Gear Geekery: How I Became the Gear-Obsessed Nerd I Am Today
Welcome to the first official post of Gear Geekery, the section where I unapologetically nerd out about all things outdoor gear! Think of this as a safe space for fellow gear junkies (or those who’ve just spent way too much time researching the “best ultralight tent”) to bond over our shared obsession. I will tell you how my love for outdoor equipment started, how it got slightly out of control, and, of course, share some of my all-time favorite gear brands.
Ready to geek out? Let’s dive in.
How It All Started: Blame The Trailhead
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you work in a place filled to the brim with the latest and greatest outdoor gear, I’m your cautionary tale. My obsession started when I landed a job at The Trailhead, a local gear shop in Colorado that’s like Disneyland for anyone who loves outdoor adventure. I attended Colorado Mountain College then, taking various classes and living the mountain life, but then I took a course in gear repair. That was it. I was hooked.
Picture it: me, standing there in awe, learning to bring torn jackets and busted sleeping pads back to life like some outdoor gear wizard. I had crossed a threshold—no longer just a casual hiker but a full-on gearhead who understood the difference between a lightweight and ultralight tent. (If you’re laughing right now, you get it.)
Community Outreach Coordinator (AKA Gear Pusher)
Then, the universe took my gear obsession to the next level. I became the Community Outreach Coordinator at The Trailhead, which sounds fancy but basically means I get paid to talk about gear all day. (And yes, it was just as awesome as it sounds.)
I even organized a gear repair clinic. Yep, we had people show up with their sad, broken gear, and we taught them how to fix it. It was like outdoor gear rehab. I remember one guy’s face when we repaired his trusty jacket instead of sending it to the big gear graveyard in the sky. He looked like he’d just seen magic. And, honestly, repairing gear is magical—it keeps stuff out of landfills and lets you hold onto your favorite items for longer (plus, bragging rights when you repair your gear are absolute).
My Favorite Brands: Because I’m a Gear Snob Now
Of course, through all these experiences, I’ve become extremely picky about the brands I use. I don’t just want gear that performs; I want gear that’s sustainable, long-lasting, and, dare I say, cool? Here are some brands I will happily fangirl over:
NEMO Equipment: Do you want a tent that feels like home but packs like a dream? NEMO’s got you. These guys are all about sustainability, too, so you can feel good about not wrecking the planet while you sleep in the woods.
MSR (Mountain Safety Research): MSR’s stuff is bombproof, and their stoves are so reliable that even if I were in a zombie apocalypse, I’d be more worried about food than whether my MSR stove would light.
HOKA: These shoes are like walking on clouds. Seriously. The first time I tried on a pair, I felt like I’d ascended to some foot nirvana. Perfect for trails, roads, and post-hike burrito runs.
Salewa: You like rugged, alpine gear that makes you feel invincible? Salewa’s got your back—and your feet. Bonus: Their gear is durable enough to last longer than your knees.
Outdoor Research: Not only do they make stuff that works in the worst weather imaginable, but they also offer extended sizes. Finally, gear that fits more than just the super-slim-backpacking-model crowd.
Patagonia: Patagonia is like the Beyoncé of the outdoor world. Everything they make is a hit, and they’ve been pushing sustainability before it was cool. Plus, they’ll help you repair their gear instead of having you buy new stuff—how cool is that?
Prana: This one’s for those who want to look semi-decent when we leave the trail for a coffee shop. They make comfortable, stylish, sustainable clothing that doesn’t scream, “I’ve been in the woods for five days.”
Gear I’m Drooling Over (And Probably Don’t Need)
Regarding backpacking, especially ultralight, my wish list grows longer than a never-ending trail. While some people drool over the latest gadgets, I dream of gear that shaves ounces and maximizes functionality. Here are the backpacking and ultralight items currently tempting my wallet:
MSR Alpine Dish Brush/Scraper: Let’s start with the holy grail of my camp kitchen—the MSR Alpine Dish Brush/Scraper. I know what you’re thinking: it’s a dish brush; what’s the big deal? But trust me, this thing is life-changing. It’s compact, weighs nothing, and makes cleaning those stubborn food bits off your cookware a breeze. Plus, it doubles as a scraper, which means I can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the view (or eating more food).
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack: If there’s one pack that’s constantly calling my name, it’s this one. The Hyperlite 3400 Southwest is ultralight and waterproof, making it a beast for long thru-hikes or multi-day trips where every ounce counts. It’s minimalist, functional, and—bonus—won’t weigh you down when you’re lugging that extra bag of snacks you packed for “emergencies.”
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter: If you’re like me and enjoy drinking clean water that doesn’t taste like iodine, the BeFree Water Filter is a must-have. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and comes with a collapsible bottle that packs down to practically nothing. But here’s the kicker: if you’re not a fan of the bottle it comes with, the filter fits most standard threaded bottles. That means you can easily keep your beloved Nalgene or Smartwater bottle and still filter water in the backcountry. Versatility + ultralight? Yes, please.
Gossamer Gear The One Tent: This tent is an ultralight backpacker legend. Weighing in at just over a pound, Gossamer Gear’s The One is about as light as it gets for solo tents. It’s perfect for thru-hikers or anyone trying to keep their base weight low without sacrificing weather protection.
MSR WhisperLite Stove: The WhisperLite has been a go-to for backpackers for decades, and for good reason. This stove is a workhorse—lightweight, reliable, and can burn multiple fuel types. But the best part? You can repair it in the field. Yes, you read that right. If something goes wrong on the trail, it’s designed to be easy to fix with essential tools. Whether it’s cleaning out the fuel line or replacing a gasket, you won’t be stuck eating cold granola just because your stove gave out. The ultralight stove won't let you down, even in the backcountry.
NEMO Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad: A favorite for its balance of comfort and weight. At under a pound, the NEMO Tensor provides excellent insulation and comfort without compromising your ultralight goals. It’s also surprisingly quiet, a bonus if you’re not into the crinkly sound some other pads make every time you roll over.
These are the ultralight backpacking and must-haves that haunt my gear dreams. While I’m about reducing pack weight, I’ll always find room for the trusty MSR brush/scraper in my camp kitchen. Some things are non-negotiable, and a clean camp kitchen is one of them.