New Backpacking Gear I Tested and Recommend for 2024
This year, I had a chance to test quite a few backpacking gear items for reviews. These are the products that I liked the best and will continue to use for future trips.
FireMaple Petrel HX Pot & GreenPeak Stove
The FireMaple Petrel HX pot features heat exchangers on the bottom to increase fuel efficiency, similar to a Jetboil pot at a lower weight. Compatible with three-pronged stoves that open to a 120° angle, the Petrol has slots at the bottom of the pot that fit over the stove supports. This places the stove burner closer to the pot and offers protection from wind, both of which increase fuel efficiency and boil times. I’ve used this pot and stove on multiple backpacking trips and have enjoyed the reduction in the time it takes to boil water as well as using less fuel. See my review of the Petrel Pot and GreenPeak Stove.
Big Sky International Insulated Food Pouch
The Insulite Insulated Food Bag by Big Sky International is useful for keeping backpacking meals warm while rehydrating them. This pouch folds down to a compact size for storing and features a gusseted bottom to hold bulky food packages, and a flap with velcro to keep it closed.
Zenbivy Light Bed
While most backpacking quilts use straps to attach to a sleeping pad, Zenbivy Beds feature a sheet with an oversized hood and wings on the sides that attach to the quilt with clips. In my experience, this effectively eliminates drafts – especially for those of us who toss and turn a lot in our sleep – and provides better overall comfort. Zenbivy also introduced a new Ultralight Bed this year but I chose the Light Bed due to the lower cost – it only weighs 3 ounces more for the 25 degree regular size version and costs $210 less. See my review of the Zenbivy Light Bed.
Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress
The Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress has a high warmth to weight ratio, plus it packs down smaller than most mattresses, making it my favorite option for backpacking trips. The Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress checks all of the boxes when it comes to comfort, weight, packability, and warmth for a backpacking air pad. I have a lot of experience using sleeping pads with horizontal and vertical baffles, and I find that the individual tufted cells on this pad are much more comfortable, providing better relief points for my body as I sleep. Paired with the Zenbivy Light Bed, this is my top choice for comfort on backpacking trips. See my review of the Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress.
REI Flash Air 1 tent
I used the Flash Air 1 this year on backpacking trips in the rainforest at the Olympic Peninsula and in the subalpine at Goat Rocks. For a one person tent, I find that it’s more spacious than most and allows me to store my backpack and other gear inside the tent while using a full length sleeping pad. The vestibule is extra large as well, with a generous amount of space to place gear. I keep my backpacking chair in the vestibule and store all of my water filtration gear and water bottles in the chair so I’m keeping moisture out of my tent. See my review of the Flash Air 1 tent.
Outdoor Vitals Quilt
The Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt is feature-packed and provides greater protection in wet and humid conditions with down fill that’s been treated with gold nano particles. After using this quilt in overnight temps in the high 30s, I like the fit of the quilt and the way it tapers at the top to keep more warmth in. In fact, I find it to be warmer than similarly rated quilts and wouldn’t hesitate to take it on colder trips versus my 0 degree sleeping bag. I also like the fabric used – it’s soft yet durable – and the quilt is very well made with no extra threads hanging loose or down escaping. Overall, I think it’s a very high quality option for backpackers at a good price point. See my review of the StormLoft Quilt.
REI Half Dome SL 2+ tent
Most two person backpacking tents are too small for two people and can feel cramped. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ has plenty of space for two, plus room for gear inside in the tent. This is an updated version of the classic Half Dome tent, and the improvements are noticeable. The SL version weighs a pound less, and while it is slightly smaller than the previous versions, there’s room for two 25″ sleeping pads at 50″ wide. I also like the updated fabrics used and the new design of the vestibules that use two stakes to provide more space. See my full review of the Half Dome SL 2+ tent.
Garmin InReach Messenger
I added the InReach Messenger to my backpacking kit for the peace of mind that comes with an SOS device, but also so I could stay in touch with my husband when I’m out backpacking. I originally used the Delorme InReach SE but recently upgraded to the Garmin Messenger when my 10-year old InReach SE would no longer work. The Messenger is a two-way satellite communicator, so you can text back and forth as needed, which could be critical when an emergency requires it. The SOS button contacts emergency responders with your location and message. The device pairs with smartphones for use with the Messenger app, adding the ability to type messages on a keyboard instead of with the device’s buttons. I have found that the send time is very fast on the Messenger versus my older SE device, and the battery lasts much longer than on the InReach Mini, making the Messenger my top recommendation for a satellite communication device. Note that annual or monthly service plans are required.
REI Magma Down Jacket
The REI Magma Down Jacket uses 850-fill down for a warm and packable lightweight jacket that’s great for backpacking. It has features not found on similar jackets, including a draft collar that wraps around your neck for keeping warmth in and an adjustable hood. I really like the overall fit of this jacket and having a chest pocket that’s perfect for carrying my smartphone.
Pinnacle Foods meals
As a picky eater who struggles with eating on backpacking trips, I used to make all of my own dehydrated meals, but after trying a few new brands of freeze-dried meals, I’m no longer spending hours making my own. Pinnacle Foods meals are the tastiest that I’ve tried so far and are well worth what they cost. My favorites are Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Penne Pasta, Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits and Herbed Sausage Gravy, and Herb Roasted Chicken with White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings. I look forward to these meals every time I take them on trips.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad
I added this 1/8″ foam pad to my backpacking kit this year and it’s been one of the most versatile pieces of gear that I use. I place it outside of my tent for kneeling to get in and out without knashing my knees on rocks or sticks. It’s also good to keep my bum warm in my backpacking chair on cold mornings, and I also use it under my air mattress for extra protection and warmth. To keep the pad clean, I cut a small piece of Tyvek to place it on so dirt and debris doesn’t get into my tent and on my sleeping pad.
Buff Neck Gaiters
A versatile multi-use piece, I use the Buff as a neck gaiter, washcloth, pack towel, and more on backpacking trips. See my post about Ways to Use a Buff on Outdoor Adventures to learn more.
REI Magma Quilt
REI’s Magma Down Quilt offers inclusive sizing for various body types and sleeping preferences at a good price point. I’m using a medium wide and cinch the toggles on the straps together to close it up like a sleeping bag. Overall, I find that this quilt is very well made and quite warm for the 30 degree rating. And since it’s an REI brand product, it goes on sale often.