All the Gear you Need for Overnight Hiking: Simplified
Important: This is a guide for summer backpacking. Although the mountains can be cold year-round and I am always prepared for snow, if you are venturing into full winter conditions, you will need additional gear and expertise which this guide does not cover. Please always do your own research and check trail conditions.
Disclaimer: Some of the links used in this guide are affiliate links, which means if you choose to buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A huge thank you if you choose to support me!
When I decided I wanted to do overnight and multi-day hikes I was so overwhelmed by the thought of all the gear I needed to stay safe and have fun.
“What if I forget something crucial and don’t realize until I’m kilometres into the backcountry? What if something goes wrong and I’m stuck in the forest? What if I can’t carry everything I need?”
Those were just some of the thoughts that went through my mind, and I’m sure some of this things you’re thinking if you want to dabble into overnight hiking.
This got me thinking… Surely there’s more people out there who want to do overnight hikes but don’t know where to start. I’ve gone through that overwhelming process, so I figured I would break everything down so you can skip the stress and get into the backcountry.
Before anything else, I want to acknowledge something: Hiking is an expensive hobby.
This was a shock to me because I thought - it’s glorified walking and sleeping in the forest, it must be cheap. I soon found out I was very wrong! However, if you are starting off, you do not need to go out and buy every item below. You can pick and choose what you think is necessary to feel comfortable and the rest can wait. Like I said, it took me a while to build up my gear collection to the point it’s at now.
Since it can get pricey, I recommend investing in pieces that will last. I have no plans to replace my big pieces of gear for years (if not, decades). Backpacking has a steep upfront cost, but once you have all the gear the incremental cost is minimal - permits, food and gas pretty much sum it up. You can look into splitting gear with friends or a partner if you will be hiking together a lot, renting items, shopping sales (Black Friday and Boxing Day are great), or buying items second hand. These are all excellent ways to cut the cost, but my biggest tip is to just slowly build up your collection until you have what you need.
I am going to provide a detailed breakdown of all the gear I have and recommend as well as including links for Canada and US retailers wherever I can. In addition, I’ll be sharing my Ultimate Backpacking Checklist at the end of this blog post; I use it every time I pack for a trip and am confident it has all the things I need to bring.
The Ten Essentials & Leave No Trace Principles
I want to highlight the importance of the 10 essentials. These items are essential (get it?) in keeping you safe. You can split them amongst your group but will be thankful to have them in case of an emergency. If you want to read more click here, but in short these are: navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, extra food, extra clothes, and extra water (source: REI). I never go backpacking, or hiking, without these items and you should not either.
On a similar note, please always follow Leave No Trace Principles when in nature. We want to keep the outdoors clean and accessible for generations to come. I highly recommend reading up on LNT principles before going into the backcountry. In short, always leave nature better than you found it.
The Gear
With all that out of the way, let’s get to it…
1. Backpack
Obviously you need something to carry all your other stuff. I recommend going to your local outdoor store (I.e. MEC for my fellow Canadians and REI if you’re in the US) and asking someone to help you pick one out. You will need to try it on and walk around with weight to get a sense of whether it’s the right pack for you. Something I didn’t know is that backpacks come in sizes - these are meant to fit on different torso lengths and hip widths so trying them on is important. There’s also men’s and women’s packs since body proportions are different. I thought this was crazy but I tried on a men’s pack to see and it was NOT comfortable. For reference, I am 170cm tall and wear a small in the Osprey Aura AG 65 but I’d say I have a shorter torso than average. This is an item I would recommend investing in - you don’t need the most expensive item but invest time, and research a good pack for you. You will be wearing it the entire time you’re out on trips and it should last you years so you want to make sure you love it.
For overnight hikes I use the Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Hiking Backpack. I highly recommend it. It’s extremely comfortable and spacious for all my things. I love the removable top pack as I can leave it at home for shorter trips but it comes in handy on multi-day adventures. The AG stands for Anti-Gravity - it has innovative technology designed to distribute weight across your body evenly. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is the men’s equivalent of this pack and both come in several sizes and colours.
I was not able to find the Aura and Atmos available in Canada (hence why the above links are US) - apparently they are being re-designed so I will update those links when I see them available.
I have also heard amazing things about the Osprey Ariel 65 Womens Pack (US Link) and the Osprey Aether 65 Mens Pack (US Link). These packs have a detachable “brain” that can be used as a daypack on longer trips which is an amazing feature. I was between the Ariel and the Aura when I bought mine and went with the Aura because it was slightly more comfortable on my body. Both are great packs and it’s totally personal preference.
