Choosing the right backpacking gear can make or break a long-distance trip, and in 2025 I put a lot of equipment to the test across hundreds of miles — from the Uinta Highline Trail to the Sierra and my home trails in Pennsylvania. After countless nights outside, tough weather, and heavy carries, I’ve narrowed down my top five pieces of backpacking gear for 2025. These items stood out not just for performance, but for reliability, comfort, and real-world usability.

1. Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L — My Favorite Pack of 2025

I revisited this pack after its redesign, and the improvements blew me away. The upgraded load lifters and rigid internal frame made carrying 32 lbs over eight days surprisingly comfortable. The shelter pocket, huge mesh back panel, and pivoting hip belt make it ideal for long carries, winter trips, and high-mileage days. It’s easily the best pack I used this year.

2. Durston X-Dome 2P — A Spacious, Storm‑Ready Shelter

At 2.7 lbs, this tent handled high winds, hail, and long days above 10,000 feet on the Uinta Highline. The interior space is incredible, the pockets are plentiful, and the ability to reinforce the structure with trekking poles adds serious stability. It’s pricey, but it earned its place on my list.

3. Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket — A Reliable Weather Shield

This jacket kept me dry through multi‑day storms and never wetted out. The long pit zips, breathable design, and protective hood make it a standout. At 7.4 oz, it’s lightweight without sacrificing durability — a rare combination.

4. Zpacks Camp Shoes — Ultralight Comfort Under 2 oz

After long 20–30 mile days, slipping into these breathable camp shoes is pure relief. They weigh almost nothing, pack down tiny, and offer enough protection for camp chores. The mesh top dries feet quickly, and the traction is surprisingly solid.

5. Gossamer Gear Tyvek Pot Cozy — The $22 MVP

This little ultralight cozy became one of my most‑used items of the year. It keeps freezer‑bag meals hot, protects your hands, and doubles as a compact storage system for your cook kit. At 0.7 oz, it’s an easy upgrade that improves camp life more than you’d expect.

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Why You Should Watch the Full Video

In the video, I go deeper into how each item performed in real conditions — heavy loads, high winds, long mileage, and unpredictable weather. If you want to see how these pieces of gear actually behave on trail, not just on paper, the video breaks it all down with real‑world examples and insights from my 2025 trips.

Check out the full breakdown — you’ll get a closer look at each item and why it earned a spot on my “Best Gear of 2025” list.