8 New Gear Items That I’m Excited About Right Now

I’m on the road again, and while I’ll always be a minimalist at heart, I decided to splurge on some new gear items for this two-month hiking trip throughout Europe. Responsible consumerism is so important to me, so I make it a point to only buy what I need and things that really come in handy.

Most of these items complement or improve my current packing list and I only recommend things I own and use myself.

During this trip to Europe, I’m focusing on traveling out of a carry-on again. After having walked the Camino de Santiago in August and September, I am inspired to return to Europe with packing light with very little.

Hint, I might be planning another short Camino with the goal to make my packing list lighter and more efficient. In addition, I was truly inspired by walking along the Death Coast, especially the fishing village of Muxia. I am planning a more off-the-beaten-path trek in this underrated and rugged beauty found in Galicia.

I’m pretty stoked about these new gear items. As a note, I’m not carrying everything mentioned in this gear guide, but these are new items that I’m refreshing and updating my 2023 packing list with!

Here are 8 new gear items I’m totally excited about right now!

Table of Contents

• New Gear Items in My Treasure Trove
• A Quick Note on Responsible Consumerism
• Overview | New Gear Items That I’m Excited About Right Now

New Gear Items in My Treasure Trove

Here are some of the newest gear items I’m eager to share about. I’m currently en route to spend two months hiking in Europe.

While I’m not carrying all of these items currently, they have been added to my gear collection. All of this gear comes from local gear shops, REI, and for the first time, I ordered some items from Backcountry.

1 | Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 40F Sleeping Bag

This is my “biggest” and most expensive new gear purchase and so far I couldn’t be happier with this addition to my backpack. I was hesitant to buy the Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag due to the quite high price tag. I was cautious to make the purchase as I found the reviews biased since most were from part of a paid promotion.

This sleeping bag is so light. Literally, it’s under a pound.

As I’m just shy of 6’0 tall, I opted for a long size of this sleeping bag and am glad that I decided on this size option. The Spark Ultralight 40F Sleeping Bag Long carries at 13.6 oz!

Did I mention that it packs down to the size of my Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Water Bottle?

Another bonus about the Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 40F Sleeping Bag is that it is so small and condensed that it can double as a liner for cold-weather camping. I opted for the 40F Sleeping Bag as many of my hikes are multiday hut-to-hut treks, so I won’t be utilizing any bulky camping gear. However, for high-altitude treks, I can’t wait to bring this as a sleeping bag liner.

The Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 40F Sleeping Bag is warm, cozy, ultralightweight, and is exceeding all my expectations. One night in and I think the Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag is totally worth it!

This is the new gear piece that I’m most excited about and highly recommend it.

➜ Browse all Temperature Rating Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bags

2 | Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes

After walking my first Camino de Santiago, I was sold on Altra’s trail runners. While they carried me from Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, across the diversity of Spain, and onto the Camino Finisterre, they had reached their shelf-life after about 600-plus miles. So, I came home and immediately purchased the new Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes.

I’ve been breaking these new trail runners in for my upcoming trip and am loving them. One of the best Camino de Santiago tips is to go at least a half-size bigger, which I did. A size up allows for feet to swell during long-distance walks.

This time I have been breaking the shoes in on all different surface terrains, from pavement, to hiking trails, and more.

I personally love how lightweight these shoes are and how quickly they dry. I’ve already washed them and they dried fast in the sun.

I have found a new love and loyalty for all things Altra Trail Runners.

➜ Browse all Altra Trail Runners

3 | Osprey Packs Ultralight Zip Organizer

I saw the Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer launched as a new product and knew that I wanted to try it out.

I’ve been a loyal and enthusiastic Osprey fan since I purchased my first backpack, the Osprey Kyte 36L. In fact, I still use it as my go-to backpack, especially when I only travel with a carry-on (like I am right now).

Osprey has since modified their packs and now offers either an Osprey Women’s Sirrus 36 Pack or an Osprey Women’s Kyte 38 Pack.

What drew me to this organizer was the world ultralight and the clear organizer that detaches via buttons. As someone who stays in hostels and Albergues with shared bathrooms, I found this feature appealing. This makes it possible to carry only what is needed in a smaller toiletry bag to the bathroom.

As I usually just opt for a ziplock plastic bag, I’m hoping this shift to an ultralight toiletry bag will be a little greener and more convenient.

The verdict is still out on this new gear item. This item is so new that there were no reviews about the Osprey Packs Ultralight Zip Organizer. Update to come soon!

