Ultimate Guide to the Best Custom Backpacking & Hiking Gear: Top Companies & Must-Have Picks
Dive into our ultimate guide to custom backpacking & hiking gear, where we spotlight top companies and share must-have picks. Discover why custom gear often outshines off-the-shelf options and elevates your outdoor adventures.
Embarking on a new adventure calls for gear that’s as unique as your journey. In today’s market, the trend toward custom backpacking and hiking gear is booming! Transforming standard equipment into personalized, performance-driven tools that meet the specific needs of every outdoor enthusiast. Or simply giving you a pop of personality with custom color combos. This guide uncovers a curated list of top companies that are redefining the way we experience the wilderness through innovative design and quality.
Alongside quick company profiles, we’ve included expert insight and must-have picks to help you navigate the best in custom gear. Whether you're a seasoned ultralight backpacker or a weekend hiker, our comprehensive review provides you with the essential information to elevate your outdoor adventures with gear that truly stands out.
Why Choose Custom Gear Over Off-the-Shelf?
Custom gear offers a tailored experience that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of mass-produced equipment. With custom options, you can select materials, design features, and configurations that perfectly suit your body and the specific demands of your outdoor adventures. This personalization ensures a better fit, enhanced comfort, and a design that aligns with your unique style and needs.
Moreover, custom gear often incorporates higher-quality materials and specialized construction techniques honed through experience-based design. Manufacturers who focus on custom builds work closely with outdoor enthusiasts to refine their products, resulting in gear that's not only aesthetically unique but also engineered for durability and superior performance. In essence, choosing custom gear means investing in gear that’s built specifically for you, ensuring every hike or backpacking trip is supported by gear that performs at its best.
Enlightened Equipment: Quilts, Jackets and More!
In 2007, founder Tim Marshall began sewing quilts in his basement, and as more people discovered his creations, his small operation blossomed. Today, Enlightened Equipment has grown into a thriving business with over 50 employees working in a 50,000 square-foot facility in Winona, MN, producing everything from quilts and clothing to accessories.
More than a decade since that first quilt, the team remains dedicated to crafting custom, handmade products designed to help you explore the wild and wonderful corners of our world. Their products are the culmination of continuous innovation, careful tweaks, and ongoing improvements—each one aimed at elevating your adventures.
Our favorite custom gear picks from Enlightened Equipment are:
Custom Torrid Jacket & Pants to get a great look while staying nice and warm!
Custom Convert Sleeping Quilt because it can be tailored to your exact needs, no matter what they are!
Sambob: Microgrid Fleece Hoodies & Joggers
Based in Portland, Maine, Sambob specializes in designing fleece products for everyone. Committed to creating the most comfortable garments possible, they offer a broad array of custom color options and sizing. This lets you build the perfect mid-layer—ideal for a thru-hike, local trail, city stroll, or relaxing at home.
With a selection of fabrics available for both custom orders and ready-to-ship options—including Microgrid, Alpha, Octa, Pillow Line, and Corduroy fleeces—Sambob is ready to craft your dream hoodie or pants!
Our favorite custom gear picks from Sambob are:
Custom Grid Fleece Hoodie & Joggers look great and feel great. It is absolutely a dream come true for many of us to create a more custom fit in our clothing. You can enter specific sizing instructions for your Sambob customs!
Tumble On Outfitters: Microgrid & Alpha Fleece Hoodies
Sharing a small retail space with Exotic Pack Co in Chama, New Mexico, Tumble On Outfitters is the brainchild of Mitch, who is better known as Tumbleweed. TOO brings a unique blend of trail-tested wisdom and innovative design to custom fleeces of the grid and alpha variety. Each design is made with love and that's extremely apparent in all the little details.
Aside from whipping up custom fleeces, Mitch can provide shuttles to and from the CDT if you're a thru-hiker in need of a lift.
Our favorite custom gear pick from Tumble On Outfitters is:
Custom Alpha X Grid Combo Hoodie because it's a really cool design that performs well while hiking and backpacking! The concept is a grid fleece body and alpha fleece arms and hood. The ultimate combination of warmth and ventilation.
