On my way back from my camping trip over Labor Day weekend, I got a new backpacking backpack. So, I’ve decided to do a quick post on a few backpacking items that I have. I am not a seasoned backpacker but the items that I do have, I can definitely say I am happy with them!

1. Osprey Aura 65L Pack
   When people think outdoor packs- Osprey is one of the first brands that come to mind. They are also notorious for being in the $$$ price range. Luckily, I got a bit of a discount on my Aura 65L from the Labor Day sale at REI. If you are ever thinking to yourself, what backpacking pack should I buy, I heavily recommend going into a store and getting properly fitted for one. I had one from Eastern Mountain Sports that I just went in and tried on myself and was like “Ok this seems like it fits, I’ll buy it”. While it is not the worst fitting pack for me, I could’ve done better, so I did better. The main feature of this Osprey pack is the anti-gravity suspension to make it feel like you’re carrying less weight than you really are. We will see how I like it when I actually take it out on a hike but I suspect I’ll be very happy :)
   
   Eastern Mountain Sports and REI both have great name brand packs and they’re cheaper than Osprey and some other brands. Just get fitted is all!
   

2. NEMO Galaxi 2P Tent
   This backpacking tent by NEMO Equipment is no longer in production (but here is a listing for its specs) so I’m super happy I decided upon this one when I did! It weighs a little over 4 lbs and is designed for 2 people and is good for spring, summer, and fall. One of the reasons I love this tent is that it sets up within minutes. If you’re backpacking and get to your site close to or after nightfall, you don’t want to be scrambling in the dark setting up a tent. The ease of setting this thing up is insane. I also like how without the rain cover, it is all screen so you have 360° views. I have not experienced this tent in super windy conditions so I cannot say anything about that, but I have been in it while its poured out and it did a good job of keeping me dry! However I did see people saying that the footprint was not waterproof, which I agree it could be a bit more durable in this area, but also it hasn’t posed a problem to me yet when it’s been raining out…
   
   One cheaper alternative to NEMO Equipment tents are REI ones. This REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent is a similar weight to my Galaxi and as a nice feature, has some privacy along the lower-middle of the tent while still retaining much of the material as screening to get those 360° views.
   

3. The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag
   This sleeping bag is definitely the cat’s meow. It is lightweight and warm, and I love the feel of the material. It is a mummy sack so you can keep your head toasty warm at night too. It is advertised for down to 20° F so it will do the job well as a 3 season bag. I could sleep in this sleeping bag instead of under my sheets every night- thats how much I love it.
   

4. LL Bean Camping Hammock
   It seems like everyone and their mother has the ENO (Eagle’s Nest Outfitters) hammock. My hammock is from LL Bean but it is no longer listed on their site. I love it, and I love the pattern. I chose that one instead of the ENO one because at the time there weren’t any colorways of the ENO that I liked. These “camping” hammocks are lightweight and can be hung up just about anywhere. You can get longer straps to set it up on trees further apart. Some people camp in hammocks rather than tents, and ENO makes things for this that I personally would want if I was using my hammock instead of a tent. These include mosquitos nets and rain tarps.
   
   Note: You have to buy the suspension straps separately!
   Note: My friend bought one at REI when I got my backpacking pack. She asked an employee what he thought of the double-nest and he said it wasn’t worth it for the price as it wasn’t as comfy which I believe. If your’re in it is a single, you’re probably being swallowed by it. If you’re in it as a double, well, that’s just uncomfortable being smushed up against someone’s shoulder and hip like that.
   

5. Thermarest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
   This is another common backpacking item I see on the mountain. It is super light weight and folds up compact. I like this because I know how it will fold up every time- I feel like with the inflatable ones sometimes they don’t lose all their air? Or maybe I just suck at putting them away. I don’t loooove this sleeping pad but I also haven’t put any effort into looking into something new. Mine is also too long for me so I may cut off a section or two. I am interested in getting their Z Seat for winter hiking, if I want to sit down on the snow. My dad has one and I am envious of it.
   
   Note: Don’t expect much comfort from these types of sleeping pads. They exist to be a barrier between you and the cold ground.
   

6. Cotopaxi Claro Headlamp
   I have a Cotopaxi Claro headlamp (which seems to be no longer sold) and I’ve used it quite a bit. Since they don’t sell it anymore I’m not going to say much about it except it is nice and bright and looks great. The downside is that it is charged via USB and as the battery goes down, so does the brightness, even on the highest setting. I thought having a chargeable headlamp would be good but I would rather carry an extra set of batteries with me now.
   
   Because of this, I’ve got my eyes set on the Black Diamond Cosmo 300 Headlamp.
   

Soooo these are the basics of my backpacking gear. Hopefully you found this interesting or helpful? Also: remember that you don’t have to pay $$$ for good gear! The outdoor community can seem super inaccessible to many because of the cost of outdoor gear. Sometime’s it will be worth paying the extra money for certain items, but not always! Of course, you don’t want to get super cheap gear that isn’t appropriate for the activity you are doing, but you also don’t have to have the most expensive jacket, hiking shoes, backpack, etc.