My Kit & Gear Reviews
I personally test every piece of gear I recommend, hands-on, in real conditions, and without bias. Each item has been carried, used, and worn by me on wilderness retreats and day-to-day work, so my assessments come from close personal experience rather than specs or marketing. You’ll get straightforward, practical insights based on actual use.
I may receive a small commission if you purchase through affiliate links shared here; this does not affect the price you pay.
❋ Begin by taking what's importantThese are the essentials to bring on every trip, regardless of destination or duration. They cover shelter, sleep, water, safety, and navigation.
❋ Pack according to the seasonA winter desert outing requires warmer sleepwear and extra insulation. A summer trip in Northern AZ still calls for sun protection but lighter nighttime clothing.
❋ Pack with confidenceNovices pack extras for every contingency. Seasoned backpackers travel light with fewer, better items and the skills to use them. Choose confidence over bulk.
❋ Define what's importantThese are essentials to bring on every trip, regardless of destination or duration. They cover shelter, sleep, water, safety, and navigation.
Corey’s Outfit & Kit
Head to Toe
Hat: GADIEMKENSD Reflective Folding Outdoor Hat Unstructured Design UPF 50+
Glasses: Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Neck Gaiter: Buff CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter
Base Layer: REI Sahara Sun Hoodie
Mid Layer: REI Quarter Zip Hoodie Pullover
Raincoat: REI Groundbreaker Rain Jacket 2.0
Underwear: Costco Chill Zero Polyester Underwear
Pants: Kirkland Hiking Cargo Pants
Socks: Darn Tough Vermont Men's Hiker Boot Midweight Full Cushion Socks
Gaiters: OrrinSports Trail Gaiters
Shoes: Altra LonePeak 8
What’s In My Bag?
My backpack is minimal.
Backpack: REI Flash Air 50
Sleeping Bag: REI Magma 15
Sleeping Bag Liner: COCOON Silk MummyLiner Sleeping Bag Liner
Sleeping Pad: Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
Tent: StratoSpire 1 by Tarptent
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
Cook Pot: Toaks Titanium 115 mm Frying Pan
Miscellaneous
Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze with CNOC Vecto Bags
Lighter: BIC Mini Lighter
Handkerchief: Cotton Bandana
GPS Navigation: Garmin InReach Mini 2
Fitness Tracker: Google FitBit Air
The Essentials
Shelter & sleep: a shelter, a sleeping bag or quilt rated for the expected low, and a pad with sufficient R-value.
Water & hydration: enough carrying capacity for the route, a reliable treatment method, and familiarity with your water sources.
Navigation tools: a way to determine your location and route with map and compass, GPS, or a phone with offline maps.
Safety & emergency: a first-aid kit suited to your skills, a headlamp, a whistle, and a means to call for help.
Pack protection: a pack sized for the trip, a rain cover or liner, and waterproof stuff sacks.
Weather-appropriate clothing: a base layer, an active layer, insulation, and a shell.
There are many systems that should fill your pack:
Gear Systems
BackpackShelterSleep SystemClothesFootwearWaterKitchenNavigationFirst AidThe Little Things