Osprey Aura AG 65
For day hikes I use the Deuter Race EXP Air with 3 Liter Reservoir. This pack has a mesh lift in the back allowing for ventilation on hot and sweaty hikes. It’s extremely comfortable and the perfect size for me to use for day trips. It’s technically for bike packing but I absolutely love it so I figured it’s worth mentioning. If you hike with more camera gear than me you may want a larger size but I find this one is perfect for me.
Wearing the Deauter Race EXP Air
Other day packs I have heard great things about are the Osprey Tempest 20 Women's Pack (US Link) and the Osprey Talon 22 Men's Pack (US Link). These are a tad bigger than the one I have but I think they are a really good size for day hikes.
Tip: Backpacks are measured in litres. For an overnight trip I recommend at least 40 - 50L. For multi-day treks I would go up to at least 60L. I have used my 65L on everything between 1 to 4 day trips and can comfortably fit what I need. When my pack is not full I tighten all the straps and it compresses down so you don’t feel the excess space.
I use a MEC rain cover for my backpack as not all packs come with them.
2. Tent
I get asked a lot about what tent I have. Probably because it looks pretty in photos as it’s mostly mesh! I have the MEC Spark 2.0 3P Tent and absolutely love it. Mine is the “Sour Apple” colour but it appears that this year they have it in a navy which also looks beautiful. This was something I really researched when buying. It’s easily the most expensive piece of gear I own and I don’t plan on replacing it for as long as possible so I really wanted to make sure I was happy with it. And I am!
MEC Spark 2.0 3P Tent
It’s spacious for 3 people but can be used for 2 as well. It has a good rain fly and 2 vestibules for gears on either side. There’s 2 doors which makes it comfortable for everyone to get in and out of the tent easily. It is not the lightest tent on the market but it’s also not the most expensive tent you can get. That being said, it packs down small. When hiking with friends I usually carry the tent and they will carry something of mine to distribute weight, but I could definitely carry the tent along with all my gear and have no issues. You may have to compromise on some things as tents can get very pricey but I am very happy with this one and would buy it again. It also comes in 2 people and 1 person sizes.
View from my tent camping in Olympic National Park
The MSR Hubba Hubba tents come highly recommended as well, but they are more expensive and when I was researching most of them were on backorder (a good sign!). These sometimes go on sale so keep your eyes open. They come in one, two, or three people sizes. Here is the US Link for the MSR Tent.
3. Sleeping Bag, Pad & Pillow
MEC Centaurus -9 Sleeping Bag in Yellow
These are important items but personally I think you can save some money on the sleeping pad. I bought one off an instagram ad for about $50 and really like it. It’s inflatable and takes only a couple minutes to blow up. It has a built-in pillow shape which is really comfortable and it packs up very small. Maybe in the future I will invest in a higher quality pad but for now I am perfectly happy with this one.
The sleeping bag I have is the MEC Centaurus -9C Sleeping Bag - Unisex in yellow. It’s synthetic material which means it doesn’t pack down as small but I simply stuff it into a 20 L compression bag and have no issues fitting it in my pack. I personally did not want to buy a down sleeping bag, which many people will disagree with me on. They are more expensive, more delicate and cannot get wet (down loses its insulation when wet). Although they pack down smaller I found the synthetic one to be a better choice for me. This is another case where you’ll have to decide whether you care more about the price, packability, size, etc. If you want a down sleeping bag I have heard amazing things about the Marmot Ouray Sleeping Bag.
I have a camp pillow but actually don’t use it. It’s really comfortable and I do recommend it but since my sleeping pad has a built-in pillow shape I don’t find I need it. However, some people will swear by these - it’s totally a personal preference. This is the one I have and I know some people who have the Sea to Summit one and love it. It’s not crucial so if you’re starting off I think you can skip this one!
4. Water Purification
I just use water purification tablets (US Link). Maybe eventually I will upgrade to a filter (US Link) or life straw but since I am often hiking to alpine lakes I find the water is fairly clean to begin with and I am comfortable just using the tablets. They also take up virtually no space and are very cheap.
5. Water Bladder
This is a very crucial piece of gear for me. I even made a whole Instagram post about it. I have a 3L bladder from Platypus Hydration (US Link) and I will not go on a hike without it. On even the shortest of trails, you bet I will have it with me. It’s so much easier than having to carry multiple water bottles and stop to take a drink. With the straw that wraps over my shoulder I can constantly sip water and stay hydrated on long hikes. I highly recommend getting one of these. They aren’t crazy expensive either!
