During the first four years of my blog, I would post my favorite gear of the year. I haven’t published a favorite gear list in 10 years, the last being in 2015. This was mostly because I rarely buy new backpacking equipment.
I thought it might be interesting to create a 2025 version and compare it to 2015, to see what has changed.
Here’s a link to my 2015 Favorite Gear List:
2025 Favorite Gear
I will number each item, but that doesn’t mean the numbers are a ranking of my favorite gear.
#1 Sans Trekking Poles (was on the 2015 List) — by 2015 I had quit using trekking poles. I had never cared for them, even using several popular brands. In 2015 I stated I would probably dig out my old Tracks Hiking Staff and start using it. And I did. Alas, the staff was discontinued years ago. Plus the adjustment mechanism wore out and I replaced it this year with a ALPS Mountaineering Classic Hiking Staff. Here’s a link to the story.
# 2 McHale LBP 36 backpack (was on the 2015 List) — This is my absolute favorite piece of gear. When I need a smaller pack, then it is my McHale Bump, which is my 2nd favorite piece of gear. McHale Backpacks — Long Term Review (Bump 32 and Little Big Pack 36).
#3 Trail Designs Caldera Cone Fissure Ti-Tri Stove System (was on the 2015 List) — Actually it was a Caldera GVP Cone Kit in 2015 and I updated it to another Caldera Cone system as I shared in 2016, Trail Designs Caldera Cone Fissure Ti-Tri Stove System.
#4 Patagonia Houdini Wind Shirt (was on the 2015 List) – this is the one piece of gear I bring on EVERY trip. I cannot say enough good things about it!! Here is a review I wrote way back in 2013.
#5 GSI Infinity Backpacker’s Mug (NOT on the 2015 List) — This replaces the 2015 favorite Mizuno Universe Wave 4 XC Flats, which have not been made for a long time and I have worn out all the pairs I had purchased. Here’s my 5 Year Review of the GSI Infinity Backpacker’s Mug.
#6 Favorite Clothing Patagonia Baggie 5″ Shorts (was on the 2015 List) — there were three other pieces of clothing I had included in 2015, but all are discontinued. I’ve been using the 5″ Baggie Shorts since the 1980s. Here’s a 35 Year Review of the Patagonia 5″ Baggies Shorts that I wrote 5 years ago.
#7 Montbell EX Light Down Jacket (was on the 2015 List) — I just wrote an 18 year review yesterday.
#8 Six Moon Designs Deschutes Shelter (was on the 2015 List) — actually in 2015 it was the Cuben Fiber version. That one has worn out and I replaced it with the new version. I wrote about here, Six Moons Designs Deschutes Silpoly Shelter.
#9 zPacks Poncho / Groundsheet (was on the 2015 List) — I wrote about this way back in 2012.
#10 Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Mattress (was on the 2015 List) — back in 2015 I wrote that, “I still often use a foam pad for sleeping, but more and more am enjoying the comfort of an air mattress.” I was 65 years old back then. Now I am 75 and for the past 10 years I have exclusively used a NeoAir on every backpacking trip. Eight years ago I wrote this Long Term Review of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mattresses.
#11 Cammenga Lensatic Compass (was on the 2015 List) — this compass is the military specification M-1950, which Cammenga began as the official supplier in 1992. Prior to that (starting in 1950) it was made by several different companies. I have been using a M-1950 Lensatic Compass since 1969. When Cammenga took over the contract I switched to their version. In 2021 I wrote this article about the accuracy of the Cammenga Lensatic Compass.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Other than a couple direct replacements, the list is the same as my favorite gear of 2015. The GSI Infinity Backpacker’s Mug is the only new item that was not on the 2015 list. To be honest, even if Mizuno was still making the Universe Wave 4 XC Flats, they would have dropped of my list, as I need are more substantial shoe at my age. Plus, the GSI Mug has become one of my favorite items I take on every single trip and would have been on the 2025 list anyway.
So I guess the best thing I can share is that if gear is carefully chosen for function, durability, and value (price) it should remain on one’s list of favorite gear for a long time. I know I am in a minority with this philosophy, especially since I cannot share any new gear that can generate affiliate income and line my pockets with silver 😉