Beginner Gear List

Below you will see a list of my favorite beginner backpacking gear.  Just because it's "beginner" though, does not mean it can't take you anywhere you want to go.  This is a high quality set up and in fact, a lot of this gear is stuff I use in my current kit!

I am listing as many items as possible that can be found at REI or Amazon because of their excellent return policies, which is important when you are just starting.  What works for some may not work for you!

Available Promo Codes for a couple items below:

Flextail - 15% off using code COACH15

Hilltop Packs - 10% off using code TBCOACH

Please note that if you purchase items using some of the links below, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Big Ones

Tent

• Big Agnes Copper Spur UL (Freestanding)
• Durston Gear X-Mid 2 (Trekking Pole Tent)

Backpack

• REI Flash 55
• Gossamer Gear Mariposa

Sleeping Bag

• REI Magma 15
  
• Western Mountaineering Terralite

Sleeping Pad

• Nemo Eclipse (Regular Wide)

Pillow

• Trekology Aluft Plus
• Exped Mega Pillow

Tent Stakes

• MSR Ground Hog

Food / Cooking / Water

Stove

• MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe

Pot

• Toaks 750ml Pot

Spoon

• Toaks Long Spoon

Bear Can

• Bear Vault BV450

Water Filter

• Sawyer Squeeze
• Aqua Tabs (for backup if filter fails)

Electronics

Satellite Communicator (SOS)

• Garmin InReach Mini 3

Power Bank

• Flextail Zero Power Bank

Headlamp

• Nitecore NU20

Hiking + Camp Clothing

Sun Top

• Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum (Hoodie)
• Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum (T-Shirt)

Hiking Bottoms

• REI Trailmade (Shorts)
• REI Trailmade (Pants)

Hiking Socks

• Darn Tough Hiker (Regular Socks)
• Injini Trail (Toe Socks)

Midlayer

• Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Hoody

Warm Jacket

• Decathalon MT100

Windbreaker

• Patagonia Houdini

Shell Pants

• REI Trailmade Rain Pants (Rain + Warmth)
• Body Wrappers Dance Pants (Wind + Warmth)

Rain Jacket

• Columbia Reign No Shine (Jacket)
• Frogg Toggs (Poncho)

Hiking Shoes

• Altra Lone Peak 9+

Headwear

• Ciele GOCap Classic (Hat)
• REI Polartec Beanie (Beanie)

Sun Gloves

• Outdoor Research ActiveIce (Fingerless)
• Outdoor Research ActiveIce (Full)

Ankle Gaiters

• Dirty Girl Gaiters

Trekking Poles

• Black Diamond Trail Cork (Aluminum)

Toiletries / Potty Kit

Trowel

• Bogler Co Ultralight Trowel

Soap

• Summit Suds Powdered Soap

Hand Sanitizer

• Noshinku Sanitizer

Toilet Paper / Wipes

• Pakt Bathroom Wipes

Bidet

• CuloClean

Bug Repellent

• Picaridin Lotion

Luxury Items

Camp Chair

• REI Flexlite Air

Camp Shoes

• Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes

Sleeping Pad Inflator

• Flextail Zero 2 Air Pump

Camp Mug

• Toaks 450ml Cup

Optional Gear

Fanny Pack

• LiteAF Featherweight Fanny

Backpack Shoulder Strap Water Bottle Pocket

• Hilltop Packs Water Bottle Pouch

Backpack Shoulder Strap Cell Phone / Snack Pocket

• Hilltop Packs Cell Phone Shoulder Pouch

Ultralight Umbrella

• Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella

Warm Gloves