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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Rest: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker
The Rest: Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece
The Rest: Marmot Men’s Windstopper Glove
The Rest: MyTrail Co. 800 Fill Ultralight Down Jacket
The Rest: Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant
The Rest: Petzl Tikka
The Rest: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover
The Rest: MSR WhisperLite
