What a backpacker packs

GEAR

Think of the essential items like tents or sleeping bags that make outdoor adventures possible. It’s a short word for all the equipment you’d bring.

A backpacker’s essentials are often called "gear," which covers everything from tents to hiking boots. The clue plays it straight—no wordplay or tricks—just a direct reference to the supplies someone would pack for a trip. It’s a common term in outdoor culture, so solvers familiar with hiking or travel would recognize it right away.