Backpacking Gear List + Prices - Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
So I thought it might turn up beneficial to someone if I made a list of the items I have gathered for my backpacking trip. I have done a lot of research on these items and have come up with the best items to suit my needs on this trip. Everyone's list will be different in ways, but I'm sure there will be some great ideas in here that might save you some time. Thanks for looking.
#1 Gregory Baltoro 65 Liter - $190 Ebay like new: So to begin, the largest and most exciting purchase is obviously your bag. After extensive research I chose the Gregory Baltoro 65 Liter bag. It had an extra 1.75 lbs than most bags in its class but was the best rated and had the extra features I was looking for. These features included. A divided sleeping bag compartment, 2 front belt compartments on the waist straps, Extra back padding, internal frame, separated bladder area behind frame, ice hook/trekking pole holders, two separated side compartments, one separated front compartment, and a flip over cover on top that seconds as a detachable day pack.
#2 Big Agnes Scout UL2 Tent w/ footprint - $300 Ebay new: I did a grip of research on a tent to suit my needs. I almost went with the Copper Spur UL2 tent until I realized it weighed almost a pound more and was a larger pack size. I was already carrying trekking poles and that was the structural basis of the Scout. So if you have poles already get the Scout, if you aren't bringing poles go for the Copper Spur. The Scout weighed in at 1lb 10 oz!!! Even if it's just you going, don't get a solo tent (UL1), because you are bound to meet someone to share your tent with and split the cost.
#3 Northface Beeline Sleeping Bag - $190 Ebay used: With literally over 4 hours of sleeping bag research I got lucky and found one of the Beeline bags for sale on Ebay. They discontinued these for some ridiculous reason. It is 800 down fill, 30 degree rated, mummy style sleeping bag with face cinch cord. If you can find one of these somewhere around $200 GRAB IT! This thing weighs 1 lb 6 oz and is UBER comfortable. It zip packs down into about a cantelope and a half in size. If you can't find one of these, try a montbell sleeping bag. They have great reviews and have many different options. Always check packing size when purchasing.
#4 Thermarest Xlite Sleeping Pad - $90 Ebay new: This is the best rated and lightest sleeping pad available on the market. If a cloud can fit in your backpack this is it. You can find these every now and then on Amazon and Ebay for around $100. It packs down to a great size as well!
#5 Cocoon Hyperlight AirCore Travel Pillow - $12 Ebay new: This pillow fits in the palm of my hand and weighs only a few ounces. It blows up quickly and is very comfortable. If you are limited on space like myself I advise not getting the Thermarest travel pillow even though it has slightly better reviews. It is about 5 times the size and weight.
#6 Gregory Backpack Rain Cover - $48 Ebay new: I bought this and it is a great fit but for the price I would advise you to buy one of the generic ones on Ebay for about $14. It is just as effective and fitting.
#7 Ebag assorted sizes - $35 Ebay new: These are absolutely assential (especialy with my OCD tendencies). These bags separate and make it easy to find everything in your bag. I don't know how I would do my trip without these. Do not get the large sized bags for the are too big and obsolete for backpacking. I Love the smaller ones for random gadgets.
#8 Scrubba Clothes Washing Bag - $50 thescrubba.com: This bag is not a necessity, but with me washing clothes everyday I find it incredibly handy and it lets me deter from scrubbing my clothes in dirty hostel sinks. I can get clean clothes within 3 minutes hassle free.
#9 REI Clothes Line - $7 REI outlet or REI.com: This clothes line rocks! It stretches out to about 6 feet if you want it to and is intertwined for easy hanging without extra clips. This thing only weighs a few ounces and has 4 different attachments on the end for a universal hanging surface! This is another must!
#10 McNett Outgo Dry Towel -$15 Ebay new: A dry towel is a must! I went with the Large towel, but if you are a chick I recommend the X-Large. This thing dries out in no time at all and weighs nothing. I went with the McNett because I read the material was better quality and the bag it comes in it very handy for separating it from things you don't want to get wet (waterproof sealed on one side and mesh breathable on other).