4 | Toad&Co Cue Wrap Short-Sleeve Shirt Dress

I always carry one simple travel dress no matter where in the world I’m traveling to. I have always carried the bamboo one-size fits all C’eist Moi Bamboo dress. This has been my go-to travel dress for the past few years.

I decided to try out a Toad&Co Cue Wrap Short-Sleeve Shirt Dress. In all honesty, it was on sale and I loved that it features a cute and flattering wrap. Bonus this travel dress has pockets!

With being so tall, this dress falls comfortably to my knees. While this dress is a tab bit heavier than my typical C’est Moi Bamboo Dress, I’m so happy with this new gear item. 

➜ Browse all Toad&Co Dresses & Skirts

5 | Kavu Cavanaugh Fleece Jacket – Women’s

Another clearance item I found while browsing a local gear shop was the Kavu Cavanaugh Fleece Jacket. After years of wearing down my Kuhl Flight Jacket, it was time for a new go-to warm fleece.

As I spend a lot of time camping and trekking, this item will be coming along with me on my next big mountain adventure.

I love the 3/4 buttons on the top and the fun color! This new Kavu Cavanaugh Fleece Jacket is a lot lighter than my last fleece, so I’m excited to back this one on my next big backpacking adventure.

6 | Kavu Stirling Wallet

I’ve never carried a travel-size wallet throughout my years of travel. After falling in love with the fun and funky patterns that the Kavu company offers, I decided to purchase this new Stirling Wallet. I was looking for something small, compact, and simple.

I opted for the Kavu wallet because it had a metal loop to attach a small carabiner accessory. 

While I still carry my discrete neck wallet for my passport, all my cards and valuables will be in my Kavu Stirling Wallet and secured inside my bag or attached to the interior clasp of my Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack.

7 | Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

My sister ordered a new Osprey Daylite Plus Pack on my recommendation of using the Osprey Daylite for years. This was and still is my go-to day pack for years.

After testing out her new Osprey Daylite Plus Pack while exploring the North Shore in Minnesota, I’ll be switching to this daypack from now on. There are five very useful compartments and the Daylite Plus can hold up to 20 liters versus the main Osprey Daylite which only has a 13-liter capacity. I couldn’t believe all the space in this bag and it still carried and felt light.

While the bag is not waterproof, it is water-repellent. Another great safety feature of the Osprey Daylites is the built-in emergency whistle. 

In my opinion, Osprey does all of their backpacks right. I own over 5 different Osprey packs and will be adding the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack to my new gear list purchases next time around.

➜ Browse all the best Osprey Backpacks

8 | Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are made from organic and biodegradable products, making this the perfect multi-purpose soap for hikers. I use Dr. Bronner’s on my hair and body, hand-wash clothing, and as dish soap on multi-day treks.

Dr. Bronner’s can literally be used on anything and everything!

I finally finished my Dr. Bronner’s Lavender and discovered the new Almond scent. I’m totally obsessed with it, so I purchased a jumbo bottle and bar soap. Although this isn’t a new gear item per se, it’s a new scent for me by a company I love.

Dr. Bronner promotes sustainability and has a super progressive work culture. The company gives back to many charities and is a huge advocate for the environment and doing what’s right for us all. They publish a year All-One! Report that showcases what they are actively contributing to.

A Quick Note on Responsible Consumerism

I’m sharing new gear that I’m excited about and personally using, but I think it’s worth a quick note to talk about a huge problem we are facing as humans, over-consumerism.

This winter I worked part-time for a packaging facility over the holidays and I literally struggled every day with how much unnecessary consumerism is happening. 

Please always pause before purchasing. Is this something that I really need? Can I donate old gear, or can my old gear find a new and loving home? I bet it can!

I purchase expensive gear, but with the price tag comes warranties and most oftentimes lifetime guarantees. This is why purchasing new gear for me is a big deal. I purchase and own very little.

Just as how I travel, I purchase new gear consciously and with intention. Always adventure responsibly by limiting our footprint with as little trace as possible on Mother Earth. She is truly our grandest gift.

Overview | New Gear Items That I’m Excited About Right Now

In short, these are eight new gear items that I’m personally adding to my packing lists. I’m even trying out some of these new items on my current adventure across Europe.

From ultralight sleeping bags to earth-conscious soap, these are new gear items that I’m excited to share and promote.

Is there any new gear you’re excited about or have you tried out these items?

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.