What I'm Carrying in 2025: My Complete Backpacking Gear List

My Favorite Trail Essentials

Every year brings a new rhythm to my hiking season, and 2025 is already shaping up to be full of fun and challenging adventures. This time in 2022, I was headed deep into the High Sierra—I was two months into the Pacific Crest Trail and loving every mile. That season turned into one of the most memorable chapters of my life. In 2023, I was wrapping up the Arizona Trail with plans of the Tahoe Rim Trail in later in the year. And in 2024, I was kicking things off on the Continental Divide Trail. This year, things are going to be a bit different—but that's just part of the journey.

With a short-term botany job in California taking up May and part of June, I'm shifting into "weekend warrior" mode early in the season. Come late June and July, I’m planning to dive into some classic backpacking routes—possibly a section of the PCT, or the Colorado Trail, and/or the stunning Uinta Highline Trail. If those don’t pan out, I’ve got my eyes on some remote, off-the-beaten-path routes like Nevada’s stretch of the Hot Springs Trail or the Oregon Desert Trail.

August is already filled with exciting adventures—I'll be heading to the High Sierra for some big plans, so stay tuned! Finally, to wrap up the season, I’ll be trading my trekking poles for trail runners at the Javelina Jundred in October. As always, my plans are flexible, so there may be a few more adventures (or changes) along the way!

Below is my dialed-in, trail-tested backpacking gear list for 2025—everything I'm carrying for these trips, from ultralight essentials to a few luxury items. Whether you're planning a long-distance hike or a weekend outing, I hope this guide helps you fine-tune your own kit. Keep in mind, this is the gear that works for me—it might not be the right fit for you. Be sure to test everything before hitting the trail to make sure it suits your needs.

This is a 3-season backpacking kit and is not meant for mountaineering or extreme winter conditions.

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