Camp Comfort: Optional Gear to Make Your Backcountry Trip Feel Like Home
- Taylor Perkins
- Apr 14, 2024
- 8 min read
As backpackers, we constantly seek ways to enhance our backcountry experience and make it feel more like home. While essential gear like a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and backpack are must-haves, there are optional items that can significantly boost comfort levels. This is where dry bags, specialized backpacking gear, and handy accessories come into play, transforming your trek into a cozy adventure.
From a plush backpacking pillow to a compact lantern, a sun hoodie for UV protection to a bug net for your face and hat, a small tarp for kneeling to a packable backpacking chair, these extras elevate your backcountry trip. We'll explore clever solutions like pocket bellows, pack liners, and pump sacks that make camping more convenient. With the right backpacker gear, you can create a cozy basecamp in the great outdoors.
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Backpacking Pillow
A backpacking pillow is a lightweight, compact, and often inflatable accessory designed to provide comfort and support for your head and neck while camping or backpacking. Unlike traditional pillows, backpacking pillows are engineered to pack down small, making them easy to carry in your backpack without adding significant weight or bulk.
There are several types of backpacking pillows available, each with its own advantages:
Inflatable Pillows: These pillows are made of lightweight, durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester and can be inflated with air. They pack down to a tiny size and weigh just a few ounces, making them a popular choice for minimalist backpackers. although often these pillows feel like you're laying your head on a balloon and sweat onto it just as you'd expect.
Compressible Pillows: These pillows are filled with synthetic or down insulation and can be compressed to a relatively small size. They offer more cushioning than inflatable pillows but can be too thin for laying on your side.
Hybrid Pillows: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid pillows feature an inflatable core surrounded by a compressible layer of insulation. They provide the comfort of a compressible pillow with the packability of an inflatable one. Occasionally these pillows are made in a way that makes it easy to slip out from under your head.
Pillow | Type | Fabric | Price |
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow | Inflatable | Polyester | |
Thermarest Compressable Pillow | Compressable | Polyester | |
Sea to Sumit Down Inflatable Pillow | Hybrid | Down, Thermoplastic PU | |
Nemo Fillo | Hybrid | Foam |
Regardless of the type, a good backpacking pillow can significantly improve your sleep quality in the backcountry by supporting your head and neck in a comfortable position, reducing strain and discomfort. It's a small luxury that can make a big difference in your overall camping experience.
Comfortable set of Sleep Clothes
For a comfortable night's sleep in the backcountry, bringing the right sleep clothes can make a significant difference. Experts recommend a dedicated set of lightweight, moisture-wicking garments specifically for sleeping. Here are some key considerations:
Fabric Choice: Opt for wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, as they dry quickly and resist odors. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and can leave you feeling damp and chilled. Wools will also take longer to start stinking.
Dedicated Sleep Socks: Clean, dry socks are essential for foot comfort and warmth. Bring a dedicated pair of sleep socks to keep your sleeping bag or quilt clean and dry.
Cleanliness and Hygiene: Changing into clean, dry sleep clothes at the end of the day promotes better hygiene and prevents transferring dirt, sweat, and grime from your hiking clothes into your sleeping bag or quilt.
While some minimalist backpackers opt to sleep in their hiking clothes, having a dedicated set of sleep clothes can provide psychological comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, enhancing your overall backcountry experience.
Backpacking Chair
A backpacking chair is a lightweight, portable seating solution designed to provide comfort and relaxation during your outdoor adventures. When selecting the perfect backpacking chair, consider the following factors:
Comfort:
Look for chairs with comfortable designs, padded seats, and breathable mesh materials for optimal support and airflow.
Tent-style chairs generally offer superior comfort and stability compared to foam pads or taco-style chairs.
Weight and Packability:
Prioritize chairs with minimal weight and compact packing sizes to minimize the load on your back.
Weights range from as little as 2 oz for ultralight options like the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat to around 3 lbs for more luxurious models.
Stability and Ease of Use:
Opt for chairs with sturdy, wide-stance frames and low center of gravity for enhanced stability on uneven terrain.
Consider models with features like adjustable leg lengths, cup holders, and storage pockets for added convenience.
