The Back Yard Project: A Guide To Becoming A Weekend Warrior

In collaboration with Valhalla Pure Outfitters

My happy place isn’t tied to a specific location, but rather to the feeling of standing on top of a mountain, gazing over endless valleys and ridges. There’s no better way to fully experience Mother Nature’s grandeur than by strapping on a backpack and heading into the mountains—even if it’s just for a night or a two-week expedition.

For me, backpacking is where all the distractions and worries of the world slowly fade away—sometimes, they disappear completely. Being able to survive with only what you carry on your back and embarking on an adventure that is entirely human-powered might just make you happier than you’ve ever been before.

Even if you work a 9-to-5 job, you can still escape to the mountains on the weekends—even if it’s just for one night. I work full-time as an industrial electrician, spending eight hours a day, five days a week on the job. But from 3 p.m. on Friday until Sunday evening, I’m out backpacking and climbing in the rugged mountains of British Columbia and Washington.

To make weekend trips happen, I start preparing on Wednesday

evening. I lay out all my gear, go through my checklist, and ensure I have all my essentials ready to go.

On Thursday evening, I pack my bag and do a final gear check. If I’m missing any essentials, I head over to Valhalla Pure Outfitters (https://vpo.ca) to pick up what I need before the weekend adventure begins.

Knowledge

If you’re planning to head into the mountains, it’s crucial to have the right equipment and the necessary knowledge for the activities you’re undertaking.

If you feel like you need more confidence and skills to navigate the backcountry safely, I highly recommend checking out BCMC (https://bcmc.ca/club_courses.php). They offer exceptional mountaineering and backcountry courses that could one day save your life.

Backpacks

This is the gear I bring whenever I head into the mountains. These are some of my personal favorites, as I’ve found them to be the most comfortable and practical for the type of activities I do.

When purchasing your own gear, here’s a pro tip I always follow:

1. Choose brands with strong warranty policies. Look for companies that stand behind their products no matter what. I’ve had great experiences with Arc’teryx, Osprey Packs, Rab, MSR, and a few others—they consistently back their gear with solid warranties.

2. Prioritize comfort and fit. Find gear that fits your body well and feels comfortable for long periods. Trust me—you don’t want to deal with uncomfortable gear when you have to walk 40 km back to your car.

Bora AR 75 Backpack – Men’s

The Bora AR 75 is my go-to pack for multi-day trekking adventures (4–7 days). This pack is built for extreme environments, making it ideal for trekking through the Canadian Rockies in -40°C whiteout conditions. No matter what Mother Nature throws at you, your gear will stay dry and protected.

Osprey Aether Pro 85 – Men’s

The Aether Pro 85 is perfect for expeditions that last days or even months. Whether you’re heading into the alpine for a climbing expedition or setting up a remote basecamp, this backpack provides the durability and capacity you need for serious adventures.

Osprey Atmos 65 – Men’s

The Atmos 65 is my go-to pack for super light, fast backpacking trips into the mountains. I’ve found it to be one of the most comfortable backpacks on the market, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize both weight and comfort.

Arc’teryx Alpha FL 40 Backpack

This is probably my favorite backpack. It’s super lightweight, making it perfect for scrambling and climbing. A huge bonus is that it’s waterproof and can be flattened down to fit inside a multi-day backpack. This makes it an ideal choice when heading out from base camp to tackle nearby peaks.

Osprey Farpoint 55 – Men’s

The Farpoint 55 is an excellent choice for a simple day hike. It’s comfortable, spacious, and provides plenty of room to fit all your essential gear while remaining easy to carry on the trail.

Clothing

When dressing for the outdoors, layering is essential. The key is to remove layers before you start to perspire, preventing your inner layers from getting damp. Wet fabric can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in colder conditions.

One important rule: NO COTTON. Cotton absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry, leaving you feeling sweaty in the heat and chilled when temperatures drop. Opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable and protected in any weather.

Base Layer

Your first layer should fit close to your skin but not so tight that it restricts movement. Look for breathable fabrics that regulate temperature based on the weather—keeping you warm and dry in the cold or cool and comfortable in the heat.

For a great selection of high-quality base layers, check out VPO’s inventory here: VPO Base Layers.

Mid Layers

Your mid-layer is your primary source of warmth while in the backcountry. If you’re heading into colder weather, I recommend bringing two mid-layers to ensure you stay comfortable in varying conditions.

Fleece Layer

A fleece jacket is a great way to stay warm, especially during cold West Coast nights. I highly recommend the RAB QUEST PULL-ON, which provides excellent insulation while remaining lightweight and breathable.

Puffy Jacket

A down or synthetic insulated jacket is one of the best pieces of gear you can carry. I highly recommend checking out the Arc’teryx CERIUM SL HOODY—it’s super warm, lightweight, and compresses well, making it perfect when space in your pack is limited.

