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3-Person Tent Reviews

The Best Comfort Backpacking Gear, According to BACKPACKER's Gear Editor

Backpacking should be about pleasure, not pain.

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When I backpack, I don’t really care about having the lightest stuff. I want gear that keeps me comfortable from trail to camp. Live in luxury the smart way with these 18 picks, which make your trip more pleasant at only a minor weight penalty.

Gregory Zulu 65

None

Usually, my pack is brimming, so I choose a model with good organization, like the Gregory Zulu 65 ($230; Buy Now).

REI Co-op Flexlite Air

None

Sure, it’s a luxury. But a comfortable-yet-light chair like the REI Co-op Flexlite Air ($100; Buy Now) is worth the pack space.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

None

Tote a pillow to camp and you’ll never sleep on a stuff sack full of dirty clothes again. My favorite is the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow ($60; Buy Now).

Montbell Storm Crusier Jacket

None

On the trail, I don’t compromise on my shell, opting for the fully-featured Montbell Storm Cruiser ($299; Buy Now).

Saxx Ultra Boxer Briefs

None

My fellow editors might make fun of me for this, but I carry enough underwear—like the supersoft SAXX Ultra ($32; Buy Now)—for a new pair each day. 

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion

None

My pick for sock: the durable-yet-comfortable Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion ($24; Buy Now), which use a blend of Merino, nylon, and spandex that lasts season after season.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3 Tent

None

When it’s time to bed down, I’m all about space: One of my tried-and-true strategies is using a three-person tent for two people, so this is where I splurge on something light, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 ($500; Buy Now).

The North Face One Bag

None

I’m a restless sleeper, so I put in some earplugs and climb in The North Face One Bag ($289; Buy Now), which isn’t constrictive. 

Deuce #2 UL Trowel

None

Last of all, I always carry a Deuce #2 UL Trowel ($20; Buy Now)—because there’s nothing less comfy than digging a cathole with your heel under pressure.

The Rest: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

None

$200; Buy Now

The Rest: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker

None

$39; Buy Now

The Rest: Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece

None

$149; Buy Now

The Rest: Marmot Men’s Windstopper Glove

None

$50; Buy Now

The Rest: MyTrail Co. 800 Fill Ultralight Down Jacket

None

$229; Buy Now

The Rest: Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant

None

$128; Buy Now

The Rest: Petzl Tikka

None

$30; Buy Now

The Rest: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover

None

$42; Buy Now

The Rest: MSR WhisperLite

None

$90; Buy Now

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