The Core 3: Backpack, Tent & Sleeping Bag

Why It Counts • Backpack • Tent • Sleeping Bag • FAQ

Backpacking Torres del Paine Gear — ***All of your gear is important, but get these three wrong, and you’ll be in struggle city…BIG TIME.***

Why It Counts

So let me tell you a story about the picture above: in that photo, I’m in absolute, excruciating pain. We had just hiked over our first big rise of day two of the “O” Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia and although it really wasn’t that much of an elevation gain…and really not that steep…I was struggling! The weight distribution of my pack was all off causing me to compensate in other areas, something kept poking me in the lower back, and my left strap was digging into my shoulder for no apparent reason. I was miserable, and I couldn’t understand why! I LOVED my backpack! It had performed so well for me in the past. And this was far from my first backpacking adventure, so why was I in so much pain?

The answer? I was in a rush when I packed up camp and didn’t load up my backpack properly for the type of pack I was using. It was a rookie mistake that cost me a whole day’s worth of enjoyment, and that’s why these items are so important. These are the items that, if you get them wrong, have the potential to make your whole trip miserable (and shoes…shoes are also super important). So you better get them right! Keep reading to find out what essential gear has stood the test of time and elements on all our adventures, and how to make sure it performs well for YOU!

Backpack

Our pack setup - stopping for our morning snack along the trail.

Your backpack not only carries all of your other vital gear, it becomes like a part of your body the longer you stay on the trail. That’s why it’s so critical to chose the right backpack for your body and your backpacking style. So how do you do that? Well, we’re going to tell you.

DECIDING WHETHER TO GO FRAMED OR FRAMELESS

Framed Backpacks -

There are two types of framed backpacks; internal frame, and external frame. Internal frame backpacks are significantly more common these days than external frames, as they are less bulky and lighter. However external frame backpacks still have their benefits for some situations. Just to be clear, we don’t really recommend external frame backpacks for Torres del Paine simply becasue that unless the frame is detachable and foldable, they are not the easiest packs to take on planes. Therefore, for the sake of this article, we will only be discussing internal frame backpacks. If you’re interested in external frame packs, you can find more information here.

Pros:
- Semi-rigid, so they are flexible, yet have a sense of stability
- Larger carrying capacity than frameless
- Semi-tight fit; little bouncing and conforms somewhat to the body
Cons:
- Heavier than frameless
- Usually more expensive
- Not great for people with back issues or previous back injuries

Frameless Backpacks -

Pros:
- Ultralight; if you’re an ultralight backpacker (or you want to be) frameless is the best way to go
- Usually a little cheaper due to lack of engineering and excess features
- Snug fit to the body; little bouncing and conforms nicely
Cons:
- Less features than framed packs
- Usually less gear capacity
- Need to be loaded correctly or will not give optimal performance

YOUR BACKPACKING STYLE

A lot of your decision on your pack will be based on your backpacking style. Are you a long distance thru-hiker, or more of a base camper? Will you be hiking in areas where bears or other dangerous wildlife are a concern? Do you prefer to travel in a group or go it alone? All of these things will play into your decision about all of your gear, but especially your backpack.

Long distance vs short hikes:

If you’re a long distance thru-hiker, keeping weight down is probably pretty high on your priority list. But…so is carrying capacity. In this case, you’ll have to base your decision on the pack that will give you the most space (liters) per oz of pack weight. This can be achieved with either a framed or frameless pack depending on your preference. You’ll also want to take other pack features into account like hip belt and strap style, since you’ll want the most comfortable fit for your long trip. We love ULA’s ultralight frameless packs for our distance hikes. Total customization, insanely light weight, durability and space are just a few of the reasons we recommend them to everyone we know.
If you’re a short distance hiker, base camp hiker (you hike to camp, set up camp and day hike from your “base”), or day hiker, you don’t have to worry so much about the nitty gritty details because you won’t be carrying your pack for nearly as many kilometres. You will most likely prioritize capacity over everything else to ensure a comfortable outdoor living experience while you are camping. Framed backpacks are going to be your best options due to increased carrying space and ease of packing. The Osprey Atmos 65 or (for a more budget friendly option) the Kelty Coyote would both be great choices for this kind of hiking.

Dangerous Wildlife:

As backpackers, we know better than to think we are all alone out on the trail. It’s important to do your research about the area you will be hiking to find out what kind of wildlife calls it home. If there is a possibility of bears in the area, then it’s absolutely critical that you carry your food and any other smelly items in a bear canister. However, not all backpacks are equipped to carry one, so this will definitely play a role in your decision making. Whatever you do, please, please, PLEASE don’t go into the wilderness in an area with bears without a bear canister! Even if it means purchasing a new backpack.

