o u r
a d v e n t u r e
g e a r .

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The right gear is essential
for a successful adventure.
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i n m y p a c k . . .

Water filtration

  1. The MSR MiniWorks is great for one person in the backcountry. It attaches directly to my Nalgene and lasts a long time before needing a filter change.

  2. My go-to and all-time favorite filter, is the Platypus GravityWorks 4.0 Liter Filter System. It is lightweight, produces up to 4 liters of filtered water, and is SO FAST. I can’t recommend this filtration system enough!

Backcountry cooking

  1. I love my MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove for all things cooking. This attaches to a small fuel canister, is lightweight, and packs down to nearly nothing.

  2. I use this lightweight spork just for camping . . . I love it!

  3. I use an Insulated Hydroflask Mug everyday in the van for my coffee and even though it’s a bit heavy for a cup in the backcountry, I typically pack it with me. So worth the weight to have hot coffee on those cold mornings! But if that’s not important to you . . . you can skip this one!

Safety

  1. I love my Garmin inReach Mini. This allows me to communicate and check in with family when I’m without phone service. The inReach also has an SOS button that will connect me to a 24/7 staffed emergency response center. This is an essential piece of gear for anyone who loves to adventure!

  2. Don’t forget your first aid kit!

  3. Having a solid headlamp is key. I love my Black Diamond Cosmo. I prefer having the ability to bring extra batteries rather than depending only on recharging via USB. This headlamp does both!

Sleeping arrangement

  1. Fun fact: my 2-person tent was a gift from my parents on my 18th birthday. While they no longer make my exact model, the Mineral King 2 person, 3 season tent is very similar to what I have. It is lightweight, but not so flimsy that Akela will rip it, and it provides ample space for us inside, while leaving plenty of protected space outside the tent for our gear.

  2. I use the Thermarest Prolite Apex Sleeping Pad. For many years I used a simple folding sleeping pad like the Z lite SOL Sleeping Pad, which worked, but I get much better rest now with the inflatable version.

  3. My primary sleeping bag is a 15ºF degree down bag by Mountain Hardware. This works for three seasons. When needed, I also include a sleeping bag liner on those really cold evenings.

  4. For the deep winter months and camping below freezing, I use a -40ºF degree down bag from Mountain Hardware. The model I have was made with a built-in bivy which I LOVE, but sadly they no longer make it.

  5. My mom gifted me a small, lightweight, blow up pillow that I also use often. Otherwise I just ball up my puffy and call it a night!

o n m y b o d y . . .

Layers

  1. Base layers are a great place to start. Regardless of the trip, I always carry a Merino Wool Base Layer set. This type of wool is comfortable, stays warm even when damp, and it’s naturally odor resistant.

  2. I never leave behind a lightweight fleece. Perfect for early mornings and a great layer to add after a long hike before you cool off too fast.

  3. My FAVORITE PUFFY! I get asked about my purple puffy the most. I always opt for a light weight, easily packable, down puffy. I love my Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket. Since it is a very lightweight piece of gear, I’ve needed to patch holes often, and have found the best patches to be the Noso Patches. I like to order mine from Rachel Pohl Art.

  4. Regardless of the weather predicted, I always pack a rain shell. I prefer a shell over a jacket because I can easily throw it over my existing layers, and it doesn’t add much weight.

  5. I need pants that will move with my body and stand up to rugged activity. Plus, they need to be adaptable to changing temperatures. These Fjallraven Trousers do the trick with their reinforced knees and zippered side vents!

Shoes

  1. I basically live in my Luna Sandals. I switched from Chacos to Lunas about five years ago due to how lightweight and minimalist they are. I wear these around town, in camp, on multi-day treks, or during a shorter day hike . . . I absolutely love them.

  2. For longer treks, I still prefer to keep my shoes light and choose to hike in Altra Trail Running Shoes. These are a comfy & breathable option that don’t weigh me down too much.

  3. I am still on the hunt for the best hiking boots!

A k e l a ’ s g e a r . . .

Dog essentials

  1. For every overnight trip, Akela wears her Approach Backpack from Ruffwear. This pack fits her wonderfully and has large enough compartments to store her food, leash, collapsible bowl, wag bags, and any other accessories she needs.

  2. In the hot months, I like to use the Swamp Cooler Cooling Vest from Ruffwear to help Akela stay cool. This has been a game-changer for desert adventures!

  3. Akela’s a fearless swimmer but when kayaking, paddle boarding, or anything in deep water, she still wears her Float Coat Life Jacket to be extra safe, and to be sure I have an easy-access handle should I need to grab her.

    All of these above-mentioned items I have had for YEARS. Which is one of the reasons I love Ruffwear . . . their gear is tough!

  4. Lastly, I have been using this Ultralight Collapsible Dog Bowl. This is VERY lightweight and packs to nearly nothing. It works great!