Best gear by use case
Best gear for Thru-Hiking
Long-distance hikers need gear that survives 2,000+ miles: light packs, real rain protection, sub-2 lb quilts, and shoes over boots. These picks fit that template.
Backpacks
Jackets
Pants
Sleep Systems
Coleman
Coleman Fleece Lined
A budget-friendly sleeping bag, perfect for car camping or short backpacking trips where weight isn't an issue.
Enlightened Equipment
Enlightened Equipment Convert Quilt
An ultralight and customizable quilt, ideal for backpackers looking for comfort and weight efficiency.
Micklagaard
Jacket Kebne — Lady
Women's cut of the popular Kebne wool hunting jacket. Foam-quilted lining, reindeer-leather-trimmed pockets, detachable hood — built for grim-weather hunting and snowmobile riding.
NEMO Equipment
Nemo Disco 15
A warm down sleeping bag designed for side sleepers, ideal for backpacking and car camping.
NEMO Equipment
Nemo Tempo 20
A synthetic sleeping bag suitable for water-based trips, offering quick drying and great side-sleeper benefits.
Sea to Summit
Sea To Summit Spark 15
A high-quality mummy-style down sleeping bag designed for various conditions, great for serious backpackers.
Outdoor Footwear
Hiking Boots
Altra
Men's Altra Lone Peak Hiker 3
Combining the comfort of a trail running shoe with durability, the Lone Peak Hiker 3 is great for mellow hikes.
Arc'teryx
Men's Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX
The Kopec Mid combines a sleek design with reliable performance on and around trails, suitable for casual hikes and light backpacking.
Stoves
BRS
BRS-3000T
An ultralight upright canister stove with a titanium body, three thin folding pot supports, and a wire valve for flame control. No igniter.
Camp Chef
Camp Chef Everest 2X
The Camp Chef Everest 2X is the best stove we have tested due to the large cooking surface, a nearly seamless windscreen, and excellent simmer performance. It delivers an impressive 20,000 BTUs per burner, which allows boiling large pots of water or cooking with large pans, even when breezy.
Firebox Stove
Firebox Nano
Wood-burning packable stove. No fuel to carry when country and rules allow open flame.
Gas ONE
Gas One GS-3400P
The Gas One GS-3400P is not only a great deal, but it's also one of the most versatile stoves in our lineup. It runs on propane or butane with great simmer control, and is lightweight with super fast setup.
Jetboil
Jetboil Flash
The Jetboil Flash is designed for speed, boiling water rapidly for rehydrating meals. Ideal for quick and simple meal preparations in the backcountry.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best gear for thru-hiking?
- Our top pick for thru-hiking is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. We also recommend other proven options across 7 categories: Backpacks, Jackets, Pants, Sleep Systems, Outdoor Footwear, Hiking Boots, Stoves.
- What categories of gear do I need for thru-hiking?
- For thru-hiking, plan on covering Backpacks, Jackets, Pants, Sleep Systems, Outdoor Footwear, Hiking Boots, Stoves. Every category on this page is curated for this specific use case, so the picks work together as a system.
- How much does gear for thru-hiking cost?
- Prices on this page range from about $110 to $649. You can build a complete setup at multiple budget levels — start with the essentials and upgrade over time.
- How were these thru-hiking picks chosen?
- Wild10Basecamp editors pick gear based on real field use, expert evaluation, and long-term ownership rather than paid placement. Every item on this page is currently sold and reflects the trade-offs we would make ourselves for thru-hiking.
Looking for a different scenario? Browse all use cases →