The Gear I Bring – And the Exact Order I Pack It
Main Compartment
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20 Quilt
My first item into the pack is my ultralight sleeping bag: the Vesper 20-degree quilt from Therm-a-Rest. With 900-fill down and weighing just 1.3 lbs, it offers excellent warmth-to-weight performance.Sleep System: Shelter & Pad
Hyperlite Flat Tarp paired with a splash bivy for ultralight shelter.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad for comfort and insulation.
Med Kit
My first aid kit is a modified Adventure Medical Kit from Cabela’s. I’ve customized it by removing excess items and adding supplies I trust in the field.Food Packs
Two 1-gallon Ziploc bags filled with food, each weighing roughly 2 pounds. These hold two days of backcountry fuel, including freeze-dried meals, trail mix, and calorie-dense bars.Pillow
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow adds a surprising amount of comfort without much weight or bulk.Cook System
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove
Toaks Titanium 750ml Pot
My stove and pot go near the top of the main compartment for quick access when I get to camp or want hot food on a break.
Puffy Jacket
My First Lite Sawtooth Puffy is also packed at the top of the main compartment for fast access if temps drop suddenly.
Once everything is in, I zip up the main compartment.
Exterior Storage & Side Pockets
48 oz Nalgene goes in the dedicated Exo K4 Nalgene holder on the hipbelt.
Hipbelt Pockets:
One side holds quick snacks.
The other houses my Ivory Holsters pistol holster, fitted for my Sig P365X Macro.
Side Zip Pocket:
I store my Swarovski STC spotting scope here—it fits securely and stays protected.Side Stretch Pockets:
One holds my Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles and Therm-a-Rest Z Seat.
The other carries my Peak Design Carbon Fiber Tripod with the RRS PT Scout Pan Head.
Lid Storage (Blaze Orange Add-On)
I use the optional blaze orange lid from Exo (sold separately), which adds valuable top storage space. My Swarovski 14x52 NL Pure binoculars are secured under the lid when I bring them as a second set of glass.
Large Zippered Lid Pocket:
Battery pack
Paracord
Phone Skope adapter
HydraPak Seeker 3L water filtration system
Wet wipes
Beanie
Extra food for Third Day (1-gallon Ziploc)
Swarovski SLC tripod adapter
Extra headlamp battery
Rag wool gloves
Titanium spoon
Ultralight pistol holster for sleeping in bivy
Small Zippered Lid Pocket:
Fenix HM62-T lightweight headlamp
Additional Gear
Digital Thermometer: I keep an AcuRite digital thermometer clipped to the outside of my pack to monitor real-time ambient temperatures.
Rain Gear: If rain is in the forecast, I pack my Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket and pants. If not, they usually stay in the truck.
Bino Harness Setup
I run a Marsupial Gear bino harness, which allows me to keep critical tools on my chest:
Swarovski NL Pure 8x42 binoculars
Sig Kilo 5K rangefinder
This setup lets me access optics, tags, snacks, and emergency tools without digging into my pack.
The Philosophy: Minimalist, Not Miserable
My strategy is simple: bring only what I need—and nothing more. That means trimming down redundancies, packing ultralight, and selecting high-quality, multi-use gear. Even with optics, food, and shelter, my setup remains nimble, fast, and adaptable for 3-day adventures in the mountains.
This packing method allows me to stay efficient, comfortable, and fully capable of handling the backcountry while relying solely on a “day pack.” It's not about roughing it—it's about packing with intention.
Watch the Full Breakdown
🎥 Click here to watch the full video breakdown on YouTube
Gear Up with Ignited by Nature
Looking for the exact gear I use? Visit the Ignited by Nature store to find outdoor-tested essentials, curated kits, and gear that keeps you connected to the wild.
Thanks for reading, and remember to stay connected to the wild!
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— Chris, Ignited by Nature