While a backpacking chair adds weight to your pack, it can significantly enhance your camping experience by providing a comfortable and supportive place to rest, eat, and socialize after a long day on the trail. For more information on backpacking chairs check out my article on the Best Backing Chair Here.
Pocket Bellows
A pocket bellows is a small, telescoping tube allowing you to blow on the embers to get the fire going or keep it burning without needing to put your face on or near the ground. The pocket bellows has a retractable steel tube that allows you to blow right at the base of the fire where you need to.
Pocket Bellows | Length | Price |
Pocket Bellows V3 | 4"- 20" |
Small Tarp to Kneel on
A small tarp can be an invaluable addition to your backpacking gear, providing a clean and dry surface to kneel on while cooking, setting up camp, or tending to other tasks. I like to use mine to set up firewood and kindling then I'll bundle it up in the tarp so you can keep it dry for when I need it. I usually prefer the size 3' x 3' it will often pack down small and fold up to provide the amount of padding you need. Sometimes
Tarp | Material and Size | Price |
Tarpal Light Duty Tarp | 3' x 3' 6.7oz | |
Foguo Canvas Tarp | 3' x 3' 1.3lbs |
Sleeping Pad Pump
A sleeping pad pump is a handy accessory that can make inflating your sleeping pad a breeze, saving you time and effort. One popular option is the Flextail X2 pump. This dual-action pump features:
Dual Functionality: It can both inflate and deflate your sleeping pad, eliminating the need for separate pumps.
Rapid Inflation: The Flextail X2 can inflate a 20" x 72" sleeping pad in just a couple of minutes.
Lightweight and Compact: Weighing only 2.4 oz and packing down to the size of a small water bottle, it's an ultralight addition to your backpacking gear.
Using a sleeping pad pump like the Flextail X2 can be a game-changer, especially after a long day on the trail. It saves you the hassle of manual inflation, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly set up your sleeping pad and enjoy a comfortable night's rest in the backcountry.
Sun Hoodie
A sun hoodie is a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt designed to shield your skin from harmful UV rays while hiking or engaging in outdoor activities. These hoodies typically feature built-in sun protection factor (SPF) ratings, ranging from 30 to 50+, providing excellent defense against sunburn and skin damage.
When selecting a sun hoodie for backpacking, consider the following factors:
Fabric: Look for fabrics like lightweight Merino Wool, Alpaca Wool, Polyester or nylon that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, ensuring comfort and breathability during physical exertion.
Sun Protection: Opt for hoodies with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, ideally 50+, which blocks 98% of UV rays.
Ventilation: Choose hoodies with mesh panels or vents strategically placed for enhanced airflow and temperature regulation.
Fit: Ensure a comfortable, non-restrictive fit that allows for a full range of motion without constricting your movements.
Sun Hoodie | UPF Rating | Fabric | Price Range |
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie | 50+ | Polyester/Spandex | |
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Hoodie | 50+ | Polyester | |
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody | 50+ | Polyester/Spandex |
A well-designed sun hoodie can be a game-changer for backpackers, providing protection from the sun's harmful rays while keeping you cool and comfortable on the trail. By investing in a high-quality sun hoodie, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about sunburn or excessive exposure.
Bug Net
A bug net, also known as a head net or insect veil, is a lightweight and compact mesh barrier designed to protect your face and head from pesky insects while backpacking or camping. This is a piece of gear that you shouldn't need your entire trip but you'll be happy to have it when the insects start to be to much.
When selecting a bug net, consider the following factors:
Mesh Material: Look for fine, high-density mesh that effectively blocks even the smallest insects while allowing for good visibility and breathability.
Head Coverage: Some bug nets cover just the head and face, while others extend down to cover the neck and shoulders for added protection.
Fit and Adjustability: Opt for bug nets with adjustable drawstrings or elastic bands to ensure a secure and comfortable fit over hats, helmets, or bare heads.
Packability: Choose compact and lightweight models that can easily fit into your backpack or pocket when not in use.
Bug Net | Coverage | Weight | Price Range |
Sea to Summit Head Net | Head and Face | 1.1 oz | |
Coghlan's No-See-Um Head Net | Head, Face, and Neck | 1.8 oz |
By incorporating a bug net into your backpacking gear, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without the constant annoyance of swatting away insects or risking bites and stings. This simple yet effective accessory can make a world of difference in your comfort level, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature without distractions.
