25 of the Best Backpacking Gear & Gadgets for Outdoor Adventures

The mountains are calling and we are here for it. Being outdoors and in nature replenishes the soul so when it comes to planning your next backpacking adventure, you’ll want to have all the right gadgets and gear to make it a good one. Here’s a roundup of 25 of the latest backpacking gear for you to pick from for your next backpacking adventure


Backpacks & Daypacks

Every hiker should carry a backpack regardless of whether they’re going out for a 3-hour hike or have plans to camp overnight, and sometimes you’ll want to carry both. Day packs are used for just what their name implies, for day hikes. An internal frame backpack, on the other hand, is what you might carry on an overnight or multi-night backpacking adventure. And, a lightweight day pack is an invaluable piece of backpacking gear you’ll want to stuff inside a backpack when you don’t want to carry a monster of a pack to and from a campsite.

Osprey Hikelite 18 Hiking Backpack

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Osprey Hikelite 18 is a good size pack for a day hike. With an internal pocket for a hydration sleeve and an integrated rain cover to keep your backpacking gear dry, the Osprey is as functional as it is beautiful. The Osprey Hikelite comes in 5 different colors and comes backed by the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee, forever.

Kelty Redwing 50 Internal Frame Backpack

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

Kelty is a trusted name in backpacking gear and the Redwing 50 is one of their best-selling packs. Loaded with internal compartments and pockets to stash your gear, the Kelty Redwing 50 holds up to 51 liters so that you can hold plenty for your trip. This top-rated pack consistently gets high marks on Amazon making it a solid choice for any adventurer.

REI Co-Op Flash 18 Pack

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The REI Co-Op Flash 18 pack is an ultralight, versatile pack that is great for not only for backpacking adventures but for around town or trips to the gym. One of the reasons this nifty piece of backpacking gear is tops on any list is the fact that you can convert it to a stuff sack inside of a larger pack simply by turning it inside out. The gear capacity is 18 liters and this pack comes in 7 different colors from Harvest Yellow to Twilight Purple.

Deuter Climber Kids’ Hiking Daypack

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

In case your backpacking adventure is a family affair, you’ll want to get some backpacking gear for the kiddos, including their very own daypack. Designed for comfort, the Deuter Climber Kids’ Hiking Daypack has lots of thoughtful features for children such as a chest strap with an emergency whistle and body-hugging padding to keep their load close to the body’s center of gravity. The Deuter Kids Climber pack puts the fun in functional!

Read More: Tips you should always follow for family camping

Tents

A good tent can make or break a camping adventure. If you’re planning to pack it into your destination, you’re going to want to make sure that you’ve picked a tent that doesn’t add too much weight to your pack. You also want to make sure that your tent has sufficient room to feel comfortable, and not cramped. 

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

If you’re planning a solo trip and you’re looking for top-rated backpacking gear, look no further than the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent. Between the frustration-free assembly and the tent fly that adds extra storage space, this lightweight tent is a no brainer if you’re in the market for a solo tent.

Kelty Salida 2 Person Tent

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Kelty Salida is a three-season tent that can accommodate two people. Weighing in at just under five pounds, this tent won’t add too much weight to your pack. Kelty is a leader in quality backpacking gear, and the Kelty Salida Tent is an Amazon Choice product so there are plenty of reviews to back-up the quality of the Salida tent.

Sleeping Pads

After a long day of hiking, you’ll want a comfortable escape to stargaze and rest a tired head. That’s where sleeping pads come in. Buy the wrong sleeping pad, and you’ll feel all the rocks and mounds underneath your tent. Buy the right pad, and you’ll get all the beauty sleep that you’ll need.

Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad has over 9,000 reviews on Amazon and over 4 stars! This sleeping pad has all the right qualities you’d want in backpacking gear- super sturdy, extremely comfortable, and affordably priced.

Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Mattress

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Mattress might not be the kind of sleeping pad you carry and pack, but if you’ve got a short walk to your campsite, this mattress pad will give you all the feels of luxury glamping. This mattress provides four inches of stabilized loft and after setting up camp, that might sound good.

Camp Kitchen

One of the best parts of backpacking and camping is the campfire. Nowadays, there’s all kinds of backpacking gear to make a camp kitchen feel like home or living on the range. 

Jetboil Zip Camping Stove Cooking System

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

For the minimalist backpacker who likes efficiency and lightening quick campfire cooking, check out the Jetboil Zip Camping Stove Cooking System. In 100 seconds, this stove boils water all with the push of a button. The Jetboil is compatible with all of the Jetboil accessories including a coffee press, pot support, skillet, and cooking pot.

UCO 4-Piece Camping Mess Kit

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The UCO 4-Piece Mess Kit is what you might call practically perfect backpacking gear earning 5 stars on Amazon. Perfect for camping, backpacking, scouting, and meals-on-the-go, the kit includes a bowl, plate, 3-in1 spork, and a tether to keep the kit contained.

Camp Furniture

Camp Furniture, while not necessary, falls under the luxury backpacking gear category. If you have the space in your pack or car, bring some ultra-light and portable furniture. 

ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

A tri-legged stool is great for around a campsite when you need to sit, and squatting for long periods is torture on your knees. The ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool is made of powder-coated steel and 600D polyester fabric so it can stand up to some serious use. The stool is highly rated and packs up nice and compact to go inside a pack.

