How to choose the perfect outdoor gear for an expedition?

Are you going on your first outdoor expedition and don’t know what to take with you? Or maybe you already have some experience, but you’re wondering what accessories are worth packing in addition to your standard equipment? Read our guide and find out how to put together the perfect outdoor gear for any trip – from backpacks and cooking accessories to practical gadgets from Badger Outdoor.

Why should you invest in good outdoor gear?

When heading out into the field, it is worth ensuring you have reliable equipment. High-quality gear provides safety, comfort, and peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment spent outdoors. Here are the reasons why it is worth investing in good outdoor gear:

• Durability and strength – good quality equipment can withstand intensive use and harsh weather conditions, and usually lasts for many years.
• Practicality – good quality equipment often has useful features, such as backpacks with ergonomic carrying systems.
• Safety in critical situations – good quality equipment can be crucial in difficult weather conditions or in emergency situations. For example, a well-insulated sleeping bag will provide adequate protection in the event of a sudden drop in temperature.
• Long-term savings – good outdoor equipment needs to be replaced less often, which translates into real financial savings.
• Reliability and peace of mind during the trip – knowing that the equipment will not let us down increases our mental comfort and allows us to fully enjoy every trip.
• Warranty and after-sales service – manufacturers of good equipment often offer multi-year warranties, repair options, and access to spare parts, which extends the life of the products and provides real support in case of problems.

How to choose outdoor gear for yourself?

If you want to choose the right outdoor gear for your trip, it is worth paying attention to a few important issues. First, determine the purpose of the trip – are you planning to go trekking in the mountains, camping in the woods, or perhaps a multi-day hike on a long-distance trail? Each of these activities may require slightly different equipment.

Pay particular attention to the weather, type of terrain, and availability of stores or supply points. Expeditions into high mountains require equipment that can withstand harsh conditions, while hiking in lowlands allows for lighter gear. It is also worth remembering about obstacles along the route, such as rivers, forests, or steep climbs.

It is worth thinking thoroughly about what you really need for the expedition and avoid taking unnecessary items so as not to overload your luggage. Before the hike, it is also a good idea to try out new equipment to make sure it works in the field. It is a good idea to pack in advance and take a trial walk with your backpack to check that it is not too heavy.

Below we showcase outdoor equipment from our Badger Outdoor brand, which is very popular among those undertaking various types of expeditions, from short hikes to multi-day treks. 

Accessories for cooking in the field 

A warm meal on the trail is not only a way to replenish your energy, but also a pleasant moment that can improve your mood after a long day of hiking. In the field, where every gram in your backpack matters, the right choice of cooking equipment is of great importance. Above all, it is worth choosing compact and multifunctional accessories for cooking in the field:

• Travel cookware – for your expedition, it is worth taking, for example, the 3-piece Badger Outdoor 3Steelcook mess tin. It is very light, made of stainless steel, and can be used to eat meals, heat food, or cook dishes.
• Utensil sets/sporks – there is no point in taking all your cutlery separately on an outdoor trip when you can take one tool that combines several functions. A popular product of this type is the Badger Outdoor 5in1 Hiker Spork, equipped with a knife, spoon, fork, bottle opener, and can opener.
• Folding travel stove – if you want to cook a meal or even just heat up some water in the field, you will need a stove. We recommend the lightweight, folding Badger Outdoor Camping Stove FSCS. It can be fueled with wood or camping fuel in the form of tablets or gel.
• Flint – it is always worth having one with you in the field, as it works even when wet, when traditional matches fail. We recommend the Badger Outdoor Fire Rod flint, which allows you to easily light a fire or travel stove even in difficult weather conditions. 

Hammocks and camping tarps

Those going on a trip longer than one day should take a hammock and a camping tarp with them. They come in handy especially in places where it is difficult to find flat ground for a tent. Our brand offers a lightweight and durable Badger Outdoor Tundra hammock that can easily support up to 200 kg. Setting up the hammock is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes.]

When it comes to tarps, it’s worth choosing the Badger Outdoor X-Thermo Tarp. One side of the tarp is covered with a thermal insulation layer, which increases comfort during cold nights and reflects the sun on hot days. The other side, olive green in color, absorbs heat well and blends in with the surroundings.

Thermoses and thermal mugs

Hot coffee after reaching the summit, warming tea while resting on a mountain ridge, or a hot meal during a winter hike are small pleasures that really lift your spirits and give you energy to continue your journey.

