My Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2023 (Top 10) 

What's been some of your Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2023??? 👇👇Let Me Know Down Below👇👇

The CNOC was a game changer for me - small, lightweight but most importantly, fast. I now recharge my water more often vs holding out. Another advantage - when stopping for the night and refilling my bottles, I fill the CNOC ready for refilling after breakfast without needing to revisit a stream.

Classics go never out of style 🎯 Columbia Bora Bora boonie and Silver Ridge shirt won me over this year. DD SuperLight Tarp got me hooked on tarpology.

Thanks for the videos, Darwin. Met you a couple years ago on the trail. On military deployment now and can’t wait to get back home for hiking. Cheers. 🍻🏔️

Great video! Years back, you provided a tip on how to carry your Thermarest sleep pad. Roll it up and horseshoe it in pack. Provides a great nest for stoves/pots etc. this tip takes the hassle out of folding and wrestling with your pad. Thanks for the tip!

There are some great picks here that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Thank you!

Hello 👋 Darwin, it's good to see you again. Thank you for sharing this most informative video. You have some great equipment. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 😊😊

So fun to see a top 10 video from you again, Darwin! My favorite gear: Zpacks plex solo, Durston Kakwa 40, BRS stove, Six Moon Silver Shadow Carbon (Never saw that comming!).

Thanks for this list and welcome back!

Soto Windmaster and Durston X-mid Pro are on my list. I always used the BRS, but the Soto is worth it with a regulator and fuel economy, plus lack of windscreen need. Durston tent is super well designed and efficient. Although the headroom next to me is small. It is well ventilated for a SW tent and has all the little features that you can tell a "user" designed it.

I just discovered Khul wool sweaters with fleece lining. Good to see you back!

Sending some love for The Ranger. Used it a lot this year and it is a good piece of kit.

Love these gear review, I’m so glad I can finally order your hoodie. Can’t wait!!!

Love the EBC shot at 14:07, good stuff @DarwinOnthetrail keep bringing it in 2024!

My most loved gear that I used this year was the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 70. Absolutely amazing pack.

Absolutely fantastic upload bud! Masterfully presented 👏👏

I haven’t purchased any new gear for a number of years and am still amazed every time I see some new super high tech gear. I’m quite interested in your sun hoodie especially because of the quarter zip. Maybe ‘24 will see me pick up a few new goodies 😊 Happy Holidays 🎉

Always great content. Thanks.

Good to see you back loved to see some mounteering vids!

Cnoc water bladder was one of the first things I bought mostly because I watch you channel. Semi curious how responsible you are for the success of the brand. Congrats on all the cool shit with your gear company, and I’m so stoked to see your future mountaineering stuff. I’m living in jackson and slowly getting into the sport myself and it’s great to see you adventure interest go. Thanks for all you do!!

Im glad you still make these videos! Thank you very much for the tips I would have never found the Ombras

Thank you for all your hard work.

Number 2 is my favorite recommendation. Good shoes 👟 for good hiking.

I’m loving my durston tent! Slick design and tons of room!! Btw, glad you’re back!

I'm SOOO glad your back!

Love these videos Darwin! Good to have you back

First off Darwin… ty for coming back !! I’ve always loved your style of filming and content and personality and when I watched your last segment of the CDT ( the Winds) then saw you stepped back for awhile I was bummed but I completely understand .. I too had same experience with Micro squeeze filter when it came out so I don’t believe you had a dud. Been using mostly the platypus QuickDraw last couple years… started using Alpha Direct in Oct 21 on my Ozark Highland Trail hike made by Timmermade and absolutely fell in love it!! ( own 7 !!!) and recently acquired some made by Senchi .. if in a bushwhacking scenario I’ve learned to use a light sun hoodie over the alpha direct because if snagged it’ll def make a hole , but love using the 2 of them together so not a big issue… and I too started using that exact shoe , same color , and all. Was able to finally use them back in Sept on my 3rd return to the Winds . Actually saw a comment made by Matt Shafter about them, and having followed Matt for awhile and following his advice on how to pack your backpack properly( need to check it out if you haven’t seen that ) and loved it and have packed my pack that way ever since .. I bought a pair . I did have one issue on my trip to Winds on Knifepoint Glacier… having used Brooks Cascadia then Ghosts , they having narrow toe boxes , was successfully able to use a ultra light set of Petzl to crampons in the Sawtooth’s , I packed them for this trip. While putting them to cross Knifepoint I immediately sensed I was going to have issues using them because of tbe Pursits wide tie box… and I did have the issues… still love the shoes though and am thinking bout reaching out to Petzl to see if there is anyway they can make a wider front piece on that model of crampon, which are the most lightest model , weighing less than microspikes even… anyways Darwin welcome back and always always always look forward to your videos coming out… Dennis Pixton

Really interested to see your coming review of freestanding tents. )More and more of my local national parks are getting platforms which are so annoying to use a tension tent on) My favourite find of the year was Lifesaver Wayfarer water purifier which removes the farming chemicals (which are so from wild water sources in the places I’ve started packrafting through). Because it’s not ultralight I’ve never seen it promoted anywhere - but it’s awesome!

