The Israel National Trail (Shvil Israel) stretches 1,100km from Kibbutz Dan in the north to Eilat in the south. It passes through every climate zone in the country — lush Galilee forest, rocky Negev desert, narrow canyons. Getting your gear list right isn't optional. This is what actually works.
The Golden Rule of Shvil Gear: Under 10kg Base Weight
Every extra kilogram costs you 2km of range per day. Thru-hikers and section-hikers who finish the trail with healthy knees are almost always carrying under 10kg base weight (not counting water and food).
Here's how to hit that target without sacrificing comfort.
Sleep System (Target: under 1.5kg total)
Shelter
Most Shvil hikers use a combination of free campsites (machanot), youth hostels, and hosted farms (havot). If you're staying at established sites, you don't need a tent — you need shelter from wind and dew. Options:
- Hammock (best for northern sections with trees) — our Ultralight Hammock weighs under 500g and sets up between any two trees in under 2 minutes. $34.99.
- Tarp + bivy for desert sections
- Lightweight tent if camping solo in exposed terrain
Sleep Surface
Never sleep on bare ground on a long trail — the cold transfer will destroy your recovery. Our Camp & Go Inflatable Mattress ($41.99) inflates in 30 seconds, weighs under 500g, and is the difference between recovering overnight and dragging yourself through day 3.
Pillow
Bring one. Your neck will thank you on day 8. The Pocket Pillow ($13.99) weighs 90g and packs into a jacket pocket. One press and it's inflated. No excuses.
Kitchen (Target: under 300g)
The BlazeKit Folding Stove is exactly what the Shvil needs: 120g, fires in 2 seconds, folds completely flat, and runs on standard gas canisters available at every outdoor shop from Tel Aviv to Be'er Sheva. $24.99.
Pair it with the Titanium Cutlery Set ($19.99) — under 100g for spork, knife and chopsticks. Leave the heavy cookset at home.
Power & Light
The Shvil has long desert sections with no power for days. The Solar Power Bank 20,000mAh ($44.99) clips to your pack and charges all day while you hike. 20,000mAh charges a phone 12+ times — enough for a full week of navigation and photos.
For camp lighting, the Solar Lantern ($24.99) doubles as a backup power bank. Two functions, 300g.
Water
Carry 3–4L minimum in desert sections. The Negev has water points every 20–30km — plan accordingly. A filter straw (Sawyer or similar) is recommended for backcountry water sources.
Complete Shvil Gear List
| Category | Item | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Camp & Go Mattress | <500g | $41.99 |
| Sleep | Silk-Touch Pillow | 110g | $21.99 |
| Shelter | Ultralight Hammock | <500g | $34.99 |
| Kitchen | BlazeKit Stove | 120g | $24.99 |
| Kitchen | Titanium Cutlery | <100g | $19.99 |
| Power | Solar Power Bank | ~300g | $44.99 |
| Light | Solar Lantern | ~250g | $24.99 |
| Total from Yaams Comfort | ~1.88kg | $213.93 | |
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🥾 Gear up for Shvil Israel at yaamscomfort.store — ultralight camping gear built for Israeli trails. Free shipping. Use BUNDLE15 for 15% off 2+ items.