windstorm.

It’s a personal rule of mine to always sleep in a tent in my backyard before I take it out on the trail. Not only does this give me plenty of time and space to see all the ins and outs of setting it up, it also allows me to make a comfortable escape to my house. Since it’s a two-person tent, I convinced my sister to join me.

The first night I set it up was a mildly warm night with just a hint of cold in the breeze. I hadn’t looked at the weather forecast that night since it seemed so mild and I was right by my house. However, I woke up that night to winds gusting up to 50 mph. The tent not only survived the night, but I didn’t feel the need to leave it to head for the house either.

The backpacking test

This time, I loaded it up in a backpack and headed to a local park with my sister for an actual trip. While the day was beautiful, rain was in the forecast that night. I carried it a full day and set it up in dim dusk lighting with my sister that evening. We listened the coyotes until the rain started, and slept through the night dry and comfortable. It was still raining as we were able to easily pack it up and hiked back towards our pull-out point.

The full review

Set up and tear down

Opening up the tent for the first time.

First things first. Pulling the Granite out of it’s bag for the first time and it’s clear the designers of this tent meant for it to be an easy, self-explanatory setup. The bags were color-coded to what went in them (for instance, black footprint went in the black bag).

The first time setting up the tent, I did have help which made it go quickly and efficiently. After that, I set it up solo. The only tricky part to set up by yourself is keeping the top cross pole in place as you slip to the other side of the tent to attach the other side.

In addition to providing you with the footprint and stakes, Featherstone Outdoor also provides guylines and enough tent stakes for the guylines as well.

Durability

The first time I slept in this tent, it survived a surprise windstorm with gusts of up to 50 mph. Additionally, during the rainstorm the next time we took it out, it performed beautifully, keeping us dry the whole night through.

The Granite backpacking tent cross pole would not stay on the reinforced fabric
The end of the cross pole would not stay on the reinforced fabric.

This isn’t a tent I’d be nervous about taking out and letting it shield you from the elements! The only thing I’d be nervous about would be taking it out in a surprise spring snow. The vestibule is high enough that the wind whips underneath and carried in leaves that filled up our vestibule. It would easily kick snow in as well.

The biggest durability issue I saw was that there is no pocket or other type of fastener on the rainfly that I could find to put the cross pole in. As such, as the wind blew or the tent poles naturally shifted, this pole was usually off of the reinforced fabric. I can’t imagine it can take too many storms before it puts a hole there, and I expect I’ll be putting a patch there. While a patch could probably fix it, that’s not an issue you want your backpacking tent to have, especially when the manufacturer could easily prevent it via a pocket.

Comfort

I was surprised at how wide and comfortable the Granite felt from the inside. All too easily, backpacking tents can feel crowded or claustrophobic. However, the Granite’s top cross pole kept headroom in an almost box-shape high and away from your face. Both my sister and I were able to sit straight up simultaneously without feeling crowded.

The Granite UL backpacking tent can comfortably fit two people
View of the Granite from the top with a two-person set up

Additionally, we fit quite well inside the tent, and each of us had space on either side of our mats and at our feet. This extra room gave us plenty of room to keep a water bladder in the tent with us and to shift our mats as needed for the most comfortable sleeping position.

I appreciated the two-doors and two vestibules since it’s a two-person tent. It allowed each of us to exit or enter the tent on our own schedule, and most importantly, gave us enough space to keep both of our packs and boots out of the rain. Additionally, the “bathtub” style floor kept water from running in or splashing in when it hit the ground. No chances of leaking seams along the ground either.

The Granite backpacking tent has a great vent port for good airflow on backpacking trips or camping trips.
Each end of the rainfly had these ventilation ports

Each end of the rainfly had optional ventilation ports. If it was a warm day with only a mild drizzle, you could velcro the brace to open it up. Colder day or a hard rain? No worries, just velcro it closed.

Other nice, small touches were the mesh pockets at either end of the tent, perfectly sized for holding phones, other electronics, or to dry out socks. There was also a large pocket at the top of the tent for holding some of those bigger things you wanted to keep off the tent floor.

Packability

Probably the biggest trade with the Granite 2P is the weight of it. Clocking in at 4lbs (or 2.7 lbs if you go minimalistic), it’s definitely on the heavier end of the lightweight backpacking tents. However, this weight comes at very affordable price. Knocking any additional pound off comes with a large price jump and more fragile poles and fabric.

It was bulky trying to fit into my pack. Eventually, I worked out a system of keeping the poles and the folded footprint in the side pocket and cinching down the rainfly and actual tent to put inside my pack. As a two-person tent, there’s also the option of handing some of the tent over to a partner to carry.

If you’re looking for a lighter-weight option, the rainfly and footprint work together to create an easy up, easy down freestanding tarp tent. This weighs about 2.7 lbs and is a great way to have shelter without bulk!

Overall sentiment: The UL Granite 2P as a backpacking tent or camping tent

Featherstone Outdoor Gear’s motto is to make the outdoors accessible to all. With the low price yet high-quality of the UL Granite 2P backpacking tent, I’d say they are doing exactly what they strive to.

The Granite is a great option for someone getting into backpacking or someone looking for a budget-friendly, durable tent they can count on. For the price, the weight range is on target and the quality and care put into the Granite makes it an easy choice.

Ready to check the UL Granite 2P out?

Buy it on Featherstoneoutdoors.com
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GearGear Review

Best three-season backpacking tents for 2022

by Daleen Cowgar
written by Daleen Cowgar

Have you ever spent the night in a leaky tent? I speak from experience when I say it’s no fun! Finding the right backpacking tent is important. After a long day of hiking, you want to know you’ll be able to comfortably sleep the whole night through. In addition, it has to be lightweight enough to carry around all day and sturdy enough to handle the wilderness elements. Does trying to find the best compact tent for backpacking sound like a challenge? Don’t worry! Here’s the best three-season backpacking tents for 2022!

The types of backpacking tents

Before we dig into the top tents, it’s important to understand what kind of tents there are: freestanding, tension, hammocks, bivy sacks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll also talk about cowboy camping. There’s also a difference between the compact tents (often referred to as ultralight tents) used for backpacking and the large, clumsy tents used for car camping.

Freestanding tent

gray and red dome tent in forest

This is the tent that most people think of when talking about tents. It has poles that hold it up, a rainfly that attaches to said poles, and you don’t have to stake it to the ground unless it’s going to be windy. This set up can be purchased at any backpacking store, Dick’s, Walmart, or other store, and is synonymous with car camping tents.

While some might have memories of clunky, oversized tents that were confusing to put up, ultralight freestanding tents will seem entirely different. Usually found as a one- to three-person tent, they’re built from lightweight, durable fabric and can easily stay below three pounds. Built to withstand mountain elements and long trips in the backcountry, it’s hard to go wrong with a freestanding tent.

Pros: Can set up on almost any type of terrain without need for trees, tension, or other outside sources.

Cons: Heaviest type of tent to carry due to poles, etc.

Tension tent

wood landscape nature man

Rather than relying solely on poles to hold it in place, this is a tent that puts tension and poles together to hold itself in place. Usually, it has one to two strategic poles that hold the fabric up, while the tension keeps the fabric tights and the poles from falling. Additionally, these poles don’t have to actual tent poles. Many tension tents use one or two of your hiking sticks as poles, lowering the weight you have to carry even more. 

Tension tents come in two major categories: the typical tent and the tarp tent. A typical tension tent looks a lot like the freestanding tents, complete with bug screen, zippers, doors, and whatnot. A tarp tent takes it to the next level. Often using just your hiking poles and a tarp, it cuts the weight dramatically–but also cuts the features.

Tension tents are great tents to have, and they can be very easy to put up. Without needing the same poles that a freestanding tent does, it cuts the weight you have to carry! However, they do require ground that it can be staked into. If you’re going to be setting up on rocky ground, it’s going to be rough to keep the fabric off your face.

Pros: Lightweight but without sacrificing headroom and space, often uses gear you already have to prevent carrying excess weight.

Cons: Doesn’t work well on ground where you can’t pound stakes, can blow over easily if not set up right.

Hammock

a tent with hammock under the trees

While many people think of hammocks as sunny weather relaxers, hammocks are also a great option for backpacking! They can be used for anything: to relax while you eat lunch at a gorgeous overlook, a warm and dry place to spend the night, and if it gets to hot for you, you can always use it as shade.

If you’ve never slept in a hammock before, it’s a good idea to try it out for a night before you actually go camping. It can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to toss and turn throughout the night. Another thing to beware of is your need for trees. If you’re hiking somewhere without many trees or where it’s not guaranteed that they’d be able to hold up a hammock with you in it, it might not be the best option for that trip.

Pros: Lightweight and very relaxing.

Cons: Reliant on trees to hang your hammock from, may be hard to get used to.

Bivy

This is not so much a tent as it is a water- and weatherproof cover for your sleeping bag. Extremely lightweight, perfect for tight spaces, and excelling at a minimalistic experience, the bivy is great for people who want to sleep under the stars but still have some cover from the elements. 

Pros: Extremely lightweight. Only need a space of land large enough for you to lay flat on.

Cons: Not much room for moving around, can’t go completely inside of without condensation building inside the bivy sack. 

Cowboy camping

Why take a tent at all? Throw your sleeping bag and mat down on the ground and enjoy the stars shining above. Take a notebook and write your reflections about the past day as the moon lights up your paper. Experience the full surrounds of the area you’re hiking in. This type of camping is perfect for warm, starry nights and a clear weather forecast. 

Pros: The most lightweight camping system that exists.

Cons: Better hope it doesn’t rain.

The top backpacking tents for 2022

This article focuses on freestanding, semi-freestanding, and tension tents. So, without further ado, here are the top backpacking tents for 2022.

Looking for the best sleeping bags to pair with your tent? Discover the 10 best sleeping bags!

