Bottom Line

The Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System is an extremely straightforward and convenient way to make water from natural sources safe to drink. The build quality is among the best of any squeeze filter on the market, and we love how easy it is to backflush and check its integrity.

We recommend the QuickDraw for those willing to pay a few bucks more for excellent durability and a high-quality reservoir. Overall, we think it is a great filtration option.

If you want to learn more about how the Platypus QuickDraw compares to other water filters on the market, visit our Best Water Filters Gear Guide.

Water Quality

Drinking bad water can quickly ruin a trip and wreak havoc on your body for weeks or months. It’s best to filter all water in the backcountry to avoid contracting a gnarly stomach parasite. The QuickDraws hollow-fiber filter cartridge removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa. It’s effective against giardia, salmonella, and cryptosporidium – the most common things you’ll encounter on the trails in North America. It also does a great job of clarifying water by removing small debris particles.

The QuickDraw Filter does an excellent job of removing the most common bacteria and protozoans you’ll encounter while backpacking in the US, but it doesn’t kill viruses. However, if you’re hiking where water-borne viruses are a concern, you may want to pair it with a chemical treatment. Katadyn’s Micropur Tablets or a purifier like the Katadyn Steripen or MSR Guardian are great options.

Ease of Use

The QuickDraw filter cartridge has dual inside and outside threads, so it can be attached to a variety of bottles and reservoirs. We almost always use the 1 L reservoir that comes with the filter, but we appreciate that it’s compatible with smartwater bottles and a variety of other beverage containers. Versatility is always good, and if the reservoir had a blowout, we’d have a backup.

We also appreciated that the QuickDraws microfilter attaches to the outside of bottles and reservoirs. Some filter designs, like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze, nest the cartridge inside the reservoir, which makes it a) difficult to squeeze every last drop and b) impossible to fit in a whole liter of water. It’s helpful to store a full liter in the ‘dirty’ reservoir and know that you’re filtering exactly 1 L of water into an empty water bottle of your choice.

We’ve been using Platy Bottles on backpacking trips for ages, and we trust them to be durable and taste-free. We’ve had good experiences using the 1 L QuickDraw reservoir that’s included with the filter, and they’re more durable than the bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze. The QuickDraw reservoir has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill at water sources. And it has a great little handle that makes it easy to carry in your hand if you’re drinking right out of the bottle on the go. It’s also nice for scooping water from a cold source without submerging your hands on chilly trips.

We usually keep the QuickDraw filter attached to the squeeze reservoir at all times, only taking it off to refill. Suppose you prefer to carry the parts separately for better packability. In that case, you’ll need to carry a couple of additional caps (included) – one for the dirty side of the filter cartridge and another for the reservoir.

It’s a minor gripe, but it can be a bit of a chore to keep track of these loose caps (both on the trail and in the drying rack/gear storage box at home). It would be handy if Platypus designed the caps with holes and tethers to keep them attached for those who choose to use them. Until then, we recommend keeping the caps in a Ziploc when not in use. Remember, they’re contaminated, so don’t let them come into contact with clean bottles or water.

Squeeze filters, like the QuickDraw, are generally best for trips that have frequent, clear water sources along the route. Squeezing 1 or 2 L with the QuickDraw in a session is a snap, but squeezing can become tedious if you frequently need to ‘camel up’ with more than a few liters at a time for long carries or dry camping. In that case (or if you’re traveling with a group), you might want to consider something that requires less physical effort, like the Platypus GravityWorks.

Treatment Time

There’s no wait time when using the QuickDraw, unlike chemical or UV treatments. Scoop water from a natural source, squeeze it through the filter into a bottle, and it’s immediately safe to drink. We can easily filter multiple liters in a minute or two, which helps keep breaks short. Sometimes, we don’t even bother stopping. If you keep the QuickDraw accessible, and there are frequent water sources along the route, it’s easy to grab a liter on the fly. We often filter while walking or drink straight from the cartridge.

Hundreds of tiny, hollow fibers allow the QuickDraw to filter water rapidly. Platypus claims it can filter up to three liters per minute with normal squeeze pressure. We don’t often backpack with a three-liter reservoir, so we haven’t tested that theory, but three liters per minute seems like a stretch to us. That said, we’re more than happy with the QuickDraws ability to process one liter of water in less than a minute (about 40 seconds).

The QuickDraw is fast when it’s new. Unfortunately, as is the case with all squeeze filters, the hollow fibers that make up the membrane can get clogged, and the flow rate will eventually slow down over time. We recommend choosing water sources carefully and, if necessary, pre-filtering water that’s super silty or full of debris to increase the lifespan of your filter and maintain a good flow rate.

If you know the area where you’re hiking has silty or highly contaminated water sources, the QuickDraw (or any squeeze filter) might not be the best choice. Those conditions will slow your filter down, and treating water could become quite a chore by the end of your trip.

Weight

The QuickDraw system is incredibly lightweight compared to traditional pumps and filters. The dry microfilter weighs a mere 2.3 ounces (or 3.6, including the one-liter reservoir), so it’s perfect for anyone looking to minimize pack weight. That’s a tad lighter than the Sawyer Squeeze (2.5 ounces without reservoir) and a bit heavier than the Katadyn BeFree (1.2 ounces without reservoir), but the difference is negligible.

The saturated QuickDraw cartridge with both caps weighed 3.1 ounces on our scale. If you keep your filter attached to the squeeze reservoir as we do on the trail, you may choose not to carry the additional caps, which will shave off about 0.4 ounces from the total weight.

The QuickDraw filter cartridge fits easily in a hip belt pocket or fanny pack, and the reservoir folds completely flat when not in use. We love how small and space-saving this system is. It’s so minimal that we often bring it in a pocket on trail runs so we don’t have to carry a water bottle.

Maintenance & Longevity

One of QuickDraw’s biggest upsides is its durability. The flip-open sports cap is much stouter than those on the BeFree and Sawyer and won’t threaten to break off after repeated opening and closing. The whole filter cartridge feels solid in your hand, and even the caps are made of thick material. The QuickDraw is probably the most durable squeeze filter on the market, so it’s great for thru-hiking or anyone tough on gear.

All water filters slow down over time as they’re exposed to particulates in water, and backflushing can help restore their flow rate. Some filters require a syringe to force water back through them, but you can flush the QuickDraw with nothing more than a clean water bottle. In our experience, a vigorous shake will also work well to maintain the flow rate in the field. But, if the QuickDraw needs a more thorough backflushing, you can invert a bottle full of clean water over the drink spout and squeeze water back through the cartridge.

If you know the area where you’re hiking has silty or highly-contaminated water sources, the QuickDraw (or any squeeze filter) might not be the best choice. Those types of conditions will slow your filter down and treating water could become quite a chore by the end of your trip.

If temperatures dip below freezing, keep the QuickDraw close to your body while hiking, and keep it in your sleeping bag at night. If water freezes inside the filter, the pores will permanently enlarge, and the filter will be unreliable against protozoa and bacteria. At home, don’t store squeeze filters in a garage, basement, or shed subject to sub-freezing temperatures.

There’s no way to visually tell if hollow fibers freeze has occurred on many squeeze filters, so you’d have to discard them if you were worried. Thankfully, there is a way to check the integrity of the QuickDraw. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine whether your filter is safe to use.

Should You Buy the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter?

The QuickDraw is slightly more expensive than the comparable Sawyer Squeeze. That said, it’s still an excellent value, and we don’t mind paying a few dollars more to get the high-quality reservoir that comes with it.

Platypus claims you should be able to filter 1,000 liters of water with a QuickDraw cartridge, which pencils out to about $0.05 per liter. Compare that to the cost per liter of treating with chlorine dioxide drops and pills (~$0.50 per liter), and Aquamira Drops (roughly $0.13).

In the grand scheme, this system is affordable, easy to use, and minimal in weight. So long as you’re willing to properly maintain the QuickDraw to get many trips out of it, it’s a great piece of gear to have.

What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?

Katadyn BeFree Review: If you’re looking for something even more minimal and lightweight, and where the filter is housed inside the bladder, the Katady BeFree is worth exploring.

Katadyn Micropur Water Tabs Review: The QuickDraw is significantly heavier and bulkier than a chemical treatment like Katadyn Micropur Water Tabs (1.2 ounces for 30 tabs). So, if you’re looking for the most ultralight and minimal option, a treatment like this might be a better fit.

Learning how to cook foil packet meals over a campfire makes it easy to enjoy real, hearty food outdoors with good company. This cooking method combines all of your ingredients in individual, folded foil packets that you can roast over a campfire. Foil packets can also be cooked on the grill or in the oven.

