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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1
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.
2
MSR PocketRocket 2 (stove)
Never failed to light once in five seasons, though the pot support arms feel looser than when it was new.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Darn Tough hiking socks
One small hole after about five years. Used the lifetime warranty once, got a new pair no questions asked.
8
Nalgene 32oz bottle
9
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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