El Coyote: Down Backpacking Quilts
El Coyote Quilts is a small, family-run cottage shop based in Arizona that takes a minimalist approach to crafting some of the highest-quality down quilt-style sleep systems on the market. Their mission is to hand-make your perfect piece of ultralight gear by carefully considering every material and feature to create a simple yet versatile quilt.
Founded by Brian Noakes—a commercial helicopter pilot, backpacker, bikepacker, fly fisherman, gear maker, and passionate outdoorsman—El Coyote Quilts is dedicated to delivering exceptional, custom-crafted sleep systems for the modern adventurer.
Our favorite custom gear pick from El Coyote is:
Custom AlphaLite 900+ Quilt tailor-made to be your dream quilt! With temperature rating choices from 0°f to 40°f, and loads of color combos, you'll be snuggled up in style and comfort!
LiteAF: Ultralight Backpacks
Comfort is the key to making escapes from the everyday hustle truly enjoyable, so why burden yourself with heavy gear when you can embrace minimalist design and maximum functionality? LiteAF was founded to offer ultralight gear that transforms great hikes into even better experiences—ensuring you can explore without the discomfort of overly bulky packs.
By focusing on streamlined organization and using innovative materials like waterproof Dyneema® (Cuben Fiber), LiteAF crafts sacks, bags, and pouches so lightweight they almost seem to levitate. From LiteAF to you, discover the perfect fusion of minimalism and functionality for the lighter side of life.
Our favorite custom gear pick from LiteAF is:
Custom ECOPAK™ 30L Curve Full Suspension Backpack makes for a dream daypack ready to do the hiking you love most! Choose your colors, pockets, sizing and all the little details to really dial it in.
Exotic Pack Co: Ultralight Backpacks
Potentially the smallest company in this guide, Exotic Pack Co is a one-man operation based in Chama, New Mexico, where Jonathan Thomas—trail name "Janis Joplin"—handcrafts custom ultralight outdoor packs. With over 20 premium fabric varieties from Challenge Sailcloth, Jonathan works directly with you to create the perfect pack tailored to your adventure.
Our favorite custom gear pick from Exotic Pack Co is:
Custom ULTRAGRID FKP Backpack for fastpacking quests and ultralight thru-hiking adventures! The sizing is stellar when it comes to Exotic Pack Co customs, as Jonathan asks for very specific measurements to ensure your backpack will fit your body perfectly.
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG): Ultralight Backpacks, Hip Packs & Wallets
Thru-hikers Catchup (Austin) and Robin Hood (Nathan) are seasoned engineers who transformed their 2018 PCT trek challenges into a shared vision for ultralight, reliable gear. Through rigorous research, prototyping, and countless trail miles, they developed CTUG—gear that’s not only built to endure but also truly resonates with fellow hikers.
Our favorite custom gear pick from CTUG is:
Custom 2.5L SwitchPack is the perfect accessory to carry a lot of essentials you use often on a hike. Think lip balm, a small camera, some snacks and whatever other little doodads you use. The SwitchPack makes a nice little purse for townlife too!
Bajio Sunglasses: Sunglasses
Bajio Sunglasses revolutionizes your eyewear experience by offering fully customizable shades that let you tailor every detail to your taste—even with prescription (Rx) options. Each pair is designed to meet your unique style and vision needs, ensuring you never compromise on quality, performance, or individuality.
Our favorite custom gear pick from Bajio is:
Custom Piedra Sunglasses are a phenomenal choice for most folks looking to step up their sunglass game. This is a medium-fit style that's great for most adventures. If you wear glasses, consider having these made with Rx lenses!
Warmlite: Ultralight Tents
Warmlite began with a vision to revolutionize outdoor gear by delivering exceptional warmth in ultralight designs. Driven by innovation and a deep passion for the outdoors, they merge cutting-edge insulation technology with minimalist aesthetics to empower adventurers without extra weight.
Notably, Warmlite stands out as one of the only companies offering custom tents, a testament to their commitment to tailor-made, high-performance solutions for every explorer. Every product reflects their dedication to quality, performance, and the freedom to experience nature in ultimate comfort.
Our favorite custom gear pick from Warmlite is:
Quite frankly, any custom tent is beyond epic. If you commit to a custom tent, any option will do! Be sure to shoot us a photo of your one-of-a-kind tent if you purchase one!