We’ve been making these dinners on our trips for decades, and they’re always a hit! We love that they’re quick to prepare, pre-portioned so they’re easy to serve, and they make the chore of dishwashing in the backcountry almost nonexistent.

Hot Tip: Check fire regulations and restrictions before planning your camp meals around open fires and follow these campfire safety tips.

What’s in a Foil Packet Meal?

There are a ton of variations out there, and the possibilities for foil packet meals are only limited by your imagination. Foil packet cooking works well for almost anything that you’d normally put on a grill or in the oven. The key is that what goes inside needs to have some moisture.

Here are some ingredients you’ll find in a typical foil packet meal:

• Hearty veggies (potatoes, onions & carrots)
• Meat (ground beef, sausage, plant-based meat)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian)
• Oil and/or sauce for added flavor & moisture
• Toppings or garnishes

How to Make a Foil Packet Meal

We’ll go over this in more detail in the recipes below, but the basics of making a foil packet meal are simple.

• Prep: Wash and dice veggies (you can do this at home or at the campsite)
• Oil: Spray or rub oil on the foil sheets
• Divide: Separate ingredients into individual portions on foil sheets
• Add: Layer meats or proteins, oils, sauces, and seasonings on top of the veggie base.
• Wrap: Neatly fold the foil edges multiple times to seal the packet, leaving room for expansion.
• Cook: Place your packet over a bed of embers in a campfire, on a grill, or in an oven for about 25-45 minutes.

Benefits of Foil Packet Meals

Foil packet meals are a great way to provide a warm meal for hungry campers, and they’re also easy to prepare, portable for serving, and simple to clean up.

• More healthy, whole foods than usual camping meals
• Minimal cookware required
• Affordable
• Easy cleanup
• Can be prepped ahead of time
• Can be individually prepared for dietary restrictions and preferences
• Easy to store

Kitchen Items You’ll Need to Make Foil Packet Meals

• Knife & cutting board (we also like this GSI Outdoors camping knife set)
• Mixing bowl (optional)
• Aluminum foil (we prefer heavy-duty, wide)
• Oil or non-stick cooking spray
• BBQ tongs or a fire glove
• Gallon Ziplocs or containers (to store prepped food)
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)
• Can opener (if using canned veggies, sauces, or condensed soup)
• Plates & eating utensils (see: favorite camping utensils guide)
• Garbage bag to pack out trash (please, don’t leave foil in a fire ring)

How to Fold a Foil Packet Meal

We’ve found that it’s much easier to wrap a foil packet meal properly with wide (18-inch) heavy-duty aluminum foil. For most meals, a section that’s about 18×30 inches works well.

Regular-width foil works fine if you already have it on hand, but keep food portions small, so you’ll have enough material to fold over and tightly seal the packets.

Foil can become brittle when cooked on a grill or over a campfire, so we like to double-wrap foil packet meals and serve them on plates.

1. Position food in the center of the foil, keeping it as compact as possible
2. Bring the edges of the long side up to meet in the center
3. Fold and crease the first ½ inch of foil, then continue to roll down, leaving a small amount of space for the food to expand while cooking
4. Fold short sides of foil inward tightly
5. Wrap with a second layer of foil for added durability

What Kind of Beef is Best for Foil Packet Meals?

Ground beef with some fat content is best to add flavor and moisture to the meal, so it isn’t too dry. We typically use standard ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio because it’s affordable, widely available, and easy to cook.

You can also amend leaner ground meats (like chicken and turkey) with oil, butter, lard, tallow, or bacon grease to make your meals juicier and more calorie-dense for long hiking days.

How to Cook a Foil Packet Meal

Over a Campfire

Get your campfire going about an hour before you want to start cooking your dinner. That way, you’ll have time to create a bed of hot embers to cook over. You’ll need plenty of dry wood to build a hot fire. After your fire’s been burning strong for at least 40 minutes, use a fire poker or sturdy stick to layer hot coals near the side of your fire ring, creating a hot bed of embers.

Place the foil packets directly over the coals, away from direct flames. Alternatively, you can use a campfire cooking grate that hovers a few inches above the embers.

Cook for a total of 25-40 minutes, turning midway using bbq tongs or a fire glove. There are multiple variables when cooking over a campfire – coal temperature and evenness, outside temperature, wind – but your meal should take about 12-20 minutes per side (25-40 minutes total). If it’s taking a lot longer than that, your coals aren’t hot enough.

On the Grill

Preheat your grill to about 600°F. Place foil packets on the grill and cook for 10 minutes. This gets some color on your meat and veggies. Then, reduce the heat to about 400°F and continue cooking for 40 minutes to an hour until meat is done and veggies are tender, turning occasionally with BBQ tongs. Note: Higher temperatures than a conventional range are necessary because a grill is not insulated like your oven at home – the air around your food doesn’t stay nearly as hot for as long.

In the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray foil with nonstick spray, place veggies and potatoes on the foil and top with meat. Seal the foil well and place them on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes.

How to Tell When a Foil Packet Meal is Done

Remove one foil packet from the fire, grill, or oven and check for doneness, being careful to avoid steam burns – contents will be hot!

• Ground meats (beef, sausage) should reach an internal temp of 160°F on a meat thermometer.
• Poultry (chicken thighs, turkey) needs to hit 165°F at the center.
• Fresh steaks, chops, and roasts should be at 140-145°F for a nice medium doneness.
• Potatoes and other veggies should be fork-tender.

The Best Foil Packet Meal Recipes

Classic Burger + Veg Dinner Recipe

Serves ~4

• 4 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 lb. lean ground beef (or 4 hamburger patties)
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• ½ can condensed mushroom soup

1. Mix beef with soup mix and form patties
2. Toss diced veggies with oil, then garlic powder, salt & pepper in a gallon Ziploc or large container
3. Separate 4 sheets of foil (about 18×30 inches) and rub with oil or use non-stick cooking spray
4. Divide veggies evenly between foil sheets and top with meat patties
5. Spread about 2 tbsp mushroom soup on top of each hamburger patty
6. Fold packets and seal them well
7. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 30-40 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for 10 min., then low heat for 45 min.-1 hr.
   • Oven – 375°F for 35-45 min.

• It’s done when: hamburger is 160°F and potatoes are tender
• Serve with: hot sauce, ketchup, or additional dipping sauce
• Drink pairings: excellent with beer or soda

Meatloaf & Roasted Veggies

Serves ~4

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ C breadcrumbs
• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper
• 1 jar marinara / red pasta sauce
• Honey
• 4 potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Other veggies, chopped: beets, brussel sprouts, parsnip, etc.
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, minced

1. Toss diced potatoes, carrots, and other veggies with olive oil, then divide among 4 lightly-oiled foil sheets
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper
3. Use your hands to combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl
4. Form meat mixture into patties and place on top of veggies
5. Spread a thick layer of red sauce over each patty and drizzle lightly with honey
6. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 30-40 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for 10 min., then low heat for 45 min.-1 hr.
   • Oven – 375°F for 35-45 min.

• It’s done when: beef reaches 160°F and veggies are tender
• Serve with: extra red sauce, parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley
• Drink pairings: excellent with red wine, pomegranate/cranberry juice, or club soda with lemon or lime

Country Boil

Serves ~4

1. 4 large (or 8 small-medium) red or gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
2. 1 large sweet onion, quartered and sliced into thin wedges
3. 4 andouille sausage links, sliced into ½-inch rounds (2 each for big eaters)
4. 2 ears of corn, broken into halves
5. 1 lb. shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
6. Old Bay seasoning
7. 1 beer (cheap lager is fine)
8. Butter
9. Cocktail sauce
10. 1 lemon, cut into wedges
11. 1 small baguette, sliced

1. Oil large foil sheets
2. Layer potatoes, onion, sausage, corn, and shrimp
3. Start folding foil upward, then pour a small amount of beer (or a bit of water) over ingredients to add moisture for steaming
4. Sprinkle generously with Old Bay seasoning
5. Seal and double-wrap packets to hold in the liquid
6. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 20-30 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for 10 min., then low heat for 30-40 min.
   • Oven – 375°F for 25-35 min.
7. Wrap bread in foil and heat with meals for the last 10 min. (fire) or 20 min. (grill or oven)

• It’s done when: shrimp are pink, potatoes are fork tender, and bread is lightly toasted
• Serve with: pat of butter, lemon wedge, cocktail sauce, additional Old Bay, and slice of bread
• Drink pairings: white wine, light bubbly beers or IPA, lemonade, and citrusy seltzers

Surf & Turf

Serves 4~

• 2 large or 4 small steaks (beef tenderloin, New York strip, ribeye, or top sirloin)
• 1 lb. shrimp (uncooked, peeled, deveined, tail on)
• Pinches of salt & pepper
• ½ stick unsalted butter
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (or crushed)
• 4 potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, tips removed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon, cut into wedges
• Horseradish

1. Toss diced potatoes with light cooking oil and distribute on 4 foil sheets
2. Arrange a large handful of green beans next to potatoes
3. *Slice steaks crosswise in ½-inch sections and place on top of veggies
4. Surround the steak with shrimp (9-11 small-medium shrimp or 5-7 large to jumbo shrimp per adult)
5. Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper
6. Top steak with a pat of butter, ½ sprig of rosemary, and garlic
7. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 20-30 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for 10 min., then low heat for 30-40 min.
   • Oven – 375°F for 25-35 min.

