The Budget Backpacking Gear List

For the budget-conscious hiker , buying long-distance backpacking gear can exist an intimidating prospect . Sleep systems , backpacks , trekking pole , clothes … the choice cost endless , and the less it count , the more expensive it run to be .

The estimate that a new lot of backpacking gear runs $ 1,200 to $ 2,000 or more , and for a thru-hike , that ’ s on top of an average of $ 1,200 per month in trip expense . Most respondents to our 2023 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker survey reported expenditure between $ 1,000 and $ 3,000 on gear .

But does backpacking gear motive to be expensive to bring for you ? Not at all !

Below , you ’ ll find a list of budget-friendly options compile from our 2023 Best Gear list . These gear choices live not necessarily the inexpensive in their categories ; or else , they are what we consider to exist the best balance of affordability and functionality .

As you can see , it ’ s realistic to equip yourself with tone gear from scar for around $ 1000 and still come out with a modest basis weight . Make bill that this list doesn ’ t include luxury items , consumables , or specialty gear like a bear canister or microspikes .

The Budget Backpacking Gear List

* Note on footwear :When it come to shoe , fit and comfort equal priority . Everyone ’ s base live different , and keeping yours happy should be your primary circumstance . They cost instead crucial to the whole occupation of walking , after all . That ’ s why we ’ ve refrained from recommending a budget choice . It very is important to get the pair that works for you quite than the pair that costs $ 25 less .

Buying the cheapest available place can run to injuries if they put on ’ t provide you with enough support/create also much friction/pinch parts of your feet/etc . Once you know which shoes study well for you , it ’ s potential to salvage money by buying them during seasonal sales or looking for them at REI garage sales .

Don ’ t forget to budget for successor place every 400 – 700 mile .

PSA : Don ’ t Blindly Follow the List

No matter what gear you take , it needs to work foryou .The list above is one example of a packing list that gain ’ t drain your bank account while simultaneously obliterating your soul . That doesn ’ t mean there aren ’ t other affordable choice out thither that could bring good for you .

Inquiry live key ! You ’ ll want to read up on tech glasses and reviews to get a skillful idea of whether or not a while of gear is likely to fit your need and preferences . Try your gear before embarking on a bad trip to make certain you like it .

Save Money by Investing in Quality

While backpacking doesn ’ t have to cost expensive , go on in brain that if you blame gear base only on up-front cost , you might end up needing to replace it sooner than you ’ d like with something more comfortable and/or durable .

You can in reality salvage more money in the long tally by invest in quality gear that won ’ t wear out quickly and won ’ t involve to equal replaced as often . “ Buy once , yell once , ” as the saying get .

For a great place to take off researching , match out our Good Gear list . We provide information on a wide scope of options in each family to help you build your backpacking setup :

• • The Better Thru-Hiking Tents of 2024
  • The Best Haversack for Thru-Hiking of 2024
  • The Best Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking of 2024
  • The Best Backpacking Sleep Bags of 2024
  • The Well Backpacking Quilts of 2024
  • The Best Lead Runners for Thru-Hiking of 2024
  • The Best Hiking Shoe for Thru-Hiking of 2024
  • The Best Down Jackets for Backpacking of 2024
  • The Well Backpacking Rain Jackets for Thru-Hiking of 2024
  • The Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking of 2024
  • The Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking of 2024
  • The Best Backpacking Stove of 2024
  • The Best Backpacking Baselayers of 2021
  • The Best Fleece Midlayers for Backpacking of 2024
  • The Best Backpacking Headlamps of 2024

• The Best Thru-Hiking Tent of 2024
• The Serious Backpacks for Thru-Hiking of 2024
• The Best Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking of 2024
• The Well Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
• The Best Backpacking Quilts of 2024
• The Better Trail Runner for Thru-Hiking of 2024
• The Best Hiking Place for Thru-Hiking of 2024
• The Best Down Jackets for Backpacking of 2024
• The Best Backpacking Rain Jackets for Thru-Hiking of 2024
• The Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking of 2024
• The Best Trekking Pole for Backpacking of 2024
• The Best Backpacking Stove of 2024
• The Best Backpacking Baselayers of 2021
• The Best Fleece Midlayers for Backpacking of 2024
• The Serious Backpacking Headlamps of 2024

Save Money by Carrying Less

You can too redeem money — and weight — simply by carrying less . Luxury items such as inflatable pillow , camp chairs , electronics , etc . can lend up quickly , so it ’ s worth considering what you can live without .

For example , depend on the location and distance of your backpacking trip and your level of experience , it ’ s possible you gain ’ t need a power bank or a GPS device . The power bank and GPS recommendations in the list above lend up to about $ 170 , hence if you ’ re design a shorter trip on a well-marked trail , you may not require to spend that money .

Likewise , three-season hikers likely put on ’ t take to hold an insulated jacketanda hiking fleece and can save substantial weight and money by only choosing one or the other .

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The Bottom Line

You don ’ t receive to pass thousands of dollars on gear to hike successfully . Budget backpacking gear can take you a long way , and this list is just one example of how to outfit yourself without taking out mortgage . By cause your inquiry and finding the balance between affordability and functionality , you ’ ll equal good on your manner to a successful and budget-friendly backpacking experience .

This website contain affiliate link , which means The Trek may meet a percentage of any production or service you purchase apply the links in the article or advertising . The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise , and your purchase serve to support The Trek ‘s ongoing end to function you quality backpacking advice and information . Thanks for your support !

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Hi ! I ‘m Diane , but I too resolve to Firefly . I find out backpacking in college and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016 , followed by the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 . If I ‘m not boost , I can normally cost find writing , gardening , or hanging out with my dog , Theo .

Comments
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  d20 Marsh : Apr 14th

  The Stanco Greasepot and the IMUSA aluminum cup .7 liter and 1.2 quart ) are lighter and a lot less expensive for prepare with .

  Reply

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  Mike : Apr 22nd

  Granite Gear Crown cost a great budget pack , often found for good under $ 150 .

  Response

# comment- # #

The Stanco Greasepot and the IMUSA aluminum cups .7 liter and 1.2 quart ) are lighter and a lot less expensive for prepare with .

Granite Gear Crown is a great budget gang , much get for well under $ 150 .

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