The Good Stuff
Gear Guide
We spend an unreasonable amount of time thinking about gear. Here's what we've decided is worth carrying.
The Gear Philosophy
The best gear is gear you forget you have — until you need it, and it works perfectly. We're not gear hoarders. We believe in fewer things, better things. One great multitool beats five mediocre ones.
We were kids who memorized the specs in the Sharper Image catalog. We're adults who actually buy that stuff now. Everything on this page we've either used, tested, or want badly enough that we've read every review on the internet twice.
🔦 Category
Everyday Carry
The essentials that live in your pockets, bag, or on your belt.
| Item | Why We Like It | Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Leatherman Wave+ Essential |
The multitool by which all others are judged. 18 tools in a package the size of a small wallet. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Zebra F-701 Pen Sleeper Pick |
All-steel, refillable ballpoint that writes upside down and underwater. The pen for people who are serious about pens. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Fenix E12 V2 Flashlight Recommended |
Single AA, 160 lumens, fits in any pocket. Once you carry a good headlamp and a good pocket light, you never go back. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Rite in the Rain Notebook Must Have |
Writes in rain. Writes in mud. Does not care. The notebook for people who go outside. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⛺ Category
Camp Gear
The gear that makes the difference between a good trip and a miserable one.
| Item | Why We Like It | Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Editor's Pick |
Three-season backpacking tent that packs small, sets up fast, and doesn't feel like you're inside a plastic bag when it rains. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Jetboil Flash Essential |
Boils 0.5 liters of water in 100 seconds. Compact, efficient, reliable. Your morning coffee will be ready before you've fully woken up. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Premium |
The gold standard for sleeping pad insulation. R-value 7.3. Sleep warm even in shoulder-season conditions. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Black Diamond Spot 400 Recommended |
400 lumens, red night-vision mode, waterproof. The headlamp that has gotten us out of more jams than we can count. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🎁 Category
Novelty & Fun
Because sometimes gear is just toys for adults, and that's completely fine.
| Item | Why We Like It | Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
BioLite CampStove 2+ Wildcard |
Burns twigs and sticks, charges your phone with the heat. Like something out of a catalog dream. It works. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Jackery Explorer 300 Camp Favorite |
Portable power station. Solar-chargeable. Runs your camp lights, charges everything, and makes you the most popular person at any campsite. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Skullcandy Dime Buds Budget Pick |
Under $30. Waterproof. Good enough for the trail and the camp playlist. Don't overthink earbuds. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket Cozy Factor |
Packable camp blanket made from recycled materials. Warm, wipeable, and great for van trips or stadium seating. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Build It
Assemble the Perfect Day Pack
Everything you need for a day hike, a city explore, or the apocalypse (two of those three are equally likely).
The Bag Itself
- Osprey Daylite Plus (20L) — the Goldilocks pack
- Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 — if you want to go bigger
- Tom Bihn Synapse 25 — urban adventurer version
First Aid Essentials
- Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight kit
- Moleskin for blisters (pack more than you think)
- Nitrile gloves (2 pairs)
- SAM splint — one size fits all injuries
Always In the Bag
- Headlamp (charged)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Emergency space blanket
- Fire starter + waterproof matches
- High-calorie snacks (2,000 calories)
- Knife or multitool
- Whistle (the loudest thing you can carry)
- Phone charger / power bank