Can these awesome items make a great backpack loadout? Yes they can. The spring outdoor season is here. The snows are beginning to thaw, temperatures are warming, and the outdoors are exploding with vibrant colors. Spring also brings a time of refreshing and renewal. The traditional spring cleaning period is part of this time of the year. As we ready our gear and load-outs for the season, we sometimes exchange older stuff for the new. Here is my list of recommended equipment should you consider as you restock your kit for the spring hiking and backpacking season.
1. Kelty ZYP 48 ($169.95 MSRP)
The Kelty ZYP is the newest line of backpacks from a reputable gear manufacturer. Kelty produces some of the highest quality outdoor gear on the market. The Kelty ZYP line continues that tradition. If you are looking to change out your current pack with something different, a Kelty ZYP could be an option to consider.
2. Morakniv Garberg (Stainless Steel) ($79.99 MSRP)
The Morakniv Garberg (Stainless Steel) is one of the highest quality, yet budget-friendly, fixed blade knives that you can possess. Morakniv manufactures some of the finest cutlery presently on the market. The Garberg is Mora’s contribution to the full tang, fixed blade knife genre. If you are looking for a quality, durability, and practicality, you will not go wrong purchasing the Morakniv Garberg (Stainless Steel).
3. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Wood ($68.00 MSRP)
The Swiss Army knives by Victorinox have a long history in the outdoor world. These are some of the most versatile pocket knives on the market. The latest version of their Huntsman pocket knife comes with wood scales. The Huntsman is one of the best pocket knives that one can carry into the field. Although some consider the knife a multitool, it is, in reality, a pocket knife with some added capabilities. There are many great folding knives currently on the market. However, the Swiss Army Huntsman is one of the elites in the pocket knife market.
4. Leatherman® Heritage Rebar® ($69.95 MSRP)
Leatherman® products are favorites among outdoor enthusiasts. The company has built a great heritage of multitools that incorporate quality and durability along with practicality. Recently, Leatherman has re-issued their first favorite multitool, Rebar. It is called the Heritage Rebar. Leatherman’s great multitool that set the industry standard for multitools comes again for another generation of outdoorsman to enjoy.
5. Ontario Knife Company 1-18 Machete ($27.95 MSRP)
The OKC -1-18 Machete is a wood chopping and brush clearing instrument. It was in use with the U.S. military for sixty years. The 1-18 Machete is a versatile and practical tool made of 1095 carbon steel. If you live in areas where an ax is impractical, then the OKC 1-18 Machete may be the solution that you are looking for to tackle your chopping and clearing needs.
6. Sigma 3 Fire Kit ($62.95 MSRP)
The Sigma 3 Fire Kit is one of the best pre-made fire kits that a backpacker can include in their loadout. It comes with a versatile array of items with which to make fires. It comes in a compact zippered pouch that fits well into any size backpack. If you wish to know more about this product, you can read my review of The Sigma 3 Fire Kit.
7. MSR® 2 Person Mess Kit ($34.95 MSRP)
MSR® products are some of the finest that one can purchase in the mountaineering market. However, many of their products are favorites with hikers and backpackers. One of the more innovative mess kits on the market is the MSR 2 Person Mess Kit. It is an excellent addition to your bag if you are an ultralight backpacker. Moreover, this kit can fit just as well into your pack if you are on a hunting expedition in Alaska.
MSR 2 Person Mess Video Review
8. Sigma 3 Water Kit ($89.95 MSRP)
The Sigma 3 Water Kit is another innovative product by the Sigma 3 Survival School. This kit is a one-stop kit to meet your water carrying and processing needs. This kit includes a Sawyer Mini Water Filter kit, Aqua Water Purification tablets, and a 32 ounce single-walled Kleen Kanteen stainless steel water bottle. If you want to know more about this product, you can read my review of the Sigma 3 Water Kit.
9. Warbonnet XLC Hammock ($235 MSRP) and Super Fly Tarp System ($140.00)
The Warbonnet XLC Hammock System is one of the best that you can buy on the market. It offers a wide variety of features. This hammock system has some accompanying options for consideration: closed-mosquito net and hammock quilts. The hammock works well with the Warbonnet Tarp. If you are looking to upgrade your hammock system, you can not go wrong with the Warbonnet XLC Hammock. If you want to know more about this hammock, check out Rob Allen’s review of the Warbonnet XLC Hammock on YouTube.
Warbonnet XLC Hammock System Video Review
10. Survival Emergency Solutions (SES) Survival Compact First Aid Kit ($35.95 MSRP)
The SES Survival Compact First Aid Kit is one of the best that you can buy to upgrade your personal first aid kit needs. This kit overflows with organization. One drawback with this kit is that it does come with a tourniquet. So, if you are looking for a first aid kit that comes with a tourniquet, then you may have to search the military surplus stores for U.S. Army IFAKs. Otherwise, you will not be disappointed with this kit.
Final Observations
The spring outdoor season his here: camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, and boating depending on where you live. The spring also motivates some clearing out of old stuff and making room for new things. Your backpack and outdoor loadout may need a change or upgrade. The items that are listed in this article are a combination of personal use or recommendations from credible sources. The discussion about backpacking gear is one that generates a lot of preferences. For example, some prefer Leatherman® multitools over Gerber® ones. If you want to continue to investigate and research the above items, check out the links throughout this article to help you make better and informed decisions on the gear. Remember to stay safe, stay prepared, and eventually, I want to see you out on the trail.
Major Hykr 