Well done and always...thanks.

Thanks for the video Darwin. High tail designs Fanny pack is something I take on every trip- I like having small important things right on my waste when at camp or on the trail.

Hey Nick good to see you're back sometimes just people need to take a short break and a short pause but it's good to see you came back I hope things are going well for you

Senchi for sure my best new gear. Total game changer for active layer.

Wooo hoo! Great List, im just a day hiker but Thank you! 1. Frogg poncho, 2. Fazon pct colab hiking poles 3. Selfie stick/tripod for my cell phone

The Sea to Summit 1.3l X-pot kettle is my new go to cook pot. Love its size and how small it collapses down.

Cool review. Nice to hear you again. Take care 🤙🏾🇨🇦

Good stuff Darwin, keep up the good work. For me this year it was the Durston Kakwa 40, which was the only new gear I bought. I keep telling myself to buy a GG thinlight pads and I keep putting it off, guessing it will be my top new gear for 2024!

I love my Muppet-fur. Fantastic Mid layer!

Ive been rocking a micro squeeze for years in my haversack woods bag only use clear water and its great!!✊️🔥✌️💚

So nice to have you back. :)

Thanks Darwin, great to see you back. I really value your reviews and experience. You’re speaking my language 😁. Take care (BTW was waiting on the 1 p rainbow Li to come back in stock but your review of the free duo has given me pause for thought. Love my duplex with flex set up, but am thinking of a 1p semi or freestanding tent for solo ventures.). Thanks again (from Australia)

A year ago you were inspired to get away from RU-vid algorithms & do documentaries. I love the few I’ve seen by Eric Hanson & the one you did w/ Sawyer. Please give more informative details along your journeys. I’d love a state by state if the AT like what’s common tho that area & interview a few locals at the hostels & stores, restaurants. I’d bet they have stories to tell! Why are certain mountains named their name what’s unique there. Any animal attacks or local hikes there. Just an explored view of each & every area. I’m over equipment reviews! Thanks You do have a creative talent & the Sawyer was such a treasure.

Thank you dude🤝😁

Great video!❤

Thank you for the reviews. I’m an ultra distance gravel event rider (don’t like the term “bike packer “🤪). I’m seeing a lot of crossover between ultra disciplines now, be that walking, running or cycling and many of the products can be utilized. I think cycling in general is (slowly) becoming less clothing specific. I live in Spain and so I’m actively seeking the smaller, family brands that I can support and suggest to fellow competitors/ participants. I do confess to a love of Decathlon products though, their Forclaz range is developed in the French Alps and I have their stove and titanium mug, as well as some uv clothing that protects from the Spanish sun (gloves, cap with neck flap and long sleeve shirt. I use a Vango tent, Scottish brand, Sea to Summit and Alpkit for sleep setup if the event is long enough for actual sleeping (5+ hrs), if it’s less I have an Alpkit bivvy instead of the tent. The weight is the same +/- but no set up time with the bivvy if it’s only a short sleep. Enjoy the channel, new here, subscribed! Cheers!

great to see ya thanks for all , my fav gear is Dr Scholls knee-length scoks.

Cool video! Personal favorites ... Farpointe Alpha hoody & pants (90gsm) - my camp pjs! And I love the top - because as you said it's a great active layer. Second ... Outdoor Herbivore - I did some cold soaking this year and their meals were some of my favorites especially the Mango Mojo bowl. Third ... Gossamer Gear umbrella - it was a late addition but absolutely my saving grace on one of my trips when my rain jacket failed! Fourth ... the telesin GoPro battery charger - it charges 3 batteries and is way faster at charging than the stock one from GoPro. Fifth ... MSR Windburner - I used this more than my Toaks/Snow Peak setup which honestly I didn't expect - it boils water super quick and I got boil water for 2 meals if needed (or 1 meal and 1 hot chocolate!).