Using the 3L Platypus Hydration Water Bladder on the trail
6. Headlamp
I have a Black Diamond headlamp (US Link) that is battery operated. There’s a debate whether battery operated or rechargeable headlamps are better. This is personal preference but for me, the idea of running out of power and having to wait to charge my headlamp doesn’t sound ideal. I would rather carry some extra batteries and switch it right away if need be. Regardless of which you choose, always have a charger (and power bank) or extra batteries with you.
7. Hiking Poles
I got these for my birthday one year and I am so thankful. I always thought hiking poles were kind of extra, but once I tried them I’ll never go back. Although you can go without them, they really make a difference on the downhill for me, especially with a heavy pack. They help distribute the weight and reduce impact on your joints which results in less pain and allows for longer hikes. These are the ones I have from Black Diamond (US Link).
8. Eating Utensils
I use a camp bowl (US Link) and mug as well as bamboo cutlery for my utensils. This is all I need and I don’t feel the need to have a variety as it’s extra weight to carry.
9. Stove
I have the JetBoil Flash (US Link). I was kindly gifted this by my friends for my birthday one year and love it! I will say the automatic lighter is not reliable so I just carry a lighter with me which is a very minor inconvenience. Regardless, the JetBoil is super fast and compact and perfect for backpacking. I personally don’t really cook much beyond instant oatmeal and dehydrated meals so all I really need is boiled water and this is perfect. If you plan on making more elaborate meals I would recommend a stove with a pot/pan add on but keep in mind you have to carry this with you up mountains!
10. Food
Finding what you like to eat in the backcountry takes a bit of trial and error. I usually will have instant oatmeal for breakfast, sandwiches (on day 1) for lunch, dehydrated meals for dinner, and bring lots of snacks (bars, candy, corn nuts, etc.). You can bring whatever you want really… as long as it fits in your pack and you’re willing to carry it! At night your food and all scented items need to be stored away for bear safety - more on this below.
Both MEC and Backcountry have lots of selection. Some of the brands I recommend are AlpineAire, HappyYak, and Backpacker’s Pantry.
I don’t drink coffee (I know, crazy), but my friends who do love these pour over packs.
I can do a more detailed post about food I bring on backpacking trips, let me know in the comments if that interests you!
11. GPS/Satellite Phone
This was my most recent addition to my gear collection and one I am very excited to have. I bought the Garmin Inreach Mini (US Link). Hopefully you will never need it but in case of an emergency you can use the SOS function to call for help even if you’re outside cell service, which is most of the time in the backcountry. You can also use it to send messages back and forth with loved ones. I know my family appreciates a message when I’m away for more than a day. It’s an expensive item so I understand the hesitance to get one, before I bought one I rented it a couple times from All Adventure. If you are going on a longer or more remote adventure look into renting one - it really gives you peace of mind. I’ve also heard great things about the Zoleo (US Link).
You do need a subscription plan to access the features but again, worth it for me!
12. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit will help if you or anyone in your group gets hurt while in the backcountry. It’s part of the 10 essentials and you should never hike without one.
13. Bear Protection
I carry bear spray and a bear horn in the side pocket where I can grab them quickly. A lot of hikes have bear caches where you have to store all your scented items - that means food, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. If your campsite doesn’t have one of these you will need a bear bin or know how to hang your items in a tree. These should be kept far away from your tent (at least 100m).
14. Biodegradable toothpaste and soap
When adventuring in the backcountry you always want to follow Leave No Trace Principles. Using biodegradable toothpaste and biodegradable soap are a great way to minimize impact on the environment. Regardless, never dump these items into or near a water source.
15. Microfibre Towel
A quick-dry and small-packing towel is so nice to have when in the backcountry. Whether you go for a swim or need to dry off your gear, I always find a use for this and it’s so small and light you can’t go wrong. I have a couple different ones and recommend both the MEC Towel and PackTowl.
Clothing
16. Hiking Boots
I have the Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes. They have gotten me through tough hikes and up steep mountains. I find them very comfortable and supportive. They’re waterproof and have lasted through all terrain - mud, snow, dirt, etc. Again, I cannot find them on a Canadian retailer at the moment but I have linked the X Ultra 4 Mid which are the newer version.
Wearing my Salomon hiking boots
Salomon has great boots and lots of options for men and women. I’m a big fan of their products. Other brands I have heard good things about are Merrel, Danner, Keen, and Columbia. This is another item I recommend taking time and effort to choose. They will need to fit your feet well and provide you with the right amount of support. Since you will be wearing them for days at a time, make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
Note: Your feet swell when hiking, especially in hot weather. I recommend sizing up at least half a size to account for this. There is NOTHING worse than tight boots. To drive this point home… one of my toenails fell off from wearing boots that were too small on my first overnight hike. You have been warned haha!
