Gear
Moto Camping Gear
Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 3 Tent
Pros:
Light Weight
Wind Resistance
Rain Protection
Ventilation
Ruggedness
Easy Setup
Cons:
Visibility with the rain fly installed.
Kyle’s Notes:
I've been backpacking with my Alps Zephyr 3 tent for over ten years in warm, cold, and stormy weather. The only time I ever got wet was from secondary splashes off the ground during a gulley-washer. The 3-man model is large enough to fit two adults, and its twin vestibules keep your packs and boots dry overnight. Make sure you buy the footprint.
Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 3 Footprint
Pros:
Light Weight
Ruggedness
Cons:
Separate Purchase
Kyle’s Notes:
Protect the floor of your tent with this waterproof, lightweight footprint. You'll be glad you did when you end up in a field of sandburs or sharp grass. It's much cheaper to replace a footprint than a tent.
Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp
Pros:
Light Weight
Waterproof
Long Run Time
Multiple Modes
White, Red, Green, and Blue LEDs
Easy Adjustment
USB Recharging
Cons:
Wish the red LED was a little brighter for night navigation.
Kyle’s Notes:
I prefer a headlamp over a flashlight so I can use both my hands when operating in the dark. I've used the Black Diamond Cosmo, Spot, and Storm models over the years, and they are all built for serious work. If you prefer a model that runs on AAA batteries, check out the Black Diamond Storm 450. Whichever one you choose, I recommend a bright color so you can find it easily when a raccoon attacks in the night.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
Pros:
Extreme Comfort
Anti-Gravity Suspension System
Adjustable Height
Adjustable Hip Belt
Stretch Mesh Pockets
Hydration Pocket
Hip Belt Pockets
Adjustable Load Lifters
Removable Top Lid
Cons:
Weight Limit
Everyone else has one.
Kyle’s Notes:
You won't believe the comfort this pack delivers. As long as your load stays below 60-ish pounds, the full-mesh Anti-Gravity suspension system works wonders while keeping your back cool. Choose a size that fits you. There are models with varying capacities and heights. Measure yourself first.
Zoocura Butane Torch Lighter
Pros:
Adjustable Flame
Aluminum Body
Aluminum Cap
Refillable
Cons:
Large Size
Kyle’s Notes:
I've used this lighter for years now. It is reliable and tough. Just bear in mind that torch lighters won't work above 10,000 feet or so. You'll need to buy Butane refill cans.
Sondiko Butane Refill (3-pak)
Pros:
3 Cans
175mL per Can
Includes 5 Adapters
Cons:
None
Kyle’s Notes:
This is the most economical way I've found to recharge butane lighters.
Camelbak Thermobak 3L Hydration Pack
Pros:
Ripstop Cordura Pack
Multicam Camouflage
100oz (3L) Capacity
Detachable Hose
Detachable Bite Valve
Manual Flow Valve
Cons:
None
Kyle’s Notes:
This is my constant hiking, hunting, and backpacking companion. The Omega hydration bladder can come out of this small pack and slot into my day pack or full ruck. Even at ten years old, it has never failed me. 3L of water means I can go longer distances between refills.
OMVMO Goose Down Sleeping Bag
Pros:
Goose Down
800 Fill Power
Height Choices
Water-Resistant Fabric
Compression Sack
YKK Zippers
Mesh Sack
Cons:
Not a big name brand.
Kyle’s Notes:
This is actually my wife's favorite sleeping bag, and now I want one. It's comfortable and warm in chilly conditions without becoming stifling. The square footbox is also great for folks (like my wife) that get claustrophobic in a mummy bag. It packs down ridiculously small, and it's very light for its warmth. NOTE!Order your bag at least ten degrees down from the temperatures you'll experience.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
Pros:
100,000-Gallon Capacity
Includes Adaptors
Water Bottle Threading
Easy Clean
Cons:
Slow to Use
Kyle’s Notes:
This is my absolute favorite water filtration system. Nothing else comes close. Its only downside is the slow process of filling and squeezing the bags. I fixed that problem by rigging a pump to the intake side of the filter.
Pennzoil Water Pump (For Sawyer)
Pros:
Small
Light
Water & Air
Clear Hoses
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
This pump will make a filter like the Sawyer Squeeze work MUCH better. You might need hose adaptors, available at your local hardware or plumbing supply store.
