My Complete Outdoor Gear List (Updated 2026)

My outdoor gear has been tested across hundreds of miles of trail and even more nights of car camping. After six years of real-world use as a solo female hiker, I’m doing a full reassessment of what’s earned its place, what’s been repaired and kept, and what’s getting replaced. While you can see my original post here, here is my complete women’s outdoor gear list, covering everything from my sleep system and shelter to kitchen gear, safety gear, footwear, tech gadgets, and beyond.

Outdoor Gear List: My Backpacking System

Shelter

✅ Keeping: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent + Big Agnes Tiger Wall Footprint

My Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is still my go-to for the best backpacking gear when weight is a priority.

• Why I Keep It: I love sleeping with the rainfly off for stargazing. While I am interested in trekking pole tents, I would only switch if I could keep that same open-air flexibility.
• Don’t forget the footprint! I always pitch the Tiger Wall on its footprint, and after six years, it’s absolutely earned its place. It’s a purchase I’d recommend to anyone; it saves the tent floor from abrasion and moisture, which directly extends the life of an already well-loved tent.
• The Repairs: After six years, the fabric has some wear. I’ve used clear Tenacious Tape to patch the rainfly and the bathtub floor. It also has small holes in the mesh, but it remains functional.
• Lights: I still use the mtnGLO Lights to light up my backpacking tent at night.
• Stakes: Still love my MSR stakes. Some of the cords have broken, but I can use two other stakes to pull them out if needed, so it’s fine, and save a gram or two lol

My Sleep System

⬆️ Upgraded: Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL

My sleep setup is where I’ve made the most significant updates for 2026. I finally upgraded to this bag after years of using a men’s Lark. As a 5’10” hiker, I was worried a women’s bag would feel short, but the Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL is roomier than expected. It’s tighter at the shoulders to trap heat but spacious around the arms and hips. I can even fit my electronics and filter inside to keep them from freezing, and it keeps me toasty warm. I’m super happy with this purchase and highly recommend it. Full review of the Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL sleeping bag coming soon!

✅ Keeping: Nemo Tensor & Z Lite Pad

My 2020 Nemo Tensor (R4.2) is still holding air perfectly. I had a puncture early on, which I fixed with Tenacious Tape, but haven’t had another issue since. I layer it over a Z Lite Sol foam pad for protection and to increase insulation to R6. My foam pad has lost its shape over the years and now looks like “wings” on my pack, but I still love it.

My exact model is no longer available, but if I were buying today, I’d go for the Nemo Tensor Insulated All Season; it’s R5.4, so even better insulation than mine, and the same great Nemo quality.

✅ Keeping: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow

Still using this inflatable pillow, tied to my pad with a buff and string so it doesn’t slide around all night.

My Pack

🔄 Replacing: Osprey Eja 58

My Osprey Eja 58 is starting to peel on the inside after six years of heavy use. It probably has at least one season left in it, but I’ve been eyeing replacements for a while. The three I’m seriously considering:

• Hyperlite Southwest 55
• Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L
• Durston Kakwa 55

One of those is inevitably going to be my next backpacking pack.

My Car Camping System

Shelter

✅ Keeping: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2

For car camping, the Mineral King 2 is still my “home away from home.” I really love this tent, it’s got great ventilation (even in heavy rain, it has never leaked, it’s super spacious, and the mesh canopy allows great stargazing!) I recently tested the all-season version, which I also loved. It felt very familiar, as it’s the same tent, except with stronger materials, and the canopy isn’t mesh. It’s distinctly warmer inside when fully zipped up, so I can definitely feel how much warmer and more comfortable the Mineral King All-Season is in winter and cold nights. Read my full review of both tents in the posts below.

✅ Keeping: Footprint + Tarp

The Mineral King 2 actually comes with a footprint included, which is a great bonus. I also lay a tarp underneath for extra ground protection, especially useful on rougher or wetter surfaces. It’s a simple habit that’s kept the tent floor in great shape over the years of use.

✅ Keeping: Black Diamond Moji Lantern

I use the Moji Lantern to light up my car camping tent, and it’s been completely reliable for over six years. It lights the space really well without being blinding or too harsh, just the right amount. I’ve only had to change the batteries once so far. There’s now a rechargeable version available too, and whichever one you pick, you can’t go wrong.

Car Camping Sleep System

🔄 Replacing: Decathlon Quechua Air Mattress

My Decathlon Quechua air mattress has been my car camping staple for six years. It was rated for about 200 inflation/deflation cycles, and I’ve officially put over 250 nights on it. While it’s impressive that it outlasted its own rating, it’s finally starting to lose a little air overnight. I picked up the Exped MegaMat Max at the REI anniversary sale as its replacement, can’t wait to try it!

