The Best Backpacking Gear of 2025 (All Budgets)
Thanks to OnX Backcountry for sponsoring this video. It’s my favorite map/navigation/route planning app. You can save 20% using my link:
Gear in this video:
Durston X-Dome 1+:
Featherstone Backbone:
Zenbivy UL Bed:
Kelty Cosmic 20:
Zenbivy Flex Mattress:
Nemo Tensor Mattress:
Featherstone Calcatta Mattress:
Nemo Tensor Extreme Mattress:
M!Go Water Bottle:
Sawyer Squeeze:
Cleaning Connector Cap:
Cnoc Vecto Water Bag:
Backcountry Exposure Mesa Bag:
UCO Camp Cup:
UCO Spoon and Fork:
Verve Coffee:
LMNT Electrolytes:
NiteCore NU 27 Headlamp:
NiteCore NU 25 Headlamp:
Pika Lid: ttps://alnk.to/2uJrFDU
Adotec Bear Locker:
CampingMoon XD-2F Stove:
Soto TriFlex Adapter:
BRS-3000 Stove:
Firemaple Stove:
Firemaple G2 Pot:
Firemaple G3 Pot:
MSR Switch:
ZPacks ArcHaul 70 pack:
NatureHike 60L pack:
Not discussed, but worthy of awards:
Nemo Moonlite Elite Chair:
Pinnacle Foods Backpacker Meals:
Fizan Trekking Poles:
Hyperlite Camera Pod:
Satellite Communicator:
Sun Hat:
Wool Hiking Socks:
Hiking Underwear:
Stretchy Hiking Belt:
Midlayer jacket:
Puffy Jacket:
Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Tents: 00:27
Sleeping Bags and Quilts: 05:22
Sleeping Mattresses: 10:12
Maps and Navigation: 15:44
Water Bottles and Filtration: 17:49
Organization Bag: 20:50
Headlamps: 22:00
UL Lid gadget: 23:50
Bear Locker: 26:21
Stoves: 27:52
Backpacks: 30:25
2025 was a big year for great backpacking gear. I tested a huge amount of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, quilts, mattresses, camp stoves, new and old gear, expensive and budget. This is a compilation of my favorite gear I used this year and how it changed how I go backpacking. Whether you are a hard core ultralight thru-hiker or a regular Joe backpacker a few weekends a year, this video has some gems for you.
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Want to collaborate with me? You can reach me at erichanson@thestation.io
Hey Eric, how tall are you? Asking in reference to the Naturehike pack.
Man I want an x dome so bad. Love my x mid 1 but that x dome hits the sweet spot .
I love my zenbivy flex air mattress SO much. Took me forever to chose a bed so glad i made the best choice for me.
My partner and I really enjoy your hiking content and have been watching your channel for quite some time 🙂 We often spend weekends outdoors ourselves, but lately my 63 years old father have started going on longer hikes without company, which has made us think more about safety. We’ve been exploring different tracking and check-in apps and were wondering if you’ve ever tried anything like that or have any recommendations?
@eric_hanson
Did you try the Hilleberg Akto or any of the other models of that brand? The Akto is a 4-season 1-person backpacking tent, good ventilation, fast setup and sturdy materials. Minimum weight 1.3 kg / 2 lb 14 oz. Inner tent area: 1.7 m² / 18.3 ft, Vestibule area: 0.8 m² / 8.6 ft² You should at least check it out. They are not cheap. But will last for years. Also very strong and will keep you dry and safe during a storm 🙂