Five year review – Silk weight surplus bottoms
At $20 a pair, 4.75 oz, made with Polartec, the surplus thermals make an excellent bang for the buck for active use in cool weather. Read More …
Tag: cheap outdoor gear
New gear we liked for 2022
A look over the pieces of gear and clothing that served us well in 2022. Read More …
Budget gear – The popular picks
A curated list of the budget items people seem to borrow or find intriguing over the years of hiking, camp, and hiking. Read More …
Jack of All Trades gear
Limited budget, space, or time? Here is a Jack of All Trades gear kit for general-purpose outdoor use that fits in one large duffle bag. Updated June 2022. Read More …
Review: Canola oil water bottle
My new dry-camping and water hauling bottle of choice: Light, wide mouth for easy filling, fits well in a pack front pocket of my pack, and is cheap! Read More …
Quick Tip – Tyvek envelope stuff sacks
Light, nearly free, and very useful – the Tyvek mailing envelope stuff sack. Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little over $800 for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Updated Mar 2022. Read More …
Gear review – Bene Casa grease pot
A $10 and 5 oz, one-quart cookpot makes an excellent solution when backpacking for two. Read More …
Budget camping gear
Car camping serves as a useful introduction to the outdoors for many. And a useful adjunct to other trips for the experienced. How to equip affordably? Read More …
Rain mitt #4 – Swiss Army vinyl rain mitts
Another inexpensive and effective mitten option for cold and wet use that also allows easy layering. Read More …
Rain Mitt #3 – Biohazard mitts
These biohazard liner mittens are inexpensive, waterproof, and light at 1 oz a pair. I think they’ll work best for occasional three-season use. Read More …
Rain mitt #2 – Frogwear 8490MT
Continuing to look for the ideal pair of rain mitts for my use. The second option ends up as extremely weatherproof, warm, and only $18. Read More …
Rain mitt search #1 – Decathlon overglove
Looking for my ideal rain mitt. Here’s one option I’ve used – The $17 Decathlon Trek 500 Overglove (mitt). With an intro to the thoughts behind this series. Read More …
The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge
Backpacking gear on the cheap. A complete gear list for less than $300. Now with a “Frugal Deluxe Kit” for 9.5 lbs and $400! Updated Jan 2021 Read More …
Gear review – Boonie Hat 2.0
I retired my beloved and well-worn boonie hat 6+ months ago. Here’s a look at version 2.0 – wider, lighter, and only $13. Read More …
A look at my shell systems
A video that looks over the clothing I use for my shells be it rain or snow. And with a few budget options as well. Read More …
Gear review – Wrangler performance button downs
Another budget review for an item I’ve used for a few years now – Wrangler performance button-down short sleeve shirts that I wear for day use. Read More …
Ten year review: Generic 200 wt fleece
A 200 wt fleece is an excellent and versatile item for all-around outdoor use. This type of fleece is durable, versatile, and not expensive. Read More …