backpacking gear that actually survived multiple seasons

The stuff that's still in my pack after years, plus what broke and got replaced along the way.

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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (tent)

Three seasons in. Reseal the rainfly seams once a year now, first time I had a couple drips during a long Cascades rain. Still my go-to.

MSR PocketRocket 2 (stove)

Never failed to light once in five seasons, though the pot support arms feel looser than when it was new.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (sleeping pad)

A pinhole opened up near the valve in year two. Patched with Tenacious Tape and it's held since.

REI Co-op Flash 55 (pack)

Fabric's thin, 100D, and I tore it on a rock scramble in year one. Patched, still going, but I baby it more than my old pack.

Sawyer Squeeze (water filter)

Flow rate drops fast if you skip backflushing. I do it every couple liters now, not just when it slows to nothing.

Katadyn BeFree (water filter)

Skip it for silty water - clogs constantly, only fix is shaking it, no backflush. Sawyer above replaced it for good reason.

Darn Tough hiking socks

One small hole after about five years. Used the lifetime warranty once, got a new pair no questions asked.

Nalgene 32oz bottle

MSR Groundhog stakes

Same set for five years now, just bent one from hammering into ground I really shouldn't have.

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