Gear

This is a very tedious page to write, so im not going to do it all at once. Here you will see explanations for all the gear on the "Supplies" page, as well as the specific brands and models I use. I usually shop at REI because they are a co-op, have a lifetime guarantee on all their products, carry almost everything I need, and have awesome prices. Here they have an awesome guide on how to pack your bag and distribute weight effectively. Dont just cram everything in there like tetris! It makes a huge difference!


Backpack:
Your single most important piece of gear. Choose it wisely. My bag is a Arc'teryx Bora 95, and is the most rugged bag I could find- every piece of it just screams quality. I have nothing but positive things to say about this bag- except maybe the price. This bag will outlast you.  You could certainly get away with a smaller bag, maybe down to 60L, but I like having a little extra room, so i can just shove everything in quickly if I need to. Shop around if youve got the time and funds.

Sleeping Bag:
While a backpack is pivotal if you expect to go anywhere, a good sleeping bag is essential if you want to sleep. Temperatures can fluctuate unexpectedly. I like down because you can compress it as much as you need to, and it wont ever lose its fluff, unlike synthetic. The upside to synthetic is that it dries quickly, and will keep you warm even when its wet (unlike down). Unless your sure you will be sticking to hot climates, get at least a 20 degree bag- I use an REI Halo. You can always unzip it or use it like a blanket if its too hot. if you are going through wildly fluctuating nights, consider getting a sleeping bag liner- uber thin, and easily add 15 degrees to your sleeping bags temperature rating.

Hammock:
This is something a lot of people dont know much about. Backpacking hammocks are hammocks made of a single piece of nylon. No, you dont fall out of them. Yes, they are incredibly comfortable. At the end of the day, try lying belly down- the curve feels amazing on your back! You can string em up anywhere you can find poles 10-20+ feet apart, and have the amazing advantage of keeping you off the ground; no longer are you limited to flat, dry areas. Ive even set one up over a river. They also fold up incredibly small, and weigh less than a pound if you get something simple like an ENO doublenest (my current choice). I used to use a Clark Jungle hammock, but its kind of cumbersome and big, and the rain fly was totally useless after only a short while in the Oregon rainforest, forcing me to use trash bags. I really enjoyed the bug net though, I might try to find a better way to implement it. If you really dont believe me about hammocks, at least do this: dont bring a tent. Bring a bigger tarp if you must, but not a tent. Its a terrible idea. Trust me.

Rope:
As good a rope as you can afford, about 50 feet should be good, and not too thick. It should be able to hold your bodyweight in a pinch. Its not going to last forever though, youll cut it up and stuff, so youll need to get more eventually.

Knife:
The humble knife, mankind's oldest tool. Use it to cut stuff, make kindling, skin animals, chop wood (hit the back of it with a log), defend yourself, or even amputate your own limbs (its better than a rock). I recommend you at least carry a fixed blade knife, they are much more solid than folding knives. I actually carry several knives with me: A SOG seal pup elite ( Coated black, no serration), my Leatherman multi-tool, and a small clip knife that uses razor blades (carry some spares). I would like to get a carabiner knife that is just a serrated blade knife, because they are excellent for cutting ropes, and dont really need sharpening. Bring a small diamond stone to keep your knife sharp, and learn how to use it, your life could depend on it.

Tarp:
Extremely important! Keeps you dry in wet weather, keeps you off the ground, camouflages you, becomes an emergency blanket, and can even be used for signaling if you get lost. I like to get heavy duty ones that are green, but you can also get that see through painters tarp stuff if you want something that is totally waterproof (but also less rugged).

Sleeping Pad:
Forget the fancy stuff, closed cell foam is your only option here. Its the most durable, most multipurpose, and incredibly light. It does take up quite a bit of space though, good to put it on the outside of your pack. This is also required if you have a hammock, because unlike the ground, a hammock offers exactly zero insulation on your underside, even if you have an awesome sleeping bag. The closed cells of air keep you insulated. I never had too much of a problem with a standard mat, but getting extra "wings" (yes, they look like menstrual pad wings) for the side really helps keep it in place. I use a Z-lite- its survived tons of abuse, campfire burns, and spills. If im relaxing on the ground or hanging out with people around a fire, this is what I chill on. You will use it a lot.

Collapsible Water Container:
Your water bottle is not enough. You should always have extra water for cooking, hydration, and any number of tasks. The key to this item is to use something that expands as it is used, so you can vary the amount of water and not take up unnecessary room. The MSR Dromedary is hands down the best. I used to have one, but I left it in a cop car. This time, im probably gonna end up using a cheap Coleman  collapsing water container- same basic idea, but the jug is made of very flexible plastic. if you are in dire need, use any big plastic container with a screw on lid (but not most milk cartons- they spill)

Nalgene water bottle:
The God of water bottles. Get the wide mouth, and at least 1 liter in size. Obviously, any water bottle will do if you need it to, even used plastic soda bottles, but if you have a choice at all, get this.

Bear Canister:
The most underrated piece of equipment in the history of traveling, and ideal for the nomad. Get this one. Or the smaller version (I highly reccomend the larger though). It protects from bears (read:indestructible) but its more than that: its a bucket with ridges. How do you think your gonna wash your clothes, fool? Gonna go to a laundry mat every few days with 3 pieces of clothing? Gonna find rivers everywhere? Buckets are good for all kinds of things: carrying water, taking baths, gathering food, holding caught fish, etc. Its also an amazing chair, something you dont miss till you dont have it. I use it to put my food and electronics in- its waterproof! The see through design also makes it easy to find stuff. My favorite use however, is much more fun: it makes a great hand drum! Practice your beats in the forest, yo! Good for when you meet musicians and want to join in the jam.

Lighters:
Dont get a flint and steel just because you want to look cool. Lighters are smaller, lighter, cheaper, work in the rain, and when there is no good tinder. And guess what? Even when the fuel runs out, it still makes sparks. Just like your stupid flint and steel.

Hard plastic frisbee:
Unless your a backpacking veteran, I bet this puzzles you. Lets go over the myriad uses for this wonder disc:
-Plate
-Seat (good for wet ground)
-Fire fanner
-Cutting board
-Wind blocker
-Laptop stand
-Bowl for collecting berries and such
-and its a frisbee! Great way to meet people and have fun in parks.

Sandals:
See the footwear page. I also bring a pair of flip-flops. Totally unescassary, but oh so comfy and easy on lazy days.

Clothing:
Cotton kinda sucks, but bring a really long cotton shirt for comfy lounging/sleeping. Nylon is your best friend, as are zip-off pants.

Soap:
I use Dr. Bronners Magic soap. Non toxic, fair trade, concentrated, and you can use it for laundry, shampoo, dishes, dogs, even brushing your teeth.