Steripen
What: A small, wand-shaped light that allows you to treat drinking water using UV light.
Why: If you’re going to spend much time outdoors, you need a way to treat drinking water. The Steripen is my favorite. It’s like magic. You don’t need a pump or chemicals. Simply fill your water bottle, push the button, sticky the Steripen in the water and stir. A built-in timer is set for a half-liter or liter bottle. One note, if the water is full of sediment, you’ll need to prefilter.
Rite in the Rain
What: A collection of water proof paper for, appropriately enough, writing in the rain.
Why: This is the Northwest. I don’t really need to tell you why waterproof paper would be useful, do I? You should use a waterproof pen, or even better, a pencil. With a pencil you can write directly through a raindrop as if it’s not even there. You notebook will survive any moisture you can throw at it. Lake? Sure. Mud puddle? You bet. (Yes, I have tested that.)
Titanium pots
What: Small, sturdy, nesting pots for cooking while camping.
Why: For backpacking, you want lightweight gear, and you want something that lasts. These pots are worth the money. They are light yet sturdy. You get two pots and two lids, and each lid doubles as a frying pan. The handles have a heat proof grip that makes it easy to maneuver. Titanium cups are a good companion accessory. The built in lid makes it very easy to drain foods such as pasta.
Headlamp
What: A small flashlight you can wear on your head
Why: A flashlight is on one of the essentials for the outdoors. A headlamp leaves your hands free while you set up camp, cook, read or go for a nighttime stroll. Headlamps come in many varieties. Look for a small, lightweight one that stays on your head without slipping off. A light that tilts is useful. One note, don’t look directly in your companions’ eyes while wearing a headlamp. They won’t appreciate being blinded.
Zip-off shorts
What: Pants that zip off at the knee to turn into shorts
Why: Cool mornings quickly turn warm when you’re hiking uphill. These pants make it easy to change your wardrobe without undressing. Some pants even zip up the side, allowing you to leave on your shoes as you change.
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