Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is my no-question MVP. It’s super light, doesn’t take up space, and has saved me on long hikes where I didn’t want to carry liters of water.
Out of all the gear I’ve cycled through over the years, the Nitecore NU25 headlamp is the one I’d replace immediately if I ever lost it. It’s stupidly light (just over an ounce with a shock cord headband), USB rechargeable so I don’t have to carry spare batteries, and the battery lasts longer than you’d expect — I’ve used it on multi-night trips with no issue. I use it for everything: setting up camp in the dark, cooking, reading, you name it. It’s a little thing, but it punches way above its weight. Absolute MVP in my kit.
Hiking and Camping Gear That Makes Life Easier
A weekend hiker who's getting into camping
$150
lightweight and packable
works for 1-2 night trips
What are your MVP hiking or camping items? Something light, durable, and field-tested.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter is my no-question MVP. It’s super light, doesn’t take up space, and has saved me on long hikes where I didn’t want to carry liters of water.
Out of all the gear I’ve cycled through over the years, the Nitecore NU25 headlamp is the one I’d replace immediately if I ever lost it. It’s stupidly light (just over an ounce with a shock cord headband), USB rechargeable so I don’t have to carry spare batteries, and the battery lasts longer than you’d expect — I’ve used it on multi-night trips with no issue. I use it for everything: setting up camp in the dark, cooking, reading, you name it. It’s a little thing, but it punches way above its weight. Absolute MVP in my kit.