✅ Keeping: Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL + Sea to Summit Flame 55

I use the same sleeping bag for car camping as I do for backpacking. For extra cold nights (way below freezing), I also use my summer sleeping bag, the Sea to Summit Flame 0 55F, inside my Petrel. Stacking these two down bags makes a massive difference, and I can sleep through a freeze and stay toasty warm.

✅ Keeping (Discontinued): Big Agnes Tent Comforter

Since weight isn’t a concern when car camping, I still use my Big Agnes Tent Comforter as a “tent carpet” to insulate the floor from the cold ground, or as a final heavy layer on top when temperatures really dive. I’ve used and loved this blanket for years, and although it’s no longer available, you can still find the BA tent comforter on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, etc.

If you’re looking for something similar and brand new, I’d recommend the Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket.

Car Camping Blanket Comparison

	Big Agnes Tent Comforter (discontinued)	Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket
Sizes	58×90 in / 90×90 in	52×75 in (1-person) / 84×80 in (2-person)
Weight	1 lb 14 oz / 2 lb 13 oz	1 lb 12 oz (1-person) / 2 lb 6 oz (2-person)
Insulation	FireLine ECO (100% PCR polyester)	NanoLoft® synthetic down (100% Sorona, plant-based)
Shell	Poly taffeta top / nylon ripstop bottom	VersaWeave™ 30D ripstop outer / SummitShield™ 50D ripstop inner liner
Water resistance	1000mm PU coating (bottom only)	PFAS-free DWR (full blanket)
Packed size	7×13×14 in / 7.5×14×14.5 in	5.9×14.2 in (1-person) / 7.1×14.9 in (2-person)
Packs into own pocket	✓ Built-in zipper pocket	Roll-top stuff sack included
Corner attachment	Hooks + 10 snap patches	Paracord staking loops
Machine washable	✓	✓
Eco credentials	Recycled insulation + shell	Certified B Corp®, Climate Label Certified®; 48–80 recycled bottles per blanket
Extra features	Doubles as insulated tent floor	Stash pocket; Cape Clip® for hands-free wear

My Outdoor Kitchen

✅ Keeping: MSR PocketRocket 2 + Trail Mini Solo Cook Set

I see zero reason to change my MSR PocketRocket 2 mini stove kit. It runs flawlessly, and everything fits together so perfectly. I don’t have the original plastic bowl anymore, because it burned down in Zion after I forgot to pull it out before boiling water, but everything still works great after more than half a decade.

✅ Keeping: Long-Handle Spork

I’ve used this long-handle spork for years. The extended length means I can scrape the absolute bottom of a dehydrated meal bag without ever getting my hands dirty on the trail.

✅ Keeping: Sawyer Mini

My Sawyer Mini is a permanent fixture. The flow rate stays high because I’m diligent about backflushing it after every single trip. I tried the Sawyer squeeze because I kept seeing it on YouTube videos, but it was heavier, and I decided to go back to the Mini.

✅ Keeping: RatSack (Medium)

The medium RatSack is staying in the rotation for trips to places like Havasupai. The rodents there are relentless, and the stainless steel mesh is a godsend, and way lighter than a hard bear canister.

✅ Keeping: Cosori Dehydrator

At home, my Cosori Dehydrator is still the best for prepping all my trail meals ahead of time. Read my guide on how to dehydrate food.

✅ Keeping: Osprey Hydraulics 3L Bladder

For on-trail hydration, I use the Osprey Hydraulics 3L reservoir. It fits perfectly in my various backpacks and day packs, and keeps water accessible without stopping to dig through my pack. I use this when I don’t need to source and filter water on trail.

⬆️ Upgraded: From startwater bottles to CNOC ThruBottle (V1 → V2)

I started with the original CNOC ThruBottle as a replacement for standard Smartwater bottles, and when the V2 dropped very recently, I immediately upgraded. It’s lighter and way more squeezable. I use these when I’m sourcing water on trail with my Sawyer Mini. Better for the environment than single-use bottles, and designed and assembled right here in the USA. One of those switches I should have made sooner.

✅ Keeping: Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets

I use these Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets to clean my bladder, ThruBottles, and any flasks: they’re great. Just drop a tablet in with warm water, let it fizz, and everything comes out fresh with no lingering taste or odor. No bleach, no chlorine, plant and mineral-based, and made in the USA. A small thing that makes a big difference in keeping your hydration gear in good shape.

Safety & Navigation

✅ Keeping: Garmin GPSMAP 67i

I’ve been using the Garmin GPSMAP 67i for several years, and it’s a permanent fixture on my shoulder strap. The battery life and rugged reliability are vastly superior to any smartphone, and I prefer not to rely on a phone’s satellite features when I’m deep in the backcountry. The 67i is completely worth its weight; it lets my family track my real-time progress via MapShare. With a smartphone alone, satellite location sharing is manual and limited to a single snapshot every 15 minutes, rather than the seamless, continuous breadcrumb trail the Garmin provides. Read my full review of the Garmin inReach 67i here.

