Backpacking gear I would buy again.
I’ve tried a lot of backpacking gear over the years. Some of it was great. Some didn’t last more than a season. A few have earned a forever spot in my backpack and are still there for a reason. These items are by no means a necessity when it comes to backpacking, but they may just make your experience that much more enjoyable.
Without further ado, here are a few pieces of gear I would buy again!!!!
Flextail Gear Zero Pump
https://amzn.to/3LrpkzH
Why I would buy it again:
Lightweight 1.2oz
Inflates sleeping pad quickly
Long battery life, very rarely had to think about charging
Lengthens life of sleeping pad. No moister from your breath
Compact
I like many other long distance backpackers am inherently lazy when I get to camp. Especially after a long day of putting up big miles. The last thing I want to do is struggle to inflate my sleeping pad with the pump sack that comes with it. It’s a pain waving it in the air trying to fill it up enough to barely inflate your pad. Or blowing into the pad, risking adding moisture into it, which can lead to mold decreasing the life span of your sleeping pad. That’s where the flextail comes in, at under 2oz it’s light and fills your pad up in under a minute or so. Getting it to the perfect firmness you want it at. While your hiking buddy is still struggling to fill up their pad you’ll be kicking your feet up and enjoying a tasty bowl of ramen.
10 out of 10 would buy again
At $60 I think it’s worth the price tag, plus it often goes on sale for much less.
CNOC VECTO 2L WATER BAG
https://amzn.to/4pYfAMd
Why I would buy it again:
Durable material holds up to repeated use
Works seamlessly with gravity filters and squeeze systems
Rolls down small when empty
Ability to carry more water without the extra space of waterbottles
Makeshift shower!!!
Wide opening, making filling up easier than a bottle
There have been plenty of times when I’ve had to collect water from a small spring where a rigid bottle just doesn’t work. The wide opening makes collecting water a breeze. No more angling your bottle on is side and watching it only fill a quarter of the way. The CNOC fills quickly and connects to any 28m threaded filter. I’ve also used it as a simple hand-washing station and even a makeshift shower when needed. When it’s empty, it rolls down small, taking up less space than a bottle. It is now a part of my must haves when backpacking.
At $25 bucks it is well worth adding to your gear list.
FLIPFUEL
https://amzn.to/4aFEcow
Why I would buy it again:
Lets me combine partially used fuel canisters
Reduces wasted fuel and leftover canisters
Lightweight, takes up little space
Useful for longer trips and resupplies
One of those tools you don’t need often, but are glad to have when you do
The FlipFuel really earns its place on longer trips. So many time I’ve ended up with a canister that only has a little fuel left or get handed a partially used one from a buddy. Instead of guessing whether that small amount will last, it lets you combine fuel into a single canister. There have been countless times I’ve come across several partially filled canisters in hiker boxes, wishing I had a way to transfer them into one. Instead of carrying around ones with just a bit left, lugging that extra weight not wanting to be wasteful, the flipfuel saves that day. Just be sure to use it correctly, following basic precautions like transferring outdoors, not overfilling and keeping the canisters cool.
At $28 bucks, I think it’s a great addition to your pack. Especially on a Thru Hike.
None of these items are an essential nor will your trip be ruined if you don’t have them. These pieces of gear solve small problems on the trail. Over time they have earned a permanent place in my backpack. When something works well enough that you stop thinking about it, that’s usually a good sign. And it’s exactly why I’d buy this gear again.