• It’s done when: beef reaches 140-145°F, shrimp are pink, and veggies are tender
• Serve with: chopped parsley, a lemon wedge, and horseradish
• Drink pairings: excellent with white wine, lemony beers (hefeweizens, IPAs), gin cocktails, and citrusy seltzers

*Alternatively, you can take this extra step to make the steak even better; sear all sides of each whole portion on an oiled, ripping hot cast-iron pan on your camping stove. Transfer steaks to individual foil packets and cook them whole on top of the veggies. Provide a knife for each person to slice their own steak.

Teriyaki Chicken with Noodles

Serves ~4

• 4 chicken sausage franks, cut into chunks
• 8 oz. pineapple rings or chunks (canned or fresh)
• Bell peppers, sliced (we like to use mini red, orange, and yellow)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jar teriyaki sauce
• 2 packages Yakisoba noodles*
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

1. Coat 4 foil sheets in oil
2. Layer bell peppers, onion, pineapple, noodles, and chicken franks
3. Drizzle each serving with teriyaki sauce and a bit of extra pineapple juice to help steam the noodles
4. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 20-30 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for 10 min., then low heat for 30-40 min.
   • Oven – 375°F for 25-35 min.

• It’s done when: everything is hot and noodles are soft
• Serve with: additional teriyaki sauce
• Drink pairings: excellent with fruit-forward beverages such as sake, ginger beer, and juices like pineapple, mango, or watermelon

*Alternatively, you can omit the noodles and make with pre-soaked minute rice or rice cooked separately in a pot on your camping stove.

Vegetarian Foil Packet Meal Recipes

Any of the above foil packet meal recipes can easily be made vegetarian by substituting rinsed canned beans, additional vegetables, or plant-based meat.

With a little extra preparation, tempeh, lentils, tofu, seitan, or jackfruit can also work well for vegetarian foil packet meals.

Nachos

Serves ~4

• 2.5 cups tortilla chips
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 c Mexican shredded cheese
• ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• Jalapeño, sliced
• Sour cream

1. Mix black beans with taco seasoning in a bowl or Ziploc bag
2. Separate 2 extra large sheets of foil and spray with cooking spray
3. Place half of the chips in each packet
4. Sprinkle each with beans, onion, and cheese
5. IMPORTANT: Seal foil packs, but cut a hole so steam can vent and chips won’t get as soggy (but still expect a tender chip), do not flip this one or the cheese will stick to the foil!
6. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 10-20 min.
   • Grill – medium heat for about 12-15 min.
   • Oven – 375°F for 12-15 min.

• It’s done when: cheese is melted, and onions are tender
• Serve with: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro
• Drink pairings: Mexican beer, margaritas, or lime seltzer

Herbed Mushrooms & Rice

Serves 2-4, measurements approximate (2 big plates or 4 small)

• 1 c vegetable stock
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or crushed)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 c uncooked instant white rice
• 1 lb. button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

1. Separate 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil and spray with cooking spray
2. Mix broth, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, and salt in a bowl
3. Add instant rice to the broth mixture, then stir and let it absorb the liquid for about 10 min.
4. Divide mushrooms and carrots evenly among sheets of foil
5. Top with rice mixture and a good size pat of butter
6. Fold foil packets, allowing a bit of extra room for rice to expand
7. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 20-30 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for about 25 min., flipping once
   • Oven – 375°F for 45-50 min.

• It’s done when: rice is soft and everything is hot
• Serve with: parsley, a lemon wedge, and balsamic glaze
• Drink pairings: citrusy drinks, pinot noir (light-bodied red wine), amber ale, or porter

Greek Chickpeas

Serves 4, measurements approximate

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 2 cans sliced black olives
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 tsp garlic, minced
• Italian salad dressing (oil and vinegar)
• Feta cheese
• Salt and pepper

1. Divvy up onions, zucchini, chickpeas, and tomatoes onto four large sheets of foil
2. Drizzle each portion generously with italian dressing
3. Add a small amount of garlic to the top of each meal
4. Sprinkle with greek seasoning, salt, and pepper
5. Seal foil packets
6. Cook using one of the following methods:
   • Campfire – over hot coals for 20-30 min., turning once
   • Grill – medium heat for about 25 min., flipping once
   • Oven – 375°F for 25-30 min.

• It’s done when: everything is hot
• Serve with: feta crumbles
• Drink pairings: iced coffee, herbal teas, light and dry white wine, or ouzo (an anise-flavored spirit)

Make Your Own Foil Packet Recipes

If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to becoming a foil packet meal chef de cuisine. There’s a lot of flexibility in this method, so we hope the recipes above inspired you to start translating your favorite foods into camping meal sensations.

A few more foil packet variations to get your wheels turning

• Use cabbage leaves under and over ingredients to keep food from sticking to foil
• Add 2 hamburger patties side by side for bigger appetites
• Use seasonal veggies
• Mix it up with the meat – try shrimp, ground turkey, sausage, pre-cooked links, or meat alternatives
• Base your recipe on a sauce or spice you love

Basic Foil Packet Meal Grocery Checklist:

(make up a recipe on the fly!)

• Meat
• Veggies
• Sauce, soup, or condiments
• Oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Salt, pepper & other seasonings

Creating a Camp Kitchen

You don’t need much to make foil packet camping meals. That said, a well-equipped camp kitchen is essential if you want to be able to prepare a variety of outdoor meals on trips. Here are a few links to favorite items and guides to our top recommendations that make a camp kitchen hum:

• Best Camping Stoves
• Best Camping Tables
• Best Coolers
• Best Cookware
• Best Coffee Makers
• Best Utensils
• Best Multitools
• Best Pocket Knives

Other Essentials

• BBQ tongs or a fire glove
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Knife set
• Cup(s) / travel mug(s)
• Plates
• Spice kit
• Lighter
• Can opener, corkscrew/bottle opener
• Aluminum foil
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Gallon Ziplocs or containers
• Clear storage bin(s) (to organize food and gear)
• Water jug

Cleaning Kit

• Eco-friendly soap
• Quick-drying towel
• Sponge / scrubber
• Wash basin
• Garbage bag (to pack out trash)

Pros

LIVABLE SPACE

The 4-person version of the Habiscape has an interior peak height of 73 inches, which is tall enough for anyone up to 6 ft. to stand up fully in the center. It can easily accommodate two or three wide sleeping pads and has plenty of room to store gear in the vestibules. The 6-person version has an even higher peak and has ample space for a queen air mattress and another pad, or even a couple of chairs and a small table. In either model, you’ll be able to orient your sleeping pads in any direction you like. The 4P Habiscape we tested felt luxurious for two people and gear, comfy for three, and snug for four. Head over to our Tent Size Guide if you’re unsure what size shelter is best for your group.

2 DOORS & VESTIBULES

We love that the Habiscape has double doors for easy access from either side of the tent. This means no waiting for your turn in the entryway and plenty of options for orienting your tent in a campsite. Our favorite thing to do with 2-door tents like this is to set it up so that we have an epic view right out the door and a vantage to watch the sunset and sunrise from bed. The Habiscape’s rainfly can also be used as a sun shade or a storm entrance with additional poles (not included). If you’re willing to pay a bit more, the Habiscape Lounge 4 and Lounge 6 tents have even larger vestibules for shade and storage.

Cons

EXPENSIVE

MSR designed the Habiscape to be within the financial reach of the average family. The Habiscape is more affordable than the Habitude, but not by a whole lot. It’s still a spendy tent, and costs more than many of our other Top Camping Tent Picks. While we wish the Habiscape was a bit more affordable, we still think it could be well worth the investment for anyone who wants excellent durability, organization, and weather protection.

Bottom line

The Habiscape’s intuitive setup, livable space, and top-notch pockets eliminate a lot of the stresses that keep families from enjoying the outdoors together. While this tent is a tad on the expensive side, we think it’s worth the price for anyone who needs a good balance of weather protection, luxury, and a small packed size.

