Welcome to Gear Up Smart

Every step on the trail is easier with the right gear. Whether you're prepping for a long-distance hike, a weekend walk, or your first Camino, this is your hub for trail-tested recommendations.

We keep things light, practical, and experience-based — not just what gear works, but why. We’ll link to trusted gear retailers (yes, including a few affiliate partners), share our own reviews, and connect you with forum discussions to help you choose confidently.

Smart Packing for Real-World Hikes

The gear you carry shapes your experience—how far you go, how fast you recover, how much you enjoy the trail. This guide walks through practical packing strategies and gear choices for all kinds of hikes, from day loops to thru-hikes.

What you pack depends on the trail, the season, and your own comfort threshold. But there are core systems every hiker should consider. Let’s break them down.

Essentials: What Every Hiker Should Carry

Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 – lightweight, powerful, and trail-tested.

Stove: BRS-3000T mini stove – great for ultralight setups and boiling water fast.

Backpack & Load Setup

Backpack: Osprey Exos 58 – ideal for multi-day hikes with a balance of weight and support.

Load heavier items close to your spine and mid-back. Keep snacks, rain jacket, and phone in quick-access pockets.

Footwear & Clothing

Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak – cushioned, wide-toe box, and great for long distances.

Pack moisture-wicking layers, a rain shell, technical socks, and a sun hat or beanie based on climate.

Shelter & Sleep System

Tent: Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 – lightweight and reliable for most 3-season hikes.

Match your sleeping bag to the season and use a compact pad for insulation and comfort.

Cooking & Water

Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze – compact, fast-flow, and long-lasting.

Bring at least 2L of capacity. A long-handled spoon, collapsible mug, and lightweight pot round out your cook kit.

Packing Strategy: Weight vs Comfort

Ultralight hikers count every gram. Others prioritize comfort. There’s no one right way—just make sure your kit is balanced and tested before the big walk.

Practice packing your bag a week before departure
Know your total base weight (without food/water)
Adapt your kit for climate, region, and length of trail

Coming Soon

We’re working on deeper gear content, including:

Full packing lists for Camino, GR20, Great Walks, and more
Side-by-side comparisons of stoves, sleeping bags, and packs
Post-GR20 report: what gear worked, what didn’t

Until then, explore gear discussions in the Discussion Forum or gear tips in the Rafick's Blog.