Outer Layer: Water Resistant & Breathable Shells

The first thing you should have in your bag is a lightweight, compressible, waterproof, and breathable jacket and pants—especially if you live on the West Coast, where unpredictable weather is the norm.

Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket

Arc’teryx is known for making some of the best outdoor jackets on the market, and the Beta SL is one of their top lightweight options. This jacket offers exceptional waterproofing, and you could wear it in a monsoon and stay completely dry.

Arc’teryx Beta SV Bib

Without a doubt, this is the best pair of shell pants I’ve ever owned. The Beta SV Bib is incredibly versatile, designed for rugged mountain conditions. One of its standout features is the two-way zippers, which make it easy to remove over boots and crampons—a game-changer for serious backcountry adventures.

Shoes

Choosing the Right Footwear for Hiking & Backpacking.

Footwear is one of the most important investments when it comes to hiking or backpacking. It’s not something you want to skimp on—your shoes are like tires for your feet, and when you’re 25 km down a trail, the last thing you want is a “flat”—like painful blisters—because your feet are your only mode of transportation.

Recommended Hiking & Backpacking Footwear

Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

Surprisingly comfortable, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is one of the best boots I’ve ever worn. They are fantastic for multi-day backpacking trips, offering breathability and waterproof protection, keeping your feet dry—even when walking through small creeks and puddles.

La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX

If I’m scrambling up a mountain or crossing a glacier, these are my go-to boots—I wear them 99.9% of the time for those kinds of adventures.

La Sportiva TX4

These shoes are fantastic for easy day hikes. They provide excellent grip, making them perfect for hiking up scree and muddy terrain.

Don’t Forget Your Socks!

Icebreaker Lifestyle Crew Socks – Light Cushion

Socks are just as important as your boots. I’ve been using the Lifestyle Crew Socks for a couple of years, and I absolutely love them. If you’re heading out for a multi-day hiking trip, I highly recommend bringing at least two pairs to keep your feet dry and blister-free.

Shelters

Marmot Catalyst 2P – 2-Person Tent

The Marmot Catalyst 2P is my go-to tent for backpacking with a partner. It’s spacious, lightweight, and highly livable, making it a great choice for multi-day trips. Plus, it’s easy to set up and take down, which is essential after a long day on the trail.

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

For solo backpacking and climbing trips, I love using a bivy bag. The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is an ultra-light, minimalist shelter that’s perfect for those looking to keep their gear as compact and efficient as possible. If you’re after a lightweight and low-profile option, I highly recommend this one.

Sleeping Bags & Pads

The North Face Furnace (-7°C)

This was the first sleeping bag I ever purchased, and it’s still one of my go-to options. Backpacking on the West Coast can be wet and cold, so having a bag that resists moisture and dries quickly is crucial—especially for multi-night trips in the backcountry.

Marmot Never Summer (-18°C)

When temperatures drop below freezing, the Marmot Never Summer is my top choice. This is one of the best all-around sleeping bags I’ve come across. It retains body heat exceptionally well while maintaining a high warmth-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for cold-weather backpacking and mountaineering trips.

Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout

This is the sleeping pad I’ve relied on for years. It’s lightweight, perfect for those who need to minimize pack weight, and holds air all night for consistent comfort. Plus, it folds down compactly, fitting easily into a backpack.

Food & Cooking Supplies

One of the best parts of cooking in the backcountry is that everything tastes better—especially when it’s warm!

Best Backpacking Stoves

For cooking, I use either the MSR Pocket Rocket Stove or the Jetboil Flash 2.0. Both are fantastic choices for backcountry cooking. However, I tend to use the Jetboil more often because it boils water insanely fast, is easy to clean, and packs away compactly—a huge plus when space is limited.

Don’t Forget Your Food!

This is one of those items you absolutely don’t want to forget when heading into the backcountry. Trust me, it’s the worst feeling when you’re standing on top of a mountain, open your bag, and realize your food is still in the car—hundreds of meters below in the valley.

Pro Tip: When packing for a 3-day backpacking trip, bring enough food for five or six days. Plans can always change, and you never know if you’ll end up spending extra unplanned days in the backcountry.

Water Bottles & Filters

When backpacking, having clean and safe drinking water is essential. Contaminated water can lead to serious health issues, so always ensure you have a reliable way to filter it.

Water Filtration Options

I use the Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Microfilter to purify my drinking water. It’s an efficient and reliable option for filtering water from streams, lakes, or other natural sources.

For a lighter, more compact option, the LifeStraw water bottle is a great choice. It comes with a built-in filter, making it perfect for those looking to cut down on weight while still ensuring access to clean drinking water.

GPS & MAPS

It’s always a good idea to bring a GPS or a map, especially if you’re planning to head off-trail and into the wilderness.

If you’d like to learn more about using a map and compass, I highly recommend checking out BCMC (https://bcmc.ca/m/events/home/) for courses and resources on backcountry navigation.