Gear Guide

On the trail, the Survive Outdoors Longer Pak has you more prepared to deal with unexpected emergencies.

We’re never out on the trail without it! This classic compass from Brunton provides easy map navigation with multiple scales and declination adjustment – and weighs just 1.3 ounces.

A great stocking stuffer! Our favorite firestarters start easily and burn hot for 15 minutes… the no-nonsense way to start a fire in the worst of conditions.

Our favorite water bottle on the trail – nearly indestructible and lightweight, we carry 3-4 in our packs.

Nothing beats a press pot of hot coffee just after waking up in the great outdoors. This kit includes a press pot and insulated cup.

The Backpacker Magazine Editor’s choice, this is also our favorite sock for hiking. Comfortable and warm, the wool constuction also provides great breathability year round in our moderate climate in Georgia.

Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod – GP1-D1EN

This versatile little tripod is awesome for taking photos or video out on the trail. The flexible legs wrap around tree branches, small rocks, or just about any surface to steady your camera.

This lightweight knife, fork, and spoon set is full sized and weighs in at only 1.3 ounces. No more fumbling with a plastic spork and knife when camping, or worrying about weight from regular utensils.

The Z-Lite is the lightest, most compact, full-length foam sleeping pad Therm-a-Rest – and perfect for warmer-weather backpacking trips.

This table travels with us on all our car camping adventures. It’s light weight and packs down small to save space in the trunk – and is perfect for preparing dinner or early morning breakfast at camp.

There’s no debating that a headlamp doesn’t make a huge fashion statement. But oh, the convenience! This lightweight headlamp keeps both hands free and illuminated in the dark.

Recharge your iPhone, cell phone, or other USB gadget out on the trail with this lightweight power center. Includes vehicle power adaptor for last-minute charges while heading out to the trail.

Our favorite baselayer from Patagonia is warm, wearable, stylish, and breathable – the perfect combination for layering for warmth or as a single outer layer while hiking on cooler days.

Our favorite baselayer from Patagonia is warm, wearable, stylish, and breathable – the perfect combination for layering for warmth or as a single outer layer while hiking on cooler days.

Warm and comfy, our favorite 3-season sleeping bag from REI is lightweight, ultra-compressible and ultra comfortable with synthetic fill.

Our favorite pack for day hiking out on the trail. This pack is lightweight, super comfortable and stuffs a surprising amount of gear and necessities for a day hike.

Our favorite water filter delivers fresh, safe filtered water out on our favorite hiking and backpacking adventures.

This satellite messenger with GPS tracking lets friends or family follow your trek on backpacking or outdoor adventures. Also features a distress function, allowing you to alert authorities in case of emergency.

Everything needed to whip up a fine meal in the mountains comes compactly stowed with the Primus EtaPack Lite stove system.

Don’t let the unusual looks fool you – this chair is lightweight (under 18 ounces), small and super comfortable – perfect for sitting around the campfire on backpacking and camping trips.

Our favorite lightweight cookware set includes everything we need to cook – and serve – a full meal when backpacking. Packs up small to save space.

This stretchy softshell jacket is our favorite water-repellant jacket in spring and fall – and great as a outer layer over fleece and down in the winter. Breathable fabric keeps you at the right temp on the trail.

This stretchy softshell jacket is our favorite water-repellant jacket in spring and fall – and great as a outer layer over fleece and down in the winter. Breathable fabric keeps you at the right temp on the trail.

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad sets a new standard for low weight, warmth and packability – perfect for ultralight backpacking adventures on the trail.

This is our favorite sleeping bag for North Georgia winter nights… comfortable, lightweight, and packs down small to save space in our Osprey packs.

Our favorite for backpacking, this stove goes with us everwhere when we’re out on the trail. Sturdy, reliable, and never fails in even harsh weather – it’s our no-nonsense favorite for cooking on the trail.

A lightweight, incredibly compressible jacket that keeps you warm yet breathes on when hiking on the trail. Great for layering as outerwear or an under layer.

A lightweight, incredibly compressible jacket that keeps you warm yet breathes on when hiking on the trail. Great for layering as outerwear or an under layer.

Windproof and warm, this Patagonia hooded jacket is great for the outdoor lover – and its slim fit stays fashionable off-trail.

Our favorite backpacking pack features a custom-molded hip belt to ensure the ultimate in comfort. Holds 70 liters for extended, multiday backpacking trips. Internal frame, lightweight construction (5 pounds).

Roomy and lightweight, this backpacking tent is perfect for 3 people, or in our case, 2 with a large dog. A large vestibule provides extra room for pack and gear storage.

Warm and breathable, this windproof fleece jacket from Patagonia is great for layering and is breathable for outdoor activity on the trail.

This three-season sleeping bag is perfect for cool North Georgia spring and fall nights. Featuring 100% recycled fabrics and insulation, this lightweight bag is also eco-conscious as well!

The next generation of handheld GPS from Garmin, the Oregon 450 touchscreen GPS keeps you on the trail – or helps you find your way back to the trailhead.

We love this two person, three-season tent for its simplicity of setup and lightweight design. When ultralight backpacking is on the agenda, this tent is at the top of our list for the trail.

On our wishlist is the new touch screen Oregon 550 GPS from Garmin. This awesome waterproof GPS helps prevent moisture worry on the trail, and a 3.2 megapixel camera is an added bonus.