This list is devoted to the stuff I use in the great outdoors after extensive research and experimentation.
For a well-rounded picture: I’m a big guy. I like to experiment with gear. I try to get the lightest equipment without sacrificing too much comfort and breaking the bank. Warranties mean a lot to me. And I like multifunctional gadgets.
Sections
8
Clothing
Hydration
Sleep
Food
Health/Hygiene
Packing
Clothing
I’m a big guy, so relaxed fit clothing is a must. I sweat a lot, so odor resistant clothing is important to me.
Direct-To-Skin Layer
Toe socks reduce blisters so much. Might feel weird at first, but gets comfortable.
Injinji | Liner Socks
Direct-To-Skin Layer
Odor reducing and quick drying. I get the long ones so they don’t ride up and let my thighs rub. I also make sure they have the crotch pouch—it makes underwear so much more comfortable.
Duluth Trading Company | Men's Dry on the Fly Boxer Briefs
Base Layer
Get the merino version and it will reduce odor. Thickness/Cushion will be based on preference and climate.
Darn Tough Vermont | Socks
Base Layer
Sometimes I’ll wear base layers while being active. But I always bring a pair to sleep in. Long pants and long sleeves to reduce skin contact with my sleeping bag. It helps your expensive gear last longer.
Merino base layers to reduce o...
Eddie Bauer | Merino Wool Baselayers
Direct-To-Skin Layer
I prefer raglan sleeves like these.
Patagonia | Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
An extra shirt to sleep in made with merino wool.
Ridge Merino | Journey Merino Wool T-Shirt
I like these because I have big thighs and their relaxed/loose version is one of the better fitting ones.
KUHL | Renegade Convertible Pants @ REI Co-op
What I hike in when I don’t want to wear a pair of convertibles.
Duluth Trading Company | DuluthFlex Dry on the Fly Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
Pair of pants that are a little heavier, so more cool weather appropriate.
Duluth Trading Company |
Flexpedition Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
Cool Temp Mid-Layer. Why do I like a long sleeve button-up? Versatility: long sleeves or roll them up; every button can help regulate temperature; looks good enough to wear into town on a zero day.
REI Co-op | Sahara Long-Sleeve Solid Shirt
Cold-Temp Mid-Layer
The R1 is renowned for being the perfect midlayer.
Patagonia | R1 TechFace Midlayer Fleece Jacket
Coldest Temp Mid-Layer
Down jacket in sheets instead of quilted puffs—makes it more heat efficient.
Eddie Bauer | Evertherm Down Jacket
Not perfect, but the closest I’ve found.
Columbia Sportswear | Reign No Shine Jacket
Natural toe box that reduces blisters on my toes. Available as a shoe or boot.
Altra | Lone Peak @ REI Co-op
Fits Altra shoes perfectly and keeps the rocks out of your shoes.
Altra | Trail Gaiters @ REI Co-op
These shoes serve many purposes. They are my camp shoe, my water shoe, and my backup hiking shoe when backpacking.
Crocs | Offroad Sport Clog
I use a headband with cooling tech while hiking to not only keep the sweat out of my eyes, but the cooling tech really does work.
Nike | Cooling Head Tie
Beanies also make good coozies for your freeze dried food pouches.
Outdoor Research | Merino Gradient Beanie @ Enwild
Blended fabric with merino wool and a satisfaction guarantee.
Ridge Merino | Glove Liners
Hydration
High quality H2O
Pressurized so you can clean your pots, spray your face, or play with your dog.
Aquamira | Pressurized Water Reservoir
Keeps your water cool in the summer and keeps it from freezing in the winter.
Osprey | Water Reservoir Four Season Insulation Kit @ Backcountry
I have stomach issues, so I always use a purifier, not just a filter. The pump mechanism is quick and self cleaning.
MSR | Guardian Purifier @ REI Co-op
Uses gravity instead of a pump, so works best when you are setting up camp instead of stopping for a quick refill.
MSR | Guardian Gravity Water Purifier
Sleep
One of the lightest semi-freestanding “2-person” tents with 2 doors and 2 vestibules. I use one vestibule/door to store my pack in a contractor bag and use the other as my entrance/exit with my seat pad as a welcome mat for my feet while taking off o...
