Backpacking with Brooke
Editor Note: Fatmanlittletrail contributor Brooke loves to backpack. She has traveled the world finding some of the best places in the world to get away from it all. In this blog, she takes us on the journey with her from her backpacking beginnings to her favorite spots and even the gear she takes on the trips. This is Backpacking with Brooke. Follow along with all of Brooke’s adventures on her blog, the Brookeitlist.
The Backpacking Beginnings in the Sierra
Backpacking is one of my absolute favorite activities in the world! The joy it brings me is indescribable. The simplicity of it all-carrying everything that you need on your back, setting up camp, food and bourbon alongside a campfire, and watching the stars in the sky as you fade off from a jam packed adventure day. Every ounce of sweat and steps taken are hard earned. It’s what truly makes my heart smile and skip a beat.
This love affair with backpacking began in 2016. I lived and worked in Yosemite for 1.5 years and would spend every second that I was not on the clock working in the high country and the Eastern Sierra. I could not get enough AND still can not get enough. Since moving back to my hometown in Pennsylvania, I’ve gone on to continue this passion of mine all over the East Coast and around the world.
The Treks
Call me crazy, but I can’t think of anything better than carrying everything that you need on your back and putting your blood, sweat, and tears into getting to your destination. It makes it all that much more worth it. Kind of like life…. it’s all about the journey! Even though arriving at the end destination is pretty great too, especially when there is a brew and summit view involved :)! I’ve been very fortunate to have explored some of the most beautiful parts of the world and the back country that so very few get to experience. Here are a few of my favorite backpacking destinations…..so far!
The Sierra
I just cannot mention backpacking without mentioning the beginning of it all for me: The Eastern Sierra. That place will ALWAYS have a ginormous part of my heart. I went on many backpacking trips when I lived there and was also fortunate enough to go back a few years later to do part of the John Muir Trail! It was only a week long and a very small section, but I do plan on going back to finish it all. The parts I did get to witness…. SWOON!
New Zealand
Speaking of SWOON, I can’t help but mention New Zealand! Obsessed is an understatement. I’ve been to and explored, camped, and backpacked on the South Island twice. And to think 6 weeks of travel there didn’t even scratch the surface! I’d say New Zealand is my favorite place I’ve ever been to, but it is tied with the next place I’m about to mention. They are both such special places!
Patagonia
The only other place that I’ve been to that gives New Zealand a run for its money is PATA-FREAKIN-GONIA! They actually remind me a lot of one another, but there are definitely some differences. I spent 3 weeks in Chile and did a 8 day backpacking trek, the O Circuit, in 2023. What an adventure! I still dream about that place every day!
United States
I’ve traveled- near and far- chasing mountains, adventures, and sunsets and I have to say the United States does not get the credit it deserves! I’d argue we have some of the most unique landscapes (hello, Utah!) and majestic mountain ranges in the world. The Cascade Mountain range, in Washington, being one of them! The beauty of that place will always bring tears to my eyes. And also, of course, my beloved Adirondacks. They may not be the grandest in size, but there’s no other place that gives me the joy and peace I feel when I’m there.
Brooke’s Backpacking Kit
This is only a small glimpse into some of my favorite places that I have ever backpacked! Now that you’ve seen where I’ve been, I’d love to tell you a little bit about how I pack while going on adventures! My gear is always changing up depending on the amount of time I’m on trail and other factors. But this is my list from the last backpacking trip I went on in April 2024 in Peru and other adventures I took last year.
Typically on the Salkantay Trek, a majority of the hikers have guides carrying their stuff on horses and they will only carry a small day pack and stay in private camp/hotel accommodations. My friends and I decided to do the trek unguided and packed everything we needed on our backs. I wanted to mention the crew I went with is WAY more experienced than I am and has done several big trails: PCT, CDT, and soon AT. They live the ultra lightweight gear life. Unfortunately, that is not me LOL! Hence the big 65L backpack. I’d still consider myself more of an intermediate backpacker and definitely love the extra room in a bag to carry more JUST IN CASE. One day I hope to get to their level! LOL!
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Mystery Ranch Backpack
Mystery Ranch makes some solid products and my experience with them has been good thus far. Even though I would never recommend this backpack for ultra lightweight enthusiasts, as it is a heavier frame compared to others on the market, I would say this is an extremely well built, spacious, and functional pack that many people would like. I took this Bridger 65L backpack on a 5 day adventure to the Salkantay Trek in Peru and carried 35lbs of my belongings in it the entirety of the trip. This pack had great load bearing ability and I never once felt the add-on of weight on my shoulders or like it was ever too heavy. Surprisingly, everything felt lighter once it was all on!
I’d say my favorite part of this bag is how comfortable it was overall. I never once had any issues unless it was due to my own laziness and not properly adjusting my bag. The hip belt was one of the most cushioned I’ve ever used! It helped balance and distribute the bulk of the pack’s weight to my hips without being ill- fitted. The chest and load lifter straps were perfectly positioned, as well, reducing pull against the body and minimizing overall body discomfort and pain. It’s also worth mentioning how spacious this bag is and how it has multiple pockets and compartments for organization with extremely easy accessibility. Overall, this is an extremely durable bag and is a great option for heavy loads on extended backpacking trips. And oh yeah… did I mention how comfortable it is?! 🙂
MSR Poles
These poles have yet to fail me! They are extremely versatile and have all of the necessary features to make all of my four season activities (hiking, backpacking, cross country, etc.) easier and more enjoyable. I’ve used other brands in the past and I’ve had trouble with the shaft collapsing when weight was put on them. These poles are extremely secure! When they are locked, they’re not going anywhere! Even though they are solid, they also are extremely easy to adjust and fold down to a super compact size to store away.