Best Custom Backpacking & Hiking Gear Companies of 2025
Looking for high-quality, custom outdoor gear? Here’s a list of the best custom backpacking and hiking gear companies in 2025, offering everything from ultralight backpacks to down quilts.
| Company | What They Make | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Enlightened Equipment | Jackets, Quilts & Insulated Accessories | Check Out Custom Enlightened Equipment Gear |
| Sambob | Microgrid Fleece Hoodies & Joggers | Check Out Custom Sambob Gear |
| Tumble On Outfitters | Microgrid & Alpha Fleece Hoodies | Check Out Custom Tumble On Outfitters Gear |
| El Coyote | Down Backpacking Quilts | Check Out Custom El Coyote Gear |
| LiteAF | Ultralight Backpacks | Check Out Custom LiteAF Gear |
| Exotic Pack Co. | Ultralight Backpacks | Check Out Custom Exotic Pack Co. Gear |
| Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear | Ultralight Backpacks, Hip Packs & Wallets | Check Out Custom Chicken Tramper Gear |
| Bajio Sunglasses | Sunglasses | Check Out Custom Bajio Sunglasses |
| Warmlite | Ultralight Tents | Check Out Custom Warmlite Gear |
Packing It Out
Custom backpacking and hiking gear isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort and crafting an experience that’s perfectly aligned with your outdoor ambitions. By investing in personalized equipment, you’re choosing performance, and lasting durability tailored for every trail and terrain.
We hope this guide has illuminated why custom gear stands out from off-the-shelf options and provided you with valuable insights into top companies and expert recommendations. Whether you’re planning a big backpacking trip or a leisurely hike, remember that the right gear can transform your journey into a truly epic adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Gear
Q: What exactly is custom backpacking and hiking gear?
A: Custom gear refers to equipment that’s specifically designed or modified to meet an individual’s needs. This can include personalized adjustments in size, materials, features, and aesthetics—ensuring a perfect fit and optimized performance for your outdoor adventures.
Q: Why choose custom gear over off-the-shelf options?
A: Custom gear offers a tailored experience that enhances comfort, durability, and performance. Unlike mass-produced items, custom equipment is designed with your specific outdoor activities in mind, ensuring a better fit and higher quality materials that can withstand the unique demands of backpacking and hiking.
Q: What are the main benefits of investing in custom outdoor gear?
A: The benefits include:
- Personalization: Adapt gear to your body shape and adventure needs.
- Enhanced Performance: Benefit from expert design and high-quality materials.
- Durability: Enjoy equipment built to last in extreme conditions.
- Unique Style: Stand out with gear that reflects your personality and outdoor spirit.
Q: How can I find the best custom gear companies?
A: Look for companies with strong reputations among outdoor enthusiasts and experts. Read reviews, compare product features, and seek out brands that offer detailed customization options and exceptional customer service.
Q: Is custom gear more expensive than off-the-shelf gear?
A: While custom gear may have a higher upfront cost, many users find the long-term benefits—like improved fit, enhanced performance, and increased durability—justify the investment. It’s a trade-off between a one-size-fits-all solution and equipment that’s built specifically for your adventures.
Q: How does custom gear enhance my overall outdoor experience?
A: Custom gear is designed to meet your specific needs, which means you get equipment that performs better, feels more comfortable, and lasts longer. This personalized approach can lead to a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trails.
Q: Can I customize my gear to match my personal style and requirements?
A: Absolutely! Many custom gear companies offer a range of options, from color choices to functional modifications, allowing you to create equipment that not only meets your performance standards but also reflects your personal aesthetic.
Q: What should I look for when choosing a custom gear company?
A: Key factors include:
- Quality and Durability: Ensure they use high-grade materials and expert craftsmanship.
- Customization Options: Look for flexible design choices that cater to your specific needs.
- Customer Reviews and Reputation: Check for positive feedback from other outdoor enthusiasts.
- Expert Insights: Companies that collaborate with experienced hikers and backpackers often offer superior products.
This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund Southwest Hikes. When you click on the links to purchase the gear we get a small commission that goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and content.