#11 Sony Cybershot TX-30 - $200 Ebay new: This camera rocks! It's super small, has better MP and zoom than most cameras two times its size. It also is shock resistant, waterproof, and has enough features to blow your mind. Some of those include background fade, EASY panorama, touchscreen, and 3D enhanced imaging. I recommend buying the $3 screen protector. ( I don't recommend bringing larger DSLR cameras for a long trip. I bought a Canon rebel T3i and it is way too bulky and burdening).
#12 Gorilla Tripod - $10 Ebay new: This tripod is awesome. It mounts anywhere and is very trustworty and sturdy when holding your expensive electronics. Very flexible and doesn't weigh much or take up a lot of space.
#13 Dre Tour Beats Headphones - $100 Ebay new: I picked these up and they have amazing sound. The cheap ear clips they come with however are not very effective with heavy motion.
#14 Dre Power Beats Headphones- $50 Ebay refurbished: I got these as a second pair for the chick and love them more than the tour beats because of the extra ear attachment. I can barely notice the sound difference between the two sets. I recommend these ones more. Headphones are a necessity for myself, especially in the hostels.
#15 Headphone 2 way splitter - $3 Ebay new: This is a must if you are traveling with a partner. It helps out when trying to watch a movie on your device while not disturbing others around you in the hostel or having to share one headphone.
#16 Laptop cable extension lock - $15 new: This lock may not be essential but puts your mind more at ease. It has an optional screeching alarm if shaken or the cable is detached/cut. Even if for only having it for while you are sleeping I believe it may be worth while.
#17 Duck Tape Patch Kit - $4 Ebay new: This patch kit will become very handy if you happen to rip anything along your trek (from your tent to your rain jacket).
#18 Turtle Cord Organizer - $1 Ebay new: These things come in handy to keep wires separated and neat in your bags. I first thought this thing was so cheap and useless, but this weightless thing has grown on me. I use 3 in my bag.
#19 Monster HP Travel Outlet Splitter - $15 Ebay new: A splitter is a must when hosteling it up! You don't want to fight over a socket. All 16 people in your room need to charge something at every given time. Be the savior with this piece which includes up to 3 extra sockets and USB charging port on the side. This model is slightly bulky but a great quality. There might be a more compact one.
#20 Black Diamond Headlamp - $45 Ebay new: This headlamp does everything I need it to do and more. The battery life on this thing seems to never end. It has quite a few different modes including blinding jesus light and night vision. You can dim this light as low as you would like with the push of a button. This will be great during the camping nights outside so I don't have to hold a flashlight while doing my deeds.
#21 Miniature sewing kit - $1 Dollar store: This little gem will come in handy for someone on the trip. It may not be me but it weighs nothing and doesn't hurt to have around for a buck.
#22 Casio G-Shock Watch - $100 Ebay new: This watch is a really neat piece. It is shock resistant, waterproof, and can judge date, time zone changes, time, and location without having to input the data. It tells two times in different parts of the world simultaneously and has a 2 year battery life. It has many other functions, but those were the ones that sold me.
#23 Smith Optics Chromapop Outlier Tortoise Sunglasses - $105 SmithOptics.com New: These things are unreal! The colors and brightness from these things make any great day that much better. I got these sunglasses at over half off with a coupon from a friend on their website. All you truly need however is a good set of polarized sunglasses for your trip. Save your ojos.
#24 **** Shovel - $5 REI or REI.com: If you're camping on your trip, buy one. Not only do you dispose of your waste easily but you don't attract unwanted company while you are sleeping.
#25 Hideaway Neck Wallet - $12 Ebay new: These are quite necessary in most areas. You want to keep a secret stash (or two) somewhere in case the unspoken happens. No one wants to get caught without some extra spare cash. I keep a photocopy of all my information, my passport, and about $400 bucks in there. You will not get pickpocketed if you have your money around your neck. I keep copies of my information in three different places just in case.
#26 Platypus 1 Liter Water Bottle - $15 Ebay new: This is the lightest and most compact water bottle ever. This is a must for your day pack when you don't want to lug around your backpack/bladder.