Duplex by Zpacks

The Duplex tent is one of the absolute best tents for ultralight backpacking!
Duplex by Zpacks

The Duplex tent by Zpacks is an absolute favorite of long-distance and ultralight hikers everywhere, even being voted the most popular ultralight tent by Appalachian Trail thru-hikers for two years in a row. Its design helps it feel roomy, while the tent itself can fold down to a very portable 6” by 12” sack. By relying on hiking poles, the Duplex designers eliminated the weight and need for tent poles.

The Duplex gives you the ability to create the carrying and camping experience you want. It doesn’t come with stakes, instead allowing you to choose what style of stake you want. While some may find this helpful in creating exactly the tent they want, I find it annoying. Tracking down eight stakes for an already-expensive tent seems frustrating. 

If you love the lightweight and roomy size of the Duplex, but want the freedom that a freestanding tent brings, you can purchase the Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit (which adds an extra 10.2 oz / 290 g).

Weight: 1lb 3oz / 539g

Capacity: 2-person

Type: Tension tent (using hiking poles) but can be turned into a freestanding tent with the purchase of the Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit (an extra 10.2 oz / 290 g)

Price: Expensive

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Voted the most popular ultralight tent by Appalachian Trail thru-hikers two years in a row
  • Reportedly does not need a ground tarp
  • Has kits to adjust the tent to what you need

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t come with the necessary eight tent stakes

Tiger Wall UL Solution Dye by Big Agnes

Tiger Wall UL Solution Dye backpacking tent is a great option for long distance hikes.
Tiger Wall UL Solution Dye by Big Agnes

(See our full testing and review of the Tiger Wall UL here.)

Lightweight, easy to setup and breakdown, and good for the environment, the Tiger Wall is my go-to tent for backpacking. As a semi-freestanding tent, it uses only one pole to hold the tent in-place, and then uses stakes and tension to keep the rain fly and vestibule tight. Its roomy interior keeps it from feeling cramped, and the two-person tent gives plenty of room for me and my fellow hiker to sprawl out. The Tiger Wall is a three-season tent; however, I’ve camped through an unexpected snow in it without issue.

If all the above wasn’t exciting enough, Big Agnes’ “solution dye fabrics” requires, according to them, 50% less water, 80% less energy and 80% fewer chemicals. All of this adds up to an environmentally friendly tent with high UV resistance. 

Weight (1-person): 1lb 14oz / 1050g

Capacity: Options for 1-person, 2-person, or 3-person

Type: Semi-freestanding

Price: Midrange to expensive

Pros:

  • Massive storage pockets built into the tent
  • Solution Dye fabrics are better for the environment
  • Lightweight and easy to set up or tear down
  • Large headroom for an ultralight tent; feels spacious

Cons:

  • Doors are put in somewhat awkwardly
  • One-pole setup doesn’t take broadsided gusts of wind the best

Copper Spur HV UL by Big Agnes

The Copper Spur HV UL is a great backpacking tent or camping tent for up to five people.
Copper Spur HV UL1 by Big Agnes

The Copper Spur is easily a favorite for anyone looking for a lightweight, durable tent. Its withstood the test of time and can be found highly recommended by anyone who’s used it. Big Agnes continues its tradition of creating compact tents that feel spacious, and the Copper Spur is no different. 

In addition to being lightweight, the Copper Spur’s fly can extend out into an awning to rest under for those early morning breakfasts or just to sit under after a long day of hiking. Hiking with more than just yourself? No worries! The Copper Spur has options up to five people. No matter what size tent you get, you know the Copper Spur will last you and be lightweight enough to take wherever you go. Additional features includes large pockets and perfectly-positioned zippers. 

Weight (1-person): 2lb 2oz / 964g

Capacity: Options for 1-person, 2-person, 4-person, and 5-person

Type: Freestanding

Price: Midrange to expensive

Pros:

  • Massive storage pockets built into the tent
  • Lightweight and easy to set up or tear down
  • Large headroom for an ultralight tent; feels spacious

Cons:

  • Lightweight material can be fragile

Hornet by NEMO

The Hornet by NEMO is a great one or two person backpacking tent and camping tent.
Hornet by NEMO

The Hornet is an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight, sturdy backpacking tent without spending an excessive amount. It has a single-pole setup that makes it easy at camp and large vestibules that keep all your gear secure. Additionally, it comes with “no-see-um mesh” along the sides of the tent for additional privacy–good for those busy weekend campsites. If you know the Hornet is the tent you want, be sure to snap it up when you can because this tent sells out fast.

With the Hornet, saving weight also means cutting space. However, if you don’t plan on spending much time in your tent besides sleeping, it doesn’t make a big difference.

Weight (1-person): 2lbs / 905g

Capacity: Options for 1-person and 2-person

Type: Semi-freestanding

Price: Midrange

Pros:

  • Two-person tent comes with a “divvy bag” that allows you to easily split the weight among backpackers
  • Large doors for each sleeper
  • Large vestibules giving plenty of protection for your gear
  • Lifetime NEMO warrenty

Cons:

  • Cramped headspace

Aurora 2P by NEMO

Aurora 2P by NEMO

Perfect for car camping but still light enough to be a backpacking tent, the Aurora is up for whatever you throw at it. It’s heavier than the typical ultralight backpacking tent but is simultaneously cheaper than the Duplex or Big Agnes tents. It’s durability makes a great option for those looking for a tent that they can do anything in, especially if they alternate between different types of camping.

The Aurora has the quality name of NEMO and the beauty of NEMO’s lifetime warranty; however, Featherstone’s UL Granite 2P (reviewed below) is equal in weight and quality, but at a much more affordable price. This tent is great for someone who wants a brand-name tent and warranty without the excessive prices of an ultralight tent, but if you’re looking for something that’s quality and budget-friendly, keep moving.

Weight: 4lbs 9oz / 2070g

Capacity: 2-person

Type: Freestanding

Price: Budget-friendly

Pros:

  • Can easily be split between two backpackers for a manageable weight
  • Spacious and roomy
  • Footprint is included
  • Lifetime warranty through NEMO

Cons:

  • Expensive for its weight

UL Granite 2P by Featherstone Outdoor Products

The UL Granite 2P backpacking tent by Featherstone Outdoor Products is a perfect example of a cheap backpacking tent.
UL Granite 2P by Featherstone Outdoor Products

(See our full testing and review of the UL Granite here.)

Featherstone’s mission is to make the outdoors accessible to all, and the UL Granite is the perfect example of how they’re doing that. Complete with an easy setup and roomy interior, the Granite is perfect for new and old backpackers looking to save money and enjoy the outdoors. With a two-pole setup, its sturdy for whatever elements may come and keeps your head space protected from sagging.

The low cost comes with more weight than ultralight tents. However, the tent parts can be split to share the weight across both hiking partners.

Weight: 4lbs / 1814g

Capacity: 2-person (or 1-person)

Type: Freestanding

Price: Budget-friendly

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Easy two-pole set up
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Heavier than some other tents
  • Can be bulky to carry

Suma 2 by Eureka

Suma 2 by Eureka

Best for a new backpacker who wants to dip their toes in backpacking without a hefty price tag, the Suma 2 is lightweight and cost-effective. Plus, it’s slightly roomier than traditional ultralight tents, giving you the ability to slowly adjust to sleeping in small spaces before making the final plunge. This tent is great for weekend or overnight hikes, but probably not the best choice for multi-week or thru-hiking.

At 3 lbs 13 oz, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its price range but those weight cuts come at a cost. The biggest downfall of the Suma 2 is that it only has one door, even though it’s a two-person tent. This helps it cut down on the weight, but makes it tricky if one person needs to get out of the tent in the middle of the night and has to clamber over the other person without waking them up. In that regards, it might be better for someone traveling with their pet than two human backpackers.

Weight: 3lb 13oz / 1729g

Capacity: 2-person

Type: Freestanding

Price: Budget-friendly

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight for its price range
  • Roomier than traditional ultralight tents
  • Great for new backpackers testing out overnight or weekend hikes

Cons:

  • Only has one door for a two-person tent making it tricky if one needs to get out of the tent in the middle of the night but not the other
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AdventureGearGear Review

The 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks for 2022

by Ashli
written by Ashli

A hiker with all of the essentials and none of the weight is a happy hiker, at least in our experience. Lightweight camping and hiking gear has become cheaper to make, less expensive to buy, is becoming the go-to for many. Not only is lightweight hiking gear easier to buy, but it’s also getting more comfortable, too!

The backpacks listed below are trail-tested and hiker approved — these are the best lightweight overnight hiking backpacks for 2022.

Before we jump into the best backpacks for ultralight hiking, here are a few more of our all-time best gear-related posts:

hmg southwest 3400

The Best Hiking Backpacks for 2022

Let’s get started! When looking for an overnight hiking backpack, you’ll typically want to look for something 40-60L size range. This is enough space for all of the lightweight hiking gear you’ll need to pack, without leaving too much extra space and added material weight.

Whether you’re planning a thru-hike or heading out of a weekend, these packs will get the job done.

1) Gossamer Gear Mariposa

Comfort and lightweight combined – the Gossamer Gear Mariposa will be your best friend. In a world where ultralight packs are defined by thin shoulder straps that dig into your flesh and make themselves at home, you wonder how so much padding can make this still considered an ultralight pack. Well at less than 2 pounds, it is. Want lighter? Customize the fit and shed weight by removing the backrest and waist belt.

Our favorite part? the backrest doubles as a sit pad. Triple bonus for side sleepers – slide gossamer gear mariposathe backrest beneath your sleeping pad at night for extra comfort and warmth.

  • Price: $270
  • Weight: 1lb 14.5oz (medium size)
  • Capacity: 60L
  • Where to Buy: gossamergear.com

Pros:

  • lightweight
  • large capacity
  • lots of pockets
  • customizable

Cons:

  • thin material can breakdown over time

 

2) Mountainsmith Zerk 40

What drew us to the Zerk 40? It’s the love child of Mountainsmith and the bad-boy of thru-hikerdom, The Real Hiking Viking. The Real Hiking Viking is the mile-crushing, beard-growing, beer-drinking hiker of the future that we all wish we could be. So when they say the pack is awesome, well – we believe it.

