Hiking Essentials: Backpacker Editors Reveal Their Everyday Carry Gear

In an era where the 'Every Day Carry' (EDC) phenomenon dominates online discussions, extending beyond tactical enthusiasts and luxury item displays, the editors of Backpacker magazine offer a refreshing perspective, focusing on the practicalities of hiking. This article unveils the personal collections of essential items that accompany these experienced adventurers on every trail, highlighting a blend of utility, preparedness, and personal preference. Unlike the typical online showcases, this insider's look into hiker EDC emphasizes functionality and resilience in the outdoors, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their gear for wilderness exploration. It's a testament to thoughtful packing, where every item serves a purpose in ensuring safety, comfort, and an enjoyable experience amidst nature.

Associate Editor Will Brendza's EDC collection is characterized by its versatility and practicality, designed to address a wide array of trail needs. A crucial component for him is his pair of Ombraz Armless Sunglasses, valued for their secure fit and superior eye protection, especially given his sensitivity to light and tendency to misplace belongings. For essential tasks, a robust Knives of Alaska folding knife is always at hand, capable of handling most camp chores while remaining conveniently pocket-sized. Additionally, Brendza champions the humble bandana as an indispensable multi-tool, adapting it for various uses from a headband to a face mask. His gear also includes a Nocs Zero Tube Monocular, a favorite for wildlife observation and route-scoping, and a reliable Petzl headlamp for navigating after dusk. Personal comfort items like tissues, a pen and paper for notes, identification, money, sunscreen, and lip balm are also consistently packed, alongside a distinctively marked lighter to prevent accidental loss, underscoring a comprehensive approach to preparedness.

Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy approaches his hiking essentials with a minimalist yet comprehensive mindset, aiming to consolidate as many critical items as possible into a compact waist pack. He deliberately chooses to disconnect from constant digital notifications by leaving his smartphone behind during non-working excursions. Instead, he opts for an AT&T Cingular Flex 2 flip phone, which, despite its simplicity, serves his basic communication needs and, with the O.map app, can display rudimentary hiking maps. To complement this, a button compass provides essential directional guidance. For capturing memories, a compact Life Camera S168 digital camera offers better photo and video capabilities than his basic phone. Roy's pack also includes a lightweight space blanket, which has proven life-saving in unexpected situations, a lighter wrapped in duct tape, and a travel-sized sunscreen. His discontinued Leatherman Tread multitool bracelet offers a security-friendly cutting tool and various screwdriver heads. For day hikes where an unexpected nightfall is unlikely, a Black Diamond Ion Keychain Light is included. A small first-aid kit, containing antibiotic ointment and child-friendly bandages, caters to minor injuries that often occur during family outings.

Roy's commitment to preparedness extends to a waterproof notepad for jotting down thoughts and observations. His preferred writing instrument is a Pilot Precise Varsity disposable fountain pen, chosen for its enjoyable writing experience despite not being the lightest option. He prefers inexpensive sunglasses, mitigating concerns over potential damage. Snacks for his trips are typically budget-friendly options like fruit snacks or granola bars, often bought in bulk for his children. A somewhat unconventional but highly valued item in his EDC is a toothbrush, which he credits for significantly improving his quality of life by allowing him to maintain oral hygiene whenever desired. This curated selection reflects a blend of practical utility, safety consciousness, and personal well-being, all contained within a compact and efficient setup.

Senior Editor Zoe Gates embodies a minimalist philosophy for her daily trail excursions, focusing on immediate necessities. Her primary carries often include just her iPhone and one or two dog poop bags, reflecting a readiness for pet companionship. When it comes to sustenance, gummy candies, particularly Nerds Gummy Clusters, are her go-to for a quick energy boost, alongside Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews for more demanding efforts. For tracking her progress, a Garmin Instinct Solar watch remains on her wrist, monitoring mileage and elevation. For extended or more challenging adventures, she ensures her inReach device is packed, providing a critical lifeline for emergency communication. Her trusty Nalgene water bottle is also a constant companion, whether she's navigating trails or exploring urban landscapes. Additionally, though not always explicitly pictured, Gates also brings along practical items like a Kula cloth, an avalanche transceiver for winter conditions, a collapsible dog bowl, and Leukotape wrapped around her sunscreen stick, showcasing a mindful and adaptable approach to her outdoor pursuits.

The diverse 'Every Day Carry' collections of Backpacker's editors underscore a foundational principle of outdoor readiness: tailoring gear to individual needs and anticipated conditions. From comprehensive toolkits to minimalist essentials, each editor's selection reflects a thoughtful balance between preparedness, comfort, and the personal joy derived from nature. These insights highlight that while the specific items may vary, the core objective remains consistent: to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-equipped experience on any trail, reinforcing the importance of deliberate choices in building one's personal hiking kit.