17. Sandals / Camp Shoes
You can really use any sandals or even flip flops for this. It’s just nice to have an option to wear around camp that aren’t your hiking boots to give your feet a break. If there’s a lake to swim in, sandals are great as they will dry off fast. Tevas (US Link) are a classic, but again, you can really use whatever you want.
18. Fleece
My go-to is the Patagonia Micro D Snap-T Fleece (US Link). It’s warm and can be layered under down jackets when the temperatures really drop. You can of course use any fleece but I recommend one that packs down decently well.
Wearing the Patagonia Micro D Snap-T Fleece Pullover at camp
19. Down Jacket
It’s so important to have warm layers when backpacking. It can snow any time of year in the mountains and you need to be prepared for it. In August 2021 I did an overnight hike in which I ended up having to sleep through a hail storm. By 6pm I was pretty cold and so thankful to have all my extra layers. A down jacket (or warm synthetic jacket) is ideal since it packs down small and really insulates heat. I use the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (US Link) and highly recommend it. Here is the men’s version of this jacket: Canada Link and US Link.
Another popular one is the Arc'teryx Cerium (men's version). There’s also amazing options that are more affordable from brands such as MEC, Eddie Bauer, etc.
20. Crampons
I ordered a random pair of crampons off Amazon and honestly they have been great. I don’t think you need anything fancy as far as these go, especially if you are just getting into hiking. I do not like winter hiking as much as summer so I do my best to avoid snowy trails and only use these when there’s ice or partially melted snow.
21. Gaiters
I bought gaiters when I did the Juan de Fuca trail in 2021 but other than this hike I have never used them nor do I typically bring them with me when hiking in the alpine. However, on a muddy trail (like the Juan de Fuca and most other coastal hikes) they were absolutely essential in keeping my feet dry. These are the ones I have and I would definitely recommend them. They kept my feet dry and stayed in place for over 40km! This is another item you can skip if you’re just starting out or will mostly be hiking in summer alpine conditions.
Resting on a muddy hike - thankful for the gaiters!
22. Socks
My favourite hiking socks are Darn Tough Light Cushion Micro Crew Socks (US Link). There’s a unisex version as well. You may think just any socks work (and they probably would) but I absolutely think these are worth the money. I love that they are cushioned but still lightweight and allow my feet to breathe. I don’t get blisters with them and I find they’re the perfect length to wear with hiking boots. These are made of merino wool which I highly recommend. Merino wool keeps you cool in hot temperatures and warm in cold temperatures as well as drying faster than other materials.
23. Rain Jacket and Waterproof Pants
I have a set from Helly Hansen that I swear by. I could not find exact links but have included similar products here. The pants pack down pretty well and kept me dry on a very rainy day on the Juan de Fuca trail. The jacket is a bright, fun colour that is sure to brighten up any gloomy day.
Full rain gear: rain jacket, waterproof pants, rain cover for my backpack, and gaiters!
24. Other Clothes
As for the main clothes you wear, this is really up to you and your personal preferences. For example, I am not a fan of hiking pants typically. I usually wear a longline sports bra and my Lululemon Fast & Free Leggings as my two base pieces. If it’s really hot I may wear shorts instead of leggings. Then I will layer my Lululemon Swiftly Race Length Long Sleeve. And depending on the weather I will wear my fleece and down jacket, toque, gloves, etc. I don’t really think you need specific brands or types of clothes - wear whatever workout clothes you have until you can build up a more “hiking specific” wardrobe. As long as you avoid pure cotton (takes a long time to dry) and have enough warm layers you will be just fine!
And that’s about it!
The last and maybe most helpful part of this guide is my downloadable Ultimate Backpacking Checklist. This is the exact list I use when packing for 1 night or multi-day trips. It has all the essentials and items I bring to keep me safe and happy on the trails, I hope you find it helpful as well.
There are some items that I did not go into detail on because they are not specific to hiking. For example, you can use whatever toque or sun hat you want as well as sunscreen and bug spray; there’s not much for me to break down with these items and this is already a pretty long post. This is why I wanted to include a simplified checklist as well - there’s so many little things that are easy to forget but you will appreciate having on the trail.
I hope all these details have provided some clarity on how to approach backpacking. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM or email. There is no such thing as a silly question. Believe me when I say I was clueless about this not too long ago and made this guide with the goal to help others find the same joy and fulfillment I get from a night (or more) in the backcountry.
Happy Hiking!
