Best Multipurpose Gear for Backcountry Adventures
At the beginning of September, every outdoorsman feels the pull of the wilderness. The anticipation builds while preparing for a new trip, and that sense of preparedness takes a trip from questionable to exciting.
When you’re packing for a hunt or a long trip in the backcountry, every ounce matters. While ultralight packing may not be your number one priority, less weight means a lighter carry. The best gear isn’t always the most expensive or the flashiest - it’s the gear that pulls double (or triple) duty. Multipurpose gear means less weight on your back, more room in your pack, and fewer things to keep track of in the field. Here are some of Trueline’s favorite multipurpose gear that have served overtime in the backcountry.
A Quality Knife
A solid knife is non-negotiable in the field. The right blade is more than just a tool for dressing game. It can slice through rope when hanging game bags, handle food prep at camp, or shave kindling to start a fire. Carrying one dependable, sharp, and easy-to-maintain knife saves space while covering countless situations. It makes sense to carry one that can be sharp, ready to assist, after multiple tasks.
Trueline’s takes:
Tim carries and prefers the Benchmade Steep Canyon Hunter.
Kyle carries and prefers the Gerber Randy Newberg EBS.
Tripod
Most hunters think of their tripod as a glassing tool, but its use doesn’t have to stop there. A sturdy tripod assists in smooth digiscoping, capturing photos or video through your optics. Back at camp or out on the mountain, it doubles as a lightweight chair back. Multi-use support gear like this means fewer items to lug around without giving up comfort or utility.
Trueline’s takes:
Tim carries and prefers the Sirui ST 124.
Kyle carries and prefers the Sirui T-024SK.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles aren’t just for saving your knees on steep descents. In fact, hunter miss out on the ergonomic support of trekking poles while hiking out meat. However, with the right setup, they can take your back further by converting into quick shooting sticks for a steadier shot in the field. Steadier shot, more ethical kill. They also serve as a tent pole alternative if your shelter system is designed for it. That makes them a true workhorse piece of gear for both movement and camp.
Trueline’s takes:
Tim and Kyle both carry and prefer Fizan Trekking Poles, as best cost, weight and performance option available.
Rain Jacket or Down Jacket + Clothes Stuff Sack
Organization and emergency prep often overlap in the gear world. A clothes stuff sack keeps gear tidy in your pack, but in a pinch it doubles as a pillow, using your rain or down jacket as filler. Likewise, a good rain jacket isn’t just protection from storms—it’s also a wind shell, an extra warmth layer, or even something to throw over your pack when you need quick waterproofing.
Trueline’s takes:
Tim carries and prefers the Black Ovis Hailstone Rain Jacket
Kyle carries and prefers the Stone Glacier Grumman Down Jacket
Quivalizer
For archery hunters, the Quivalizer deserves a spot on this list. This quiver mounts directly to your bow, balancing weight and improving accuracy. It also doubles as a stabilizer, which means you don’t have to carry two separate pieces of equipment. One tool, two critical functions, and less bulk in your setup.
Lighter Pack Software + Scale
Lighter Pack Software is trip preparation oriented, but it’s worth mentioning. A small digital scale and free tools like LighterPack.com let you weigh and track every single item in your pack. The software helps you shave ounces and identify redundancies. Similar spreadsheets occur for planning food weight, and water necessary for planned hikes. Think of it as gear for your gear - making sure everything you bring actually earns its place.
The longer you spend in the backcountry, the more you appreciate gear that does more than one job. Multipurpose items keep your load light, your camp efficient, and your hunts more enjoyable. The goal isn’t to carry less as an aspiration, it’s to carry smarter for utilization. Every piece of gear should earn its place, and the ones that serve multiple roles are always the first to make the cut.