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- Headlamp PickPetzl TikkinaCheck price on Amazon
- Water Filter PickSawyer SqueezeCheck price on Amazon
- Folding Poles PickTrekology Trek-ZCheck price on Amazon
The Short Answer: this guide sticks to simple gear: a headlamp with three white levels, a squeeze filter and trekking poles. The Petzl Tikkina lists 300 lumens at 92 g. The Sawyer Squeeze lists a 0.1 micron membrane. The Trekology Trek-Z poles fold to 38 cm. We list no prices; check the current price on Amazon.
We compared the makers’ published specs; we did not use these products ourselves. Every figure below comes from the Petzl Tikkina, Sawyer Squeeze, Trekology Trek-Z and Black Diamond Trail Back product pages.
Our affiliate disclosure explains how links work.
How we picked
Because we cannot source prices, we do not claim any item here costs less than another. We looked for gear with a full maker spec sheet: a headlamp that lists its levels, a filter that lists its membrane and poles that list their locks. We kept one item per gear type and use the Black Diamond Trail Back as a comparison note, not a pick. Each pick has drawbacks a buyer could regret.
Headlamp: Petzl Tikkina
Petzl lists the Tikkina at 300 lumens under the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 standard and 92 g. It has three white levels, and the beam distance differs by level: 10 m on max burn time, 40 m on standard and 65 m on max power. Burn time falls as the level rises. On the three AAA batteries it ships with, Petzl lists 100 hours on max burn time and 2.5 hours on max power.
The page we read mentions no red light and no lock. It lists an IPX4 rating, which Petzl calls weather resistant.
The levels trade reach for runtime. Max burn time reaches 10 m and lasts 100 hours on AAA batteries; max power reaches 65 m and lasts 2.5 hours. Petzl lists the same beam distances with the CORE rechargeable battery, which is an accessory, with 120 hours on max burn time and 3 hours on max power. Check which battery type you are buying for, since the box includes the AAA set.
Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer lists a 0.1 micron absolute hollow fiber membrane and says it removes 99.99999% of bacteria, 99.9999% of protozoa and 100% of microplastics. Viruses are not mentioned on the page we read. Sawyer lists the kit at 8.19 oz and gives 3 oz under its product benefits. The kit comes with two 32 oz pouches and several small parts, and carries a lifetime limited warranty.
Trekking poles: Trekology Trek-Z and Black Diamond Trail Back
These two differ in design. Trekology lists its Trek-Z Eva poles at 10.4 oz (294 g) or 10.8 oz (306 g) per pole, in 7075 aluminum, with a 3-segment folding design that folds to 38 cm (15 in). Black Diamond lists the Trail Back as a three-section pole with 7075 aluminum shafts that collapses to 61.5 cm, about 24 in, and a 100 to 140 cm length range.
The weight bases differ. Trekology gives a figure per pole. Black Diamond lists 534 g and 560 g without saying which size each belongs to on the text we read, so we do not rank them by weight. Warranties differ: Trekology lists 1 year and Black Diamond says two years.
Putting a kit together
The three picks cover light, water and trekking poles, so they can be given singly or as a set. If you give the set, note the listed weights and folded length. The Tikkina is listed at 92 g, the Squeeze kit at 8.19 oz, and the Trek-Z poles fold to 38 cm.
Each maker lists a warranty, but the terms differ, so read the page for the item you buy. Petzl lists 5 years on the Tikkina. Sawyer lists a lifetime limited warranty on the Squeeze. Black Diamond says two years, and Trekology lists 1 year. A longer warranty does not tell you how an item performs, but it is a stated commitment from the maker.
Our picks
A 92 g headlamp rated at 300 lumens under ANSI/PLATO FL 1, with three white levels and a 5 year warranty. Who it's for: Someone who wants a basic headlamp that runs on AAA batteries. A 0.1 micron hollow fiber filter with a lifetime limited warranty and a kit of pouches, plunger and adapters. Who it's for: Someone buying for a hiker who uses a hydration pack, since the kit includes inline hydration pack adapters and gravity tubing. Folding 7075 aluminum poles with EVA foam handles that fold to 38 cm, in two length ranges. Who it's for: Someone who wants poles that pack short.
Petzl Tikkina
Strengths
Drawbacks
Sawyer Squeeze
Strengths
Drawbacks
Trekology Trek-Z
Strengths
Drawbacks
How to choose
- Packed size. The Trek-Z folds to 38 cm; the Trail Back collapses to 61.5 cm.
- Warranty. Petzl lists 5 years, Black Diamond two, Trekology 1, and Sawyer a lifetime limited warranty.
- Light. The Tikkina lists no red light and no lock on the page we read.
- Filter. The Squeeze page we read does not mention viruses or a flow rate.
- Pole height. Trekology groups its poles by hiker height. For Black Diamond, the page text gives 100 to 140 cm.
For more, see our camping and backpacking guides, or browse all of our buying guides.
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the Tikkina?
Petzl lists 300 lumens under ANSI/PLATO FL 1, with a 65 m beam on max power.
What does the Squeeze filter remove?
Sawyer says it removes 99.99999% of bacteria, 99.9999% of protozoa and 100% of microplastics. The page we read does not mention viruses.
How small do the Trek-Z poles fold?
Trekology lists a folded length of 38 cm (15 in).
Which pole has the longer warranty?
Black Diamond says its products carry a two year warranty. Trekology lists 1 year for the Trek-Z.