The Zpacks Mummy Bag will cost you a little more than a mass-produced bag, but it’s handmade with the highest quality materials available. It’s also designed specifically for the needs of hikers who are looking to cut weight where it matters. This bag is also a bit delicate, but it’s well worth the tradeoffs if you’re dedicated to minimizing pack weight and maximizing comfort on the trail.

Temperature Rating

We chose the 10-degree Mummy Bag for more versatility in shoulder seasons and high-alpine terrain. You may want to do the same if you’re a cold sleeper and want to be comfortable with nighttime lows in the 20’s. We also think the 20F Mummy is great, and it will likely be more popular for the typical 3-season backpacker.

Pros

HOODED

There aren’t many truly ultralight mummy bags out there that have a hood and full-length zipper. Quilts have become increasingly popular with backpackers because they’re so light and compact, but they aren’t for everyone. Quilts can be drafty for anyone who moves a lot in their sleep, and quilt users have to wear a hat (and sometimes a jacket) to boost upper-body warmth when temps dip.

The hood on the Zpacks Mummy provides full protection from the elements for cold nights on the trail. It has an elastic cord that can be cinched tight around your head and neck to keep out drafts, as well as a snap at the top of the zipper that keeps it securely closed.

EXCELLENT VENTILATION

One of the most unique features of the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is its fully unzippable foot box. The zip-around foot box allows you to open the bottom of the bag to vent your feet, and allows for the bag to be used like a blanket on warmer trips. Zpacks mentions being able to flip the bag around and wear it as a cape in camp, but we didn’t find this feature to be very functional. If you like the full-length zipper, but don’t care about having a hood, check out the Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag.

Cons

EXPENSIVE

The Zpacks Mummy Bag is made with premium ultralight materials, and those do not come cheap. It’s an investment piece and may not be accessible to everyone. That said, the Zpacks Mummy 10F costs less than some comparable bags, like the Western Mountaineering Versalite 10 ($625/32 oz.). If you don’t need such a warm bag, you could save money by going with the 20F Mummy or choosing a mass-produced bag, like the REI Magma 15.

ULTRALIGHT MATERIALS ARE LESS DURABLE

Thin, 7-denier material is used on the interior and exterior of this bag to keep its weight to a minimum. It dries quickly and breathes well, but it isn’t as durable as some other bags. We recommend using the included Dyneema stuff sack to keep the Mummy Bag safe when not in use. It also helps to be diligent about keeping your bag on a sleeping pad or inside your tent and always carry a bit of Tenacious Tape in case you need to make a repair. A zipper guard is in place to prevent the zipper from snagging on the draft tube or sleeping bag material, but the fabric and zipper on this Zpacks Bag aren’t as confidence-inspiring as those on a bag like the REI Magma 15.

Which Zpacks Sleeping Bag is Right for You?

*The following sleeping bags are all made with the same high-quality, 900fp down and ultralight 7-denier fabric.

• Classic – This is Zpack’s lightest and most compact sleeping bag. It’s hoodless and only has a ¾-length zipper, so it’s good for those who want to go ultralight, but still want an enclosed bag. Available in 10F, 20F & 30F.
• Solo Quilt – This minimalist quilt has no zipper, and tucks under your body or sleeping pad to complete your sleep system. It’s best for those who prefer the more open feeling of a quilt. Available in 10F, 20F & 30F.
• Zip Around – This bag is also lightweight and hoodless, but it features a full-length zipper that allows you to vent your feet or open the bag to use as a quilt. It’s a nice upgrade for those who don’t like being confined and are willing to carry a few extra oz. for more versatility. Available in 10F, 20F & 30F.
• Mummy – This is Zpack’s warmest offering and their only sleeping bag with a hood. It weighs more than the options above, but it’s very adaptable to both cold and warmer conditions with its full-length zipper and ventable foot box. Available in 10F & 20F.

Bottom line

With its streamlined weight, compact size, and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is perfect for hikers who want a high-quality, warm, and lightweight sleeping system for backcountry trips. The hooded design and full-length zipper provide excellent ventilation and versatility. However, be prepared to pay a premium price. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-end, ultralight sleeping bag for your next backpacking trip, the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is definitely worth considering.

See how the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag stacks up against the competition on our list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.

Pros

LIGHTWEIGHT

Every ounce counts when you’re trying to keep your pack weight in check, and the 60 cm. Corsa weighs just 7.1 oz. – less than half of the weight of the average ice axe. For comparison, the Black Diamond Raven weighs 15.7 oz. and the Petzl Summit 2 weighs 14.1 oz.

COMPACT

The Corsa’s handle is smooth and narrow, so it’s easy to find a place for it on your backpack. It comes in three different lengths – 50 cm., 60 cm., and 70 cm. Our favorite is the 60 cm. because it’s light, but not so short that you have to lean down really far when walking with it.In general, hikers 5’8″ and under can use shorter axes: 50-60 cm. Hikers between 5’8″ and 6′ usually choose between 60-70 cm. sizes. And those 6′ and above will be most comfortable using 70 cm. or higher.

SHARP PICK

The Corsa’s pick is extremely sharp, which helps it bite into the ice and stop your fall quickly in the event of self-arrest. When not in immediate use, we recommend covering the pick to protect your clothing and gear from punctures. The Corsa comes with a minimal, thermoplastic tip cover. It’s nice and light, but it could easily be misplaced. If you know you’ll be covering and uncovering your pick frequently, you may want to pick up a more permanent pick protector with a keeper cord.

EXCELLENT VALUE

Ultralight gear tends to be more expensive due to the materials and engineering involved. The Corsa is a little spendier than some traditional budget axes, but not by much. The Corsa costs significantly less than most technical climbing ice axes, and we think it’s a great value since it will last for many adventures barring a major damaging slide.

Cons

ALUMINIUM ISN’T AS DURABLE LONG-TERM

The Corsa’s weight savings come with a minor catch. Since the tool’s pick and spike are aluminum, they won’t be quite as durable as a traditional steel ice axe over many years of use. That said, this is a tool that’s intended for emergency use and the spike likely won’t actually endure much wear and tear. If you practice self-arresting a lot or you take a big fall in the backcountry, you should carefully assess your axe after each use to make sure it’s in good working order.

HEAD ISN’T SUPER ERGONOMIC

The head is the point on the axe where you hold it while walking. In an ideal world, the head should be comfortable in your hand since you’ll likely be holding it for hours at a time. The Corsa doesn’t sit quite as comfortably in our hand as some competitors’ lower-profile ice axe heads. But it’s really not that bad, and it’s a small tradeoff for such a lightweight tool. In the end, the weight savings on our back is far more important to us than the slightly less comfy grip.

NO LEASH INCLUDED

A leash is used to attach your ice axe to your wrist. This will keep your axe connected to you, even if it gets pulled from your hands on a self-arrest attempt or if you accidentally drop it on a steep slope. The Corsa Axe doesn’t come with a leash, but we highly recommend carrying one for your safety. C.A.M.P. makes a leash specifically designed for the Corsa, but you could also make your own with a lightweight utility cord.

BEVELED EDGE VS. SPIKE

Traditional ice axes have a steel tip for traction at the bottom of the shaft. Much like a trekking pole, it’s used to penetrate the snow as you walk on steep terrain and provides a third point of contact. The Corsa has a beveled (angled) edge instead of a spike, with a plug to prevent the shaft from filling with snow. The beveled spike offers better traction than a trekking pole, but it’s less aggressive than a steel spike.

NOT INTENDED FOR CLIMBING

This isn’t really a con since we’re reviewing the Corsa in a hiking context, but this axe is not designed for ice or mixed climbing. It’s an excellent self-arrest tool for hikers and backpackers traveling over steep snow slopes, but if you’re looking for a tool that’s more geared toward climbing, consider C.A.M.P.’s Corsa Nanotech, which has harder metals at key points to make it less susceptible to damage on rocks. Climbing axes will have more curve, a more ergonomic grip on the handle, and a more durable adze for chopping steps.

Bottom line

The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is the best option we’ve found for hiking and backpacking. It will keep you safe in the backcountry without being so burdensome that you’re tempted to leave it at home. The Corsa isn’t as burly or aggressive as some traditional ice axes, but it has an ideal balance of weight and strength. We highly recommend it for thru-hikers, or anyone covering serious mileage in the mountains.

To learn how to use an ice axe, see Episode 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe – Self Arrest of our Essential Trail Skills Video Series.

We often point people to YETI when they’re looking for exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and stylish gear for frontcountry adventures. YETI products have found their way onto many of our Gear Guides because they’re very high quality and built to last – something that really stands out in today’s market.

