5 luxury items for your next backpacking trip

You don't need to suffer when backpacking, take a little luxury with you and enjoy the experience more.

If you had to choose five items to carry on your next backpacking trip - stuff you choose to carry, not because you need it, but because it brings genuine joy, what would those 5 things be? Welcome to Desert Island Discs meets dirtbag luxury.

We think travelling light is the best approach to backpacking, but... we are not always rational beings. Once you’ve eaten couscous out of a ziplock bag for multiple nights or brushed your teeth with a cut down toothbrush you have earned the right to take a little bit of joy with you.

Let's deprioritise base weight and pack size just a little bit and turn up the dial on luxury, with a handful of items to make every backpacking trip a little bit more comfortable.

FKT boxer shorts, wash one, wear one, spare one

If you know, you know. Don't wear pants pants on your next backpacking adventure.

FKT boxer shorts (or briefs if you prefer) are hands down the most underrated piece of outdoor clothing you can take on a multi-day backpacking trip. Quick drying, odour-resistant, and comfy enough to sleep in.

First on, last off, high-wicking, non-chafing underwear for men and women. Build your layering system from the bottom up, luxury does not need to be superfluous.

Carry three pairs for all eventualities.

Soundbite rechargeable light & bluetooth speaker

There is more to backpacking than lugging your tent around on your back. Take time to enjoy your tent, spend some quality time in and around it. Time spent at the campsite is time well spent.

Soundbite is a camping light and bluetooth speaker in one. Listen to your favourite podcast as your tent is illuminated by a soft light, oooh the shear luxury of it. Essential luxury for camp vibes.

Vagabond portable camping stool

"You're a frog, so you must sit on a log." "Can't I sit on a mat?" asked the frog. "Only cats sit on mats," said the cat. "What about a chair?" said the frog. "I wouldn't mind sitting on a chair." From Oi Frog! by Kes Grey & Jim Field.

How often have you felt the discomfort of a damp log or a rough rock as you sit down to cook your evening meal? But what's the alternative? Use your camping mat? squat? suffer? No no no, this is luxury and you had the foresight to carry a lightweight camping stool.

Vagabond is stupidly light, stupidly comfy, and lets you perch like a king while brewing your coffee. You’ll never sit on a soggy log again.

MytiCafe coffee filter system, camp coffee done right

Did someone mention coffee?

Some people just don't operate without their coffee hit. If you are one of these, or you are struggling to get someone who is to join you on your next backpacking adventure, MytiCafe is for you.

Here luxury does not come with a weight penalty. A lightweight titanium camping mug with a coffee press engineered to fit perfectly inside.

Fresh air, fresh coffee, and the smug satisfaction of a luxury, fancy pants morning brew to get you on your way.

Drift inflatable camping pillow, heads-down comfort

Some dinosaurs will scoff at camping pillows. “Just use your down jacket”.

You don't need to reply to such trolling. You know better.

Drift is next-level, slumber inducing camping comfort. The luxurious soft cover, packs tiny, and actually cradles your head like a cloud. Your sleep quality = next morning’s mood.

Don’t be a hero. Bring the pillow.

What’s on your desert island backpacking kit list?

So there you have it - 5 items to make your next backpacking trip just a little bit more welcoming.

Camping kit has really come on in recent years - it's lighter, more packable and if you want it, more techy than ever.

We really believe backpacking is one of the best ways to introduce people to the joys of the outdoors, and if that means waving a few carrots so be it.