The Best Backpacking Gear To Keep You Alive In The Woods, According To Experts

Hiking and camping with the best backpacking gear is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to adventure in the great outdoors. You can walk deep into the woods, mountains or desert with everything you need to survive on your back.

But since you can only rely on the things you bring, packing everything you need can seem daunting. To help you figure out what to stuff in your pack — and assure you that backpacking is actually fun, not scary — I talked to expert backpackers and combed through the gear I’ve used for years on backcountry trips to make this list of the best backpacking gear out there.

Continue reading to learn more about the best backpacking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

अंतिम अद्यतन

June 30, 2025

द्वारा लिखित
फोटो थंबनेल ब्लॉग लेखक

काई बुर्कहार्ट

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Burkhardt spends his time testing and editing stories about all sorts of products, from bidets and rooftop tents to pet hair cleaners and hiking boots.

Kai earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from New York University in 2019 and moved back to Colorado in 2022. When he isn’t finding the latest and greatest products, Burkhardt enjoys slowly trail running, rock climbing and watching his two dogs, Miso and Dashi, compete in dog sports.

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मीडिया मेंशन

It's a 0.1 micron inline filter that fits in the palm of your hand and attaches to an included drinking pouch.

Stephanie Dwilson
Commerce Writer, Athlon Sports

मीडिया मेंशन

For extreme bug conditions (deep woods, swamps), pairing the shirt with a dedicated insect repellent like Sawyer Permethrin is recommended, as the shirt itself isn’t chemically treated.

फिलिप वर्नर
Author and Backpacker

मीडिया मेंशन

Sawyer Squeeze: What I will use to filter from dirty to clean water

Kiley V
यात्री