YETI gear comes at a premium price, but it’s an excellent value in the long term since it won’t need to be replaced often, if ever. Their stuff also tends to be a bit heavy, so it isn’t typically a brand we look to for ultralight backpacking items. That said, we love how rugged and rock-solid YETI products are when it comes to car camping and the gear we use daily while living an active outdoor lifestyle.

Tundra Cooler

It isn’t any wonder that the YETI Tundra has made such a big name for itself. Its best-in-class insulation makes it very efficient, so you can keep ice the way it should be on multi-day trips: frozen! The tradeoff is that the Tundra is a bit of a beast to carry, but it’s extremely tough. So no matter how hard you play, you don’t have to worry about dents or breaking hardware. See how the Tundra compares to others on our list of the Best Coolers on the market.

Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler

If you live an active lifestyle, a portable backpack cooler like the YETI Hopper M20 could easily become one of your favorite pieces of gear. We’ve been finding more uses for our M20 with every passing year, whether it’s for road trips, day outings, or transporting goodies from home to wherever the party is! The magnetic top closure opens wide so you can add ice, search for contents, and easily clean the inside. The backpack cooler is our favorite, but there are an array of awesome Hopper Soft Coolers in various sizes and styles. See more reasons why we love the Hopper on our list of the Best Coolers.

Trailhead Chair

The YETI Trailhead is hands-down the most comfortable and highest-quality camp chair we’ve sat in. It’s supportive yet soft and springy, holding you in a relaxed upright position and cradling your curves without pressure. The material is also airy and breathable, which feels great on warm days. The Trailhead Chair is a tad bulky, but it’s well worth the space it takes to pack if comfort and longevity are priorities. See how the Trailhead Chair stacks up against the competition on our list of the Best Camping Chairs.

Rambler Tumbler

We’re convinced that the YETI Rambler Tumbler is the best travel tumbler on the market. It’s sleek, stylish, and will keep your beverages hot/cold for a shockingly long time. We use our Rambler Tumblers constantly while commuting and camping. We’ve even been known to carry them on cold-weather hikes so we can keep the hot drinks flowing! The Rambler makes an excellent gift for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle. See the Rambler and a ton of other A+ gift ideas on our list of the Best Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, and Campers.

Rambler Mug

If you prefer a traditional mug with a handle, but still want excellent durability and unheard-of heat retention, you’ll love YETI’s Rambler Mug. These mugs are a perfect size and shape for a helping of chili as well as your daily coffee, so they’re really versatile in the camp kitchen. We appreciate that the MagSlider Lid comes apart for thorough cleaning. And the wide handle fits your hand nicely even with gloves.

Rambler Vacuum Bottle

If you’re looking for an insulated vessel to keep beverages hot and cold all day long, the YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle is the best of the best. We’ve been using the Rambler day in and day out for years, and it’s the most durable water bottle we’ve owned by far. The handle on the lid makes this bottle easy to carry, and we absolutely love how the chug cap allows us to drink on the go without spilling. The Rambler is offered in a variety of sizes and colors, but our favorite is the 36 oz. Check it out on our list of the Best Water Bottles.

Panga Waterproof Duffel

If you need a duffel that’s rugged and fully waterproof check out the YETI Panga. This beast of a bag is awesome for water-centric adventures like rafting and boating when you have important things you need to keep dry. It has multiple carry options and a super wide opening so you can easily load and unload gear. The Panga comes with a steep price tag, but we think it’s worth the splurge for those that want weather protection, top-quality materials, and construction that will last a lifetime. Check it out on our list of the Best Duffel Bags.

Lowland Blanket

The YETI Lowland Blanket is excellent when you need a warm, cushy mat to keep you dry and insulated from the ground. We love using ours at the park to play with our toddler, but it’s also super handy as a camp rug or a crash pad for wet dogs. It’s easy to shake debris off of this blanket when you’re ready to go inside, and it’s machine washable so you can make it like-new after each trip. Like all YETI products, the Lowland Blanket is incredibly durable and well-made, so it’s worth every penny if you’ll put it to good use. Check it out on our list of the Best Camping Blankets.

Trailhead Dog Bed

Whether we’re at home or out adventuring, knowing our dogs are comfortable and well taken care of is really important to us. The YETI Trailhead Dog Bed provides our pups with a warm place to sleep at night and gives them a sense of security and familiarity wherever they go. Its high-quality construction and durable materials should stand the test of time with our doggos. We also love that you can use the whole bed with the base at home or grab the removable lightweight travel pad for camping and road trips.

Ice Packs

YETI coolers can keep food and drinks cold for an incredibly long time, but some of the keys to that are proper pre-chilling and using plenty of ice. You’d have to buy several bags of ice to fill a large cooler, which can be costly and inconvenient. But YETI’s Ice Packs can be frozen over and over and used to supplement ice, so you won’t have to purchase as much. Plus they won’t melt, which means less draining. YETI Ice Packs come in a variety of sizes that are easy to pack. And, of course, they’re incredibly durable so they’ll last for many years.

Bottom Line

The Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter is great for anyone who hates the tedious work involved in water treatment on backpacking trips. The system comes in various capacities (2-liter, 4-liter, and 6-liter), but we like the 4-liter best. It’s ideal for pairs or small groups who typically carry one to two liters of water at a time and don’t mind taking several 10-minute breaks per day to relax and refill. The GravityWorks isn’t the lightest, quickest, or cheapest water treatment method available, but it produces clear, natural-tasting water effortlessly and is super convenient in camp. We recommend it for routes that involve dry camping and limited water sources.

See how the GravityWorks System stacks up to the competition on our best backpacking water filters list.

Water Quality

The GravityWorks Filter removes particles down to 0.2 microns in size, including giardia, salmonella, and cryptosporidium. That means no floaties, sinkies, or swimmies – just clear, safe drinking water. We used the GravityWorks to filter water from hundreds of gnarly water sources on the Continental Divide Trail, and we were always very pleased with its performance. It can render a slurry of muddy, green, or cow-patty-infested liquid into clear, nearly tasteless water. Phew!

While the GravityWorks Filter does an excellent job of removing the most common bacteria and protozoans you’ll encounter while backpacking, it doesn’t kill viruses. If you’re hiking in an area where water-borne viruses are a concern, you may want to pair it with a chemical treatment.

Ease of Use

The GravityWorks Filter is very easy to use on the trail. All you have to do is dip the bag into the source, hang it, and go about your business – which usually involves snacking, geeking out on maps, and kicking up your feet. There’s no need to pump, squeeze, or set a timer for chemicals. Connect the filter to get it started, and let gravity do the work.

One of the best things about the GravityWorks Filter is how easy it is to have multiple liters of clean water ready when you need it in camp. We like to hang ours within reach of our camp kitchen so we can refill bottles, put water in our cookpot for meals, and clean up without moving.

The GravityWorks reservoirs have buckles on the webbing straps. This feature makes it easy to hang them on anything—whether a tree branch, rock ledge, or camera tripod.

The bag that holds unfiltered water in the GravityWorks System has a wide opening, making it easy to collect water. It closes just like a Ziploc bag, but it’s pretty tough to use because it’s so stiff. We’d trust the closure to camel water strapped to the outside of our pack or in an external pocket, but we’d be reluctant to transport water inside a backpack if the seal leaked.

Treatment Time

A brand new GravityWorks is very fast, filtering almost two liters per minute. Unfortunately, the inline filter can get clogged somewhat easily, and the flow rate slows down over time, depending on how silty or contaminated water sources are. You can backflush the system in about four seconds by lifting the clean reservoir above the dirty one. Backflushing allows fresh water to flow in reverse through the filter cartridge and flush particles out. It can be a little annoying if you have to do this a lot, and you may eventually have to use an irrigation syringe to restore the flow if your filter gets really bogged down on an extended trip.

The 4-liter GravityWorks takes a little time to work its magic, so we usually plan to use it on longer breaks or in the camp when we aren’t trying to get a move on. That said, if you and your partner tend to chug and fill a bottle or two each in one sitting, this system will be just as fast as any other treatment method.

Weight

The GravityWorks Filter is not the lightest and most compact system compared to ultralight water treatment options, like the Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn Micropur Tablets. For this reason, we usually only take it on trips with groups of two or more people when water sources are few and far between. 11.5 oz. for the 4L, GravityWorks isn’t much when you’re splitting the gear load with a partner. This system is about the same weight and bulk as a traditional pump but much faster and less labor-intensive.

You may get away with carrying fewer water bottles if you use the ‘clean’ reservoir that comes with the GravityWorks System to tote water for dry camping or long stretches between water sources. We also used ours as a hydration bladder since the tube has an on/off valve. If you use this system for multiple purposes like this, it quickly makes up for its slightly larger weight and packed size.

