My Gear
or what I take on my hikes…
Backpack(s)
It all starts with that thing you put your things in ;-)
Since I only do day hikes, I do not need a large backpack. But depending on the season I need lighter or warmer clothes and/or rain gear. It also depends on which of my camera equipment I plan to use on that particular hike.
So, I have two different backpacks, and both are from Kathmandu, a New Zealand brand making affordable but good quality gear. If you become a Summit member you can score really good deals, especially on their own branded gear.
Pack 1 (my standard hiking pack)
I received the smaller backpack as a “conference goodie bag” at an ecotourism conference 2006 and have used it on a daily basis ever since. I took it to/from work daily until last year, and when travelling I had it as my carry-on. Or - when I needed a larger carry-on - I packed it flat in my checked luggage, so that I had it during excursions at the destination. This little backpack has done an amazing job over the past 17 years: despite the extremely regular use, I only had a broken buckle at the hip strap and the colour has faded faded quite significantly over the years (but I actually like that!).
It is a very basic pack, with the main compartment, a flat inside pocket (you can fit a tablet or smaller laptop in there), and a flat zipped inside pocket (which I use for things like bandaid, paracetamol, toilet paper, pens and other smaller stuff). On the outside, it has two small mesh pockets (I use one for my water bottle and the other one for tissues and sun block) and a criss-cross rubber string on the back. I use that one to attach my wet rain jacket, or a warmer jersey if I get too warm and have not enough space inside the pack. The pack also has a small outlet for a cable on the top, for example for your headsets.
Despite its small size, it offers a basic hip strap and a chest strap. I found these to be very convenient, and use them a lot.
The pack’s size is approximately 45 x 30 x 12 cm.
Sadly, that backpack is not for sale anymore (I don’t even know if it ever was?), so I can’t give you a link for it. But I am convinced that other small backpacks from Kathmandu are just as durable, such as the Litehaul Plus 1 - 12 l, the Amphi Pack - 16l, the Cotinga Pack - 16l, or the Apex Pack = 16l.
Pack 2 (my larger hiking and travel pack)
The second backpack is larger, and also from Kathmandu. It is a limited edition Transfer (28l), but the limited edition was just the colour (the limited edition was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kathmandu in 2017, and my pack is number 086 out of only 200). It was available “unlimited” in other colours. This is my standard carry-on pack, and pack for short overnight/weekend trips. Actually, I recently took it on a 10 days trip through Eastern Europe as my only piece of luggage as well - even in colder conditions (Tallinn still had snow) - and it was easily large enough.
That pack has quite a few features that I really like: Apart from its size (you really get a lot in there), it has a number of very handy pockets. There are two zipped pockets accessible from the side of your back, which are perfect to “hide” your laptop, tablet, e-book reader etc. The other pocket I use to hide my travel documents pouch (also from Kathmandu), since both pockets are totally inaccessible to potential thieves when you wear the pack.
On top of these two pockets the backrest doubles up as a divider you can use to slide it over the handle of your main suitcase or bag - a very convenient option when you use it as a carry-on.
An unusual, but quite neat feature is an extra, removable (velcro) hard case in the lid. The idea is that you can store your passport, phone, ear pods and other smaller items in there, take it out when you board and have it at your seat, avoiding the need to get up during the flight. Since I tend to have a window seat, it is great not having to disturb your seat neighbour(s) to get to your bag.
The third feature I really like is the rain cover. It is integrated at the bottom of the pack. You won’t even know it is there, but if you are being caught in a rain shower, it is so handy to quickly pull it out and keep your belongings dry. And since it is attached to the pack, you can never forget it at home!
Just like my small pack, it has a flat inside pocket (not deep enough to fit a laptop in there though, but a tablet or ebook reader should fit), and a flat zipped inside pocket (which I use for things like bandaid, paracetamol, toilet paper/tissues, pens and other smaller stuff).
On the outside, it has one side pocket (e.g. for your water bottle) and on the other side a smaller zipped side pocket (e.g. for your keys).