Keen Durand II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Pros:
Tough, Reliable
Armored Toe Cap
Comfortable
Cons:
Requires Break-In Period
Poor Wet Traction
Kyle’s Notes:
I've tested the Durand II in a variety of conditions, and I highly recommend them for backpacking. Overall construction is solid and reliable. The insensitive soles protect my feet from the slow bruising that comes from walking all day on rocks. The waterproofing is excellent. Just be careful on wet rock; these slip like crazy.
Equip Outdoors Mosquito Hammock
Pros:
Detachable Mosquito Net
Light Weight
Rugged Construction
Carabiners
Daisy Chains
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
If your back likes it, a hammock is wonderful for a solo adventure. It packs smaller and lighter than a tent, requires no ground pad, and can be more restful overall.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp
Pros:
Light Weight
Color Variety
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
A hammock is just a rain-catcher without a tarp. Make sure you have some kind of cover.
Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Boots
Pros:
Waterproof
Leather Outsole
Chunky Lugs
Very Comfortable
Available in Wide
Cons:
They don't breathe well.
Kyle’s Notes:
If you want a combination Riding Boot and Hiking Boot, take a close look at these Merrell tactical boots. They're tall, comfortable, and waterproof.
Ontario RAT-1 D2 Folding Knife
Pros:
$ Budget-Friendly
D2 Steel Blade
Liner Lock
One-Hand Opening
4.1" Blade
G10 Handle
Reversible Pocket Clip
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
I've used my RAT-1 for every domestic and outdoor task you can imagine: preparing supper, skinning game, bushcrafting, trimming fingernails, and cutting rope. Get this D2 model if you can afford the extra $10. The edge lasts a LOT longer than AUS-8.
550 Paracord
Pros:
Extreme Strength
Color Variety
Light Weight
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
Clotheslines, lashing, traps, guylines, ridgelines, and haul lines; I use Paracord on every trip. I personally buy these two colors: Woodland Camo (when I don't want to be seen) and Orange (when I DO want to be seen).
AGAWA Boreal Folding Bow Saw
Pros:
Lightweight
Compact
Cons:
Expensive
Kyle’s Notes:
The Trailblazer Sawvivor is long gone, but its worthy replacement is right here.
SOL Bivvy Emergency Blanket
Pros:
Light Weight
Compact Size
Bright Color
Cons:
Bigger and heavier than a simple solar blanket.
Kyle’s Notes:
I've never had to use one of these. I've never used a tourniquet, either. Seems like a good idea to have one of each around.
Ryno Tuff Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Pros:
Budget-Friendly
Light Weight
Compact Size
Comfortable
Tall
Cons:
Eventually finds a thorn. Keep patches handy.
Kyle’s Notes:
I'm too old to be sleeping directly on the ground. This little pad is a life-saver. Chuck the pillow.
Stansport Compact Mess Kit
Pros:
Perfect Size
Configurable
Cons:
Inelegant
Kyle’s Notes:
Simple, small, practical: I've used my little mess kit for about 15 years.
MalloMe Camp Stove
Pros:
Budget Friendly
Light Weight
Cons:
Small tripod
Kyle’s Notes:
This tiny little burner runs on blended-fuel cans. Make sure you place it on level ground.
GasOne Blended Fuel Can (2-Pack)
Pros:
Light Weight
Compact Size
Multi-Compatible
Cons:
None
Kyle’s Notes:
Your stove needs fuel. Use these self-sealing cans for (?) number of meals.
Alocs Cook Set
Pros:
Anodized Aluminum
Light Weight
Compact Size
Cons:
Not built for large meals.
Kyle’s Notes:
Just you and a plus two? This cook set will do the job in Spartan fashion.
GSI Glacier Stainless Cook Set
Pros:
Easy Cleanup
Larger Pots
Cons:
Too big for backpacking.
Kyle’s Notes:
Choose this set if you need to cook for more than two people. These are tougher than they look, and lighter than you expect.
ThermARest Camp Pillow
Pros:
Compressible
Fluffy
Cons:
None.
Kyle’s Notes:
This tiny travel pillow follows me on backpacking trips, airlines, and cross-country treks. Let it fluff up for a while before using it.