Maintenance & Longevity

The GravityWorks costs substantially more than some of the simpler choices on our list, but we think it’s a good value considering how long it will last. We used our first GravityWorks Filter for an entire CDT thru-hike (over 3,000 miles). We eventually had to buy a replacement cartridge, but it kept on trucking for several more years of use after that.

Maintenance is super fast, and it is a good practice to use a syringe and flush your filter after trips. Otherwise, the reservoirs, tubing, and filters are durable and long-lasting.

Should You Buy The Platypus Gravityworks?

If you hike with a partner or friends in a group, this is your best option. If you hike in places where the water is murky or where the water sources are few and far between, this is your best option. Platypus makes high-quality reservoirs, durable systems, and high-quality filters, and it is a product we like to have in our pack.

What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?

Katadyn BeFree Review: If you’re hiking in an area with abundant water sources, you may want to reduce your pack weight by only carrying 1L of water at a time and refilling more frequently. The Katadyn BeFree is a lighter and more convenient option for grabbing a quick liter without skipping a beat. Katadyn also offers a gravity-fed system if that is the system that works best for your needs.

The ULA Alpha Knife is a collaboration between Ultralight Adventure Equipment – who makes some of our favorite backpacks, and Kestrel – maker of ultralight knives. The Alpha is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers. If you scrutinize every gram of weight that goes into your pack but would love to have a good size knife on the trail for everyday activities like food prep and opening packaging, the Alpha might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

ULTRALIGHT

The Alpha’s main strength is that it’s incredibly lightweight. It weighs a mere 0.85 oz. (24 g.), which is less than half the weight of our other favorite ultralight pocket knife, the Benchmade Bugout (1.9 oz.). A full-size knife that weighs under an ounce is almost unheard of. So if you’re an ultralight backpacker who counts their gear weight in grams, this may be the knife for you!

COMPACT

We were a bit skeptical of the Alpha’s packability at first since it’s not a folding knife. It’s about six-and-three-quarter inches long with the sheath on. Fortunately, we found that it slips easily into the hip belt pockets on most of our favorite lightweight backpacking packs – at least those with spacious pockets (ULA, HMG, Zpacks, etc.). And it’s so slim that it doesn’t take up much space at all. There are also plenty of places where you could attach the knife by the handle or sheath to your pack with a tiny carabiner for easy accessibility if that’s your style.

EASY TO CLEAN

One of the downsides of pocket knives is that they can be tough to clean completely. Food particles build up in the folding components over time, and you may have to disassemble your folder someday if you want to give it a thorough detailing. The Alpha, however, is one solid piece of stainless steel and can easily be sanitized by wiping it down or soaking it in boiling water after each use – a real plus for all the salami and cheese fans out there!

PRACTICAL FOR TRAIL USE

If you look at what most backpackers are actually using their knives for on the trail, it’s practical tasks like meal prep, opening packaging, and maybe occasionally cutting some paracord. The Alpha’s sheepsfoot blade shape is great for slicing food and is also ideal for sawing through cordage. Ship captains often carry a similar blade to cut through netting. The long handle and jibbing along the top give the user a solid thumb grip and some leverage.

WELL-DESIGNED SHEATH

A sheath is essential for the Alpha since it’s a fixed-blade knife. The sheath that comes with it is made of a high-performance thermoplastic called Kydex Robic. It feels super durable, and it fits the knife with expert precision. You can feel when the knife pops solidly into place and won’t have to worry about the sheath inadvertently falling off, even if you choose to hang the knife by it on your pack.

Cons

LONG PACKED SIZE

The Alpha is close to six-and-a-half inches long, and about six-and-three-quarters inches with the sheath on. That means it may not fit in the hip belt pockets of all packs, but we found that it fits most of our favorite lightweight backpacking packs with spacious hip belt pockets (ULA, HMG, Zpacks, etc.). Backpacks with highly structured hip belts or small hip belt pockets may require you to store this knife elsewhere, which can be inconvenient.

NOT IDEAL FOR EVERY TASK

The Alpha has a sheepsfoot shaped stainless steel blade. It’s great for slicing, but not so good for piercing tasks. We wouldn’t necessarily want to gut a fish or widdle wood with this knife, but that’s ok. Those aren’t tasks we do regularly on backpacking trips, especially when we’re putting in big-mile days.

NO SCALES ON HANDLE

The handle on the Alpha is thin and barebones. It doesn’t have scales, so it’s not the most comfortable knife grip out there for extensive use. But, we’re willing to bet that the people who will be most interested in this knife might be doing things like using a toothbrush with half of a handle and sleeping on a three-quarter-length sleeping pad to save weight. We found the handle on the Alpha to be ergonomic enough and overall it has a good feel to it.

SEPARATE SHEATH

The sheath that you need for the Alpha adds 0.28 oz. (8 g.) to the total weight of the knife. And, you’ll need to keep track of it, so we recommend making some kind of tether to keep it with the knife unless you’re fastidious. It would be a real bummer to set the sheath down and lose it. That said, it feels secure when it’s on the knife.

MORE EXPENSIVE THAN SOME

The Alpha’s price is a little steep for a small accessory, especially considering that you could do the same tasks with a lightweight, budget knife like the Opinel No. 6. But, it’s a reasonable amount to pay for a piece of ultralight equipment that will last for many years. And the Alpha is still a little less expensive than some of our favorite pocket knives, like the Benchmade Bugout.

Bottom Line

The ULA Alpha is a six-and-a-half-inch long knife, but incredibly it weighs less than an ounce, which is great for hikers and backpackers! It’s a fixed blade, so it doesn’t fold, but it still fits nicely in the hip belt pockets of most lightweight backpacks. The blade is great for slicing meats and cheeses. And, unlike a folding knife, you can sanitize it completely after each use. If keeping pack weight low is really important to you and you prefer a solid, one-piece knife, the Alpha is an excellent choice.

The DuskHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new outdoor gear coming out in 2022/23. OR is one of the largest gear conferences in the world, and we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations. We put together this article to share the inside scoop on the new products we’re most stoked to get out on a trail!

Jetboil Stash

We’ve often wished for a lighter, more compact option from Jetboil that includes their efficient heating tech, and the Stash stove is exactly what we’ve been hoping for. Weighing in at only 2.4 oz. for the stove and 3.9 oz. for the pot and lid, this entire set is very lightweight. The .8 L pot is an excellent size for cooking a meal for one or boiling water to rehydrate meals for two. The Stash is on the expensive side compared to other stoves on our Best Backpacking Stoves list, but the quality, fuel efficiency, and wind performance is worth the cost if you’ll be using your stove a lot. 

Osprey Exos / Eja & Exos/Eja Pro

Osprey’s Exos and Eja have long been crowd favorites amongst thru hikers and lightweight backpackers – including us – until an update a couple years ago saw the hipbelt pockets removed. Well hipbelt pockets are back, baby! And the Exos and Eja are once again some of the best value lightweight backpacks on the market. For those who want the greatest balance of low weight and carrying comfort, the upcoming release of the Exos and Eja Pro will save you about a pound over the standard models for only $50 more.

Exped MegaMat Max

It’s been on the market for a while now, but we finally got the chance to see and touch the Exped MegaMat Max for ourselves. It’s a whopping six inches thick, so it’s even cushier than our go-to luxurious car camping pad – the MegaMat 10. That means you can adjust the amount of air to make your mattress softer without bottoming out. This makes the MegaMat Max an especially great option for side sleepers, folks with larger bodies/wider hips, or anyone who likes their bed more soft than firm.

NEMO Dagger, Hornet, and Dragonfly OSMO

The Dagger, Hornet, and Dragonfly backpacking tents are transitioning to NEMO’s new OSMO fabric. The proprietary recycled fabric used to construct these tents relies on a weave of nylon and polyester for waterproofing instead of the more common polyurethane-coated silicon. Coatings break down much quicker than fabric, so you can count on these tents to stay waterproof for longer and sag less when wet than many other tents. We already got our hands on the new Dagger OSMO and wrote a full review.

Helinox Chair Zero Large / Chair Zero Highback

Helinox’s Chair Zero has always been one of our favorite chairs for camping and backpacking and we’re pumped that it’s now offered in a Highback model for extra comfort on frontcountry trips. Come 2023, the regular Chair Zero will also be available in a Large size which sits a bit higher and has a higher weight capacity.

Exped Flexmat & Flexmat Plus

Closed cell foam pads are awesome for their long term durability and low cost, and the Flexmat / Flexmat Plus are innovative new offerings in this category. We’re most interested in the standard Flexmat, which is more affordable and lighter than our previous favorite CCF pads from our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads list (NEMO Switchback and Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol). If you want to up the comfort, the Flexmat Plus is a bit thicker and warmer. These pads are both offered in long/wide models which is pretty rare for CCF pads.

