Checklist · 12 picks · 5 categories
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Backpacking is camping where you carry everything on your back, so weight and comfort suddenly matter a lot. Your first overnight comes down to five things: a pack that fits, a tent light enough to haul, a sleeping pad so the ground doesn't win, a small stove for hot food, and a water filter so you can refill from streams instead of carrying it all. Every pick here won an award in OutdoorGearLab's published tests, sorted from budget to splurge. Each card shows the drawback the testers found, so you know the tradeoff before you buy. Bring the sleeping bag and headlamp you already own, start with a short trail close to home, and do a test pitch of your tent in the backyard first.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you're sleeping next to your car; the Camping Starter Kit has roomier tents, camp stoves and chairs, and the Day Hiking Starter Kit covers hikes without an overnight.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 29, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Flash 55 | budget | $100+ | lighter loads on a first overnight | 1 outlet |
| Granite Gear Blaze 60 | mid | $100+ | going light without giving up comfort | 1 outlet |
| Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 | splurge | $100+ | carrying everything in total comfort | 1 outlet |
Best backpacking packbudget pick · 55 L
Best for lighter loads on a first overnight
OutdoorGearLab's best bang for your buck backpacking pack: not a heavy load hauler, but comfortable with a great set of features for moderate loads.
Heads up. Lower durability, and the max load is 30 lbs
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best bang for your buck (backpacking pack).
$100+
View at REIStore link, not an affiliate link. I don't earn from this one.
mid pick · 60 L
Best for going light without giving up comfort
OutdoorGearLab's favorite lightweight pack: a lightweight load hauler that is both comfortable and full of features.
Heads up. Small buckles are hard to operate with gloves
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab favorite lightweight pack.
$100+
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splurge pick · 65 L
Best for carrying everything in total comfort
OutdoorGearLab's best overall backpacking backpack: a full-featured pack with the most supportive hip belt, so it carries loads extremely comfortably.
Heads up. Heavier than some packs
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall backpacking backpack.
$100+
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Stormbreak 3 | budget | $100+ | new backpackers on a budget | 1 outlet |
| REI Co-op Half Dome 2 | mid | $100+ | two people who want room and easy setup | 1 outlet |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 | splurge | $100+ | shaving weight for longer trips | 1 outlet |
Best backpacking tentbudget pick · 3 person
Best for new backpackers on a budget
OutdoorGearLab's best value for beginners: despite its weight, it's the best value for new backpackers.
Heads up. Heavier than other 3-person tents, and tight for three people
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best value for beginners (backpacking tent).
$100+
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mid pick · 2 person
Best for two people who want room and easy setup
OutdoorGearLab's pick for your first backpacking tent: a stalwart classic you'll see on the trail often, and for good reason.
Heads up. Heavier than some other 2-person tents, and a bit bulky in a pack
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab your first backpacking tent.
$100+
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splurge pick · 2 person
Best for shaving weight for longer trips
OutdoorGearLab's best lightweight tent for two: for extended trips, look no further than this comfortable, lightweight tent.
Heads up. Expensive for a 2-person tent, and needs a bit of extra care
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best lightweight tent for two.
$100+
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Best sleeping padbudget pick · Foam
Best for first-timers who never want to deal with a leak
OutdoorGearLab's best value for a non-inflatable pad: durable and lightweight, it won't break the bank for first-timers.
Heads up. Bulky, and becomes less supple over time
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best value for a non-inflatable pad.
$50-100
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splurge pick · Inflatable
Best for actually sleeping well on the trail
OutdoorGearLab's best overall sleeping pad: it balances comfort and weight better than the competition, and it's warm enough for most backpacking trips.
Heads up. Pricey, and hard to pack into its stuff sack
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall sleeping pad.
$100+
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Best backpacking stovebudget pick · Tiny
Best for boiling water for trail meals on a tiny budget
OutdoorGearLab's best on a tight budget: a shockingly small, ultralight and straightforward backpacking stove at an impressively low price.
Heads up. Less stable pot supports, and it's affected by wind
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best on a tight budget (backpacking stove).
$15-25
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mid pick · Compact
Best for cooking real meals, not just boiling water
OutdoorGearLab's excellent affordability pick: a lightweight stove with excellent simmering in an impressively low-priced package.
Heads up. Pot supports aren't ideal for large pots, and the pot and lid aren't included
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab excellent affordability (backpacking stove).
$50-100
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Best water filterbudget pick · Compact
Best for filtering for yourself or a small crew
OutdoorGearLab's best value for small groups: simple filtration that's lightweight and reliable for one person or a party of 2 or 3.
Heads up. You have to keep track of parts, and it often needs backflushing to keep the flow up
2 outlets agree. OutdoorGearLab best value for small groups (water filter). CleverHiker best overall.
$25-50
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mid pick · Compact
Best for solo hikers who want light and tough
OutdoorGearLab's best overall filter for personal use: a lightweight, durable design that's perfect for one person.
Heads up. The microfilter needs extra maintenance
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall filter for personal use.
$25-50
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A backpacking pack, a tent, a sleeping bag and pad, a way to cook, and a way to treat water. Add a headlamp, a rain layer, a first aid kit and enough food, and pick a short trail for night one.
The packs here run 55 to 65 liters. A lighter, smaller kit fits the smaller packs; if your gear is bulkier, a bigger pack with a supportive hip belt carries it more comfortably.
Usually not comfortably. Big car camping tents are heavy and bulky, so backpacking tents are built to pack small and weigh a few pounds instead.