Big Agnes | Tiger Wall UL2 Tent @ REI Co-op
You need a foot print to protect the bottom of your tent. I recommend making your own out of Tyvek, but if you don’t want to then this will do.
Big Agnes | Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint @ REI Co-op
It’s a lightweight string of lights for your whole tent.
Big Agnes | mtnGLO Tent Camp Lights @ REI Co-op
Comfortable and lightweight. I have the wide/long version.
Therm-a-Rest | NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad @ REI Co-op
Light and semi-comfortable, but pillows are one of those things that you will have to try yourself to find the right one.
Sea to Summit | Aeros Ultralight Inflatable Pillow
This is a stuff sack pillow hybrid. I pack my sleeping clothes in here while hiking then when it’s bedtime I’ll put my sea to summit pillow in here along with some clothes to give my overall pillow a more pillow-like feel without adding the weight th...
NEMO | Fillo Bello Camp Pillow Stuff Sack
3.5 oz., pump and light. Worth the weight to blow up your air mattress quickly and have a light inside your tent when you are looking for something.
FLEXTAIL | Tiny Pump 2X @ REI Co-op
Spoon shaped sleeping bag for a little extra room over a mummy bag.
NEMO | Nocturne 30 Sleeping Bag: 30F Down
Extend the range of your 3 season sleeping bag to include winter. They also make liners designed to help cool you down and repel insects.
Sleeping Bag Liners @ REI Co-op
Food
Light and reliable.
MSR | PocketRocket 2 Stove @ REI Co-op
You’ll need this or something like it to ignite your stove.
MSR | Piezo Igniter @ REI Co-op
My solo pot + mug combo. The lid can twist on so it doesn’t come off and can act as a container for fuel canister and stove.
Vargo | BOT 700
Pot I use when backpacking with my wife.
Vargo | BOT XL
If you don’t like sporks then this is what you want.
Vargo | Titanium Long Handle Fork-N-Spoon
Sea to Summit also makes a long handle spork worth considering.
TOAKS | Titanium Long Handle Spork
Critter protection when on the ground or bear when hanging in a tree.
Ursack @ REI Co-op
One of the lighter bear canisters.
BearVault | Bear-Resistant Food Containers @ REI Co-op
Health/Hygiene
I have to take medicine everyday. This helps me pack and organize them in a safe way.
Matador | Waterproof Pill Canister @ REI Co-op
Has a rough interior so you can “scrub” your clothes. You can use it as one of your dry bags so you have a “laundry machine” with you if you need it.
Scrubba | Wash Bag @ REI Co-op
Antimicrobial, advertised as a pee cloth, but I use it for my face. Buy 2 if you want to use it on more than one spot on your body.
Kula | Reusable Antimicrobial Cloth @ REI Co-op
Bury your poo or stake something down. Serrated so you can cut roots if you need.
Vargo | Titanium Dig Dig Tool @ REI Co-op
It’s a dry bag with utility loops. You can use it for more than just trash.
Sea to Summit | Trash Dry Sack @ REI Co-op
Packing
I have the first generation Ariel Pro 65. It can carry 50 lbs but weighs less than 4 lbs. I’ve switched out the shoulder straps and belt for a more appropriate size.
Osprey | Aether/Ariel Pro Series Packs
This is the plus size version since I have a big chest I need extended shoulder straps.
I like to attach a daypack to the back of my backpacking pack for slack packing days and to separate some of the things I need quick access to while hiking.
Th...
Gregory | Nano 16 Plus
Gregory Nano alternative
Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
Tools & Gadgets
4 light modes and can use a rechargeable battery or AAAs. Not to mention it’s very light and waterproof.
Nitecore | UT27 Headlamp
I normally travel with a multitool. Take a look at all the options and see which one looks best for you.
Leatherman | Multi-Tools, Knives, and Pocket Tools
A pair of trekking poles with a lifetime guarantee!
Montem | Ultra Strong Cork Anti-Shock Trekking Poles
Navigation + Safety
One of the most privacy focused smartwatches. Long battery life. Rugged. Solar version available.
Garmin | Instinct @ REI Co-op
Download maps to your phone or print them out.
FarOut | GPS Maps
Why am I recommending a cell phone plan? Because this is 1 of 2 service providers that actually use more than 1 network. They also let you have multiple lines on the same phone without paying full price for that extra phone number. You essentially co...
