Gear up: Your guide to camping essentials

Backpacking and camping gear can be overwhelming. The selection at REI of lights for your Nalgene bottle, ice cream makers for the road and feather-light sleeping bags begs the question: How do you separate the must-haves from the unnecessary items? Here’s a college-budget-friendly list every camper should have.

Leatherman knife/multi-tool:

The Leatherman brand is highly trusted among backpackers, and the Juice series in particular is extremely versatile and definitely a camping necessity. Very lightweight and an average costof $60 to $100, this knife is worth the price. An extra-sharp blade, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers and can/bottle opener all come in handy in the woods. The Leatherman can be purchased at REI or any outdoors shop. A leather case that can attach to a belt can be purchased for an additional $5. I bring my Leatherman hiking, snowboarding and camping. Don’t be caught traveling in the woods without this trusty tool.

MSR SweetWater Microfilter:

In the Pacific Northwest, most lake waters and stream waters are not safe to drink unless filtered. No more iodine tablets or slow pumps — the SweetWater is the best filter I have ever used. It has a smart, ergonomic design that makes pumping water easy, effortless, and efficient. Every pump of the handle, both up and down, funnels water into an attached water bottle. Rated the best microfilter by Backpacker Magazine, its standard wide-lip bottle makes matching any bottle for filtering easy, and it is also easy to clean. Best of all, the SweetWater is on the low end of microfilter prices: It can be purchased for $70 at REI or online. Similar items usually cost between $100 and $200.

Sleeping bag:

The sleeping bag is perhaps the hardest item to choose, but nobody can camp without it. Prices for sleeping bags range from $20 at Target to $300 for full-down sleeping bags at specialty camping stores. The key to finding a good value sleeping bag is making sure you can narrow down the search. Try to find a sleeping bag that is a couple of inches longer than your height, is specifically designed for women or men and is climate appropriate. Don’t spend an extra $40 buying an overly insulated bag when you do mostly summer backpacking. If you do mostly car camping, don’t pay an extra $100 for a mummy bag that is feather light and super compact. The key is finding a bag that suits your individual needs.

Other must-haves:

Sleeping mat

Hiking boots

Headlamp

Topographical map

Cooking stove

What not to bring:

Heavy lantern

Fancy flashlight

GPS

Trekking plots

Binoculars

Specially designed tea/coffee maker

Ice cream maker