CamelBak Octane

The updates on the CamelBak Octane Hydration Pack for Spring 2023 are looking very enticing! Like the original Octane, this pack combines the convenience of a pocketed harness (like a running vest) for quick access to small items with the gear and liquid capacity of a daypack for longer outings. The new model will have a little more structure in the back panel while still being super lightweight and comfortable. It will also include the 2L version of CamelBak’s latest premium Fusion Hydration Reservoir, which has a unique waterproof zipper and a backer plate for less bulge. We can’t wait to test the Octane 22L, which has great potential to become a top pick on our Best Hydration Packs list.

Vargo Mega Hex Portable Fire Pit

We’ve been fans of Vargo’s ultralight backpacking cookware for a long time, but what caught our attention at their booth the most this year was their Mega Hex Portable Fire Pit. This pit uses wood gasification for an almost smoke-free campfire – much like the Solo Stove Bonfire. But the Mega Hex folds completely flat, so you can easily pack and store it. Rumor has it that it’s hitting the market later this month.

Exped Cruiser Travel Bag

The Cruiser line of travel bags come in several sizes, but we’re most excited for the 35L and 45L models. These reasonably priced bags have simple, yet effective organization that keeps them looking sleek while maximizing storage. Little details like the dual laptop/tablet sleeves and padded hipbelt make the Cruiser extra convenient, and it can also be converted from a backpack to a shoulder bag. Lastly, we like that the main compartment can only be accessed via a zipper that sits against your back, so it’s a bit more secure. You never know, the Cruiser just might find its way onto our list of the Best Travel Backpacks.

Exped Radical Travel Duffel

The Radical line of duffels comes with a lot of features we’ve wished for on some of our other favorite duffel bags. Most notably, in backpack mode it has a hipbelt. It can also be compressed to keep your items from all shifting to the bottom, and it looks stylish. We’re most interested in the 45 and 60L models but the range goes all the way from a lightweight 25L to a large 80L capacity.

Sawyer Permethrin for Dogs

Sawyer Permethrin is the most effective method we’ve found for dealing with ticks and mosquitos on trail. It’s a natural product derived from chrysanthemum flowers that kills ticks after they come in contact with it, so you’re protected from terrible issues like Lyme disease. You can use the original spray on dogs safely, but we think it’s excellent that Sawyer is making this more clear for dog owners by marketing a bottle labeled specifically for dogs. We think it’s really important to protect our pups when hiking, and we’re excited to see the popularity of this effective product grow.

NEMO Stargaze

NEMO’s Stargaze Luxury Recliner is one of the most comfortable options on our Best Camping Chairs list. It reclines, it swings, and it has full back support with a headrest. We also love that it folds down into a compact package so you can take it practically anywhere. This chair has become wildly popular over the past years and just keeps getting better. The next iteration will have a cushier neck pillow, covers on the auto-reclining hardware so there’s no chance of pinching your arms, and fewer pole sections to make the frame snap together even more quickly. Watch for the Stargaze Chair to hit the market in spring 2023 in several beautiful new colorways.

Exped Camp Slipper

It’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect camp shoe that strikes an awesome balance of low weight and comfort – you usually get one or the other unless you wanna shell out the big bucks. But the Camp Slipper is incredibly light (the LARGEST size weighs in at only 6 oz. for the pair), comfortable, and durable. And it’s priced very reasonably at $50 which is less than the majority of shoes on our Best Camp Shoes list.

Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chairs

The Kijaro Dual Lock has been holding down the number one spot on our Best Camping Chairs list since it’s comfortable, high quality, and affordable. We loved meeting the designers and seeing how much they really listen to customer feedback and use it to continually improve their products. There is a whole fleet of variations on the Dual Lock Chair now – a Hard Arm model, one with a cooler pocket, the XXL with a higher (400 lbs.) weight capacity, the premium Elite model, and a rocker – the Rok-It. You can also expect a kids-size chair and the Atlas (600 lb. capacity) to become available in the months to come.

Garmin Inreach Mini 2

Garmin has always been a leader in the navigation technology realm, and one of our favorite products from their lineup – the Inreach Mini 2 – has received an exciting update. The newest iteration of the Inreach Mini features a faster and more intuitive user interface, almost triple the battery life, and Tracback which allows you to follow an onscreen breadcrumb trail back to where you started on a backcountry route.

Garmin Fenix 7 Line & Forerunner 955

Garmin’s whole line of GPS watches got an update, but the most exciting changes are on the flagship Fenix 7 line and the Forerunner 955. The Fenix 7 now comes in a solar model which significantly extends battery life for multi-day activity tracks and the line of watches now features a touch screen – a welcome change over the previous button only models. The biggest changes to the Forerunner 955 include longer battery life, a more accurate GPS chip, and some sweet new fitness features that can tell when your peak training times are and can estimate how long you’ll be able to sustain an activity level.

CamelBak ChillBak Pack 30

We have several backpack coolers on our Best Coolers list, but we haven’t seen anything quite like the CamelBak Chillbak Pack 30 that’s launching next month. What’s really unique about it is that it comes equipped with a large 6L Group Fusion Hydration Reservoir with a spigot to refill cups and reusable water bottles. There’s no doubt that this beast will be heavy to carry when full, but we think it’s a brilliant solution for toting ice-cold water on road trips or a large batch cocktail to the river for your crew. You can also get a Filter Kit that’s compatible with this setup, so you can filter water from natural sources for your group while camping in primitive sites.

Osprey Extended Fit

New for spring 2023, Osprey is launching their Extended Fit backpacks, which will accommodate hip sizes up to 70 in., have longer shoulder and sternum straps, and have repositioned hipbelt pockets that are easier to reach. Several of their most popular styles – including the Aether and Ariel 65 from our Best Backpacking Backpacks list and the Talon 22 and Tempest 20 from our Best Daypacks list – will be offered in extended sizes, and we think it’s rad that Osprey is showing leadership in the inclusivity space.

Hydrapak Flux Bottle Redesign / In-line Filter

You’ll rarely catch us on a multi-day backcountry trek without our trusty Hydrapak Flux from our Best Water Bottles list, and the upcoming iteration of this bottle has even more to love. Changes include a longer bail handle (which we love for scooping water from mountain streams without having to dip our fingers into ice cold water), a more rigid structure that stands on its own better, and some sweet new colorways There’s also a new In-Line filter coming out soon that’s compatible with the Flux Bottle as well as other water containers from Hydrapak.

NEMO Aurora Highrise

NEMO’s Aurora Highrise tent came out in 2022, and after seeing it at the show, we can’t wait to get our hands on one to test against the rest of our favorite camping tents. It looks like a great quality tent for the value pricepoint, and we’re willing to bet it’s really easy to pitch. It also has a huge circular door – a feature we’ve come to love on some other tents. The Aurora comes in 4-Person and 6-Person capacities, and both have peak heights over six feet so you can stand up comfortably. With such a good balance of everything, we think the Aurora has a good chance of ranking on our Best Camping Tents list.

Helly Hansen Roam Windbreaker

Helly Hansen had a ton of cool new clothing items on display as well as some beautiful monochrome color stories, but the item we’re most excited about from their upcoming releases is the Roam Windbreaker. This ultralight jacket is made with breathable fabric, will be priced very reasonably (as is typical with Helly Hansen clothing), and – most exciting of all – it has hand pockets! Very few windbreakers from our Best Windbreakers list have hand pockets, so we’re stoked to give the Roam Jacket a test when it’s released.

NEMO Impact

NEMO has collaborated with LL Bean to create a carbon-neutral (and stylish) tent – the Impact. This tent has a spacious interior, but still packs down fairly small, so it makes for a nice compact option for car campers with limited room in the car to pack bulky gear. It’s a bit heavy for backpacking at 5 lb. 7 oz. for the 2-Person and 6 lb. 6 oz. for the 3-Person. But it’s well-priced, so it could be a nice happy medium for anyone who mostly camps in the frontcountry but occasionally takes their tent on the trail for shorter mileage trips.

Sea to Summit Big River Backpack

Sea to Summit’s Big River Dry Bag line is super popular with paddlers and overlanders, and this crowd is gonna love the upcoming Big River Backpack. This stylish dry backpack is fully waterproof, durable, and comfortable to carry. It includes a strap hip belt to keep the load in place and padded shoulder straps for comfort during heavier hauls.