Group Hikes or Solo Trekking:

Whether or not you plan to travel in a pair, a group, or solo will play a roll in your backpack decision making. 90% of the treks I go on these days are with my husband, and this has drastically changed my backpack preferences. Why? Because we can now split the load of shareable items between the two of us (i.e. tent, galley equipment, etc). Hiking in a pair has allowed both of us to downsize and lighten up our packs for a more comfortable thru-hiking experience. He uses a 68 L pack, and I use a 54 L, and we have never had any issues with space - even on week long thru-hikes.

Additional Considerations:

Waterproofing:
- If you are planning a kayaking or canoe trip, you will most likely be looking for a fully waterproof pack, or at least one with excellent water resistance. While I don’t carry a waterproof pack myself, the ULA Epic is probably the best one I’ve seen on the market so far.

Physical/Medical Conditions:
- Whether it’s your back, your knees, or your hips, if you have any concerns about the way your body is going to perform on the trail you should take those into account when choosing a backpack. While I can’t give you firsthand advice here, there are lots of awesome resources and forums out there for this kind of thing. So be sure to do your due diligence.

Tent

Your tent is your shelter. Your home on the trail. It’s what’s going to ensure that you get a good night’s rest and are ready to tackle your next day of hiking with a fresh start. It is NOT something you want to skimp on. Having a cut rate tent on a long thru-hike (or event one night for that matter…) can ruin what would have otherwise been an incredible trekking experience. That said, backpacking tents can come with some pretty hefty price tags and a lack of features due to the effort of keeping weights down. So how do you find the perfect tent, for the perfect price with all the features you need for your trek? Let’s get started:

DIFFERENT CONDITIONS, DIFFERENT TENTS

Much of your decision is going to be based on what conditions you will spend most of your time hiking in. If you’re hiking in someplace warm and dry, then complete waterproofing and good condensation vents might not be as much of an issue for you. If you’re going somewhere with lots of wind, you’re going to want a dome-shaped tent that can stand up to some serious force. Maybe you’re hiking in high alpine areas with snow and cold weather year round. In that case insulation will be extremely important for keeping you warm. As you can see, the conditions of your trek play a huge role in what kind of tent you pack. All that said, most people generally opt for a sold all-rounder; a tent that’s going to work in the majority of conditions they take it to. With that in mind, here are a few different options for your consideration:

Ultralight Trekking Pole Tents:

Pros:
- Ultra minimalist; will take up hardly any space in your pack
- Ridiculously light
- Easy to set up
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- Usually not waterproof
- Does not stand up to wind or other elements as well
- Assumes that you will always carry trekking poles
- Generally will not sleep more than 1 person comfortably

Ultralight Backpacking Tents:

These are the tents that most backpackers and tru-hikers use. It’s what we recommend you use if that’s your hiking style.

Pros:
- As the name suggests, they are ultralight
- Come in various sizes - usually up to a 4 person model
- Usually waterproof and able to stand up well to wind and other elements
- Take up a smaller amount of space in your pack than a traditional camping tent
Cons:
- Can get very pricey
- Not as much space or as many features as traditional camping tents

Traditional Camping Tents:

Pros:
- Lots of space
- Usually very insulated and lots of protection from the elements
- Come in HUGE sizes - sometimes up to 10 people
Cons:
- Take up lots of space in your pack
- Usually pretty heavy
- Can be complicated to pitch, tear down, and pack away

***We don’t recommend using a traditional camping tent unless you are base camping and will not be carrying it with you on long distances every day***

Still want more info on picking the right tent for your trek? Check out this great article from backcountry.com about how to choose the best tent for you!

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags come in infinite shapes, sizes, and materials. And that’s if you even want a sleeping bag! Camping quilts and hybrids are becoming ever more popular. Needless to say, you have lots of decisions to make; should you go with a down bag or one with synthetic fill? If you’re camping as a couple, should you each get separate bags, or share? Could a camping quilt be a better option for you? What temperature rating do you need? All of this and more below:

DOWN BAGS VS SYNTHETIC FILL BAGS

Down Sleeping Bags:

Pros:
- Super light weight
- Lots of options to choose from
- Pack down tightly, so they take up less space in your pack
- Warmer bags all around and with less bulk
Cons:
- Can’t get wet (unless you specifically buy one with a waterproof/resistant shell)
- Need to be aired out often or can get stinky and mildewy
- Expensive

Synthetic Sleeping Bags:

Pros:
- Environmentally and animal friendly
- Cheaper than down bags
- Water resistant and more durable
Cons:
- Warmth to weight ratio is not nearly as good as down
- Heavy and bulky
- Not as many options to pick from

