Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Here’s everything on outdoor experts' checklists for hitting the trails.
Credit:Travel & Leisure
Keep reading below to find our comprehensive packing list as well as expert tips and advice.
If you’re prone to neck issues, you might want to packa camping pillowas well.
I’m 5-foot-3-inches, so it’s always a challenge for me.
Credit: Amazon
Weighing just over 1 pound, this comfy pad won’t take up much space in your backpack either.
I’m a pretty minimalist backpacker.
No matter the season, Grace will bring one or two jackets for backpacking trips.
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
So sometimes I take that and I can just hang it off my pack, Grace said.
I always just have one extra pair of socks with me during the day.
Its our favorite lightweight rain jacket that provides a strong protection against the elements without sacrificing mobility.
Grace brings a rain jacket no matter the predicted weather for a trip.
Best Packable Jacket
L.L.Bean Womens PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
Backpacking in cooler seasons orhigh altitudes?
Be sure to bring a warm, insulated,packable jacketlike L.L.
Bean’s PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket (mens versionhere).
Plus, it packs down to a fraction of its original size, which is perfect for backpacking.
Similarly to backpacks, Grace advises trying on a variety of hiking boots to find the right pair.
Theres no better feeling than sitting down after trekking for hours and peeling off your socks and hiking shoes.
The brands Contagrip MA outsoles have intricate traction for stability on a variety of terrain.
We love that the shoes are broken in and can be worn right out of the box.
Its what I’ve had for the last four years.
I’ve never had an issue with it.
I love it it’s light and it’s easy.
Small accessories can have a big impact when youre out backpacking.
A smallpocket knifecould also prove useful.
Having that ability to see in the dark, you just need a good headlamp.
Credit: Amazon
You need a good source of light, whether that’s a headlamp or something else, Grace stressed.
For preventive measures, supplement this kit with abug spray.
That versatile fanny pack you bought for a Eurotrip may work perfectly for shorter day hikes, for example.
Credit: Sea to Summit
Give thatnew set of walkie-talkiesa tryout before taking it on a backcountry trek.
My advice is to find somebody somewhere in the hiking community, she shared.
That’s how I got into it.
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
The key to keeping your backpack light is to avoid overpacking by only bringing the necessities.
Anna picked products to highlight based on her own knowledge as well as T+L testing.
She also interviewedLeilah Grace, the vice president of theAmerican Perimeter Trail.
Credit: REI
Credit: REI
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jill DeForest Colvig
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Credit: Amazon
Credit: REI
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Stuart Haas
Credit: L.L. Bean
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Brit Haines
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland
Credit: Amazon
Credit: REI
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Credit: Merrell
Credit: Bedrock
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Snow Peak
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph
Credit: REI
Credit: Amazon
Credit: REI
Credit: REI
Credit: Amazon
Credit: REI
