Top 10 Coolest Innovations in Backpacking Gear

According to me… and what do I know.

Backpacking has come a long way in the last 10-20 years. I started backpacking regularly about 10-12 years ago. At that time, all of my gear was bought at an army surplus, from friends, or donated to me. My backpacking buddies and I have since upgraded our cache of goodies, and here are some advances that I think are wonderful.

10. Jet Boil - Your kitchen all in one slick package. As Borat would say “NIIICE”
9. LED lights - Bright, longer lasting, cool white glow.
8. MSR Miox Water Purifier - No pumping, no maintenance, no pumping, no pumping…
7. Digital Cameras - You can get a tiny one now that has 8 Mega pixels - no film, no fuss. And when you get back, all your homeys will have a copy of you on the summit or running that rapid in their inbox… like they really wanted one.
6. GPS - As long as you keep fresh batteries with you, you have a map system and can mark waypoints (still, don’t leave home without the compass and paper map…)
5. Multi-tools - Leatherman and all it’s knock-offs have been around for a while, but they keep adding tools, and getting smaller and smaller. I’m still waiting on the Leatherman liquor cabinet that folds out your favorite libations….
4. Titanium Cookware - Its lighter than steel and stronger than aluminum.
3. Quick Dry - Polyester was on all the dance floors in the 70s but now with a few technical upgrades it is on the body of most every person in the backcountry. And for good reason.
2. Lightweight Shoes - My first serious hiking boots must have weighed 20 lbs and the soles were made of concrete… Now you can slip on a pair of mid-high Montrail, Salomons, or Merrells and float on up the trail.
1. Ultralight Tents - #1 on the list, for me, has to be tents. They are stronger, lighter, windproof, rainproof, have all sorts of cool features. And now-a-days two backpackers can sleep comfortably for under 2 lbs!

Oh, and this is our 100th post… Yay!

2 comments May 10th, 2007