It's no secret to anyone that knows me or maybe even to those who've read my books that I'm an avid lover and overall enthusiast of the outdoors.  I've spent a great deal of time over the years camping, hiking, and backpacking, and I have a certain affinity for the latter of those three activities.

While I do not consider myself an expert by any means, I have learned what gear works and doesn't work over the years by means of trial and error.  Getting older has taught me what my body prefers:  lightweight, functional, long-lasting gear that does what it's supposed to do.  So, as opposed to offering a list of items based on an "expert's recommendation," here's a gear list according to what I use and prefer.

Anything not listed or covered here is something for which I haven't gained a preference, or believe one brand is better than another.