I also love how the padded grip is strong and firm, yet very comfortable on the wrists and easy to hold. It makes heavy loaded hikes more of a breeze! I’ve never had any trouble with soreness or holding the poles all day long on trail either. All easy, breezy lemon squeezy! I wouldn’t say this is the lightest pole, but it’s an extremely easy to use, well-constructed, versatile product and one that would be a great all-around option for outdoor enthusiasts!
Therm-A-Rest Sleeping Bag
This has been a game changer in my backpacking kit. I’ve always had other bags that performed “well enough.”. But this one? LOOOOOOOOOOVE! It was very hard for me to find fault with it.
The Therm-A-Rest is extremely comfortable, lightweight, warm, and packable! As a tall, athletic built woman- I value length and freedom in a bag and not feeling so constricted. Whenever I’ve tried to find that combo previously, the bag was often bulkier and heavier. This is extremely roomie and designed so that you can move around freely. Yet in the same breath, it compacts down to an ideal size to fit inside your backpack when it’s time to hit the trail again. I also really loved the zoned insulation of the bag and how it helps keep the heat trapped and my core warm! It feels like one big, giant hug and cuddle puddle all zipped up into one!
Therm-A-Rest Sleeping Pad
I don’t know if I just didn’t buy the right sleeping pads before, but this sleeping pad has made a world of difference for me when I first started using it! I felt like I was sleeping on a mattress in the wilderness! Some of the key highlights for me include: maximum comfort at minimal weight, fast/ easy inflation and deflation, extremely packable and folds small, and less noise. This is a high performing, year- round pad and it really hit the mark on warmth and comfort, even in the coldest of temperatures! I used both an electric pump and the pump sack that was included to blow it up and they both worked great. I can’t recommend this enough, as I never got more quality sleep outdoors than I did with this!
Therm-A-Rest Pillow
My bed is my favorite place and I take sleep and what I sleep on very seriously! I obviously cannot bring my favorite pillow with me outdoors, but this inflatable pillow has proven to be a great addition to my backpack kit. It’s soft, supportive, compact and extremely easy to inflate. It provides good support under my head and I always wake up feeling well- rested when I use it! Besides camping and backpacking, I also use it on bluebird days when I lay outside on a blanket- soaking up the sun and watching the clouds go by!
MSR Cup and Spoon
I LOVE this cup and spoon! They are both ultralight, yet durable . The cup is extremely multifunctional and was perfect for morning coffee on trail and eating my meals at night. I loved the length of the spoon and how it was able to help me get in deep on those meal pouches and scrape every last inch to put into the cup. Wham, bam, thank you Ma’m! What a duo!
MSR Pocket Stove
Back when I lived in the Sierra, MSR was always my go-to of choice with stoves. It’s still a tried and true product, for me, and a necessity in my backpack . I love how simple, compact, and lightweight it is. I’ve used it many times in my adventures- freezing cold and all- and I’ve never had a problem firing it up. This is an extremely effective and reliable stove and is great for heating up water and smaller quantities of food.
PackTowl
I love PackTowls! What I loved about this one in particular was how soft, lightweight, compact, and absorbent it was! Even though it folds up pretty small, it was large enough to adequately wipe down my tall, athletic frame and even dried quickly upon use. Extremely packable and great for backpack lake leaps, campsite showers, and even giving Sweaty Betty aka me help on extremely hot days!
Fjallraven Abisko Wool LS W
I know I’ve focused primarily on backpacking gear this entire review, but there’s one piece of clothing that I feel is a great capsule piece and one that I’ve fallen in love with: Fjallraven Abisko Wool. I typically wear long sleeves almost year round to protect my skin from the sun. This lightweight, merino wool blend top is perfect for every season and has great temperature- regulating properties. Even after being drenched in the sun and sweat for hours or days while on my adventures, it’s helped keep me just as cool as it has kept me warm. The fabric breathes well, dries quickly, and resists bad odors. An overall comfortable, quality piece that you can wear by itself or as a base layer.
Brooke’s Final Thoughts
This backpacking setup has been one of my most solid ones thus far! I genuinely like every item (obviously LOL!) and love how they all work together. They make me even more excited to head out on my next adventure knowing my experience will be that much more enjoyable with high quality performing gear. But also, I want to note that each product I use definitely changes upon each adventure and needs at that time. In a year, I may go the lightweight route. WHO KNOWS!
Ultimately, although all of these products may work for me, you may have a different experience and prefer something completely different! And that’s ok! Different strokes for different folks. I know I’ve extensively researched gear before purchasing and read/ watched expert outdoor gear specialists and ended up not being a fan of what they recommended. The most important thing is to do your own research, try on the gear/ get fitted, and talk to a professional at a local outdoor store, and of course – test it out on trails! Hike your own hike- both on the trail and with your gear! Happy trails and have fun out there, my friends!