The Zerk 40 is best for experienced hikers who know how to pack light. With no hip-belt, this pack is meant for fast movers and minimal extra weight. mountainsmith zerk 40

Pros:

  • trail-tested
  • thoughtful design

Cons:

  • low capacity

 

 

3) REI Flash 55 – Men’s and Women’s

The Flash 55 is an excellent lightweight backpack that won’t break the bank.  It’s also one of few lightweight backpacks that that can easily be found in a store near you – so you can take the guesswork out of size and comfort and go try it on yourself!

Another bonus for the Flash 55 is that it comes in both men’s and women’s sizes, making it easier to find the perfect fit.

  • Price: $199
  • Weight:rei men's flash 55
    • Men’s: 2lbs 10oz (medium size)
    • Women’s: 2lbs 11oz (medium size)
  • Capacity: 55L
  • Where to Buy:

Pros:

  • Comes in men’s and women’s sizes
  • large capacity

Cons:

  • thin waistbelt and shoulder straps

4) Ultralight Mountain Gear Circuit

No ultralight backpacking search goes without the mention of Ultralight Mountain Gear. Hang out in thru-hiker hotspots along the CDT, PCT, or AT, and you’re bound to see someone carrying one.

The ULA circuit is not the lightest pack that ULA makes, but includes bit more space and structure than the lightest of the light tend to offer. The circuit is the ULA for me.ula circuit

Pros:

  • large capacity
  • customizable fit
  • option to get your trail name embroidered on!

Cons:

  • expensive

 

5) Zpacks Arc Blast

The Arc Blast is an under-rated pack and another favorite in the long-distance hiking community. Best suited for those who know how to pack light, the Zpacks Arc Blast will make you feel light as a feather.

The Arc 2 also features an interchangeable hip-belt and a few optional add-ons, too. If you typically hike with a super low base weight and don’t often pack in amenities – this might be the ultralight backpack for you.Zpacks Arc Blast

  • Price: $375
  • Weight: 1lb 4.6oz
  • Capacity: 55L
  • Where to Buy: zpacks.com

Pros:

  • large capacity 
  • customizable

Cons:

  • expensive
  • low weight limit

 

6) Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus was cruelly left out of my pack search of the century. How did this happen? Incompetence, likely. This award-winning ultralight pack has a lot in common with some of my favorite packs on this list – and is more feature-full than most too!

You can customize your order to include a pack lid, hip pockets, or shoulder pockets too.Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus

Pros:

  • very lightweight
  • high capacity

Cons:

  • expensive

7) Granite Gear Crown 2

This super-durable pack is another thru-hiker favorite. Made with a high-tenacity (210-denier) nylon, it’s tough and weather-durable, too!

The Crown2 is a versatile backpack that comes in men’s, women’s and even tall sizes so you can find the best fit. The top lid is removable for extra weight-savings on your next fast-packing adventure.

  • Price: $199.95
  • Weight: 2lbs 4.7oz (regular size)
  • Capacity: 60L
  • Where to Buy:

Pros:

  • men’s and women’s and tall sizes available
  • budget-friendly
  • large capacity

Cons:

  • a little heavy

8) Gossamer Gear Gorilla

Gossamer Gear has managed to make their way onto our top 10 list twice! The Gorilla pack mirrors the Gossamer Gear Mariposa in many ways, but has a few key differences, including it’s smaller size

This pack is also the winner of Outdoor Gear Lab’s Best Mid-Volume Pack award.

  • Price: $240
  • Weight: 1lb 4.5oz (medium size)
  • Capacity: 40L
  • Where to Buy: gossamergear.com

Pros:

  • customizable
  • very lightweight

Cons:

  • lightweight material can rip easily

 

9) Osprey – Eja

We’re always happy to see gear made specifically for women hit the market and gear-makers who take women hikers seriously.

The Osprey Eja offers thinner shoulder straps, a higher sternum strap, and boasts better weight distribution for women. Plus it offers a ventilated back-rest, cushioned harness, and a removable top lid.

While this is not the lightest pack on our list, Osprey is well-known for their durable gear and fantastic warranty that easily can make up for the extra poundage.Osprey Eja

  • Price: $220
  • Weight: 2lbs 10oz (medium size)
  • Capacity: 58L
  • Where to Buy: rei.com

Pros:

  • durable
  • great warranty from both REI and Osprey
  • high capacity

Cons:

  • on the heavy side

10) Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest

We can’t lie, this backpack looks sexy as hell. And if we’re being honest, is our current favorite backpack. The black and white minimalist design is not for the weak of heart. If you need lots of pockets, turn back now.

The closure is painfully simple and brilliantly thought out. While the straps are thin, they are still surprisingly comfortable. And the hip belt pockets are nice to have. We just love the simple design and comfortable fit.hyperlite mountain gear 3400 southwest

Pros:

  • very durable
  • simple design

Cons:

  • expensive
Read our full review of the HMG 3400

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AdventureAppalachian TrailBackpackingGear ListThru Hike

Shanty’s SoBo Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List

by Andrew Baldwin
written by Andrew Baldwin

For 5 months in 2019, I walked (or thru-hiked) the entire length of the Appalachian Trail (or “AT”), a 2,192-mile north-to-south footpath that crosses the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. The massive trail winds its way through forests, bogs, pastures, mountains, and almost every other imaginable terrain.

As of 2019, about 21,000 people have successfully thru-hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, with the current yearly average being over 1,000 new finishers each year.

The vast majority of them do the trail northbound, starting at the southern end (Springer Mountain in northern Georgia) and hiking to the northern end (Mount Katahdin in northern Maine). However, there are some people (roughly about 10-15% of all thru-hikers) who choose to go the opposite way. They start in Maine in early summer, when the trails on Katahdin, including the AT, are have finally thawed out, and finish in Georgia in late fall or early winter depending on their pace. This is called a southbound (or SOBO) thru-hike.

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man

A SOBO thru-hike is considered to be more difficult than a northbound (or NOBO) thru-hike for two reasons:

  • The northernmost section of the trail (specifically the sections in Maine and New Hampshire) is the rockiest, steepest, most physically demanding, and most dangerous section of trail. A NOBO hiker has had months to prepare and get in shape before reaching this section, but a SOBO hiker is getting this section right at the start when they’re still inexperienced and have yet to get their “trail legs”.
  • SOBO hikers have a narrower window of mild weather than NOBOs do. NOBOs typically start their hikes in early spring, but SOBOs can’t start their hikes until early summer. While NOBOs can expect some wintry conditions at the start of their thru-hike due to the high elevations of the south in the early spring, it’s unlikely they’ll see any wintry weather after that, even in Maine in the early fall. A SOBO, meanwhile, typically spends at least their final full month hiking in wintry conditions due to them reaching the highlands of the south well after fall has started and with winter close behind.

Nevertheless, if it’s SOBO or NOBO, completing a thru-hike of the AT is incredibly difficult due to the terrain, weather, physical demands, logistical challenges, the harshness of living outdoors for months on end, and just about everything else you can think of. Only about 25% of people who have attempted a thru-hike of the AT actually succeed, but in early December of 2019, I was able to join the club of AT thru-hikers when I reached Springer Mountain in northern Georgia, completing my thru-hike!

Now, I’d like to share my gear list with you from my SOBO AT thru-hike. I hope it comes to good use for you if you ever decide on a backpacking trip. I believe that this gear list can work not just for a thru-hike, but for ANY backpacking trip!

Read on to see my full southbound AT thru-hike gear list – or click here to read my wife’s northbound thru-hike gear list for women!

My Southbound Appalachian Trail Thru-hike Gear List

Backpack

  • Osprey Kestrel 48
    • It was super durable, but I didn’t like how heavy it was because of the stiff frame and the mesh pockets on the outside kept ripping.
  • Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
    • I switched from the Osprey to this pack in Vermont since it was a lot lighter, had no stiff frame, and its pockets didn’t rip. I liked this one much better even though it was a little less durable and I had to patch it a few times with Tenacious Tape.

Pack Cover

  • Osprey Ultralight Pack Raincover—Medium
    • It easily fit over and cinched tightly on both my packs, keeping them nice and dry on all but the worst of rainy days.

Trekking Poles

  • Black Diamond Trail Pro Trekking Poles
    • Super durable, lightweight, and strong. They saved me at least 30 times a day from tripping and falling on my face (the AT is SUPER rocky and unsteady in a lot of places), and they helped me hike faster while giving my arms at least some form of a workout over the course of 5 months.
  • Duct tape wound around trekking poles
    • There’s nothing you can’t do when you have duct tape. Really helped me avoid blisters whenever I felt a hot spot forming!

Water Supplies

  • Clean and filtered water storage
  • “Dirty” water storage
    • (2) Sawyer 1-liter bladders
      • I got them with my Sawyer Squeeze filter, but they were annoying to fill up and weren’t very good quality. Ditched them in Pennsylvania (amazed I made it that far with them).
    • 1-liter Smart water bottle
      • Switched to this in Pennsylvania from the Sawyer bladders. It was more durable, easier to squeeze water through it into my Nalgene bottle when I was filtering, and easier to fill up from water sources.
  • Water filter
    • Platypus Gravity Works 2-Liter Water Filter Kit
      • Decided to start the trail with the Platypus because I had heard bad things about Sawyer (too heavy, breaks easily, etc.). Less than 100 miles into my hike, though, the Platypus busted and I was forced to hike a couple of days while drinking unfiltered water. That sucked, but I luckily didn’t get sick.
    • Sawyer Squeeze Filter
      • Switched to this and ditched the Platypus after 100 miles. The bad things I heard about Sawyer turned out to be #FakeNews. My Sawyer wasn’t heavy at all and it was very reliable in filtering from any source you could think of. I had to backflush a lot towards the end of my hike, but otherwise, the filter held nicely.
  • Water accessories
    • Sawyer plunger (comes with the Sawyer Squeeze Filter)
      • Simple and universal plunger. Did hundreds of reliable backflushes of my Sawyer filter with it.
    • Replacement O-ring for Sawyer filter
      • The O-ring can break or fall out easily on the Sawyer, so I made sure to keep a couple extras with me. They weigh nothing and you can get them from any gear shop near the trail.
    • Bottom 1/3 of Smart water bottle to use as a scoop
      • From Kent, CT all the way to Pearisburg, VA, water sources were scarce and the few places I could get water from mostly consisted of small puddles. Cutting up a Smart water bottle to make a scoop served me very well.
    • Mesh bag for carrying all my accessories/filter together
      • Made it easy to keep my filter, scoop, o-rings, and plunger all together so that it was super easy to access what I needed every time I needed water.
The White Mountains on a southbound appalachian trail thru hike


Tent

I think, though, that this tent is probably the closest to being able to meet all 4 categories. It stood up to all the abuse I gave it and only leaked once (during a massive storm in New Hampshire), it was pretty dang comfortable, it wasn’t TOO heavy, and it was a pretty reasonable price. The vestibule was great, too, for nights at the end of the trail when it was freezing, windy, and snowy and I had to cook dinner inside my tent to avoid turning into a popsicle.

  • Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1-person tent footprint
    • You need a footprint to make sure the floor of the tent isn’t directly in contact with the ground, helping to keep the floor of the tent dryer and cleaner. Sold separately from the tent itself.
  • NRS Tuft Sack Dry Bag (5L) for storage
    • I always used a dry sack for my tent so that when it rained overnight, I could pack my wet tent into a dry sack the next morning. That way, the water wouldn’t leak out from the tent and get other important things in my bag (such as my sleeping bag and clothes) all wet.

Cooking Supplies

  • Snow Peak Trek 900 Titanium Cookset with lid
    • This cookset was the perfect size for the meals that I had in the evening and it heated up really fast. On top of that, it was big enough to store all my cooking supplies in while hiking. My only issue with it was that the lid, which has a small metal handle on it so the lid could double as a mini frying pan (which I never used it for), didn’t hook onto the top of the container, so I had to use a makeshift strap to hold the lid on.
  • E-cloth wash & wipe microfiber dishcloth
    • A simple little cloth that weighed next to nothing and I was able to wipe my pot dry with it every evening after cooking and cleaning.
  • Small sponge (1/4 of a regular sponge)
    • For scrubbing the last stubborn bits of mac ‘n cheese off my pot after dinner. I would buy a sponge, then cut it into 4 smaller sponges, keeping one and while mailing the other ones down the trail to pick up later. Each quarter-sponge lasted me about 2 weeks before it got too nasty and had to be replaced with one of the ones I sent down trail.
  • Snow Peak Titanium Spork
    • It was a great and lightweight tool to use. Also, it was super durable and super lightweight, but I just didn’t need it for anything that my Silicone Spatula couldn’t do (see below). I sent it home in Pennsylvania.
  • Snow Peak Silicone Spatula with detachable head
    • This thing doubled as both my spoon and my scraper for my pot whenever I was done eating. The silicone was nice because unlike a titanium spork, it wouldn’t scratch the sides of my pot when I was scraping every last bite of food out of it.
  • Gerber Evo Jr pocket knife
    • Honestly didn’t really need it for anything, but it was always nice to have a knife if I wanted to cut slices of meat/cheese or do things like cut a rope. Also, it gave me a tool for self-defense (which I never had to use it for, fortunately).
  • MSR Pocket Rocket 2
    • Worked super well in all conditions and by the time I finished the trail, it was still in great shape! Cooking every night was a quick and easy process with this thing.
  • MSR IsoPro Canister Fuel (3.9 oz net weight; 7.4 oz gross weight)
    • Always super easy to find while on trail (every trail town and most gas stations had them). I always carried two with me just in case I unexpectedly ran out of fuel in one.
  • (2) BIC lighters
    • What good is a stove if you can’t light it? Again, I always carried 2 lighters so I could have a backup to light my stove in case one failed.
  • AntiGravityGear Pot Cozy
    • AntiGravityGear is a really cool company that will custom make cozies to fit any-sized pot. My awesome wife and parents sent this to me as a gift a couple hundred miles into my hike, and it did a great job of keeping my pot warm after I boiled water, thus saving me precious canister fuel. I could just throw my dinner in my pot with a bunch of water, bring the water to boil, then kill the pocket rocket and stick my pot in the cozy and it would keep the water super warm so it could continue to cook my food.
An Appalachian trail marker seen on Shanty's southbound appalachian trail thru hike

Sleeping Supplies

  • Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Venture Sleeping Pad
    • Probably the most annoying part of my thru-hike was having to blow this mofo up every single night, but it was nice and comfy to sleep on. It was a little noisy when I rolled over during the night, but I got used to it really quickly.
  • REI Men’s Flash Sleeping Bag (Long)—29-degree rating
    • This sleeping bag did a really good job. It kept me the right temperature at night, was relatively lightweight and was super cozy. It was also really durable and I’ll be able to keep using it after cleaning it and re-fluffing the down in it.
  • Enlightened Equipment Enigma Top Quilt—10-degree rating
    • I sent home the REI Men’s Flash and switched to a warmer quilt for the final month of my hike because it started getting really cold and the Flash wasn’t going to cut it. I had a couple of nights where temperatures were in single digits and wind chills were well below zero, but this, combined with my liner, did pretty well at keeping me warm. On top of that, It was much lighter than a 10-degree sleeping bag would be, and it strapped pretty securely to my sleeping pad. That being said, I think the 10-degree rating it’s given is a little generous (probably more like 15-18 degrees), and it was a little annoying to have to re-tuck it under me every time I rolled on my side.
  • Sea-To-Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner
    • My liner took my bag/quilt down another 10 degrees. It was FANTASTIC on the super cold nights because I could cinch myself really tightly into it and form a warm blanket of air around me. To save on space, I just stuffed it into my sleeping bag or quilt rather than carry it separately in its own pouch.
  • Cocoon Ultralight Air-Core Hood and Camp Pillow
    • Super lightweight and packed down super small. It was great when I had my sleeping bag because it would tuck right into the hood, but it was annoying when I had my quilt because it would slide around whenever I turned my head. If you prefer a quilt, I would recommend you look for something that sticks to the ground better.
  • Sea-To-Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack (Large) for storage
    • It’s essential that your sleeping bag/quilt stays dry because cold weather can make a wet sleeping bag a dangerous situation. This dry sack did a great job of keeping everything dry and it packed down really tightly, so it didn’t take up much pack space.
An overcast day on Shanty's southbound appalachian trail thru hike

Clothing

Shoes and Socks

  • Salomon XA Pro 3d
    • I had to ditch these shoes 100 miles into my hike. The hard plastic frame on the heel started to come apart and so every time I took a step, the sharp plastic bits would jab me in the back of my ankle. By the time I could get new shoes, my ankles were really messed up and it almost ended my thru-hike early.
  • Altra Olympus 3.5
    • Poet at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel in Monson, Maine recommended I switch to these shoes, and he happened to have a pair in stock. It was a decision that saved my thru-hike. These shoes had zero drop, so it took a while for my calf muscles and Achilles to adjust to them, but once they did, they were probably the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever hiked in. The cushioning on the sole is amazing, the shoe is wide so that your foot can grow into it (because your feet will swell up over the course of a thru-hike), they’re very breathable, and the tread does pretty well on terrain like the AT. The only issue I had with these shoes was that they were expensive and they only lasted about 500 miles before I needed to switch them out, so they put an extra-large dent in my hiker budget.
  • Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles
    • Just to give myself a little extra cushioning, I put these insoles in my Altras. They were very durable and comfortable as well.
  • (2) pairs—Fox River X-Static Liner Crew Socks
    • I started having some issues with blisters in Vermont, so I decided to do two things…(1) put extra Gold-Bond on my feet; and (2) got some sock liners. These liners were very thin and I thought they’d rip easily, but they held up surprisingly well and helped my blister issues go away.
  • (2) pairs—Darn Tough Hiker Socks
    • Darn Tough is the king of hiking socks. Super durable and well-cushioned. Plus with their unlimited lifetime warranty, I was able to do a free swap for a new pair at the Mohican Outdoor Center in New Jersey when one pair started ripping.

Warm Weather hiking gear

  • Prana Mojo Shorts
    • Super lightweight and breathable. Wicked sweat pretty well.
  • Hanes Ultimate Sport Boxer Briefs
    • Super lightweight and breathable. Wicked sweat pretty well.
  • Under Armour UA Tech Loose T-Shirt
    • Super lightweight and breathable. Wicked sweat pretty well.
  • 100% polyester baseball cap
    • You’re under the shade of trees most of the time you’re on the AT, so you don’t really need sunglasses. But a nice hat helps to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes.
  • Original Buff
    • For REALLY hot days, having a buff around your head to act like a bandanna or sweatband takes at least some of the work away from your baseball cap. Also, on the really cold nights on the second half of my hike, the buff acted as a great insulator for my head, face, and neck.

Cold-weather hiking gear

  • REI lightweight base layer long-sleeve crew top
    • Layers are essential when hiking in cold weather, so I always started out with a base layer. This one was pretty light and beat up from years of use, so I used it for the first couple of months of my hike (when it was still warm) just in case I had the occasional cool/windy day.
  • Ultimate Terrain Trailhead Hiking Quarter Zip Mid-Layer
    • Added this mid-layer when it got colder in Virginia. Nice and breathable because I could partially zip it down if I was too warm, but also would keep me relatively warm on cold hiking days when I wouldn’t break a sweat even when going uphill.
  • Mountain Hardwear Ghost Men’s down jacket
    • Super durable and lightweight. Only had to patch it with Tenacious Tape once. Stayed pretty puffy, too, despite it being stuffed in the front pocket of my pack every day.
  • Outdoor Designs running gloves
    • For those cool and windy days where I needed something on my hands, but not enough that my hands would get too hot and start sweating. Did the job well.
  • Softshell ski gloves
    • For those really cold days towards the end of the trail. Put them on right over my running gloves and after about 10 minutes, my hands would start to warm up.