#27 Platypus 3 Liter Bladder - $25 Ebay new: This item is not pictured but fits great in the back of my Gregory without taking up unwanted space. Three liters may be overkill but I don't have to fill it all the way up.
#28 Nike Day Drawstring pack - $15 Ebay new: The name brand is not important on these bags because they are basically all the same. For the price and measly 4 ounces it takes up is worth having. I am not one to use the fanny pack styled daypack that my bag comes with. I would much rather look hip and have an easy throw over like this one available.
#29 Iphone Armband - $5 Ebay new: This armband is so convenient to have around when I'm on a hike. Maybe not necessary on a packing list but I enjoy running and gyms from time to time.
#30 Sanuk Loafer shoes - $45 Sanuk store or sanuk.com: If you haven't worn a pair of Sanuks before, I highly recommend you buy a pair. These are the most comfortable shoes. I almost didn't bring an extra pair of shoes on my trip but when I realized my favorite shoes can compact down into nothing (like VANS) I couldn't resist. I can also get away with using these as a classier alternative when going to a club or fancy dinner.
#31 Sanuk Sandals - $25 Sanuk store or sanuk.com: Everyone needs a good pair of sandals on your trip in case your feet want a break or you are using a grimy hostel shower. The bottoms have great grip and they are my favorite and most comfortable sandals.
#32 Northface Headgehod GTX 3 Hiking Shoes - $80 Ebay used: I researched forever on shoes. I am taking a 500 mile pilgrimage through Spain (Camino de Santiago), and have been worrying about my feet getting blisters. I finally got these gems and put them to the test. They were stiff on the tops until I broke them in for about 15-20 miles. Once broken these things are perfect. They are completely waterproof (shower tested), and still breathable. So happy I found these.
#33 3-16oz Rum Runner Packs - $8 Ebay new: These are only useful if going into an event or cruise. You can put these in your bag with any alcohol and can get through a scanner without being detected. I have tested this many times on cruises. This can save you an arm and a leg in drinking expenses.
#34 Homemade Health Kit: One thing that will be different for everyone is their medical supplies. I definitely suggest bringing the normal bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment, a bunch of IB Profen, and Benedryl.
#35 500 Business/Contact Cards- $19 vistaprint.com: I picked up a bunch of these contact cards to pass out to people on meet on my travels. Not only can they keep in contact with me, but they can check out my pictures and blog as I travel and maybe we will meet up again in the future. This as well isn't essential, but I wanted to give it a go round. Order 250 for free (pay S+H $5.95), and paid $10 for back writing. After I purchase 250 they offered 250 more for just $3 more. Deal.
#36 Swiss Army Knife - Ebay $25 new: I picked up this little knife because I needed some kind of protection, even if this small. Anything over 4 inches is illegal in most countries and you can be arrested and fined up to 5000 Euros so be weary. Be careful as well with some modes of transportation. You will be flagged with these and hassled. Cruises will confiscate these until you exit the ship.
#37 Gear X Folding Pocket Utensil - Ebay $14 new: This is a really convenient little gadget. It has a fork, knife, spoon, and bottle opened on it and weighs hardly anything. Cool and convenient.
#38 Travel Neck Pillow - Ebay $4 new: I cannot get comfortable on a airplane unless I have one of those neck pillows. It's rather the same story on busses and trains. This thing weighs 3 ounces and I can fit it in one hand and blow it up in one breathe. Super convenient to have when taking an overnight train ride.
#39 ShedRain Pocket Umbrella - Ebay $8 used: ShedRain is a decent named umbrella and this particular version is super small. I don't know how effective or how much I will need this on the trip, but for the weight I'll take the gamble. This unit weighs 7 ounces and the pretty pink is just delightful :P Afterall, it rains all the time in Ireland.
#40 Buddy Lee Jump Rope - Ebay $24 new: There's part of me that is bummed out about not having a gym on this trip. My favorite piece of equipment is a jump rope which led to this purchase. It bundles up small is rather light and I can still get a workout anywhere I go. Deal!
