There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a national park with towering trees, breathtaking vistas, and that crisp, clean air that hits differently. Some of my favorite parks include the giant wonders of Sequoia National Park, the surreal gypsum dunes of White Sands, and the jaw dropping cliffs and canyons of Zion. Whether you’re setting up a campsite under the stars or tackling a rugged day hike, having the right gear can truly make or break the experience.
Depending on your adventure plans, whether you’re camping overnight or just hitting the trail for a few hours some of these gear picks will be more essential than others. But each one plays a big role in making sure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. Here’s a full breakdown of my top outdoor gear picks for 2025, complete with some of my favorite product options.
Rugged Hiking Backpack
Key Feature: Hydration bladder pocket for easy water access.
A solid backpack is one of the most important upgrades you can make. Especially when you have a hydration bladder pocket, it becomes so much easier to sip water on the go without breaking stride.
- Osprey Atmos AG 65
- Anti-gravity suspension system, highly breathable and supportive, great for multi-day trips.
- Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10
- Lightweight, adjustable, and designed for long distance hikes with tons of organization pockets.
All-Weather Tent
Key Feature: Fast setup and durable waterproofing.
A reliable tent can turn a rough night into a cozy one. It’s about more than just shelter, it’s your home base.
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
- Lightweight and extremely weather-resistant, ideal for backpacking.
- Kelty Late Start 2P
- Budget-friendly, quick setup, perfect for casual campers.
Packable Down Jacket
Key Feature: Lightweight warmth for unpredictable weather.
National park weather can flip on you in a heartbeat. A packable down jacket ensures you’re always prepared without stuffing your pack.
- Eddie Bauer Down Sweater
- Sustainably sourced, highly compressible, and super warm.
- Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
- Ultra-lightweight and wind-resistant, packs down incredibly small.
High-Performance Hiking Boots
Key Feature: Comfort and waterproofing.
Trust me, blisters are trip killers. Good boots are a must and personally, Columbia hiking boots have been my go to for years. Both options available for men and women.
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Boots
- Comfortable out of the box, solid ankle support, waterproof.
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots
- Lightweight, aggressive traction, and excellent foot support.
Compact Camp Stove
Key Feature: Quick, efficient cooking at camp.
A compact stove is awesome, but I’ll also say that sometimes I love cooking up a big meal using a standard cast iron pan or even a cast iron Dutch oven. There’s nothing like that kind of campfire cooking experience.
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Boils water in under two minutes, super compact.
- MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
- Ultralight and reliable, great for minimalist setups.
Reliable Headlamp
Key Feature: Hands-free lighting.
I’ll be honest: I often prefer letting my eyes adjust naturally to the moonlight, there’s something magical about that. But a good headlamp does come in super handy for setting up camp, hiking at dusk, or late night needs.
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- Bright, durable, and waterproof.
- Petzl ACTIK Core Headlamp
- Rechargeable, lightweight, great beam distance.
Power Bank for Adventure
Key Feature: Keep electronics powered.
While we love getting off the grid, we also like to bring our camera and electronics from time to time to capture those once in a lifetime views. Having a good power bank keeps us ready.
- Anker PowerCore Solar 20000
- Solar-powered for long trips, rugged design.
- Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2
- Super light, fast-charging, reliable in tough conditions.
Ultra-Comfortable Sleeping Pad
Key Feature: Sleep comfortably anywhere.
Inflatable sleeping pads are popular, but I often go with a non-inflatable option for the sheer ease of setup and the consistent comfort night after night.
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
- Lightweight, warm, and packs down tiny.
- Sea to Summit Pursuit Plus SI Sleeping Mat
- Affordable and durable, with a comfy non-inflatable structure.
Water Filtration System
Key Feature: Safe hydration on the trail.
No need to lug gallons of water, a lightweight filter makes creek and river water safe to drink.
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
- Compact, simple, and super popular with hikers.
- LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Bottle
- Built-in filtration, squeeze-style bottle for easy use.
National Park Annual Pass (Bonus Pick!)
Key Feature: Unlimited access.
If you’re planning more than a couple of national park visits this year, the America the Beautiful Pass will pay for itself fast.
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass
- Access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites.
- National Parks Passport Book (fun add-on!)
- Track all your park visits with official stamps.
Extras
Read About National Parks, Camping & Outdoors
Elevate Your Camping with Smart Gear
Best National Parks for First-Time Visitors
Unlocking the Benefits of Microadventures
5 Greatest Hikes in San Diego County
Pro Tips Section
- Always break in your hiking boots at least two weeks before your trip.
- Pack extra socks and layers even if the weather looks perfect.
- Test your stove and filtration system at home before you go.
Ready to hit the trail? Load up with the right gear, set your sights on Sequoia, White Sands, Zion, or wherever your adventure takes you and experience the outdoors like never before.
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