Nighttime gear

  • Under Armour UA Tech Loose T-Shirt (100% polyester)
    • Used it as my only top layer for most of New England (since it was still summer) and most of the mid-Atlantic (since it was early fall and still kind of warm). Was breathable and comfy.
  • Under Armour Base 4.0 Men’s Top
    • Switched to this in Virginia when the weather turned colder. Much thicker and warmer, and I needed it the rest of the trail. I never really needed it during the day because this base layer was so warm, but I used it every night, and it was great.
  • Hanes Ultimate Sport Boxer Briefs
    • Might as well sleep in the same brand of undies that you hike in. I had two pairs of undies…one for hiking in and one for sleeping in. Breathable and comfy.
  • SmartWool Merino150 Long Underwear Bottoms
    • Wore them every night my entire hike. A great base layer. They kept me warm, they were breathable enough that I could still wear them in the summer in the North and not sweat while also protecting my legs from the many mosquitos.
  • Prana Stretch Zion Pants
    • On really cold nights when my merino bottoms weren’t cutting it, I would also put on these durable and breathable pants.
  • Darn Tough Hiker Socks
    • Same principle as my undies. I had two pairs of Darn Toughs that I used for hiking, and then another pair that I used strictly for sleeping so that my feet were always warm and dry.
  • Wal-Mart brand one-size winter hat
    • Just wanted to have something to cover my head on the really cold nights, especially since I had a quilt in the South and needed to have some form of headcover as a result. A simple winter hat from Wal-Mart did the job nicely.

Wet hiking gear

Clothing storage

Toiletries

  • Outdoor Research Dry Ditty Sack (medium) for storage
    • If you can’t fit all your toiletries in this bag, you have too many toiletries.
  • Collapsible Toothbrush
    • Some hikers saw most of the handle off their toothbrush to save weight, but I was happy with a collapsible toothbrush.
  • Travel-size Toothpaste
    • Lasted me about a week at a time. Got a new one at each resupply.
  • Chap Stick
    • Good for keeping my lips from getting chapped from the sun and wind.
  • Contact Lens Case and Travel-size Contact Lens Solution
    • Lasted me about a month at a time. I would change the solution in my case every 2 days, so I was able to make it each bottle last a little longer.
  • 3 pairs of contacts
    • Always liked to have a couple spares in case of emergency.
  • Retainer
    • It’s annoying that I have a crooked tooth from my rowdy college days and that I have to wear a retainer every night because of it, but it is what it is.
  • Travel container of Dr. Bronner’s
    • To give my hands a quick disinfectant and for emergency shampoo/soap use.
  • Nail Clippers
    • Nothing is worse than having to ask a fellow hiker for nail clippers, so I made sure to have a small pair of my own.
  • Floss
    • Just because I’m a thru-hiker doesn’t mean I have to have bad gums.
  • Beard Comb
    • Just because I’m a thru-hiker doesn’t mean my hair and beard have to be a TOTAL mess.
  • Ziplock bag full of Allergy pills
    • For those days on the trail when the pollen FINALLY gets to you.
  • Ear Plugs
    • If you don’t have these, and you’re within ear-shot of a fellow hiker at night…you will NOT sleep well that night. Trust me, bring them. If you run out, pretty much every hiker hostel on the trail has them in stock.
Southbound appalachian trail thru hike balds in winter

Electronics

  • Outdoor Research Dry Ditty Sack (small) for storage
    • If you can’t fit all your electronics in this bag, you have too many electronics.
  • Goal Zero Flip 10 Portable Charger
    • I always kept my cell phone in airplane mode and used it sparingly so I could go at least a few days without needing to recharge it. Still, there were a few pretty remote stretches of trail where I would go up to a week without being somewhere I could charge my phone. This tiny portable charger gave me a whole extra charge to my phone to give me peace of mind.
  • Short USB Cable
    • For plugging in my phone and charger whenever I found an outlet.
  • Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
    • Super bright and super effective, but I was really annoyed by how quickly the battery drained on this thing. I had to use it a few hours a day every day for most of my final month on trail (since the days were getting so short) and after about a week of use, the headlamp would already be dimming.
  • AAA batteries for headlamp
    • Always had two complete resupplies for my headlamp (8 batteries total). AAA’s are really tiny, so it wasn’t a big deal to carry this many.
  • Apple 5W USB Power Adapter
    • For plugging in my phone and charger whenever I found an outlet.
  • Soundcore Spirit Sports Earbuds (Bluetooth headphones)
    • When you’re stuck in the green tunnel for days on end, you need some form of entertainment, so I took solace in music, audiobooks, and podcasts. These headphones were great because they were durable, lasted about 10 hours on one charge, and could fully charge within an hour.

Food

  • NRS Tuff Sack Dry Bag—15-liter
    • Daddy needs to have his food well protected.
  • A dozen gallon and quart ziplock bags for trash and holding dinner foods
    • Ziplock bags are currency on the AT. You need them for holding things like your dinner, your trail mix, and many other foods. You also need them for storing your trash.
  • 3 days worth of meals
    • Here was what I ate in a typical day…
      • Breakfast
        • Pop-tarts
        • Candy bars
        • Protein bars
      • Lunch
        • Block of Cheese
        • Summer Sausage
        • Candy bars
      • Snacks
        • Protein bars
        • Candy bars
      • Dinner
        • Dehydrated Meal
        • Candy Bars
        • Spam Singles
  • Miscellaneous food items
    • Propel powder packs
    • Small container of olive oil
    • Mini spice bullet
      • While it was nice to sprinkle some salt, pepper, and garlic powder on my food…it was annoying to open and was bulky. I sent this item home when I was in New York.
    • Miscellaneous mini-condiments (mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, etc.)
      • I found these to be lighter and easier to use than a spice bullet. Started hoarding condiments at resupplies and they really spiced up my dinners (especially hot sauce!) 

Miscellaneous

  • Outdoor Research Dry Ditty Sack (large) for storage
    • Used this to store all my miscellaneous items listed below.
  • Bear Hanging Rope—100 ft. 3 mm utility cord
    • Super strong and durable. Every bear bag hang was successful with this rope, and I never lost or ripped it at any point!
  • Carabiner with 10-lb. weight capacity
    • Used this along with my bear hanging rope for hanging my food bag.
  • Toilet paper (in a ziplock bag)
    • Is an explanation really necessary?
  • Tenacious Tape
    • Used this to patch inevitable rips in my down jacket and my pack.
  • Hand warmers
    • Essential for the final month on trail. Just like ziplock bags, hand warmers are currency on the AT.
  • Glasses
    • In case my contacts started bothering me or I ran out of contacts.
  • Gold-Bond Friction Stick
    • To stop the chaffing.
  • KT Performance Blister Kits
    • To stop the blisters.
  • Ziplock bag of ibuprofen tablets
    • Aches and pains are inevitable when you’re hiking every day for 5 months. Was always nice to have some ibuprofen close by.
  • First Aid Kit
    • Band aids
    • Antibiotic Ointment
    • Tweezers
      • For removing ticks…surprisingly, I didn’t really have issues with ticks during my thru-hike. I only had to use my tweezers twice. 
Appalachian trail thru hiker at newfound gap

Loose Items 

  • Cell phone (iPhone 8)
  • Mophie charger compatible with iPhone 8
    • A portable charger that would provide an additional charge to my phone with the push of a button.
  • Gaia GPS downloaded to iPhone
    • Awesome app that prevented me from ever getting lost, helped me find things like water sources and landmarks, and used the GPS on my phone (even while in airplane mode) so I would know exactly where I was. I used the NatGeo AT maps.
  • AWOL (A.T. Guide)
    • A great written guide that I would use from time to time because unlike a cell phone, a written guide doesn’t require batteries and will still work if you accidentally drop it in a stream.
  • Mini notebook for journaling (and a pen)
    • I kept a journal of my thru-hike so I could remember it all when I came home. Every night, I would journal for about a half hour about everything I saw and experienced. The best decision I made on my thru-hike because it helps me remember so much about it.
  • Chums Surfshorts Wallet
    • Super durable, waterproof, and lightweight. Used it to carry the essentials…
      • Driver’s License
      • (1) Debit Card
      • (1) Credit Card
      • Cash…good to carry about $50 at a time
      • Health Insurance Card
      • A written list of emergency contacts 

Conclusion

I hope this list helps you be prepared on future hikes, and if you decide to do a thru-hike of the AT one day, I hope this list serves as a great guide for you.

Shanty poses at the southern terminus of the appalachian trail after finishing his southbound appalachian trail thru hike

Happy Hiking!

~Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin (AT SOBO 2019)

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AdventureBackpackingGearGear ListGear ReviewThru Hike

Complete Women’s Hiking and Backpacking Gear List

by Ashli
written by Ashli

Lightweight and comfortable — a lighter pack will help you enjoy your backpacking trips even more and your body will thank you. This backpacking gear list doesn’t skimp on comfort items but scales back on clothing and non-essentials. Stick around to learn how you can lower your pack weight and not miss a thing.

Aside from a few personal items that you choose, this list should give you everything you need to go backpacking for anywhere from a few days to a few months. This list is also practical, meaning most products are the best overall value, rather than the best price or the best weight.

If you follow this guide for packing your hiking gear, you’ll end up with a base weight of just under 15 pounds. That means everything you’re carrying minus food and water. When fully loaded with a liter of water and a few days worth of food, you can easily keep your pack weight well under 25 pounds.

This gear list is best used for temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees. If you plan on hiking in cooler or warmer temps, please adjust your clothing and sleeping bag/pad accordingly.

Interested in reading about my before and after Appalachian Trail thru-hike gear list? Click here.