⬆️ Upgraded: Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp

I’d been using an old unbranded headlamp for years; it always worked, but it was on the heavier side at 71g. I recently picked up the Nitecore NU25 UL. My only hesitation was the elastic straps instead of a wider headband, but it’s actually super comfortable, and my only regret is not buying it sooner. It weighs just 48g and is USB-C rechargeable. But I don’t even need to recharge it that often.

✅ Keeping: Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight/Watertight .7

I’ve customized my medical kit to fit my actual needs: added probiotics, extra antihistamines, Imodium, migraine tabs, and nausea tabs, and removed anything I wouldn’t know how to use. It’s actually lighter than the original as a result. If I were buying today, I’d just get the .3 version, more compact, but I’d still customize it the same way.

✅ Keeping: SOL Emergency Bivvy

I’ve carried the SOL Emergency Bivvy for three years on big all-day hikes. It weighs 3.8 oz and comes with a rescue whistle and tinder cord. I’ve never had to use it, but I like being prepared for the unexpected.

Bear Safety

🤔 Considering: BV ONE Adjustable Bear Canister

For areas where a hard canister is legally required, I’ve been juggling the classic BearVault BV500 (too heavy and bulky) and the more compact BV450 Jaunt for 3 or 4-day trips.

BearVault just released the BV ONE Adjustable Bear Canister, and I’m seriously considering the upgrade. It’s an ultralight, telescoping canister that expands when full and compresses down to 5.6 inches as you eat, saving a huge amount of pack space. The center-access buttons are way easier to open with cold hands, and it actually offers more internal volume than the BV450 while weighing 2 ounces less (1 lb 15 oz).

The catch: The BV ONE only holds 1–4+ days of food. For longer stretches, high-mileage thru-hikes or long PCT sections, I’ll still need to pack my bulky BV500, which slightly defeats the purpose. But for standard backcountry trips, the space-saving telescoping design is incredibly tempting.

Outdoor Gear List: Power & Electronics

✅ Keeping: Anker Power Banks (10K & 20K)

I still rely on my trusty Anker 10K and 20K power banks to keep my camera batteries and phone topped off on trail. I choose which one to throw in my pack based on trip length, and even after years of heavy use, both are still holding a charge beautifully.

🤔 Considering: Jackery Explorer

While the Anker power banks handle everything in the backcountry, I’m starting to think about a bigger power ecosystem for base camping. I’ve been looking at the Jackery 1000v2 for quite some time, and I’m just waiting for the right sale to get one!

Clothing, Footwear & Accessories

Day Pack

⬆️ Upgraded: Hyperlite Elevate 22

For day hikes, I switched to the Hyperlite Elevate 22 (from Big Agnes Ditch 32L and Osprey Talon 11). The HMG Elevate 22 pack is ultralight, saving ounces on the bag itself and allowing me to carry my heavy photography lenses over longer distances. Read my full HMG Elevate 22 Review.

Trekking Poles

⬆️ Upgraded: Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles

I used to hike with heavier Decathlon poles, which worked fine, until I tried the Black Diamond Carbon Z. The weight difference is immediately noticeable, and now I’m completely obsessed. They’re ultralight, fold down compact, and make long days on the trail so much easier on the arms and knees. Another one of those upgrades I wish I’d made years earlier.

Footwear

⬆️ Upgraded: Altra Lone Peak 9+

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ may be my favorite model in the Lone Peak series so far. They feature a grippier Vibram sole, require zero break-in time, and I love the new colors. Also, I think that once you try the Vibram sole, you don’t go back to regular soles! The gaiters are also still a must on every hike! Read my Altra Lone Peak 9+ review here.

✅ Keeping: North Face Thermoball Booties

These remain the best camp shoes for winter trips. Everybody always comments on them when they’re on my feet. They are super comfy and warm at camp.

✅ Keeping: Kahtoola MICROspikes

A must-have for icy or snowy trails. I never leave home without my Kahtoola MICROspikes when there’s any chance of winter conditions underfoot.

Apparel

✅ Keeping: Merino Base Layers

I sleep in my top and bottom merino thermals inside my sleeping bag; they make a noticeable difference in warmth. On cold days on trail, I also layer them under my hiking clothes. They’re one of those pieces that quietly earns its place on every single trip.

✅ Keeping: REI Sahara Convertible Pants & Sun Hoodie

• The Sahara Convertible Pants have become a go-to. I love that I can wear them on their own or with merino thermals underneath when it’s chilly.
• While I still love wearing tanks, I’ve officially joined the sun hoodie bandwagon. It’s the perfect lighter layer for early mornings and evenings, or when it’s too hot to bother with sunscreen.