ENO Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

Hammock for two anyone? A total luxury, the ENO Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock is adventure-ready so you can master the art of lounging once you settle in. Whether you’re lounging at the lake or in a wooded forest, backpacking gear like the ENO Eagles Nest also gives you the option of sleeping suspended and without the need for a tent.

Read More: The best everyday tactical gear for men

Lanterns/Headlamps

When the sun goes down, and it goes down fast, every camp needs the proper lanterns and headlamps to provide light for ambiance or when nature calls.

UCO Leschi Lantern

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The UCO Leschi Lantern is top-rated in Amazon backpacking gear. Compact and lightweight, it comes equipped with bungee cords so you can hang inside the tent or from a branch to give you extra light. Burn time ranges 2.5 hours to 4 hours, depending on which mode you turn on.

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

A headlamp is a must-have in your pack. Sometimes you need to be hands-free when the sun goes down, so whether you’re erecting a tent or venturing off to do your business the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp is a solid choice in backpacking gear. The great thing about headlamps, if your power ever goes out at home or you decide to take a late-night jog or walk, headlamps come in handy.

Electronics

When venturing outdoors and off-the-grid, electronics might be the least of your concerns. That said, if you have the inclination to buy some electronic backpacking gear, there are only a couple of things worth the spend.

Garmin inReach Mini 1-Way Satellite Communicator

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

When you need navigation help, need to send an SOS, or exchange a text message, the Garmin inReach Mini 1-Way Satellite Communicator is a solid choice for a backcountry adventure. The Garmin inReach was recognized with a GearJunkie “Gear of the Year” award winner in 2018 so you’ll feel confident knowing that the hefty price tag is worth the spend.

Goal Zero Flip 30 Portable Phone Charger

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Goal Zero Flip 30 is pocket-friendly and power-ready. This handy little device will charge your USB powered gear including smartphones, cameras, headlamps, and more. With Flip 30, the USB charge time is 5 hours and solar charge time anywhere from 11-14 hours.

Gadgets

Who doesn’t need a gadget? They’re fun to tool around with, cool to carry, and always come in handy.

Celestron Nature 10×25 Monocular

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

When pack weight is important, your backpacking gear needs to be light and economical. The Celestron Nature 10×25 Monocular is a cool gadget for viewing wildlife and gazing out into the great blue yonder. The 10x zoom lens delivers decent views at a super affordable price. 

Leatherman Wingman Multitool

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

It’s always nice to have a wingman on the trail. The Leatherman Wingman Multitool is versatile and affordable. With 14 tools in 1, the Wingman will ensure that you’ve got the right tool for the right job, making this an invaluable piece of backpacking gear.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are indispensable on all kinds of hikes. They help to provide stability, balance and, if needed, protection. 

Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

With a foldable design, these trekking poles can be height adjusted depending on your personal needs. The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are light and sturdy and come equipped with ergonomic handles and different tips depending upon your terrain. 

Leki Cressida Cor-tec Trekking Poles- Women’s

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Leki Cressida Cor-Tec Trekking Poles are best-sellers and these women-specific poles boast a patented SpeedLock Plus locking system making them reliable, too. These poles come in gender-neutral designs, too, but it’s nice to have backpacking gear that is specifically designed and engineered for a woman’s frame.

Hiking Boots & Socks

A good pair of hiking boots is essential to backpacking gear more than anything else. If your shoes aren’t right, you won’t get too far. It’s always a good idea to test out shoe styles in the store as well as break them in for a few weeks before a big hike.

Timberland Men’s Mt. Maddsen Hiker Boot

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is a trail-ready kind of boot. Waterproof and rugged, these highly-rated boots are crafted of full-grain leather and boast anti-fatigue comfort technology. If you’ve got lots of miles ahead, these boots will provide all-day comfort and all the support that you’ll need.

Keen Targhee Vent Mid-Hiking Boots- Women

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The nice thing about Keen’s is that they have wide toe boxes. The Keen Targhee Vent Hiking Boots are a go-to choice in backpacking gear for women, especially for warmer climates. The breathable mesh panels will help to keep your soles cool for all kinds of terrain.

Smartwool Hiking Socks

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

Never underestimate the importance of a good sock! When it comes to backpacking gear you can’t live without, Smartwool Hiking Socks deliver a comfortable fit and just the right amount of cushion to protect your feet. The added breathability of these smartly-designed socks will afford all-day wear making them a top choice for a backpacking adventure.

REI Co-op Coolmax EcoMade Liner Crew Socks

25 Of The Best Backpacking Gear &Amp; Gadgets For Outdoor Adventures

The secret to preventing foot blisters is wearing a liner sock underneath regular hiking socks. They help to ward off chafing on account of their moisture-wicking and breathable fabric. The REI Co-op Colman EcoMade Liner Socks are designed to ensure that there is no bunching or irritation for your toes. Make sure to pick up a pair before you embark on any sustained backpacking trip. 


If the mountains are calling, grab some backpacking gear and a friend. While backpacking doesn’t require all of the gadgets and gear on this list, a few select items will ensure that you are better prepared and ready for adventure.

WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on How to Make Your Next Family Camping Adventure Even Better.

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Michelle Bradford
Michelle Bradford
Michelle is a wife and mother of three, She is a child advocate and former foster mother who works as a Para Educator and Photographer. Michelle and her family also have a hobby farm where they raise chickens.

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