Love the video… I have fallen in love with the hyper light 8 x 10‘ tarp and ditched my tents

I finally got a flextail pump,around 3oz. It blows up my neon-air X-lite reg-wide and is a light that hangs up inside my tent with 3 different brightness levels. So much better than 40- 45 breaths after a long day of hiking. I also got the gg thin-lite foldable pad. I put it in the back of my pack and then put in my trash compactor bag. Then all my gear. When I got to camp and pulled it out it was a little chewed up from putting my gear in. So it rides on top of pack,folded in half. It’s a little delicate but is nice under pad to protect and prevent sliding in tent.

My favorite piece of gear this year is definitely the Senchi fleece, 1/4 zip (no hood). Best layering item I've ever bought and will work year round. Just fantastic!

Mine?- Same Sierra Club cup since 1973, wool trousers and Pendleton Board shirt, Kelty external frame pack( 1975) , and Kelty tarp

That Cnoc TKO model is great, love mine with the PCT "map" down the side! (TKO - Trailkeepers Of Oregon)

I got the zenbivy light bed 10 this year because I'm all over the place when I sleep. It's changed everything. I sleep so much better now. That and switching to a 25" pad too. The Nemo Quasar 3D. I'll never go back!

Think you for information

Very glad you did make a top ten definitely gonna get the mirage when I can like the thumb hole idea !

For me was absolute gamechanger frameless backpack I bought this year before my trip to Faroes Islands. Liteway Gramless Pack, I can highly recommend it, great backpack!

Interesting choices, I also use the Windmaster and the Micro Squeeze and would also say that they are great products. When my Hoka Speedgoats will reach their limit I probably will take a look at the Topos..

I’m enjoying these of yours. I’d love to see a best desert gear of the year type video. That small cnoc is pretty awesome, but by god there’s no streams to find most times so it’s all bring your own and ration. I’d love to see the subtle differences between drier locations and your list for that. Cheers! And thanks. All that said, I love my old used ULA circuit I used near Thousand Island Lakes, but the Kakwa 55 is hands down something that feels custom made for my back.

Have not gotten one, but saw a video of a tiny pump to inflate sleeping pads. I use the Sea-to-Summit pad with the stuff sack used to inflate the pad. Using outside the tent, I was getting some wear on the pad and if it was raining that was a hassle. With a tiny pump you could easily inflate inside the tent !

Great to see you Darwin. Welcome back rockstar.

I love the Soto stove, too. I couldn't turn my other stove to a low simmer without it blowing out. Maybe I'll try the Sawyer again. I had 2 Sawyers that I barely had any time on, and even with back flushing, they would take forever to filter even clear water. I switched to Katadyn, much better flow.

I do my top 3 then, just to keep it simple 🙂 1) Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody (360 gr.) 2) 3F UL GEAR Lanshan 1 Trekking Poles Tent (918 gr.) 3) Scarpa CYCLONE S GTX Boots (1442 gr.) Enjoy hiking and stay safe. Ciao.

Enjoyed that

I love my Senchi Merlin - 1/2 zip with a kangaroo pocket that can hold just about anything. They haven't put one out in a little while but I hope they make another one soon!

The gossamer pad looks brilliant. Definitely gonna switch to that. Greetings from the UK.

I just acquired a pair of Ombraz Leggeros in the special mirror frost frames with side shields. I always wear leashes but these are "too cool for school!"🕶

Woah! TYSM for the Cnoc water bottle. I’m gonna use that for my prefiltered water and my bidet. This is gonna change things for me big time. Only thing that could be better was if it could also be used with boiling hot water, as a hot water bag. But that’s not usually an issue for me as I have a pair of 750ml SS bottles for bicycle adventures.

As a Munro bagger yourself, Darwin, I'm sure you'll appreciate a lightweight setup on the rough, Scottish hills. My new Altra Lone Peak All Weather Mids are lightweight but have ankle support for rocky heather bashing. UPF50 hoodie, gloves (I use Solbari) and trousers have meant I'm not having to carry a lot of sun cream and having to apply as much - saving time. Thanks for uploading. ATB.

Thanks for all the great info. I would like to know more about your favorite shorts as I have issues with all that I have tried

I have replaced my base layers with alpha direct top and bottom. In my experience they are much warmer for a similar weight. The only downside is that they are a little bulkier than traditional base layers but it is worth that trade off because I run cold and need all of the warmth I can get. I am going to have to try a pair of Topos even though I do not personally like how they look. I really like the wide toe box of Altras but every pair I have used has been absolute garbage. The uppers get holes very quickly and the cushion flattens out really quickly as well on most of the models I have used.

Welcome back Darwin we all missed you ❤️

I like my mirage. Replaced a OR and NF sun hoodie with it. I have had some pilling with it, but overall it is great is most situations (Usually Spring-Fall in the high sierras).