Making the decision between down vs synthetic really comes down to what type of camping you are going to be doing, how much space you have in your pack, and your budget. As a resource, we have broken down which option is best for which campers below:

Down bags are best for:

Ultralight backpackers
Cold climates
Hikers that don’t have a lot of extra space in their packs, or are volume/oz conscious
Campers who value comfort over budget
Those willing to spend a little extra cash for a great night’s sleep

Synthetic bags are best for:

Hikers who are environmentally or animal rights conscious (that said, please be aware that geese are NOT killed for their down; down is simply a byproduct of farmed geese that were raised for food products anyways. All of the down used in camping equipment is from geese that have already been killed for their meat).
Budget conscious backpackers
Those who have extra space in their packs to devote to a larger bag
Campers who don’t mind carrying a little extra weight
Warm to moderately cool climates

Western Mountaineering Ultralight Sleeping Bag

WHAT ABOUT CAMPING QUILTS?

Camping quilts used to be only seen in the circles of hardcore thru-hikers and serious climbers. However, in recent years, camping quilts are cropping up a lot more often. Why? They are lighter and less bulky due to the fact that the eliminate almost an entire half of the sleeping bag. Plus, they have other benefits like being able to sleep in more versatile positions (if you’re like me, that’s a HUGE bonus) by popping a leg out the side or stomach sleeping more comfortably. Not having fully zipped sides also makes it easier to temperature regulate on those unexpectedly warm nights.

Pros:
- Lighter and smaller
- Cost effective
- Allow for a greater variety of sleeping positions
Cons:
- Event the best quilts can have a tendency to be a little drafty
- No barrier between you and your sleeping pad (unless you pack a sleeping pad sheet)
- No hoods
- Most are not rated for cold (below freezing) environments

MEN’S VS WOMEN’S SLEEPING BAGS

So what’s the difference between men’s and women’s sleeping bags? Honestly…not much. Women’s bags tend to be narrower at the shoulders, and wider in the hips than men’s bags. Women’s bags are also usually a little bit shorter, and slightly warmer than men’s bags. While it’s a great way to save a little bit of space if you’re a shorter lady, I’ve never put much stock into buying a women specific sleeping bag. I might be biased becasue I’m a taller gal (5’ 10”), but I’ve never used a women’s sleeping bag. Not only does it narrow your selection, lots of times they are slightly more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find additional suggestions on specific products for my next backpacking adventure?
- We’re glad you asked! For hiking apparel, check out our Essential Packing List. For gear advice (i.e. trekking poles, headlamps, sleeping bags, etc) head on over to our Gear Checklist!
My significant other and I are camping together. Should we buy a two-person sleeping bag, or stick with singles?
- This is really a matter of personal preference. While carrying only one bag between the two of you makes for additional space in your packs, it isn’t always the most comfortable night’s sleep. Think about how you two sleep at home. Is one person hogging the bed? Always stealing the blankets? If so, expect it to be worse on the trail when you’re both crammed into a duo bag. However, there are some benefits too; like sharing body heat in cold climates and, of course, the snuggles!
What is the difference between ‘S’ style backpack straps and ‘J’ style?
- ‘S’ style straps come down over your shoulders and almost immediately bend outward toward your armpits. They are designed this way to accommodate men with large upper bodies/chests (think body builders) and women…for obvious reasons. ‘J’ style straps come over your shoulders and continue pretty much straight down to your hip belt and connect to it further forward than the ‘S’ straps would. This style is designed for almost all men with average builds.
Is a two person tent really big enough for two people and all their gear?
- Yes…and no. This really depends on how much gear you have and whether or not you intend to sleep with it inside your tent or stored in the vestibule. Personally, my husband and I have always preferred to camp in 3 person tents even if it’s just the two of us. Why? Because it’s so much more convenient to have your gear readily accessible inside your tent than having to pack it up and store it in the vestibule every night. Furthermore, keeping your gear inside the tent (on either side of your sleeping bags) can help insulate you from wind chill. Lastly, a larger tent reduces the amount of condensation due to body heat, so you’re less likely to wake up in side a wet tent. However, packing a larger tent adds additional weight, so it’s a decision you’ll have to weigh out based on your specific backpacking/camping style.
Gear is so expensive! Is it even possible to get quality hiking gear for a reasonable price?
- Yes! It’s absolutely possible, you just have to be sure to do your research and be prepared to test everything you purchase before putting it to use on a distance hike where you don’t have any other options. There is some truth to the fact that, when buying hiking/camping gear, you get what you pay for. However, a large part of the reason we decided to build this site was to share our research and experiences with other backpackers that want quality gear but aren’t ready to break the bank to get it. Most of the recommendations on this site are all mid-range, budget friendly options that have performed great for us on the trail; even in some seriously harsh conditions!