Tarp
A tarp is an incredibly versatile piece of gear that can enhance your backcountry experience in numerous ways. Beyond its primary use as a shelter, a tarp can serve as a groundsheet, a rain cover for your pack or gear, a makeshift shade or windbreak, or even a water catchment system. When selecting a tarp for backpacking, consider the following factors:
Size: Tarps come in various sizes, ranging from compact 3x3 ft models to larger options like 10x12 ft . Larger tarps offer more coverage and versatility but add weight and bulk to your pack.
Material: Look for lightweight, durable materials like silnylon or polyester taffeta that provide water resistance and UV protection while minimizing weight.
Shape: Rectangular tarps are the most common, but some backpackers prefer the added coverage and pitching options of a shaped tarp, such as a hexagonal or catenary cut.
Weight: Ultralight tarps can weigh as little as 8-12 oz, while more robust options may weigh 1-2 lbs. Balance weight with durability based on your needs.
Tarp | Size | Weight | Material | Price Range |
Aquaquest Guide Tarp | 13x10 | 23 oz | 40D nylon | |
Kammok Kuhli UL Tarp | 8x8 ft | 11 oz | Silpoly | |
DD Hammocks 3 x 3 | 3x3 M | 27 oz | Polyester |
A well-chosen tarp can be a game-changer for backpackers, providing shelter, weather protection, and versatility in a lightweight and packable form. Whether you're using it as a standalone shelter or as an accessory to your tent, a tarp is a great optional piece of gear to offer you an extra way to protect yourself from the elements
Organization Bags
When it comes to staying organized on the trail, having the right storage bags and organizers can make a world of difference. There is a wide range of options to keep your backpacking gear neatly sorted and easily accessible. From cubes and organizers to dry bags and compression sacks, brands like PackBack Designs, Hillsound, and Hilltop Packs have got you covered.
Some popular choices include the PackBack Designs Ditty Box Pouch, Hillsound Packstack, Hilltop packs bags. These versatile bags come in various sizes and designs, allowing you to separate and protect your clothing, cooking gear, and other essentials. Prices range from around $25 to $325, with some options available on sale or clearance.
By investing in quality storage bags and organizers, you can keep your backpacking essentials neatly sorted and easily accessible, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure in the great outdoors.
Bag | Material | Price |
PackBack Designs Ditty Box Pouch | Ecopak recycled materials | |
Hillsound Packstack Pro | Cordura Ripstop | |
Hilltop Packs | Depends on which one |
Pack Liner
A pack liner is a waterproof sack or dry bag designed to keep the contents of your backpack dry and protected from the elements. When backpacking, a pack liner serves as an essential barrier against moisture, ensuring your gear stays dry even in wet conditions or when crossing streams.
There are various types of pack liners available, each with its own advantages:
Dry Bags: These are lightweight, waterproof bags made of durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyurethane-coated fabrics. They can be rolled or clipped shut to create a watertight seal, keeping your belongings completely dry.
Trash Compactor Bags: While not designed specifically for backpacking, heavy-duty trash compactor bags can serve as an affordable and lightweight pack liner option. They provide basic waterproofing but may not be as durable as dedicated dry bags.
Pack Liners with Eyelets: Some pack liners feature reinforced eyelets or grommets at the top, allowing you to cinch them closed with a cord or bungee for added security and waterproofing.
Pack Liner | Material | Weight | Price Range |
Sea to Summit Dry Bag | Nylon | 2.5 oz (35L) | |
Granite Gear Dry Sack | Sil-Nylon | 1.8 oz (25L) | |
Frelaxy Dry Sacks | Polysester | 60 Grams (20L) | |
Hefty Strong Large Bag | Plastic | 1-2 oz |
By investing in a quality pack liner, you can confidently embark on your backpacking adventures, knowing that your gear will remain dry and protected, no matter the weather conditions. This simple yet essential accessory can provide peace of mind and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
FAQs
How can I improve my sleep quality while in the backcountry? To enhance your sleep in the backcountry, change into dry clothes as this helps in warming up and feeling refreshed. Additionally, consider using a Wilderness Wipe like Dude Wipes or scentless baby wipes to clean off sweat before getting into your sleeping bag. This routine can significantly improve your comfort and sleep quality.
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