22 Backpacking Luxuries That Bring Home With You On The Trail
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Preparing for a backpacking trip is an exciting and wonderful adventure to set out amid some of nature’s most inaccessible and breathtaking views. While keeping it light is key to having a successful hike, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a few luxury items!
Taking the road less traveled does not mean that you have to leave the comforts of everyday life behind. From compact, multi-purpose tools to lightweight, indulgent treats, there are plenty of ways to bring a little piece of your great indoors to the great outdoors. If you’re looking for hidden gems to transform your next rugged adventure into one of laid-back luxury, then look no further!
What are essentials?
Before I dissect the best luxury items, let’s talk first about the essentials! A lightweight backpacking tent, sleeping bag and pad, stove, and water filtration system are all necessities; survival items like bear spray, first aid, and a GPS phone should also make it into every hiker’s backpack before hitting the trails. And don’t forget to check the weather conditions before starting your trip–depending on the season, you may need to pack rain gear or extra warm layers to protect from the elements.
So, what are “luxury” items?
Unlike the mall, a luxury backpacking item does not have to be a high-price designer bag. Anything beyond the essentials is loosely regarded as a luxury item amongst the backpacking crowd. These can be small and simple–like a toothbrush–or large, like extra pajamas. Everything is customizable to the experience you want to have on the trail!
I gathered some of my favorite backpacking items to take, ranging from entertaining games to comfortable seats. Whatever catches your eye, it's bound to add a pampered feel to your trip.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $30
$$ | Between $30-$60
$$$ | More than $60
Our Favorite Backpacking Items For The Comfort of Home
Image: Amazon
Qwixx
Gamewright
Not only is this one of my favorite games to play while camping, but it’s also so much fun at home with my partner. Qwixx is a quick and easy-to-learn dice game with minimal tools needed–just a marking tool like a pen or pencil! Plus, it's ultra-lightweight, so you won’t even notice it in your pack.
Image: Amazon
Ultralight Folding Camping Chair
MARCHWAY
What’s worse than sitting on the cold, hard ground around the campfire after a long day of hiking? This uber-lightweight chair is perfectly packable and takes late-night stories up to the next level.
Image: Amazon
Compact Coffee Press
Aeropress
Unfortunately, a bulky French press is not conducive to carrying on your pack, but thankfully, the Aeropress is! Designed with packability and transportation in mind, simply bag up enough coffee for the cups you’ll want while on the trail, and you can enjoy a warm cup of joe while watching the sunrise.
Image: Teva
Camp Shoes
Teva
Going barefoot in the woods probably isn’t the best idea, even when the only alternative is the boots you wore all day long. These quilted shoes will completely revolutionize your evenings spent at camp, especially in the cooler months. Say goodbye to wet socks from dew in the morning! You’ll stay nice and dry from now on.
Image: Amazon
Mini Hot Sauce
Yellowbird
Backcountry food does not have to be bland and boring! Mini condiments are perfect for keeping your weight down and taste buds high.
Image: Walmart
Inflatable Pillow
Trekology
6 Although using a bundle of unworn clothes works as a pillow in a pinch, nothing beats having somewhere to lay your head late at night. An inflatable pillow will ensure you sleep better and prevent you from having a sore neck in the morning; it’s absolutely worth the 2.8 ounce addition to your backpack.
Image: Amazon
Portable Charger
Charmast
7 I have to listen to a podcast to fall asleep at night, even when the sound around me is a babbling brook instead of city sirens. With built-in cords for any device, this power bank can keep your phone charged for the entire trip. The convenience of a charged cell will outweigh the weight of the power bank (pun intended).
Image: Amazon
Nomad 5 Solar Panel
Goal Zero
You might be wondering: What happens if your power bank dies? I took this solar panel on my last backpacking trip and fell in love. The simple design makes it foolproof to use, and the panel is incredibly efficient. Hook any USB cord to it–from your phone to your power bank–and watch the battery tick higher and higher.
Image: Amazon
Vietnamese Pour Over Coffee
Copper Cow
Copper Cow Coffee is delicious both on trail and off. Perfect for traveling and lightweight excursions, the innovative pour-over design is excellent for camping, while the creamer pouches make an even better latte than Starbucks.
Image: Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon
10 As much as I’d love to, I can’t carry an entire library on my back. My Kindle is truly my favorite companion when I’m on the go. Make sure to download several books before getting on trail so you’ll never have to go without something to read.
Image: Amazon
Freeze-Dried Hiking Dessert
Trailtopia
No, the need for a sweet treat does not dissipate when in the backcountry! Although adding several dehydrated dessert options might not be the most practical when it comes to pack weight and meal price, bringing one certainly won’t hurt.
Image: Amazon
Solar Powered String Lights
Lumintrail
Light up your slice of the woods with these solar-powered twinkle lights. Illuminate your campsite and be crowned “most stylish tent” in one fell swoop!
Image: Amazon
Printed Outdoor Camping Blanket
Rumpl
Sure, your sleeping bag should be warm enough to keep you snug during the night. However, nothing beats cozying up underneath a blanket specifically designed for camping. Weighing in at 8 ounces, this blanket is a no-brainer.
Image: Ulta
vanilla Hand Creme
Lano
High elevation and exposure to extreme elements are not kind to your skin barrier and can dry out even the most hydrated skin. This ultra-replenishing hand cream is made from clean ingredients and will bring you long-lasting hydration until you’re back to your full skincare routine.
Image: Amazon
Spiced Apple Cider Drink Mix
Alpine
15 Water can get boring after days of nothing else! Treat yourself to a fun (and fancy, by camping standards) beverage by adding hot water. Boom! You’re basically a barista.
Image: Amazon
Face & Body Wipes
Dude Wipes
Although showering at home should definitely not be optional, there are no rules when it comes to personal hygiene in the backcountry! Personally, I feel much more refreshed after wiping off my sweat from a hard day's work. Being able to feel (semi) clean is worth the extra weight these wipes will add.
Image: Amazon
Mini Bear Fan
JISULIFE
This adorable bear fan will help keep you cool and comfortable because fanning yourself with your hands simply won’t cut it after hundreds of feet of elevation gain under a beating sun. Bonus: it acts as a portable charger and has a built-in flashlight!
Image: Backcountry
Merino Wool 1/4 Zip Shirt
Backcountry
18 For super ultralight backpackers, even pajamas can be viewed as a luxury item! However, I think this Merino wool pullover should be a requirement in every hiker’s bag. Perfect for sleeping in or throwing on for early morning hikes, you’ll look good, but more importantly, feel perfectly warm.
Image: Amazon
Insulated Food Pouch
MyBand
19 Not only does dehydrated food take time to heat before it's fully edible, occasionally, by the time you’re ready to eat, it’s already cold! This handy pouch will insulate your food, keeping it hot and ready…until you are.
Image: Amazon
Camping Mug
widesea
Drinking your morning coffee out of a camping pot can be dangerous if it's too hot. An ultra-lightweight backpacking mug is the perfect solution. Made with a rubber lip to prevent burning yourself, you’ll feel like you’re at a cozy coffee shop in the middle of the woods.
Image: Amazon
MobiPoint Textured Massage Ball
Triggerpoint
Soothe your sore muscles with the help of this massage ball. Instead of relying on your friend or partner to pinpoint your muscle knots, massage it wherever you need it!
Image: Amazon
On-The-Go Powder Sticks
Celsius
Known for hitting a hiking slump around mile five? Powdered beverage mixes are the perfect way to bust it. I particularly love this multi-pack for the different flavors and the energy boost you’ll need to finish strong.