For all-day trips, we recommend Badger Outdoor Liquid, a one-liter thermos that keeps drinks at the right temperature for hours and is completely leak-proof. For hot meals, Badger Outdoor Food Jar Hot Pot Food Thermos will work well, as it keeps food warm for a long time without absorbing its taste or smell. If you take a travel stove with you and plan to make tea or coffee on the spot, Badger Outdoor Steel Boy Thermal Mug will be a good choice.

Badger Outdoor knives and multitools 

An outdoor expedition often requires you to take practical tools with you, such as a knife or multitool. They come in handy in many situations, such as preparing meals, repairing equipment, building a makeshift shelter, or performing minor tasks in the field.

Badger Outdoor D2 Gecko folding knife is very popular in our store. This model is distinguished by its exceptional resistance to blunting thanks to the use of D2 steel, and at the same time it is very light. A practical clip allows you to conveniently attach the knife to a backpack, belt, or pocket, for example. Our range also includes a wide selection of multitools for those who need a lot of features in one tool. For example, users recommend the Badger Outdoor Solid model, which offers as many as 16 tools, including a saw, cutting hook, and spring-loaded scissors.

For those who can take a little more equipment with them, we recommend shovels and axes from Badger Outdoor. A shovel will come in handy when digging holes for a campfire, leveling the ground for a tent, or other small tasks. A lightweight camping axe makes it easier to chop firewood, cut thicker branches, and prepare pegs for the tent.

Food for an outdoor expedition

You should take appropriate food with you on every trip, and the amount and type of food depends on the length of the trip and the intensity of the planned activities. We particularly recommend Beef Jerky from our brand, which quickly replenishes energy, takes up little space in your backpack, and is a valuable source of protein. Beef jerky is a classic tourist food for a reason. It does not require refrigeration, has a long shelf life, and is great as a quick snack while hiking when you don’t want to waste time on a long break.

Outdoor equipment

Before every trip, regardless of its length and difficulty, it is worth considering additional outdoor equipment that increases comfort, safety, and organization. Here are a few items to consider:

• Admin panels – small organizers that are perfect for carrying small electronics, documents, and small tools. A good choice from our range is the Badger Outdoor Tactical Admin Pouch, which is compatible with the MOLLE/PALS system, making it easy to attach to a backpack or other equipment.
• Hip bags and waist bags – great for storing essential items such as your wallet, phone, snacks, or headlamp. The Badger Outdoor Farley waist bag, equipped with three practical pockets and made of very durable material, is very popular among our customers.
• Waterproof notebook – indispensable for people who take notes, record routes, or make nature observations. The notebook we offer is fully waterproof and will not be damaged even if accidentally washed in a washing machine.
• Compass – classic navigation equipment that is worth having with you, especially in difficult terrain or in places where GPS signal may be limited. We recommend the easy-to-use Badger Outdoor Pointman map compass, which has fluorescent markings that allow you to use it even after dark.

Safety on the trail

When going on a trip, it is always a good idea to take a first aid kit with you, which should include a thermal blanket, such as the one available in our range. A thermal blanket protects against hypothermia, moisture, and wind, and in emergency situations, it can also be used as a makeshift shelter or sunshade. In the winter season, we also recommend equipping yourself with Badger Outdoor Alpine crampons for safety, as they improve traction on icy and snowy trails.

Useful gadgets

Experienced tourists know that, apart from basic equipment, it is also worth taking useful gadgets that can prove extremely practical in the field and often significantly increase the comfort of the trip:

• Gaiters – protect pant legs and the inside of footwear from mud, snow, moisture, and small stones.
• Paracord – a versatile and very durable cord, useful for repairing equipment, securing gear, or building a makeshift shelter. Badger Outdoor offers both standard cords and paracord bracelets.
• Hand chainsaw – a lightweight and compact alternative to an axe, ideal for cutting branches and preparing firewood. A good example is the Badger Outdoor Army Chainsaw, equipped with comfortable handles. The special design of the links allows you to cut wood in both directions, which significantly speeds up the work.
• Lightstick – a simple and reliable source of light, useful as emergency lighting, to mark a campsite or as a signal in emergency situations. Our range includes, for example, a lightstick that comes in a set of 6 different colors and lasts for 8-12 hours.
• Waterproof phone case – protects your smartphone from rain, moisture, and dirt.
• Plasma lighter – a reliable, windproof source of fire, ideal for lighting a campfire or camping stove. In our range, we recommend, for example, the Badger Outdoor Ion Crystal lighter, which also features a flashlight.

How to prepare for an expedition with Badger Outdoor? 

As you can see, our brand’s range includes many products that prove useful both for short, one-day trips to nearby mountains and for longer, more demanding expeditions. We encourage you to explore our entire range, in which you will find even more useful products to help you fully prepare for any outdoor adventure.