Essential Gear to Upgrade Your Backpacking Camp

Backpacking season in Montana is hard to beat. Mountain ranges abound, each has its own character, and our local ranges of the Absaroka, Beartooth and Crazy Mountains offer some of the most diverse and spectacular hiking in the state. Wherever you go, if you're willing to haul a camp high into the mountains, the rewards of simple living in the cool, clean air of the high country will give you memories you'll never forget.

Ultralight backpacking gear has advanced dramatically, and keeping your pack as light as you can (without sacrificing the performance of your system) is a great way to make for a more enjoyable and remote outing. With that said, we like to bring a few "luxuries" that can make a good camp great.

Consider the lightweight backpacking gear options below for your next trip. As always, please practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, and hit us up at the shop for recommendations on gear and great places to go.

Comfort

It may not be your living room, but there's no reason your backpacking camp should be uncomfortable. We like to bring an extra mattress to sit on as well as an inflatable pillow for a solid night's sleep. They both weigh next-to-nothing but go a long way to keep you comfortable and rested for the day ahead.

Vibe

First off, make sure you ALWAYS have a working headlamp with spare batteries. We also like to add some nice, soft light for navigating camp without the high beam of a headlamp. A candle lantern, solar lantern, or string lights add a nice vibe while still letting you stargaze and contemplate the vastness of the universe.

Kitchen

After a long day on the trail, there is just nothing like a nice, warm meal at a backcountry camp. We love Nalgene's assortment of ultralight, durable containers for packing small amounts of oil, spices, herbs and soap. While you're at it, reward your hard work with a nip of whiskey or a cup of tasty red wine. The rugged Nalgene flask is BPA-free and weighs a mere 4.375 oz. For wine, the Platypus Platy Reserve is feather-light, flexible, and holds an 800ml bottle of wine without affecting the flavor.

PRO TIP: If there is snow around, pack your flask or bottle of white wine in snow for an ice-cold libation. If snow isn't available, submerge your bottles in a creek and keep them from floating away with a stone.

Hygiene & Health

It's good to get dirty out there, but no one said you have to be gross. We love Dr. Bronner liquid soap because it's biodegradable, very effective, and it can be poured into smaller containers to save weight. A small amount can also be used to clean dishes. A small pack towel is great for cleaning up your sunglasses or drying clean hands. Small sponges make dishes a breeze. MoleFoam padding can save your feet in the case of a blister. Lastly, a lightweight trowel ensures you can keep a tidy, sanitary camp that won't leave human waste on the surface for others to encounter.

Hydration

Clean water is critical. These three products give you several options to stay hydrated without weighing down your pack. Gravity filters are awesome for filtering large amounts of water effortlessly. They take longer, but their light weight and filtering capacity will be welcome around camp. We love Platypus' GravityWorks 4.0-liter system. A small fast-flow filter like MSR's Micro Filter is another great option for filtering small amounts of water at camp or on the trail. Lastly, the ultralight Osprey Hydraulics™ 500Ml Soft Flask lets you keep water close at hand on the trail without the bulk and weight of more rigid bottles.

Gear Repair

If you're using it like you should be, gear breaks sometimes. For small tent or apparel outerwear tears, Gear Aid's Tenacious Repair Tape is a strong and quick fix. Tear-Aid is another great product for air mattresses, sleeping bags and tents. We also like to carry a small roll of duct tape (wrap a few feet of tape around a lighter to save weight.)

Bugs

Bugs like mosquitos and horse flies can be bad in the mountains. They shouldn't deter you from going, but it's good to be prepared and aware of places to camp that won't hold as many bugs. Ben's bug spray is very effective and comes in a small, portable bottle. If there is no wind or fire restrictions, a small contained fire can help too. The Titan Stormproof Match Kit contains 12 weatherproof matches that can quickly start a fire in the event of a mosquito swarm or a worse emergency. It is best to avoid having a campfire in the summer altogether. If you do have a small fire, please practice excellent fire safety to prevent wildfires and ensure all fires are completely drowned out before you go to bed or leave camp.

Fishing

There is just nothing like fishing to rising trout in a glassy alpine lake. Echo's TRIP Trout is an ultralight, eight-piece rod that is built for the backcountry. We like to build a fly and gear setup specific to the backcountry. This lets you keep your system convenient and light, plus you don't have to steal from your primary fishing gear. Fill a small fly box with alpine essentials and always have it with you. The box below features a Thin Mint Woolly Bugger, Jake's Gulp Beetle, Para Ant, elk hair caddis, Royal Wulff, and GBF Para Wulff. Don't forget to take extra tippet, floatant and forceps. Most important, DON'T FORGET YOUR REEL!

Lastly, don't forget these important practices that help to keep everyone safe and our amazing wild places in pristine condition:

• Pack your bear spray. Never leave home without it, and be sure to follow bear safety guidelines while camping. No food in your tent, cook away from your sleeping area, and hang your food, toiletries and anything with an odor high in an overhanging tree branch.
• Leave no trace. Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace at all times in the mountains to ensure our footprint is minimal and the resource is preserved for all to enjoy. Learn more about Leave No Trace.
• Be aware of fire restrictions. As nice as a campfire is when you're camping, pay attention to and follow all fire restrictions. Get the latest statewide restrictions.
• Know where you're going. Do some research on your destination, route, and the surrounding area. Have a map and compass and know how to use them.