Wild Gift’s Backcountry Gear Guide of 2024

Written By Wild Gift Editor

By: Jacinta Gordon

When preparing for a multi-day backcountry trek (like the 16-day Wild Gift fellowship trek), one of the main questions we ask ourselves is, “What do I need to pack?”

With 16 days and a pack weight of 40-50 lbs, carefully selecting what to bring into the backcountry is no easy task. There’s so much gear out there, and it can be hard to know what’s worth the weight. To simplify things, we’ve put together a list of our eight favorite items you definitely don’t want to venture into the backcountry without—and why.

  1. Gossamer Gear’s Mariposa 60L Backpacking Backpack

    Before you head out on any backpacking trip, you need a sturdy, comfortable, and well-constructed backpack. Look no further than the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. With a simple design and pockets where you need them, this backpack is perfect for long days and heavy loads. The fit is perfect, and the breathable back pad provides protection while allowing ventilation on those extra hot days.

Gossamer gear Mariposa 60L, (5th to the right). 

2. Tough Cutie’s Merino Wool Hiker Crew Socks

Next up, our favorite socks! Tough Cutie, founded by Wild Gift alum Brittany Coleman, makes, in my humble opinion, the best hiking socks out there. As a sensitive-footed hiker who often struggles with blisters, I returned from this year’s 16-day trek blister-free. A big part of that was the outstanding quality of Tough Cutie’s socks. Thick in all the right places, durable, and made with antibacterial merino wool, Tough Cutie socks are my go-to for trekking.

Tough Cutie "Eve Ladies Light Weight Merino Wool Hiker Crew" in Lavender. 

3. Kula Cloth’s Pee Cloths

Kula Cloth pee cloths are a staple I bring on every hike, whether it’s an 8-mile day hike or an 8-day backpacking trip, you’ll never regret having one with you. It’s so lightweight that I hardly notice it’s there, and it easily straps to a backpack with a carabiner to dry out after use. If you’ve never heard of Kula Cloth and are concerned about hygiene, don’t worry—Kula Cloth’s technology features silver tech, which means the material has antibacterial properties and self-cleans.

4. Crazy Creek’s Hex 2.0 Chair

After a few days in the backcountry, you’ll be extremely grateful for a comfortable, versatile chair with back support—and that’s exactly what Crazy Creek chairs provide. Lightweight and easy to use, they are the perfect companion for longer treks in the outdoors. On our trek, we used them for cooking, programming, late-night chats, and, of course, games! Since Crazy Creek chairs roll up, they easily strap onto your backpack, taking up minimal packing space. They also fold flat, making an excellent kneeling platform outside your tent. One of my favorite uses is stretching it out fully and using it as a mat for sunbathing by alpine lakes! As you can see, the possibilities are endless, and it makes for a comfortable seat after a long day on your feet.

Sitting in Crazy Creek Chairs and playing our made up game of "rocks."

Gnara’s “Go There” Shorts

Wild Gift Guide, Francie St. Onge (Sun Valley Trekking) sporting her Gnara "go there" shorts after a fall in the mud while collecting water!

Gnara, another brand founded by a Wild Gift alum, Georgia Grace, is known for their GoFly® technology, which places a zipper between the legs of their pants, making bathroom breaks on the trail a lot easier. When paired with a Kula Cloth, it has never been so convenient for women+ to use the bathroom outdoors. Gnara offers durable, comfortable, and stylish shorts, pants, and now leggings! These are well worth the investment and will be a lasting addition to your outdoor wardrobe.

Katabatic Gear’s Elite SAWATCH 15°F Quilt

Katabatic Gear makes warm, comfortable, ultra-lightweight quilts, and we love them. Their 15°F quilt kept me cozy on nights that dropped below freezing and during frosty mornings. If you haven’t yet embraced the quilt life, here’s your gentle nudge. Katabatic quilts are lighter and roomier than traditional sleeping bags, and as someone who’s mindful of backpacking weight and tends to toss and turn in the night, these are huge selling points.

Pingora’s Remote Z Daypacks

Pingora is known for their sturdy, cute, and comfortable day packs, and they deliver! I took mine on a few day hikes and was not disappointed. Their bags are lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, with just enough room for everything you need in a day!

Keen’s Zerraport II Sandal

Searching for the perfect camp shoe can be tough, but look no further than the Keen Zerraport II Sandals. These sandals are great for camp, water, and adventure. The closed toe, while still an open design, makes them breathable and comfortable to wear with or without socks. They're sturdy enough for swimming in alpine lakes, dipping in creeks, or even crossing rivers—and they dry within 30 minutes! They easily strap to my backpack and weigh only 268g, making them my new favorite camp shoes.

Hanging out by the river in my Keen water/camp sandals. 

Much of the gear you see above was discounted or donated to Wild Gift Organization for use during our backcountry treks and outdoor experiences. We are incredibly grateful to partner with such amazing brands, and after testing their products on our 16-day+ backpacking trips, we’ll continue to recommend them with confidence!

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out our other blogs on our “Wild Stories” page and subscribe to our newsletter below.

Wild Gift Editor