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BACKPACKING GEAR AWARDS 2023

Dan Becker・46 minutes read

The text provides a comprehensive overview of the best backpacking gear Awards of 2022, covering various categories such as backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, cookware, and more. Specific recommendations are given for each gear category, highlighting top choices based on factors like comfort, durability, affordability, and functionality.

Insights

  • The best backpacking gear Awards of 2022 are a mix of new and older items, chosen based on personal experience, providing a comprehensive guide for trail use.
  • The speaker recommends specific brands and models for each gear category, highlighting the best options for backpacks, sleeping gear, tents, cookware, lighting, footwear, and accessories, offering a curated selection based on quality and functionality.

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Recent questions

  • What are the best backpacking tents?

    Durston X-Mids, Zpacks Duplex XL, Sea to Summit Alto TR2

  • Which sleeping bag is more affordable?

    Cumulus Pan Yam 600

  • What is the best water filter?

    Sawyer Squeeze

  • What is the best backpacking stove?

    MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, Soto Amicus

  • What is the best backpacking quilt?

    Outdoor Vitals Storm Loft 15 degree quilt

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Summary

00:00

Top Backpacking Gear Awards 2022: Winners Revealed

  • The best backpacking gear Awards of 2022 are being presented, with gear selected based on personal use over the years.
  • The gear listed is not solely from 2022, some items are older, but considered the best in the market.
  • Budget-friendly options are mentioned, with a separate video link provided for budget backpacking gear recommendations.
  • Categories are organized in the order of how one would pack a backpack, covering a wide range of gear for trail use.
  • The best backpack category includes the Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Zpacks Arc Haul backpacks, with the latter being more comfortable and lighter.
  • The best pack liner is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 70 liter pack liner, although a garbage bag is a more cost-effective alternative.
  • The best sleeping bag includes the Western Mountaineering Alpen Light and Cumulus Pan Yam 600, with the latter being more affordable.
  • The best Back Country bed is the Zen Bivvy Light, offering a comfortable sleep experience akin to a home bed.
  • The best sleeping pads are the Big Agnes Q-Core SL and Thermarest NeoAir XTherm, each excelling in different aspects.
  • The best pillow is the Therm-a-Rest Cinch Pillow, offering a plush and comfortable sleep experience.
  • The best backpacking quilt is the Outdoor Vitals Storm Loft 15 degree quilt, designed to prevent cold drafts while sleeping.
  • The best backpacking tents include the Durston X-Mids and Zpacks Duplex XL for trekking pole tents, and the Sea to Summit Alto TR2 for a freestanding tent.

13:41

Top Gear for Backpacking and Trail Running

  • The best tent under $150 and under three pounds is a one-person tent that feels more like a one and a half person tent, used on numerous backpacking trips in various weather conditions.
  • The best cook pot options are the Toaks 550 milliliter pot and the Toaks 750 milliliter pot, with the latter offering more capacity for cooking and fitting a small gas canister inside.
  • The best backpacking stoves are the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe and the Soto Amicus stove, both offering features like built-in igniters, compact sizes, and efficient cooking capabilities.
  • The best spoon is the Ozark Trail spoon from Walmart, known for being cheap, flexible, lightweight, and smooth for easy eating.
  • Pinnacle Foods from Montana offers the best-tasting backpacking meals, though they are on the pricier side due to their gourmet quality.
  • The best water carry systems are the Smart Water bottle and the Sea to Summit Water cell St, with the latter being a durable four-liter bag suitable for carrying water in dry environments.
  • The best headlamps are the Spot R and the Nitecore NU-25, both rechargeable and featuring red lights, flood lights, and lockout functions.
  • The best flashlight is the Olight Baton 3, known for its brightness, waterproof design, long-lasting battery, and unique magnetic charging system.
  • The best travel bags are the Coda UL from Outdoor Vitals and the Stage Coach from Big Agnes, offering ample storage, organization, and versatility for travel and backpacking needs.
  • The best footwear choice for trail running is the Brooks Cascadia 16, known for its grip, lightweight design, wide toe box, and durability compared to other brands like Ultra.

26:31

Top Gear Recommendations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • The speaker recommends a new Trail Runner for those interested, suggesting checking out a specific brand.
  • Camp shoes are discussed as a useful addition for comfort at camp, with a specific brand, Zero Sandals, being highly praised for their comfort and durability.
  • The speaker shares their favorite satellite communicator, the Garmin Mini 2, highlighting its features like USB-C and longer battery life.
  • The best puffy jacket, the Montbell Plasma Alpine, is recommended for its warmth and lightweight design, suitable for year-round use.
  • The Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie is praised as the best mid-layer for its lightweight synthetic material and warmth, suitable for various seasons.
  • The RAB Phantom rain jacket is recommended as the best rain jacket for its lightweight design, durability, and compact size.
  • The Helinox Chair Zero is highlighted as the best backpacking chair for its lightweight and comfort, despite its higher price.
  • The Hilltop Packs Food Bag, made of Dyneema, is suggested as the best way to carry food due to its lightweight, waterproof material.
  • The speaker recommends the Adventure Medical Kit 0.5 as the best overall med kit for handling common injuries on the trail.
  • The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is praised as the best multi-tool for backpacking, featuring various tools like a knife, file, scissors, and pliers in a lightweight design.
  • The Gossamer Gear LT5 and Fizan trekking poles are recommended as top choices for lightweight and durable trekking poles, with twist locks for easy use.
  • The Sawyer Squeeze water filter is highlighted as the best water filter, with the speaker personally purchasing it to support the brand's initiative of providing clean water to those in need.

40:09

Top Outdoor Gear Recommendations for Hikers

  • The Sawyer Squeeze water filter is recommended as the top choice for filtering water, with germicidal tablets like Potable Aqua serving as a backup in case of filter failure due to freezing or clogging.
  • The Flex Tail Gear Tiny Pump AX is highlighted as the best tool for inflating pads, with an upgraded version available offering a discount with the code "becker15," functioning as both a pump and lantern.
  • Apple AirTags are suggested as the ideal method for tracking bags or luggage, providing easy tracking through a smartphone app.
  • The Hyperlite Camera Pod is endorsed as the best camera carry system for hikers, offering a padded Dyneema bag that can accommodate a full-size DSLR camera securely, unlike other clip-on options like the Peak Design or Polar Pro, which are critiqued for their limitations and durability issues.
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