(This among other things may get shipped back.)
#41 Leather Travel Journal - Gift: I'm not sure how much this one cost, but this exact design isn't necessary. I definitely encourage you to bring an actual journal to log so of the better times in. This will become your favorite thing about the trip in years to come (the memories that stick around and then get passed down to your kids when they do it).
#42 Tombow Airpress Pen - Ebay $13 new: I chose this pen a while back for work and this thing is legit. I have gone through a few ink refills on it already. It will write in the rain and go until the ink runs out guaranteed. The only disadvantage is the ink refill is only about 2 1/2 inches long so you have to bring some extras.
#43 GoPro Hero 3 - Ebay $165 new: It was time to upgrade my original GoPro Hero to something HD. I picked up this Hero 3 and it rocks! I linked it to my phone app so I can look at my pictures on there and use it as a remote. I have always loved my GoPro because of its quality and versatility in taking movies.... and of course waterproof.
#44 Walkabout Travel Outlet Converter - Ebay $25 new: In the UK you have to buy a bulky travel current converter and socket adapter. You need a different one for the rest of Europe and so forth for other continents. This Travel converter does it ALL! It converts current and has a plug on it for any socket in the world! You only need one on your trip now! It even has two USB outputs on the top of this!
#45 Nano Streamlight Keychain Light - Ebay $5 new: This little handy light is great for navigating around hostels and not bugging anyone. It keeps the light directed in one area and is really bright. This battery will last forever it seems. It will clip on anywhere. Yes, I still recommend having this and a headlamp if you are camping. There are some things you want to do without holding a flashlight in your hands :D
#46 4GB Jump Drive - Ebay $5: I brought one of this for god knows why. This weightless piece may come in handy if I meet someone exceptional on my trip and want to gift them with our shared photos or videos (not that my laptop couldn't do that anyhow). It might not be needed.
#47 MasterLock: You can pick these up anywhere. However it is very important in hostels and wherever you venture. You can leave your bag and just get your daypack and be worry free. This is a must.
#48 Steripod Toothbrush Holder - Ebay $3: These little clips go over the top of your toothbrush. They have a sterilizing block inside that supposedly lasts up to 3 months. I keep mine around so that I don't have to lay my toothbrush anywhere questionable like a hostel sink.
#49 Columbia OmniFreeze T-shirt - REI $40: These shirts are incredibly comfortable and boast a sweat activated cooling system. Whenever these shirts do tend to get wet they are dry wicking and the material keeps from rashing the skin.
#50 Kuhl Hiking Shorts - REI $45: These shorts are a bit heavier than most, but I was stoked they went past my knees a bit. I'm not a fan of short shorts or cargo pockets as well. I made the cargo pocket sacrifice because they fit very well and were easy washable and stink resistant. I'll get away at least a week without having to wash these, and when I do they will dry quick.
#51 Columbia Omnishade Long Sleeve - REI $40: This is a great versatile shirt for either day wear or night time attire. I can hit a trail or a club and not worry about fitting in or being hot. This is a great breathable shirt and is UVA proof. It also has the button up arm straps if you want to make it short sleeve.
#52 Ascend Long Sleeve Shirt - BassPro Shop $40: This is by far my favorite shirt! This is nicer than the Columbia in my opinion. It has extra breathability pockets including in the upper back and armpits. It comes in three different colors and fits incredible. It has all the features the Omnishade does and more. You can find these on BassPro's website as well. AMAZING SHIRT!
#53 Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker - Ebay $45: This weightless jacket not only zips up into itself, but is water resistant. It is a very lightweight alternative to bring in addition to a rain jacket. Some of the minor day showers are too humid or hot for a heavy rain jacket.
#54 Smartwool Long sleeve Vest - Ebay $100: Smartwool is by far the best name and material to add to your bag if you are worried about getting cold or not having a material that will make you rash. I have never bought a bad product from them. This one has the holes for your thumbs in the sleeve, feels great on your skin, has an extra pocket up top, covers your neck very well, provides extra heat in the main part of your body, and is Very fashionable.
