Weak Backpacking Gear Buys I Wish I Didn’t Make

Buying backpacking gear can be a trap if you’re not careful. The market pushes one message over and over: go lighter. Cut everything down. Trim every ounce. But the real question is how you evaluate weight versus durability in the first place.

I’ve chased the ultralight trend before. I bought the bargain gear that promised low weight and ended up with torn fabric and shredded equipment before the trip was even over. By the time I got home, it was trash. Then I had to upgrade anyway.

There’s always a tradeoff.

Andrew Skurka, one of the most respected long-distance backpackers out there, once mentioned he was looking for better zip-top bags because the super light ones kept failing on him. If someone at that level runs into durability limits, that tells you something. Even ultralight has a breaking point.

Sleeping pads are a perfect example. An ultra-thin pad sounds efficient until it’s 2 a.m. and your hip is grinding into frozen ground. Add cold to that, and now the earth is pulling heat out of you all night. A couple of extra ounces in insulation can completely change your sleep. And a poor night of sleep feels like you added ten pounds to your pack the next day. The physical and mental difference is real.

In The Motivated Amateur’s Guide to Winter Camping, I discuss the balance between weight, warmth, and durability. That equation doesn’t just apply in winter. Summer trips can turn cold fast. The principle remains the same: gear has to perform, not just look good on a spreadsheet.

Backpacks are another area where people misjudge. It’s not only about pack weight; it’s about pack volume and how you use it. I often carry a Black Diamond Speed 40L pack. For a weekend, sometimes even three days, it works depending on conditions and whether I need a bear can. I pack light and use a tarp tent, which keeps things streamlined.

I’ve taken that smaller pack into the Sierra and watched people panic on my behalf. “Where’s the rest of your gear?” It’s all there. It just requires discipline and smart packing choices.

Cookware is another easy mistake. I once downsized to a very small pot to shave weight. It worked until I needed to boil more water for meals or to melt snow. Running two separate boils every time gets
frustrating fast. A slightly larger pot adds a small amount of weight but saves time and hassle. That extra ounce or two pays off.

Waterproof shells are even more complicated. The lightest options can work on fair-weather trips, but I’ve destroyed a few of those in real conditions. For serious trips, I use an REI eVent jacket that’s been to Denali and Greenland. It’s heavier than the flimsy options, but it holds up. The super-light pieces didn’t.

Light doesn’t automatically mean bad. But cutting weight without considering durability usually backfires.

When you’re evaluating gear, think beyond the scale. Consider how it performs when things go wrong. A few ounces in the right place can make the difference between a smooth trip and a long, miserable one.

This video features the book: The Most Crucial Knots to Know: https://aaronrlinsdau.com/nonfiction/the-most-crucial-knots-to-know/

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Aaron R. Linsdau is a keynote speaker and polar explorer. Book Aaron for your next event or learn more at https://www.aaronlinsdau.com

Read his thriller books at https://www.aaronrlinsdau.com