Backpacking Gear List

Tent, Backpack, Sleeping Bag, and Accessories
Item Recommended Weight Notes
Tent Big Agnes – Copper Spur UL 1 Person Tent 2lbs 3oz Weight includes tent body, rain cover, stakes, poles, stuff sack. This is my all-time favorite tent. It’s watertight and doesn’t require trekking poles to set up. For an even lighter option, check out the Big Agnes Fly Creek Ul 1
Tent Footprint Big Agnes Footprint Copper Spur UL 1 Footprint 4.5oz A tent footprint is the ground cover and gives you extra water and rip protection. They are typically sold separately.
Sleeping Bag REI Magma 2lbs 4oz Women’s specific temperature rating of 15 degrees making it a great 3-season sleeping bag. Alternative: REI Women’s Flash
Compression Sack Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack 3.2oz A waterproof compression sack is the best choice for storing your sleeping bag. It allows you to pack your sleeping bag very small and waterproof material keeps it safe from rain and accidental tears.
Sleeping Pad Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite Women’s Regular 12oz The women’s version has more warmth than the unisex version of this sleeping pad. The women’s version only goes up to 5’6″, so if you’re taller than that (like me) go for the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite Regular, unisex instead.
Pillow Cocoon Ultralite AirCore Pillow 6.7oz Some Folks use a stuff sack with extra clothing in it as a pillow — I like the inflatable pillow.
Backpack REI Women’s Flash 45 2lbs 12oz 45 liters might sound small at first, but trust me it is plenty of space.
Pack Cover Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover 4oz Some backpacks come with one. Also, some folks prefer to simply line their pack with a garbage compactor bag.
Trekking Poles Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Pole 1lb 1oz – (carried) I haven’t used these personally, but I’m looking for a new pair! The Black Diamond Trail Pro made the top 5 on womenstrekkingpoles.com
Pack Weight: 9lbs 6.1oz

Clothing
Item Type Item Name Weight Comments
Rain Jacket Marmot Women’s Precip Eco Jacket 9.2oz The Marmot Precip has become a bit of a standard as far as price vs weight vs waterproofness.
Insulation Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket 6oz This jacket is so light that you might not believe it at first. It’s also very comfortable.
Hiking Top REI Women’s Sahara T-Shirt 5oz (Worn) Quick-dry and breathable are the most important factors when picking a hiking shirt. In the heat, sweat can cause chaffing and discomfort. In the cold, it can be deadly.
Hiking Bottom Nike Women’s Dry Tempo Short 5oz (Worn) Pretty much any pair of quick-dry running shorts will do. I prefer the built-in liner (although it took some getting used to).
Sports Bra Champion Women’s Freedom Seamless Racerback Sports Bra 8oz (Worn) I like a loose and comfortable fit. Whichever hiking bra you pick, just make sure it dries fast!
Base Layer Top Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Crew 6.6oz Smartwool base layers are great for a lot of reasons. They are quick-drying and breathable, warm, and comfy, but also wool is odor resistant!
Base Layer Bottom Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Bottom 6.4oz In warm temperatures where it gets cooler at night, these are my pajamas.
Hat Smartwool Merino 150 Pattern Beanie 0.5oz Keep yer noggin warm on cold nights and brisk mornings.
Underwear (x2) Patagonia Women’s Active Brief 1.3oz each Quick-dry and breathable.
Hiking Socks (x2) Darn Tough Vermont Women’s Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion Socks 2.25oz each (1 worn) Darn Tough has a fantastic return policy and the socks are crazy comfortable. The right socks are essential for any backpacking gear list.
Sleeping Socks Smartwool Women’s Hiking Medium Crew 2.8oz These are a bit thicker than the Darn Tough socks, and help keep toes warm at night.
Shoes Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3 CS Trail Running Shoes 1lb (worn) I prefer hiking in sneakers and tend to stay away from waterproof ones for better breathability.
Pack Weight: 2lbs 2.35oz

Cooking and Hydration
Item Type Item Name Weight Comments
Cooking Pot Snow Peak Trek 900 Titanium Cookset 6.2oz The lid doubles as a small fry pan. The set is super durable. Save space in your pack by storing small cooking essentials inside.
Heating element MSR PocketRocket Stove 3oz While a homemade alcohol stove might be lighter, a cooking stove like the pocket rocket is easier to control and more convenient to use.
Fuel MSR IsoPro Fuel 8oz Isobutane canisters are mostly interchangeable.
Utensil Snow Peak Titanium Spork .1oz The best argument I ever heard for a titanium spork is that it’s easier to eat ice cream with. Sold.
Lighter x2 Bic Mini 0.4oz each Bring two small lighters instead of one big one. Then you’ll have a backup without the added weight.
Pack Towel REI Mini MicroTowel Lite .8oz A super absorbent towel has a lot of great uses. I like to use mine for cleaning out my cook pot.
Water Filtration Sawyer Mini Water Filter 2oz The price and weight make the Sawyer Mini a no brainer. I prefer a filter over iodine or chlorine pills because it cleans the water and filters out gross little floaties.
Water Bottle x2 Smartwater, 1 Liter .5oz each (empty) Lightweight, cheap to replace, the perfect size (tall and thin) for fitting in a pack, durable plastic, and the screw top fits perfectly with the Sawyer Mini water filter. What more is there to say?
Total Weight: 21.9oz

Toiletries and First Aid
Item Type Item Name Weight Comments
Sunscreen Sawyer SPF 30 Stay-Put System 1 Sunblock Lotion 2oz Consider the amount of tree cover there will be to determine how much sunscreen to bring. With a lot of tree cover, you might not need any at all.
Bug Repellant Repel 100-Percent Deet Insect Repellent, Pen Size Pump Spray .45oz You can spray this on your clothes to help ward off pests. I detest using bug spray because of how sticky it makes my skin feel. You can get creative when choosing the type of bug repellant you use. I once hiked with a bug repellant incense stick burning and sticking out of my pack.
Toothbrush Liberty Mountain Compact Toothbrush 0.5oz I like the small size, plus the cover to keep the germs away.
Toothpaste Any brand 1oz Hiking is no excuse for poor dental hygiene … feel free to stop showering though … 🙂
Soap/Cleanser Dr. Bronner’s Travel Size 2oz Purell works, too, and is easier to use — but Dr. Bronner’s can also be used as a shampoo in a pinch.
Chapstick Any brand 0.5oz Chapstick should be on the 10 essentials for every backpacking gear list. Never leave home without it.
Advil, Benadryl Any brand 0.5oz Get a small ziplock bag or another container for pills.
Gold Bond or Vaseline Any Brand 2oz For hot temps, use Gold Bond powder or stick to help with chaffing. Use vaseline to pre-empt blisters by applying it to hot spots.
Tampons Any Brand 2oz Yep. I said it. Don’t forget em. I always carry some, even if I’m not scheduled to get a visit from aunt flow, just in case I run into a fellow female hiker in need. An essential for every woman’s backpacking gear list.
Toilet Paper Any brand 1oz Grab some off a roll and throw it in a ziplock bag.
Tweezers Any brand 0.5oz For ticks! Also for grooming…if you’re into that…
Nail Clippers Any brand 0.5oz Don’t be the girl on the trail asking strangers to borrow nail clippers!
Total Weight: 12.95oz

Other Gear
Item Type Item Name Weight Comments
Waterproof Stuff Sacks (dry sacks) – Various sizes – x3 Outdoor Research Dry Ditty Sacks 1oz each Stuff sacks help you organize your gear. Go with the dry sacks for an extra layer of waterproofing.
Food Bag (dry sack) Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack 1oz This is to organize your food, and also the bag that you’ll hang from a tree at night so bears can’t reach it, and also so squirrels don’t break into your tent at night. Waterproof is a must. Also, go for a larger size because you’ll also put your toiletries in here when you hang it.
Bear Cord (utility cord) ThreeBulls 1.8mm Fluorescent Reflective Guyline Tent Rope Camping Cord Paracord 1.2oz A reflective cord is a good idea so that you can easily spot it at night.
Knife Gerber EVO Jr. Knife, Serrated Edge 1.8oz Small and light. The serrated edge allows you to cut paracord if you need to. I used mine mostly for cutting cheese.
Headlamp Petzl – TIKKINA Headlamp, 150 Lumens 3oz 150 lumens is incredibly bright.
Phone Any brand 5oz Can be used for camera, communication, and maps (navigation).
Phone Case Mophie or Lifeproof battery case 5oz Combine the phone case and extra battery into one by getting a phone case with an extra charge in it.
You can also get waterproof battery cases.
Maps Printed or Physical copies or a guide book 2oz You can get maps on your phone, but it’s always good to have a backup hard copy. Never leave navigation off of your backpacking gear list.
Duct Tape Any Brand 1oz Wrap some around your trekking poles. It saves space and weight in your pack and provides easy access for quick fixes.
Total Weight: 23oz

If you stop here, your base weight will be 15 lbs 4.3 oz. With few days of food and a liter of water, your total pack weight should be well under 25 pounds.

Optional Add-ons
Item Type Item Name Weight Comments
Personal Locator Beacon SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger 4oz I prefer to simply let people know my travel plans and when I expect to return. I also typically travel with a hiking partner. If you travel alone and will be outside of cell phone signal, a personal locator beacon might make sense for you.
Rain Pants Marmot Women’s Precip Pant 11.5oz In warmer climates, I prefer to get rained on than wear sweaty sticky rain pants. A good pair is worth considering if you’ll be hiking in colder temps.
Sunglasses Suncloud Zephyr Polarized Sunglasses 1oz Like sunscreen, the necessity of sunglasses depends on how much tree cover/sun exposure you will get.
Sun Hat ExOfficio Bugsaway Sol Cool Adventure Hat 3.2oz For trips where you’ll have a decent amount of sun exposure, a wide brim hat with SPF protection is a great idea.
Bandana Any Brand .2oz Can be used in lieu of a pack towel, great for sweat and snot. Can also be used as a pee rag.
Bathroom ‘aid’ Tinklebell 0.6oz Peeing in the woods as a female could be easier. Check out the Tinklebell for a lightweight solution.
Gloves Northface Women’s TKA 100 Fleece Glove 1.5oz Don’t be like me getting caught in a cold snap and wearing socks on my hands. I looked silly.
Total Weight: 1lb 6oz

Get a FREE backpacking checklist

Don’t forget anything on your next backpacking trip! Join the mailing list and I’ll send you a checklist with all the items in this post!

