budget gear – Page 6

Light, versatile and cheap: The p38 and p51 can openers

Posted onAugust 1, 2014April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

A surprisingly versatile invention that is well over seventy years old at this point: The p38 and p51 can openers.
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More gear on the cheap

Posted onNovember 26, 2013September 26, 2019AuthorPaul Mags8 Comments

Outdoor stores are expensive. Places that aren’t outdoor stores but sell outdoor gear aren’t. Here’s some surprising places to buy outdoor gear. Read More …

Gear Review: Thrift Store Dress Shirt

Posted onApril 14, 2013March 24, 2026AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

A review of my favorite long sleeve hiking shirt: A thrift store polycotton dress shirt. Read More …

Gear Review – Outfitted by Costco

Posted onJanuary 1, 2013November 17, 2023AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

The unlikely place to get high quality outdoor gear and clothing for a good price: Costco! Read More …

Build a gear sled the dirt bagger way

Posted onDecember 26, 2012November 25, 2023AuthorPaul Mags16 Comments

For flat or moderate terrain, a gear sled is a great way to haul in gear. Here’s how to build a simple gear sled without breaking the bank. Read More …

Outfitted by G.I. Joe – Military Surplus Gear

Posted onDecember 12, 2012December 8, 2025AuthorPaul Mags8 Comments

Military surplus gear for the outdoor enthusiast. Besides being affordable, some of it is surprisingly light and similar to civilian gear. Read More …

Gear Review: Discount Dance Supply Rip Stop Pants

Posted onDecember 10, 2012April 19, 2021AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Another dirt-bagger gear review of an unlikely item for the outdoors: Dancing warm up pants! Read More …

Gear Review: The Boonie Hat

Posted onAugust 22, 2012April 25, 2025AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

A review of that staple of sun, light rain and snow protection AND sartorial splendor: The Boonie Hat .

Gear Review: Champion C9 Clothing (Target)

Posted onMay 1, 2012November 25, 2023AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Outdoor clothing can be expensive. When a brand of clothing is that is inexpensive, functional and durable it is rare and wonderful find. And for me, the brand of clothing that fits that criteria are the Champion C9 brand found Read More …

Gear Review – AntiGravityGear 3 Cup Aluminum Non-Stick Cook Pot

Posted onOctober 18, 2011November 17, 2023AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

When backpacking, a cook pot should be simple. Something light, large enough to boil water, compact and gets the job done. Go to an REI or similar store and you will sometimes see this type of pot…for a price! Luckily, Read More …

Dirt Bagging – A minimalist gear philsophy

Posted onNovember 5, 2010April 29, 2020AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

A version of this document has appeared in Yogi’s PCT Handbook and on various hiking boards. It is also in the current edition of the Colorado Trail Guidebook. My overview of lightweight backpacking. One sunny, summer day in Maine, Read More …