Of course, the pack has many good features that are not unusual, but still invaluable. Such as the two very convenient, thick and comfortable handles (one on top and one on the side). Or the various fabric loops all over the backpack to attach other items. A unique feature are the loops on the top of the lid, which are designed to hold the Kathmandu Zero Goal Nomad solar panel, so you can charge your gear while hiking!
I realise that I have now described it more as a travel/carry-on pack, rather than a hiking pack, but for day hikes where you need a bit more gear it is perfect - at least for me.
Its dimensions are 29 x 32 x 25 cm, it weighs just over 1500 grams, and it has a 28 liter capacity.
The sad news are that it is out of production. You can see more details here, and maybe you can get one second hand or in a store with older stock. While not the same, the new Kathmandu Litehaul 28l appears to be the closest alternative.
Clothing
Hiking pants
Hiking boots
T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Hat
Rain jacket
Down jacket
Fleece jacket
Electronics / Tech Stuff
Sony camera
GoPro 4 spare batteries
GoPro 11 mini
Nikon P900 camera
Gimble
Drone
Powerbanks
Cell phone
Headlamp
Tripods
Other stuff
Hiking poles
Map(s): I try to always carry a map with me. Firstly, I do like physical maps (always have!), and they provide you with an easier overview of a larger area than maps on a small cell phone screen. And while I always have my tracking app (outdooractive) on my cell phone turned on to track my hikes, a physical map is a good safety backstop for cases when your cellphone dies or malfunctions.
First Aid Kit: I always carry a small first aid kit with me, containing some basic items, such as bandaids, paracetamol, alcohol cleansing pads, and tick tweezers).
Toilet Paper & Tissues: Self explanatory ;-) I always take toilet paper off the roll to save space (you never need much for a day hike anyway) and keep it in a small waterproof freezer bag.
Wet Wipes: A small sealed pack of wet wipes is always useful when you handle your food/snacks. The trail toilets in Sweden are also always dry composting toilets, so there is no water available to wash your hands. There are many different brands, but due the small pack size I found the NoFo (Nordic Formula) Hand Hygiene Wipes great - they are available at Rusta and are always on special: 3 packs (15 wipes each) for SEK25.
Bug Spray: In Sweden bug spray is a must! I have been lucky and most of the times I do not need any, but occasionally you are eaten alive if you don’t have a good insect repellent. I found that quite a few are not very effective (such as the well known Djungelolja), but found this brand that works very well (at least for me): Salubrin Fästing Spray. It is widely available in Sweden.
Sun Block: In summer, you should always wear sun block. This is even more important here in Sweden’s north, because it is cooler and you don’t realise that you are getting sunburnt until it is too late. There is a huge variety of sunscereen products on the market, and everybody has their own favourites. I currently use the the New Zealand Cancer Society Sun Lotion.
Pocket Knife: A pocket knife can come in handy on many occasions, and due to its small size it is easy to always have it in your backpack. Unfortunately, my trusted old Swiss Army knife got lost in our recent move from New Zealand to Sweden. I had that knife for 33 years! I currently use a very basic Wilkinson pocket knife that I had as a spare, but will likely upgrade to a nice Swiss Army knife in the future again.
Freezer Bags: I always have a few freezer bags of various sizes in my backpack. These are handy for rubbish, but also when you find berries or herbs on the way. Especially lingonberries are not as sensitive to pressure and can easily be transported in these bags. I found that the ISTAD freezer bags from IKEA in various sizes are an excellent option, especially because they are quite sturdy and have a double zip.
Food & Drink
Water: I usually carry one bottle of water with me, and have another one in the car. On longer hikes, or on hotter days, I occasionally have two bottles with me.
Snacks: Everybody has their own preferences as to what and how much they want/need to eat during the hikes. Since my hikes are rarely more than 3-4 hours, I usually carry only small snack items with me. I found that granola bars are a good option. Personally, I like the Crownfield Muesli Bars from Lidl - they are yummy and come in various flavours. And, of course (!), I love the various Leibniz Pick Up! cookie bars, and always have a couple in my backpack.
