Thanks to OnX Backcountry for sponsoring this video. It’s my favorite map/navigation/route planning app. You can save 20% using my link:
Gear in this video:
Durston X-Dome 1+:
Featherstone Backbone:
Zenbivy UL Bed:
Kelty Cosmic 20:
Zenbivy Flex Mattress:
Nemo Tensor Mattress:
Featherstone Calcatta Mattress:
Nemo Tensor Extreme Mattress:
M!Go Water Bottle:
Sawyer Squeeze:
Cleaning Connector Cap:
Cnoc Vecto Water Bag:
Backcountry Exposure Mesa Bag:
UCO Camp Cup:
UCO Spoon and Fork:
Verve Coffee:
LMNT Electrolytes:
NiteCore NU 27 Headlamp:
NiteCore NU 25 Headlamp:
Pika Lid: ttps://alnk.to/2uJrFDU
Adotec Bear Locker:
CampingMoon XD-2F Stove:
Soto TriFlex Adapter:
BRS-3000 Stove:
Firemaple Stove:
Firemaple G2 Pot:
Firemaple G3 Pot:
MSR Switch:
ZPacks ArcHaul 70 pack:
NatureHike 60L pack:
Not discussed, but worthy of awards:
Nemo Moonlite Elite Chair:
Pinnacle Foods Backpacker Meals:
Fizan Trekking Poles:
Hyperlite Camera Pod:
Satellite Communicator:
Sun Hat:
Wool Hiking Socks:
Hiking Underwear:
Stretchy Hiking Belt:
Midlayer jacket:
Puffy Jacket:
Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Tents: 00:27
Sleeping Bags and Quilts: 05:22
Sleeping Mattresses: 10:12
Maps and Navigation: 15:44
Water Bottles and Filtration: 17:49
Organization Bag: 20:50
Headlamps: 22:00
UL Lid gadget: 23:50
Bear Locker: 26:21
Stoves: 27:52
Backpacks: 30:25
2025 was a big year for great backpacking gear. I tested a huge amount of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, quilts, mattresses, camp stoves, new and old gear, expensive and budget. This is a compilation of my favorite gear I used this year and how it changed how I go backpacking. Whether you are a hard core ultralight thru-hiker or a regular Joe backpacker a few weekends a year, this video has some gems for you.
Most of the above links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support creators you enjoy!
Want to collaborate with me? You can reach me at erichanson@thestation.io
Eric, big thanks for finding and recommending the Naturehike backpack. This year my teenaged son started backpacking, and I went on the hunt for budget gear for anything that I could not hand-me-down and which he would outgrow, which included a backpack.
I got the smaller one for him and was actually super impressed for the price point. It’s not a super-durable pack, but it doesn’t need to be – just a couple of seasons and my kid will be close enough to actual size to invest in his first quality pack. But other than durability, I have no complaints – similar in design and features the heavy-hitting UL backpacks at 1/3 the price (or less).
Great video! I’m 6’4” and wondering if you would change your backpack recommendation for someone my height? Thanks
Sponsored by Zenbivy? 😂😂
How would you load out a father and son when the son is ten years old?
Eric, have you ever used ULA packs?