Built to outlast trends

Gear I trust after 20 years

Former professional gear writer here to cut through the fluff and give you only the good stuff.

Nothing sponsored. Just the stuff you’ll always find in my pack.

Note: This page contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no added cost to you.

Hiking Must-Haves

The stuff in my pack on every hike, from South Africa to the American Southwest and beyond.

REI Flash 22

All-around winner for a budget-friendly pack that fits everywhere from under the airplane seat to in your backpacking bag.

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Stay found and stay in touch. Perfect for a family on the go, group trips, or solo outings.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

I’ve owned 2 versions of these in 20 years. The only reason I replaced my old ones was because marmots ate the grips!

P Style Pee Funnel

I’ve tested these into the ground. The P Style is light, easy to clean, and simple to use.

Kula Cloth (not a potholder, iykyk)

A reusable, anti-microbial cloth you can use to wipe if you squat to pee. Fun and funny designs. Incredible women-owned, small business. My 4 year old can use this.

sunscreen Stick

Sunscreen sticks last longer, weigh less, and won’t make a mess in your bag.

Deuce of Spades Trowel

Yes, my famous microphone from socials. You never know when nature calls. I wrap duct tape around mine for better digging and easy access to gear repair.

One Bottle Hydration Tube

The best of both worlds. Get the weight savings of a water bottle with the convenience of a bladder.

The Layering System

Some of these items are 8 years old and still going strong. For reference I’m athletically built, small chest, broad shoulders, post-partum hips and belly, muscular thighs, medium in the rear.

OR Astroman Sun Hoody

Unmatched breathability and durability. Loose and light. Been on 5 continents in countless environments over 8 years and still going strong. Bonus points for containing recycled material.
I’m 5’8″ and wear a medium fits perfect.

Cotapaxi Los dos Zip off Pant

I’m obsessed with these. Soft, flexible waistband. Usable pockets. Cinch ankles. AND cute? 5’8″ wear a medium. Baggy at the legs, but great everywhere else.

Prana Kanab Shorts

I’ve got a pair that’s older than your dog (and 3 more), I love these so much. The softest stretch waistband, deep pockets, and they hold up to scrambling. I’m 5’8″ with thicker legs and the medium fits well.

SamBob Alpha Direct Hoody

I recently picked up an alpha layer and I’m blown away at the warmth and breathability. Used on trail runs, backpacks, to chilling at camp I can’t believe I waited this long! Unisex sizes, I wear a small.

Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Jacket

Minimal, yet durable rain jacket perfect if you don’t expect to be in an all-day downpour. Great as a quick layer, but I wouldn’t recommend it for wet environments. I wear a medium, baggy enough for a layer underneath.

Injinji Toe Socks

Lighter than Darn Tough (which I also highly recommend), but better if you get blisters on your toes.

Camping Gear that rocks

I camp over 30 nights a year, and here’s what’s always coming with me.

Exped MegaMat Duo

With 2 bad shoulders, this is the only ground sleeping pad that won’t have me aching in the morning.

kingcamp 3p camp couch

I thought this would be a gimmick, but it’s actually amazing. Perfect for couples, kids, pets, and even a solo lounger.

Collapsible, odor proof dog food bin trash can

Keep stinky trash contained and leak-free with an odor-proof dog food container. Plop your trash bag in there first. And don’t forget, it’s not critter-proof so put it in your vehicle or camp-provided food storage at night.

Backpacking Gear for the Long Haul

As an expert mountain and desert backpacker, this is the gear I rely on.

MSR Pocket Rocket

It just works. Period. Mine is 7 years old and works the same as it did on day one. The most reliable, fuel-efficient stove at its weight class.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 Deg down quilt

I have tried so many quilts over the years. This one just keeps me cozy and warm. No I don’t love their politics, but comparable products are out of my price range. Search their website for “production 2nd” to find a deal.

NightCore NU25 Headlamp

Infinitely adjustable and very lightweight makes this a no-brainer for the whole family. Rechargeable with a USB.

Snap fold bowls

Not just great for backpacking, but excellent for road trips and even ill-equipped AirBnBs. Lightweight, packs flat, and insanely versatile. I’ve used these on 4 continents!

Therm-a-rest Neoloft Wide

I’ve tried nearly a dozen pads over the years. This is the only one that gives me a fighting chance at a good night’s rest (have I mentioned I sleep like crap in the backcountry?). I’m a side and back sleeper going through perimenopause. This pad is worth the weight.

Sea to Summit Ultrasil Compression sack 20L

My S2S Ultrasil (now the Evac dry bag) is 12 years old. Still waterproof, and still working great! (Don’t believe me? Check out the real world testing on my YouTube channel).

Pillow Strap

Post-partum, I’ve been trying to perfect backcountry sleep. This Pillow Strap was the final piece to the puzzle. Easy to use and make your own pillow, or throw your favorite one in there.

Desert - Rat Sack Medium

Rodents and ravens are a real problem in the desert. Keep your food safe with a Rat Sack. Specifically designed for desert use, this is a must-have. The medium will fit meals for 2 for 3 days with compact food prep.

Desert - Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Mini Sun Umbrella

Hiking under a reflective sun umbrella feels 10 degrees cooler. Need I say more? I will, you also can take off that sweaty sun hood and hat for added airflow. Don’t forget the pack clip for hands-free use.

Adventures with Littles

My daughter started camping when she was 7 weeks old. Adventuring overseas at 8 months. Backpacking at 2. The list goes on. Kid’s stuff comes and goes, but these items lasted years, not weeks.

Portable Sound Machine

A little white noise lets everyone go to bed without distractions. We’ll admit, we love the sound machine camping just as much as our daughter does.

SnoozeShade

Yet another purchase I thought I’d regret and have gotten TONS of use out of. Dark shade for napping and lets the breeze through.

REI Mountain Maker Pant

With a toddler, these pants come with us everywhere!

Morrison Baby/Toddler Sleeping Sacks

We started with the Little Mo and went all the way to Mighty before transitioning to an adult sleeping quilt. These are excellent for young children, especially the down version. Resale value is great too.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Started using this at around 3 months and it lasted until our daughter was 2.5. This gives a familiar place to sleep.

Columbia Kid's Sunshirt

Lightweight and oh-so-soft. Our kiddo loves this sunshirt.

Big Agnes Copper Spur 3xl

I’ve tested countless tents and I just keep coming back to the Copper Spur 3xl for our family. Enough space for 2 wide adult pads, our kiddo has room to grow, and we could even fit a furry friend in there.

REI Tarn 18

We are at the age where our daughter wants a pack. The REI Tarn has served us well from international travel to backpacking. We have the 12 for littles, school aged kids may want the 18L

Wait...this is exensive!

You’re 100% correct! Purchasing from the links at this website shows your support for my work. But you DO NOT need to pay full price for everything. Shop used! Facebook marketplace is great for gear, check out the REI Re/Supply, Join niche Facebook Groups, or check out Gear Trader for great deals on lightly used gear.

I'm Meg. And I used to write outdoor gear reviews for a living.

I spent many years writing reviews for outdoor publications. But I grew tired of the latest gimmicks. The more I wrote the more I found myself coming back to the tried and true. These are the true staples of my kit that outlast trends and outperform consistently. Rigorously tested. Loved in the field.