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AdventureGear ListHiking

Complete Guide to Hiking Mount Washington

by Ashli
written by Ashli

Are you thinking about hiking Mount Washington?

A challenging hike, but incredibly rewarding experience, Mount Washington in northern New Hampshire is a popular destination that hosts about 250,000 visitors every year.

This Mount Washington hiking guide will show you everything you need to know about this iconic trek. Read everything, or click one of the navigation links below to go directly to a specific section.

Navigation

Interested in reading my full backpacking gear list? Click here.

About Mount Washington

The tallest mountain in the northeast, Mount Washington rises 6,288 ft above sea level in the Presidential Range and lays claim to “Home of the world’s worst weather.”

On April 12, 1934, the world record for the fastest overland wind speed was recorded at 231 mph on the summit. Due to such harsh conditions atop Mount Washington, the tree line extends to only 4,400 ft above sea level. To the north, Mount Washington is surrounded by Presidential Range peaks Mounts Adams, Clay, Jefferson and Madison, forming a natural amphitheater.

The average temperature at the summit is 26.5°F, with the record high being only 72°F recorded in June and August, and a record low of a chilling -50°F. It can snow any time of the year at the summit, so hikers need to be prepared for winter conditions even on a summer day.

Not only is Mount Washington the tallest peak, but its prominence is recorded to be 6,148 ft, meaning the height measured from the lowest contour line surrounding only the mountain. It’s the second tallest peak on the east coast, beaten only by Clingman’s Dome in the Smoky Mountains.

At the summit is the Sherman Adams visitor center, cafeteria, restrooms, gift shop, museum, and Mount Washington Observatory. The visitor center is open from April to November; there are no public facilities open in the winter. On a clear day, you can see into Maine, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean. However, clear days are hard to come by at the summit, as there are only 10 blue sky days recorded per year on average.

General Information

A Cairn marks the way along the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

A Cairn marks the way along the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Since Darby Field claimed the first ascent of Mount Washington in 1642, the summit has become a popular destination for hikers and other outdoor recreationists. Today, you can reach the summit in the summertime by hiking, driving, shuttle, or train.

The Mount Washington Auto Road

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a popular way for tourists to reach the summit without the rigor of the 4,280 ft elevation-gain hike. The road opened August 8, 1861, making it America’s oldest man-made attraction. A trusted car and confident driver are necessary to make the drive as the 7.6-mile climb averages a 12% grade. There is a fee per vehicle/person to drive the road, but this includes a guided CD and the famous “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker. Take lots of breaks on the way up and down to enjoy the views, as well as giving your car’s engine and breaks a rest.

The Cog railway

Another popular way to reach the Mount Washington summit is via the Cog railway. Built in 1869, the Cog Railway was the first mountain-climbing railway. The three-hour round-trip train ride runs from April to November. Guided tours are a great way to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenic Bretton Woods.

Bringing Pets

Pets are allowed to hike and be in designated areas at the summit around the visitor center. Pets may not be tied up outside the visitor center as a precaution for severe weather. Sheltered areas are provided for pets in case of severe weather; contact park rangers for information on where to go in event of extreme weather.

Planning for Hiking Mount Washington

Descending the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trekking to the summit of Mount Washington is arguably one of the more difficult day hikes on the Eastern Coast of the United States (a worthy opponent may be summiting Mount Katahdin in Maine).

If planning to do any of the below hikes in a single day, it is highly recommended to get an early start to give you plenty of time to return before dark.

It is also important to keep close track of the weather report for the day of your hike as well as the days preceding it. When on the trail, hikers should be prepared for sudden shifts in weather, no matter the forecast.

The Tuckerman Ravine Trail (Most Popular)

  • Total distance: 8.2 miles
  • Total elevation gain/(loss): 4280(-4,280)
  • Total time to hike: 7-9 hours

See my track below. Our hiking time does not include 3 long breaks that I took.

The most popular approach for hikers is the Tuckerman Ravine Trail which starts at the Pinkham Notch campground and visitors center.

From here, you’ll ascend a distance of 4.1 miles and gain 4,280 ft of elevation as the trail leads up a series of switchbacks and steep rock steps through the bowl of Tuckerman Ravine and to the top of Mount Washington

About halfway up the trail is the Hermit Lake Shelter which provides a resting area, snacks, water well pump, and toilet for hikers.

Many hikers choose to follow the Tuckerman Ravine trail to the summit, and on the way down, loop back to the shelter via the Lion’s Head Trail. The Lion’s Head Trail has exposed steep slopes above treeline that offer astonishing views. While also steep, the descent is a bit less challenging than if following the Tuckerman Ravine trail downward. It also helps to separate the traffic coming up the mountain from the traffic coming down the mountain, as this trail can be incredibly crowded on nice weather days.

For those in good shape, the hike should take about 4.5 hours to reach the top and about 3.5 hours to descend. Of course, this is largely dependant on your personal level of fitness and health.

For those wishing to do an overnight trip, there are the Hermit Lake shelters and campsites in Tuckerman Ravine. Located 1.5 miles from the summit, there is also the option to reserve a bed at the backcountry Lakes of the Clouds Hut. The hut provides guests with a pillow and blankets, cold running water and breakfast and dinner. No electricity is available at the hut, so guests should be prepared with a headlamp and other battery-operated electronics.

View more information about this trail.

The Appalachian Trail (Crawford Path Trail)

  • Total distance: 15 miles
  • Total elevation gain/(loss): 5200(-5200)ft
  • Total time to hike: 9-12 hours (or more)

The Appalachian Trail traverses most of the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, via the Crawford Path Trail. This is potentially one of the most difficult hikes to reach the Mount Washington summit. Most who hike this path choose to book a stay at the Lake of the Clouds hut, which rests on the shoulder of the mountain. This allows hikers to break the trek into two days.

View more information about this trail.

The Jewel Trail

  • Total distance: 10.4 miles
  • Total elevation gain/(loss): 4,000(-4,000)ft
  • Total time to hike: 7-9 hours

Starting from the parking lot of the Cog Railway, the Jewel Trail is considered the “easiest” trail to reach the summit. The trail gains 4,000 ft elevation over 5.2 miles, so the trail is not as steep as some of the more popular routes. However, easiest is a relative term, as a 4,000 ft climb is still a challenge for most day hikers.

View more information about this trail.

The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

  • Total distance:  7.4 miles
  • Total elevation gain/(loss): 3720(-3720)ft
  • Total time to hike:  5-8 hours

Also starting from the Cog Railway parking lot is the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. This trail can be combined with the Jewel Trail to form a loop hike. Like the Lion’s Head Trail, it is recommended to hike up the Ammonoosuc Trail because it is steeper and more rugged and hike back down the Jewel Trail. This hike also passes by Lake of the Clouds Hut.

View more information about this trail.

Hiker Shuttles

For hikers wishing to only hike one way, there is a shuttle that runs from the summit to the Pinkham Notch visitors center, Great Gulf Trailhead, and the base of the road. The shuttle does not go to the Cog Railroad base. Other trails include Boott Spur, Huntington Ravin, Nelson Crag, and Great Gulf trails up the eastern/northeastern slope, and Ammonoosuc Ravine, Crawford Path, and Gulfside Trails up the western slopes.

Click for shuttle rates and availability.

Preparation for Hiking Mount Washington

Learn what to pack for a day hike on Mount Washington, and how to train for it.

The lower third of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

What to Pack

Due to the intense exposure and extreme nature and difficulty and sometimes remoteness of this trail, it is important to pack more than you may normally do for a day hike. In addition to your normal items, you’ll want to pack extra emergency equipment, and extra clothing, in case you get caught in bad/cold weather or in the dark.

Here’s my recommended Mount Washington Day Hike Packing List (summertime):

Mount Washington Day Hike Checklist
Item Recommended Weight Notes
Day Pack

Osprey Packs Women’s Sirrus 24 Backpack

 2lbs 2oz For this hike, we’re looking for something in the 20-30L range for how much stuff it can hold. We recommend the Osprey Sirrus 24 for Women.
Water Bottles (x2) Nalgene Wide-Mouth 32-L 6.2oz ea Carry at least 2 liters of water per person. Fill up at the shelter around the 1/2 waypoint, and again at the summit.
Extra Socks Smartwool Hike Medium Crew Socks 2.8oz Replacing your socks helps prevent blisters! This Smartwool socks may seem expensive, but after 10 years of hiking, trust me, you’ll love them.
Warm Layer

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

 6.4oz Even on a hot summer day, temperatures on top of Mount Washington can be downright frigid. Be prepared to keep yourself warm. Click here to read my full Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Review
Rain Layer Marmot Women’s Crystalline Jacket 11.4oz Wet & cold do not mix well together. You’ll almost always find a lightweight rain layer at the bottom of my pack. The Marmot Crystalline is a great jacket that will keep you dry.
Hiking GPS The Gaia GPS App 0.0oz I can’t tell you how helpful it is to know how far you’ve gone, and how far you’ve got left to go – not to mention which way to turn. Get this app and you won’t regret it. (P.S. It’ll let you print paper maps, too!).
Camera Sony A7SII Mirrorless Camera 1lb 14oz Of course, most people use their phones – so don’t forget that either! If you’re in the market for a fancier picture-taking machine, here’s the one I dream about.
Extra Charge

Goal Zero Switch 10 Core USB Recharger

 4oz I’m heavily into using my phone for navigation, pictures, and video, all of which suck up battery life. Carry an extra charge for peace of mind.
Trekking Poles Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Pole 1lb 1oz – (carried) These will be especially helpful on the downhill, where your knees will take the brunt of the work. Do them a favor and get some trekking poles!
First aid kit

I Go Compact First Aid Kit

 8oz Expect a fall on the sharp and uneven rocks during the later portions of this hike. Bandages and other first-aid gear is important. I also recommend adding Benadryl and aspirin.
Headlamp

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

 4oz Don’t get caught in the dark. A headlamp is another essential that should always find it’s way into your pack
Pack Weight: 8lbs 2oz

In addition to the above, you’ll want to pack various snacks to keep up your energy, and some cash to spend at the gift shop at the top of the mountain.