ALPS Mountaineering Helix 1P & 2P

ALPS Mountaineering makes some really great budget tents, and their new Helix 1P and 2P are looking very competitive. We’re most excited about the 2P model which weighs in at 3 lbs. 12 oz. and costs a mere $279 (we’ve found it on sale for much less) – that’s pretty impressive for the amount of headroom it offers, the small packed size, and its generous floor area.

Camelbak Leakproof Tumblers & Cocktail Shakers

We were immediately drawn into the Camelbak booth by the rows of enticing color stories on their water bottle walls, and we were even more intrigued once we got the full scoop on their soon-to-be-released drinkware lines. Highlights include a leakproof insulated tumbler for commuting with hot coffee or keeping a fresh juice cold, and the leakproof cocktail shaker for making perfect mixed drinks while you’re out and about at the beach or a park gathering with friends.

Camelbak Performance Hydration Mixes

We’re always on the hunt for good new drink mixes to spice up hydration for our active lifestyles, and we’re big fans of Camelbak’s new Performance Hydration Sustain powders. With mixes for before, during, and after activity, the whole line will have you covered with nutrients your body needs to perform at its peak. We particularly enjoyed the strawberry kiwi Electrolyte Mix. 

Sea to Summit Ikos TR 2 / 3

Sea to Summit is launching their new Ikos TR 2 & 3 in the spring of 2023. They use the same innovative pole architecture as the Alto & Telos from our Best Backpacking Tents list, but they’re a bit more affordable and geared towards campers who backpack occasionally. Just like the Telos, the Ikos can be setup in Hangout Mode for use as a shade shelter.

Sea to Summit Stuff Sack Updates

Sea to Summit makes some of our favorite stuff sacks, and the whole lineup is getting a big update next year. The eVAC Dry Sacks will be made with Cordura Fabric for added durability – and though we’ve always found these bags to be plenty tough, it’s a welcome update. Their Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack lineup will be made with a more of an oval shape that’s easier to pack than the previous round design. 

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair

The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair has been on our Best Camping Chairs list for several years now. It’s incredibly durable and has a super high weight capacity of 800 lbs. It also has a nice high seat so it’s more comfortable for big and tall campers. We were pleased to find out that the King Kong is going to be offered in a bunch of new colors this year, and it will have a decreased price.

Who doesn’t love a good checklist? Mental lists can get the job done, but a complete checklist ensures we have a good time on the trail – even if we’re just going out for a day hike. It always seems like the one time we don’t use a checklist is when we go to grab something from our pack and it’s not there.

Use our Day Hike Checklist every time you hit the trail to make rounding up your gear quick and easy, and to give you peace of mind that you aren’t forgetting something critical.

Day Hiking Checklist

DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

You won’t need all the items on this list for every trip, but it’s worth thinking through each of them as you gather your gear. Grab the basics first, then use the categories at the end to tailor your gear list to your specific needs.

TO DO

• Apply for any required permits
• Call the regional ranger station for trail conditions & regulations
• Check if the trailhead requires a parking pass or cash/card for a pay station
• Check the weather (we like point forecasts from NOAA, SpotWX, or Mountain Forecast)
• Charge electronics & check batteries
• Update emergency contacts and turn on SOS / emergency notification features on your phone
• Review topo maps/take photos of relevant guidebook pages, or screenshot any website beta
• Download GPS phone app & appropriate maps or GPS area
• Download driving directions for offline use (we use maps.me)
• Text an itinerary to a friend & leave one under your car seat
• Pack your bag

Essentials to Pack

WATERPROOFING

Based on your pack choice, choose one or more of the following to keep your stuff dry:

• Pack liner or trash bag
• Waterproof stuff sack(s)
• Ziploc(s)

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

• Headlamp
• Minimalist wallet (containing cash, ID, credit card, insurance card)
• Phone in protective case
• First aid kit & prescription Rx
• Sunscreen & spf lip balm
• Poop kit (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, & trowel)
• Light pocket knife or multitool
• Ultralight chair / sit pad or hammock
• Trekking poles

NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

• Topo map(s)
• Waterproof map bag / Ziploc
• Compass
• Watch
• GPS phone app

PACK

Choose one of the following to carry your gear:

• Daypack
• Hydration pack
• Fanny pack
• Extra shoulder strap pocket or hipbelt pocket

CLOTHING

Some of this should be worn, some should be packed. Layer clothing based on season and weather conditions. For fabrics – go for lightweight and quick-drying (no cotton).

• Hiking pants (men’s / women’s), leggings, or shorts (men’s / women’s)
• Quick-dry underwear (men’s / women’s)
• Shirt (sun shirt, base layer, or short sleeve/tank)
• Jacket(s) (rain, down, synthetic or fleece, windbreaker – usually a combo)
• Hiking shoes (men’s / women’s) or boots (men’s / women’s)
• High-quality socks
• Gaiters (for talus, sand, snow, or fast/long trips)
• Hat(s) (warm or for sun)
• Gloves
• Sunglasses

Essentials to Pack in the Car

• Parking pass or cash / card
• Itinerary or note under the seat
• Clean clothes & camp shoes to change into
• Water to refill bottles
• Cooler with post-hike refreshments
• Blanket or camping chairs (for tailgating)

FOOD & WATER

• Extra water bottle(s) or hydration bladder
• Food & snacks (see our favorite trail snacks)
• Utensils (if needed)
• Empty bag(for garbage)
• Hydration mixes (see our favorite hydration mixes)
• Travel mug or bottle for warm bevies

Additional Items for Specific Trips

RAIN & SNOW

• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Rain mittens
• Umbrella
• Warm socks
• Traction devices or snowshoes
• GPS / phone app (for route finding in snow)

MOSQUITOS & TICKS

• Pre-treat clothing with Permethrin
• Treat skin with Picaridin
• Head net

LONG HIKES / REMOTE LOCATIONS

• Extra food for emergencies
• Whistle (most backpacks have one built into the chest strap, so check first!)
• Duct / Tenacious Tape (for repairs, we wrap a mini roll and keep it in our first aid or around our trekking pole)
• Small lighter & fire starters
• Water filter or treatment
• Collapsible water containers (for carrying lots of water in dry locations)
• Satellite Messenger / PLB
• Emergency blanket / shelter

GRIZZLY BEAR COUNTRY

• Bear canister or Ursack
• Bear spray

Photography

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to back up photos, clear storage, and clean your lenses.

DSLR or Point-and-Shoot

• Camera
• Holster or camera clip
• Tripod
• Remote shutter
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• Rain cover / dry bag
• Extra battery bank
• Extra camera card

Smartphone

• Phone
• Shoulder pouch or hipbelt pocket
• Tripod
• Smartphone tripod mount
• Remote shutter
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• Waterproof phone case or Ziploc
• Power bank (for long trips)
• Short charging cable

Essentials for Hiking with a Dog

For the trail

• Leash
• Collar / harness
• Food & collapsible bowl
• Extra water
• Treats & treat pouch
• Dog boots / Musher’s Secret Wax (to protect the paws)
• Poop bags & gallon Ziploc (to pack out waste)
• Dog backpack
• Dog jacket (for dogs with low cold tolerance)
• Foam pad (to insulate you and your dog from the cold/wet ground during breaks)
• Dog first aid kit (or add stuff to human first-aid kit)
• Collar light (check battery pre-trip)

Leave in car

• Quick-dry towel
• Blanket
• Dog car hammock (seat protector, these things rule!)
• Extra dog food in an airtight container

Overnight Trips Checklists

Prepping for a multi-day adventure? We also have checklists for backpacking, camping, and winter camping.

Day Hiking Tips

FINDING A BALANCE OF PACK WEIGHT & PREPAREDNESS

A lightweight backpack is far more comfortable to carry. This will help you conserve energy so you can hike further and enjoy your time outdoors more. That said, we never advise skipping essentials like a map, food, water, a rain jacket, and a basic first-aid kit when venturing into the backcountry. Learn more about ways to reduce your pack weight.

BACKPACKS

Most people use a daypack, running vest, or hydration pack (basically a running vest with a bladder) for day trips for their useful capacity, comfortable carry, and convenient pockets to keep gear organized and easily accessible. Daypacks come in a variety of sizes, but we prefer those that have about 20-30 liters of volume. Fanny packs are also a great option for small gear loads or for extra capacity in addition to a daypack.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR HIKING

The clothing you wear and pack for a day hike will depend on the conditions you expect to encounter on specific trips, but the basics remain the same. Wear layers made of quick-drying (synthetic or wool) fabrics so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather. Lightweight, breathable footwear and high-quality, non-cotton socks also make a huge difference in reducing fatigue and avoiding blisters. Get specific recommendations on the best down jackets, rain jackets, hiking pants, base layers, and more on our Gear Guide Homepage.