When you think of Walmart, I bet you wouldn’t think of good quality backpacking gear. While the majority of this is true, here are some great items for backpacking that are sold at Walmart. They are so good that I use these items on almost all of my trips.
1. Klymit Sleeping Pad
Klymit has gotten a lot of attention in recent years since I started purchasing their products. So much that I was surprised and excited to see them being sold in Walmart stores. Most stores are only carrying the pad and pillow. Both I personally own and use. I highly recommend these.
If you are a tent camper, getting a nice solid sleeping pad is a must. Sometimes roughing it and sleeping on the straight rocky ground is not worth it, especially if you can help it. Sleeping on the bare ground can pull away body heat and make getting a good nights sleep pretty rough. Investing in a decent sleeping pad will make a huge difference. Even using a sleeping pad in a hammock can make a world of difference.
I personally enjoy this pad mainly due to how compact it is and how light it weighs. It weighs just 18.7 ounces and is extremely comfortable. Even using this in my hammock has made a world of difference. Getting great sleep means more energy for more hiking the next day.
Looking for more ways to sleep better while camping? Continue Here…
2. Sawyer Water Filters
This is probably the most important and best piece of gear you could buy at Walmart. These Sawyer Water Filters are a lifesaver and so easy to use. Sawyer is one of the most reputable water filter brands on the market. Being used from simple weekend trips to thru hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Walmart stores usually have the Sawyer Mini, Sawyer Squeeze and Sawyer Gravity versions in stock at the stores.
I always carry a small Sawyer water filter with me. Anything can happen. You could get a leak in your bladder or drop your bottle and lose all your water. Doing so could drain your spirits and your water. If you have a filter you can feel confident that you will be able to collect water on the next water source you approach.
Another reason I like Sawyer Filters is because I carry Smart Water bottles and they fit the threads perfectly.
3. Stanley Cook Ware 24oz Cup
Not the lightest by any means but the Stanley cup is super durable. This is a great option for a budget jetboil. Grab a camp stove and fuel and just add this Stanley cup to boil water and cook food. I have had my cup for years and it shows no signs of wearing down. The 24 ounce stainless steel cup comes with two 10oz plastic nesting cups that fit nicely inside. With the two cups inside the weight comes to 13.9 ounces. Not the lightest, but you won’t have to worry about it failing on you. Stanley has a lifetime warranty and you will probably upgrade to a lighter option before this will fail on you.
Cooking Tip: Avoid the task of cleaning your cup over and over. Instead of cleaning your cups just boil your water and reuse dehydrated meal bags while on the trail.
4. Outdoor Products Dry Sack 3 Pack
Dry sacks are great to have for storing extra clothes, food and anything you don’t want to get wet. I use them for just that. I even store my backpacking tent in one of the larger dry bags. These bags are actually good and have held up longer than I expected. They have kept everything I put in them dry with no issues. You get 3 bags with a size of 2, 4 and 10 liters.
While Walmart might not have the best gear. There are some great options you shouldn’t pass up.
