Vintage Backpacking Gear

Granite Gear backpacks have been longtime favorites with Appalachian Trail thru-hikers because of their lightweight, carrying capacity, and durability. The Blaze AC 60 incorporates many improvements over past models of Granite Gear packs, including a better compression system and a large front …

The Diamondback Haanjo Trail  is a 22-speed aluminum bike designed for riding on unpaved gravel and packed dirt roads. It’s a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike with low pressure knobby tires for traction, hydraulic brakes, and drop handlebars. …

The REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad has an R-value of 3.7 and weighs just 15 oz. It rolls up incredibly flat and requires just 10 breaths to inflate, while deflation takes just seconds through a separate deflation valve. Priced just under …

The Therm-a-Rest Slacker Single Hammock is more comfortable than many camping hammocks because it’s much longer and wider. It’s also made from a single piece of polyester that’s much softer to the touch and warmer feeling than hammocks made with thin parachute …

The REI Flash 45 is a lightweight backpack with an adjustable, ventilated frame that’s perfect for weekend backpacking trips or more technical day hikes. Weighing just 2 lbs 14 oz in a size L, (a women’s specific version is also available) it’s …

The Platypus Tokul XC 8 Hydration Pack is a great water and load hauler for off-road gravel riding and mountain biking. While it can be used for multiple sports, it’s optimized for cyclists who prefer a hydration pack over water bottles and …

The Hummingbird Single Hammock  is an 8’8″ x 3’11” hammock that weighs just 5.1 ounces and folds up into the size of a softball when packed up, making it an attractive hammock for international travel or camping. It’s made with reserve parachute …

The My Trail Company Down Light Hooded Jacket is an 800 fill power down jacket that’s well suited for hanging out in camp or as a way to augment a down quilt in an ultralight sleep system. Available with or without a …

The Thermarest Slacker Hammock Sleeping pad is a 26-ounce self-inflating pad with an R-value of 2.1. Given its weight and size when rolled up, it’s best used for hammock car camping rather than backpacking. While not as sexy as a underquilt, it’s …

The My Trail Company Pyramid 3 Tent is a three-person pyramid shelter with an optional inner tent. The design is basically identical to the Shangri-La 3 tent (click for review) originally made by the bankrupt ultralight backpacking manufacturer GoLite and now produced by My …

The Thermarest Slacker Hammock Bug Shelter has a large zippered opening and floor making it easy to enter and exit, while protecting your gear, shoes, and clothing from bugs and creepy crawlers at night. It also works with any camping or backpacking …

The Backpack Light 50L ($149) is a frameless ultralight style backpack weighing 34.5 oz (L) sold by My Trail Company, which has started manufacturing the same backpacks and tents that GoLite sold before it went bankrupt in 2014. The Backpack Light 50L …

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt 700/35 is a down quilt rated to 35 degrees that combines all the advantages of an ultralight down quilt with a hood, ideal in colder weather when you need extra thermal protection for your head. The unique hideaway hood on this …

The Icebug DTS2 BUGrip GTX Shoe is designed for running and walking on ice-covered roads, sidewalks, and trails covered with hard-packed snow. The sole of each shoe has 19 carbide steel studs that provide traction, much like studded snow tires on icy roads. …