Dude!!! Just saw you were back on beckers channel. Turned off his vid and came here. Love your content friend! Glad you are back. Don’t feel obligated to put out content all the time. Just glad to see you are doing well!

sick shades bro

Great list. Tnx. For solo tent, im using Bonfus Midus which is Altaplex lookalike but double wall. For 2p, Tarptent Doublerainbow which is the same weight(30 oz) and freestanding alternative to Zpacks. Zpacks is a great company though - curious about their 2024 updates

Favorite gear: Opinel carbon steel #2 pocket knife. Lives rent free in my wallet, weighs nothing , cuts everything. So tiny it creates joy.

I would love to see you try out the Scarpa hiking shoes, a personal favorite of mine after I tried them. They have more support than a running shoe, edge better on rocks, the sole doesn't twist on uneven terrain, and they look pretty cool.

I’m a big Topo fan. I prefer the stack height of the Ultraventure, but while the sole is grippy, the lugs aren’t as big so it wears out more quickly. I’m also using the Altra Olympus 5. But I like using gaiters on the sandy, dusty southern AZ trails, and Topo’s gaiters work way better than Ultra’s

Watching this literally right after getting off the AZT after hiking through the Mazatzals:) My guess with your Sawyer experience in AZ is that they tend to clog from hard water. I had to back-flush with white vinegar + distilled water to revamp my normal Sawyer.

I’ve been using a cheap full size pillow and I don’t care who knows it! The best 14oz I carry

Hello from Florida!!😆😎

Love this… may I ask which senchi later you used? The 60, 90 or 120?

Regarding the alpha direct products. How are they holding up with a pack? I read many times that while they are warmer and about half the weight of a regular fleece the durability just isn't there.

Appalachian Gear Company has been sold out of their sun hoodie for months. I'm looking for something that won't stink so much on longer hikes, and can be a versatile base layer for hot or cold weather. The Mirage Merino Sun Hoodie might be a good option. Definately thinking about it.

Walked the Camino de Santiago this year. Couldn’t have done it without my bedrock sandals and bidger 45 pack from mystery ranch.

Soto Amicus stove...smaller/lighter than the Windmaster; still very reliable. Also the Soto New River Pot...not Ti, but small, fairly light, great handles, & slotted pouring lid. Oh and cheap. I can pack a small gas canister, the Amicus stove & a triangle-type stabilizer all inside the pot. Great net bag to hold it all comes with the pot.

I've been using aqua mira over filters for years. If I do try one it would be the Delta emergency filter because of the wise spectrum of protection

I’ve gotta check out your sun hoodie!! I love sun hoodies and am very adamant about my sun protection and sun safety habits. The Patagonia hoodies and long sleeves feel amazing and are very cooling when wet, but depending on the color they aren’t actually 50upf. Additionally since it’s synthetic it can get stinky. I have been slowly acquiring merino wools and alpaca base layers for temperature regulation and odor control, now I need to update my sun hoodies :)

My pickup of 2023 was the Slate Sky from Patagonia. Killer rain gear since I tend to never use pit zips. I really like your midlayer merino.. does it have the sunblock rating too?

Curious if you compared the mountain hardwear airmesh vs. the alpha direct? Cheaper and more durable using the Teijin Octa material.

Thanks for you videos and many useful information . I use also Soto windmaster but with triflex .It is a little bit lighter. All in 750 ml titanium pot ( gas 100g, Sotowindmaster with triflex). I also changed my shoes 1 year ago from Altra to Topo . Did you solve problem with gaiters ? I have original TOPO but also older whe I used Altra . I think that oldest are better.

Hey, cool video :) I can see that you are using glasses (me too), so I was thinking, is those Ombraz sunglasses also with prescription glasses in them?

You should try the Slingfin Portal 2 for a freestanding tent option. It's a little heavier than the zpacks free duo but it's much stronger and roomier

Love my Mirage sun hoodie...but you need to add more color options, please.

What lens spec did you select for Obmraz Leggro?

My Top 3 for 2023 1. Mirage sun hoodie 2. Hyperlite unbound pack 3.Hoka speedgoat 5

Question on the Mirage hoodie. How does it do on odor? Does it have the wet-dog smell when it gets wet like some other merino products or is it treated to prevent that?

welcome back

I just want a shoe that comes in dull colors. All these trail running shoes are bright and unsightly. A wilderness ranger in lime green trail runners doesn't really fit the uniform bill. Anyhow great video and great item choices!

Do you use a down jacket as well when it’s too cold for this mud weight layer of fleece?

my alite camp chair 18oz. yabadaba doo 🤙