#55 Smartwool PHD Jacket - Ebay $60 used: This guy didn't know what he had here. This jacket is amazing. This is my favorite piece of cold weather equipment by far. The design, the feel, and the warmth are all tip top on this item. Highly Recommend.
#56 Smartwool Baselayer Top - Ebay $70 new: I was hesitant on buying this and am wondering if I will need it. This is a hot piece of underwear. I can easily break a sweat in this item, so it is definitely doing its job at keeping me warm. Thankfully it is dry wicking and has all the other great functions that all the Smartwool products have. Anti-stink, Dry-wicking, quick drying, etc...
#57 Marmot Precip Rain Jacket - Ebay $50 used: This is a great rain jacket and you can bet your ass you will not get wet. This isn't too heavy of a piece and has a detachable unzip hoodie on it. It is the best looking jacket I found as far as not looking like that guy.
#58 Buff Headband - Ebay $12 new: These little UVA protecting Buffs are awesome. This was my alternative to wearing a Steve Erwin goofy hat with the falling off neck frills. I don't know if my girl would ever kiss me again had I got one. This versatile piece can be worn in so many ways you protect you. Fully around your neck since it is tube shaped or dangling down the back of your neck underneath your hat. Either way I find this weightless piece a necessity to save from sunburn.
#59 Coal Large Beanie - Ebay $14: I love loose fitting beanies. I thought I would need some kind of head warmth for May in Ireland. I may be wrong, but better to have and not need, than need and not have. This is a very comfortable, warm, fashionable beanie.
#60 Smartwool Running Socks - $15/ea: These socks are the most comfortable things to ever hit my feet. I've tried on many socks and these take the cake. I gave one pair a 6 month test run and one of the socks got a hole in the sole of it, so just like any other you can't expect them to last forever. While they last they keep your feet dry and warm. They are dry wicking so you don't have to worry about blisters.
#61 IceBreaker Hiking Socks - Ebay $14/ea: I picked up a few pair of these as a recommendation from a fellow traveler. They are also comfortable and dry wicking. Picked these up to keep my ankles warm.
#62 Smartwool Sock Liners - Ebay $11/ea: While planning this 500 mile pilgrimage (Camino de Santiago), I worry about blisters. I have prepared with the perfect socks and shoes, but to ensure I still don't get blisters I brought two pairs of Ultra wicking sock liners in case the others aren't doing the job. I do not think I will need these, but am being extra cautious about my feet.
#63 Exofficio Boxers - Ebay $16/ea: These boxers are unbeatable! I have been trying these out for about a month now and they are amazing. The are anti-rash, anti-stink, breathable, light, dry quickly, and are made of an amazing material. These are the best rated boxers by travelers.
#64 Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask - Ebay $14: This was supposedly the best rated, nonirritating eye mask out there. I've tried this several times and even though a sliver of light gets in sometimes through the nose piece I love it. It is dome shaped to keep off the eyes. Some complained about the velcro overlapping strap in the back, but I think it's just dandy. You need one of these in hostels!
#65 ENO Double Nest Hammock - Ebay $70: If you have a little extra room in your bag and plan on spending a good portion of time hiking and lost in nature I suggest getting a travel hammock. I bought mine with Slap Straps included which are a must for easy hanging. I suggest this one if you are traveling with a significant other but if you are solo check out a lighter one. This weighs 2 lbs and is about the size of a cantaloupe.
#66 Black Diamond Trekking Poles - Ebay $100: I picked up a really great set of trekking poles because of the 500 mile pilgrimage I'm going on. Some people don't need these. When you read that hiking poles take minimum 30% of stress off your feet and ankles it makes you think. These easily retractable poles are lightweight and I bought a set of gummy tips for the ends of them to really grip slippery surfaces.
Things not pictured:
Large tube of toothpaste
Shampoo/Conditio ner mixture
Soap bars (clean clothes with too)
Ear Plugs
Extra Batteries (Name brand)
Extra Memory Cards 64 GB (Name brand)
Fingernail Clippers
Toothbrush
Deodorant