For clothing, wear an athletic shirt and pants that are thin, wicking, and non-cotton. Non-cotton socks are also highly recommended. While you may be able to get away with sneakers for this hike, sturdy hiking boots are surely a better option, as they’ll help support you on jagged rocks, and reduce your chances of slipping or falling on wet or uneven surfaces. I recommend the Vasque Breeze III hiking boots, for both men and women.

Lastly, you might also consider leaving a change of clothes in the car for the ride home 🙂

Training for the Hike

It’s important to build up a baseline of fitness before attempting a challenging hike. At the very least, a workout routine will help you enjoy your hike even more.

View while ascending the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

View while ascending the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Bodyweight exercises

Start training by doing bodyweight squats and lunges. These exercises are hands-down the quickest way to start conditioning your legs for an uphill battle. If you’re out of shape, start with only 10 squats, and 6 lunges, but gradually increase the amount each day.

Once you build up muscle mass, increase weight by adding on a heavy day pack while completing your squats and lunges. Having strong legs will help on the grueling uphill climb, but also protects your joints from the impact on the way down.

When summit day is near, you’ll want to be able to perform 3-sets of 20 squats, and 3-sets of 10 lunges at a minimum. Include calf raises in your routine for an extra boost. These aren’t as important as squats or lunges but will help stave off fatigue on the trail.

Practice Hikes

Go for practice hikes in your area. Start out with shorter hikes and work your way to longer distances. Look for hikes in your area that include steep ascents. If you don’t have access to anything as steep as Mount Washington to train on, go for longer hikes to build endurance. For those that have a gym membership and access to an inclining treadmill or stair master, this is another great tool for building endurance and muscular strength.

Some Final Thoughts

Most important to remember when hiking Mount Washington is that due to exposure and severe weather changes, the hike can be very dangerous. If at any point you feel too fatigued or see a storm rolling in, it is best to turn back around. The hike should be enjoyable and rewarding; don’t let poor judgment put you in a dangerous situation. And finally, make sure to take a lot of pictures and enjoy the views!

We loved sharing our hike with you! Follow us on Instagram as we travel the United States hiking and getting outside! http://www.instagram.com/ashlilauryn

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BackpackingGearGear Review

Black Diamond Cosmo Vs Petzl Tikka – Best Headlamp for Backpacking?

by Ashli
written by Ashli

A good headlamp can be a backpacker’s greatest ally in the wilderness. Stashed in the bottom of a daypack, it will come to the rescue when the sun sinks below the horizon sooner than expected. Many backpackers enjoy hiking late into the night with the help of a high lumen headlamp.

At first glance, it might be tough to tell the difference between a $20 headlamp and a $50 headlamp. Some headlamps can cost as high as $200 – but pack way more of a punch than most backpackers require.

In our research, the Black Diamond Cosmo headlamp has the best cross-section of price and functionality for backpacking, but when Petzl released a newly redesigned Tikka headlamp in 2017, they decided to give the Cosmo a run for it’s money.

Trending Posts on Tentside: Here’s a list of our favorite sleeping bags for backpacking. Wondering what to pack for your next hike? Check out theTentside Women’s Backpacking Gear List.

Black Diamond Cosmo

Lumens 200
Weight 89 grams
Max Battery life 180 hours
Waterproof IPX8
Max Range 70m
Best Feature Dimming

At $29.95, the Cosmo blasts an impressive 200 lumens with 45 hours of battery life at the highest setting.

Our favorite feature was the ability to dim or brighten the beam to our desired setting – instead of being stuck with the standard high, medium, and low.

Only weighing 86 grams, the Cosmo great for hiking and backpacking, and easy to stash in your daypack and forget about until the sun starts to set.

The 180 hour battery life continued to impress us as we took it on longer late night hikes.

View on Amazon

Petzl Tikka

Lumens 200
Weight 89 grams
Max Battery life 240 hours
Waterproof IPX4
Max Range 60m
Best Feature Rechargeable Battery

After getting a redesign, the Petzl Tikka quickly caught up the Black Diamond line of headlamps, now offering 200 lumens at the same price point and weight.

While not as waterproof as the Cosmo, the battery life is 60 hours at the highest setting and soars to 240 at the lowest. A

major downside is that the maximum range of the Tikka is 10 meters less than the Cosmo.

Our favorite feature is the ability to use a rechargeable battery, reducing overall waste.

View on Amazon

Honorable mentions

 

By far these are not the only two headlamps that backpackers can choose from. There are many others that are less expensive, have higher lumen counts, or are more featureful.

Here are some other popular headlamps for backpacking and camping:

Less Expensive

Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

Only $12.97 – this is a great option for the budget backpacker. At a glance:

  • 165 Lumens
  • 60-meter beam
  • Rated to IPX5 (protected against splashing or spraying water)
  • Weighs 3.2 ounces (with batteries) 
  • Up to 45 hours of run-time

Brighter

Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp

At about twice the price of the Cosmo headlamp, the ReVolt is a bit heavier, but offers up to 300 lumens.

    • 300 lumens
    • 70-meter beam
    • Rated to IPX8 waterproof
    • Weighs 3.4 ounces 
    • Up to 300 hours of run-time
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AdventureBackpackingGear List

The 4 Best Women’s Trekking Poles for Hiking

by Ashli
written by Ashli

Trekking poles are a commonly misunderstood piece of gear. Sometimes thought of as unnecessary, they can act as an essential tool to get you hiking faster, safer, and with less injury.

While thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, my trekking poles became an extension of my arms and saved my face from hitting the dirt on several occasions.

If you want to read about my full packing list for my AT thru-hike, check out my before and after gear list here. Or click here to see my full current packing list – a lot of my recent gear choices are direct because of what I learned NOT to carry on the AT.

Pros of Using Trekking Poles

I tend to leave my trekking poles at home for day hikes, but bring them along on overnight hikes when I’m carrying more weight in my pack. I typically find them most useful while traveling downhill.

Trekking poles can help you by:

  • Stopping a fall
  • Reducing impact on your knees when going downhill
  • Keeping your hands elevated to stop swelling from long periods at your sides
  • Improving balance over tricky terrain

Cons of Using Trekking Poles

Hiking up very steep terrain, or in areas that require hand over hand climbing, trekking poles tend to just get in the way.

On more than one occasion, I’ve jammed my pole in between two rocks mid-stride, resulting in a swift punch to the gut.

What Makes a Trekking Pole “Good”?

Here are some things you’ll want to consider when buying trekking poles:

  • Weight – you’ll be carrying them after all!
  • Length – they should be able to extend to where the tips are touching the ground, and while grasping the grips, your hands are just above elbow height.
  • Minimum length (size when not in use) – most telescope into themselves, but some break apart for easier packability
  • Shaft material – aluminum alloys are more durable but weigh more than a lighter carbon fiber pole
  • Locking mechanism – push button, lever lock, or twist lock

Related posts about women’s hiking gear:

4 Best Women’s Trekking Poles

 

Trekking Poles

Best Selling | Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles – Pair – Women’s $99.95

Weight -1 lb. 0.2 oz.
Length – 100-120 cm
Minimum length – 15 inches minimum length
Shaft material -Carbon
Locking mechanism -External Lever Lock

Black Diamond seems to hold the majority consumer share when it comes to affordable and quality hiking poles. At $99.95, these are the least expensive poles that you’ll find on a gear oriented site like REI.com. And you get a lot for that price, too. Carbon shafts keep the weight minimal, and the external lever lock is durable and reliable. The poles are missing features like shock absorption, but that saves on weight, making these the most practical, and biggest bang for your buck.

Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles – Pair – Women’s $139.95

Weight – 1 lb. 3 oz.
Length – 63-125 cm
Minimum length – 24 inches minimum length
Shaft material – Aluminum
Locking mechanism -External Lever Lock

You can think of these as the big sister to the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles. The poles are made out of aluminum, instead of carbon. While carbon weighs less and tends to typically come on more expensive items, aluminum is of sturdier construction and can take more of a beating.

The Trail Pro Shock Poles feature shock-absorbing cushions right below the grip. Each time you put a lot of weight on the pole, it compresses slightly, making accidental high impact events a lot less stressful on your joints.

The tips of the poles are carbide, so they are really tough and durable, and the hand grips are a really dense foam, making those more durable, too.

Trekking Poles

REI Co-op Traverse Power Lock Cork Trekking Poles – Pair – Women’s $99.95

Weight -1 lb. 1 oz.
Length – 61-124.5 cm
Minimum length – 24 inches minimum length
Shaft material – Aluminum
Locking mechanism -External Lever Lock

REI’s rival to the Black Diamond Trail trekking poles, the Traverse trekking poles are the first on our list to feature cork hand grips. Cork grips break into the shape of your hand over time, giving a more ergonomic and comfortable grip. They absorb less sweat than foam, however, so they’re better used in cooler climates.

Trekking Poles

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady Trekking Poles – Pair – Women’s $199.95

Weight – 15.6oz
Length – 59-125 cm
Minimum length – 23 inches minimum length
Shaft material – Aluminum
Locking mechanism -External Lever Lock & Pushbutton

These carbon hiking poles are super light and compact. A push button unlocks the bottom two pieces for easy carrying and packing, while and lever lock allows you to control the length. Also the lightest weight poles on our list, the Vario Carbon Lady poles are the best suited for travel.

For the higher price, you also get a lot of little add-ons, like a Kevlar reinforced tension cord, carbide Flextips, and stainless steel connectors.

My current hiking pole of choice happens to be the REI Traverse Power Lock, but I’d happily hike with any of the trekking poles on this list. My general advice is to go with a more durable aluminum pole for long distance hikes, but a lighter weight pole for travel and occasional use.

If your favorite hiking poles aren’t on this list, shout them out in the comments!

 

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