✅ Keeping: Free People Movement Shorts

Still wearing these shorts for warm-weather trips. They’re super flattering, have two huge pockets for your phone, snacks, a map, keys, whatever you might need large pockets for. I love them so much.

✅ Keeping: Cotopaxi Hooded Puffy Jacket

My Cotopaxi hooded puffy is my go-to insulating layer for cold mornings, exposed ridges, and chilly camp evenings. It’s warm, packable, and has logged countless miles with me.

Accessories

✅ Keeping: Peak Design Capture Clip

The Peak Design Capture Clip is how I carry my camera. It keeps it accessible on my pack strap so I never miss a shot.

✅ Keeping (For Now): REI Flexlite Air Chair

I purchased the REI Flexlite Air Chair and love it, but it has one main flaw: instability on soft ground, like sand and dirt. So if I were to buy a new ultralight backpacking chair today, I would choose the NEMO Moonlite Elite. This NEMO chair is far more stable on soft ground like sand, thanks to its Platform Pack, which stops the legs from sinking in entirely. I actually tested it on the beach and sat in it all day without tipping once, something I could never say about my Flexlite Air. The extra 3 oz is worth its weight for that kind of stability upgrade.

✅ Keeping: Buff + Sunglasses

Two things I never hit the trail without. The buff pulls triple duty as a neck gaiter, headband, and hair tie depending on conditions, and my sunglasses are non-negotiable on exposed miles.

⬆️ Upgraded: Ultralight Hiking Umbrella

Using a hiking umbrella completely changes how you tackle hot, sun-drenched miles. It instantly cools me down when temperatures start soaring; it genuinely feels like carrying a personal cloud of shade wherever I walk. At just 6.8 oz, it slips into my pack’s side pocket, and I completely forget it’s there until the sun starts baking the trail.

✅ Keeping: Sea to Summit Bug Net

I took forever to buy this bug net, and of course, once I had it, I rarely encountered bugs on trail, classic! Still, it’s comforting to know I’m prepared. I’d much rather carry it and not need it than be stuck fighting bugs with nothing. Remember to bring a hat for a proper fit.

✅ Keeping: Pee Cloth for Hiking

I clip my pee cloth on the outside of my pack so it dries quickly between uses. It’s been great at doing its job: clean, odor-free, and way more practical than carrying toilet paper. I’m not a fan of female urination devices, so this is my go-to solution on trail, and I wouldn’t hike without it.

Outdoor Gear FAQ for Solo Female Hikers

What backpacking tent do you use? I use the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, which I’ve had for six years. I love it for stargazing with the rainfly off, and it’s still going strong after multiple Tenacious Tape repairs. I always pitch it on its footprint to protect the floor.

What sleeping bag do you recommend for women? I recently upgraded to the Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL. As a 5’10” hiker, I was worried about fit, but it’s roomier than expected, tighter at the shoulders to trap heat, but spacious around the arms and hips. I highly recommend it.

What sleeping pad do you use for backpacking? I use a 2020 Nemo Tensor (R4.2) layered over a Z Lite Sol foam pad, which brings insulation up to R6. My exact Tensor model is discontinued, but I’d buy the Nemo Tensor Insulated All Season (R5.4) today.

What water filter do you use for backpacking? The Sawyer Mini. I’m diligent about backflushing it after every trip, which keeps the flow rate high. I tried the Sawyer Squeeze but went back to the Mini, lighter, and does the job.

What trekking poles do you recommend? The Black Diamond Carbon Z poles. I switched from heavier Decathlon poles, and the weight difference is immediately noticeable. One of those upgrades I wish I’d made years earlier.

What hiking shoes do you wear? The Altra Lone Peak 9+ features a Vibram sole for better grip. Zero break-in time, and I never go back to regular soles. Gaiters are a must, too.

Do you need a bear canister for backpacking? Only in areas where it’s legally required. I currently use the BearVault BV450 for 3–4 day trips and the BV500 for longer stretches, and I’m considering upgrading to the new BV ONE telescoping canister.

What do you use for peeing on trail as a woman? A pee cloth, clipped to the outside of my pack to dry between uses. I’m not a fan of female urination devices; the pee cloth works perfectly, and I wouldn’t hike without it.

Final Thoughts on my Outdoor Gear List

Six years of adventures, repairs, and well-timed upgrades later, this is where my kit stands. Some outdoor gear has earned its place through sheer reliability, patched, worn, and still going strong. Others are newer additions that made me wonder why I waited so long. The best gear isn’t always the lightest or the newest; it’s what you actually reach for, trip after trip, because it fits your style and has never let you down.