The Budget Backpacking Kit

A popular article of mine is The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 challenge.

That article has a few different purposes:

  • Lets a person new to the outdoors world or on a budget purchase some equipment that will not break the bank and will allow a person to explore the outdoors.
  • Show how the BEST gear is not needed to get outside.
  • I think it functions as a good minimalist list. As I wrote, “A better pack, sleeping bag, shelter, etc. within this lists’ framework will still leave you with a lightweight list with no extras. In other words, this is a good list to build upon for lightweight backpacking in general, I think. Part of what lightweight backpacking is not so much what you take, but rather it is what you do not take.”

However, I realize this kit is not ideal and narrow in focus. Works well for prime three-season summer conditions (unless you purchase a better sleeping bag, for example).  As an aside,  my original kit way back in 1996 was not much different from the $300 challenge kit (bargain external frame, bulky and cheap sleeping bag, old fleece), and I rather enjoyed myself. But I did upgrade, swap out, etc. as my experience, preferences, and budget dictate.

Even with bargain gear I enjoyed this view.

In 2012, I was asked to contribute a gear kit for my friend Liz Thomas’ course for Backpacker Magazine.  The package was a step up from the $300 kit but not quite what I have now in some cases.  There is a “better” pack shown, but still, suggest the M65 liner, for example. I called it the “dirt bagger deluxe” kit. 🙂

So, I thought perhaps it was time to write a sequel of sorts to the Frugal Backpacking Kit and introduce the Budget Backpacking Kit.  A little beyond what I sent Liz and perhaps a kit for all-around backpacking as opposed to the specialized long-distance treks. Most weekend backpackers will not want a tarp for a general-purpose shelter, will not be moving all day to make miles, nor do they wish to futz with an alcohol stove. It is a kit that handles a variety of conditions beyond well-marked and maintained trails.

The budget kit is not the lightest gear, or the most cutting edge. But you’ll find the equipment to be light and functional overall without requiring a lot of legwork. The rule I imposed upon myself for this kit is that it has to be composed of items I can easily find; be it online, in a store, or in a typical person’s home as of Nov 2019. One-off clearance items or lucky finds would not work for this list.

You’ll notice many links for REI and Amazon for a reason: REI is found almost everywhere now. And, with Amazon Prime, it is effortless to get a wide variety of goods. There is still a sprinkling of cottage gear makers, surplus, and discount stores, too.  Frankly, that is how I shop as I like to get items online as much as possible. I will go to an individual store if I know the item will be less expensive (a fleece pullover, for example. Cheaper at Target or –gasp- Wally World versus other places). If you buy some gear such as long underwear or winter jackets off-season, the prices may be even less expensive.

So here’s my Budget Backpacking Kit. 

~Updated March 2022  ~  Inflation post-COVID makes things, ah, interesting!  With the CPI up, the kit is about 10% more expensive overall than when I updated the list last in 2019.

Since I wrote my version list of this back in 2005, other people have contributed their versions.  What makes my list different from similar listings?

  • I explain what I choose
  • I choose items I’ve used personally, their close counterparts, or know people well enough to take from their personal experience
  • I don’t just pick something that looks good on Lighterpack; my choices reflect real-world use
  • The list is for not a narrow range of conditions, such as summertime in prime weather. The list works for ~25F at night, for example.
  • I’d like to think my experience makes these picks of value beyond a theoretical exercise

As always, I have the Intermountain  West region in mind with cooler temps but generally drier with more sun exposure.  Other places may want a warmer weather bag, perhaps beefier rain gear, maybe a heavier fleece in place of the lightweight puffy, a lightweight alcohol stove where food carries are less and fire restrictions not as common, etc.  This kit is not meant to be the cheapest kit. Again, see my $300 kit for that type of list.

Instead, this kit is a well-rounded kit for a variety of conditions beyond set routes and trails.

Update Jan 2021 – I also have a new Frugal Deluxe Kit for just over $400 and only 9.5 lbs.

Overall, though, I think it is a suitable all-purpose kit that requires minimal tinkering for any environment in three-season conditions.

I can honestly say it is gear I would use myself (and in many cases, do!) and would gladly suggest to friends.

Happy Trails!

-Paul Mags

 

Originally written Fall of 2015,  Updated March 2022

ITEMS COST WEIGHT (in oz) WHERE NOTES
Pack and accessories        
3F UL 40+16 Pack $55 31.75 AliExpress Heavy for a semi-frameless pack, but good price-to-use ratio. This Chinese company is making some well-regarded designs for budget-minded backpackers.
Garbage compactor bag 0 0.625 House Normal household item
Subtotal $55 32.375    
         
Sleeping System        
Economy Burrow 30F $180 20 Hammock Gear I chose a 30F as, with layering, the right pad, and proper site selection, you can get to 25F or below.  The Burrow is a well-regarded budget quilt.
Z-Lite 3/4 Length Pad Clone $28 6 Walmart Less expensive than an inflatable pad, better than the minimalist choice of the “blue foam pad,” the Z-Lite is a classic, durable, and reasonably comfortable pad with good R-value for three-season use. Works as a stay in the pack, too. Cut the Z-Lite clone down for weight savings.
Subtotal $198 26    
         
Shelter System        
SMD Skyscape Scout $160 40 Six Moon Designs I have the 24 oz version of this tent for various conditions. The Scout is the more budget-minded version that is still as functional and capable for less money.
Gutter Nails (6) $5 2.5 Hardware store Light, inexpensive, durable, and effective
Subtotal $165 42.5    
         
Kitchen        
Lexan spoon $1 0.375 REI Standard spoon. Usually found with the cookware. So cheap it is not online.
Lighter with duct tape 0 1 Home Duct tape does everything. To quote the author Andy Weir: “Duct tape is magic and should be worshipped”
Stanco Grease Pot $12 5 Amazon Light, cheap, and effective. Use your bandanna for a pot grip. Works well with the stove below.
Hornet BRS-3000t $16 0.9 Amazon A sub-1oz, $16 canister stove suitable for solo hiking. Alcohol stoves are coming under increased scrutiny in the increasingly fire-prone American West.
Toothbrush 0 <.125 Home  
Dental Floss 0 <.125 Home Works for repairs, too!
Silynylon food bag $17 1 Amazon Silnylon is no longer an exotic fabric and is reasonable in price
Subtotal $46 8.275    
         
Hydration        
1 qt Sports drink bottle (2) $2 2.25 Grocery Store The sports drink bottle is light and cheap. It comes with a drink! More versatile than a Smart Water bottle, too.
96 oz Nalgene cantene $21 2.25 Amazon For larger water carries, I’ve been using this piece of gear for years. The wide mouth makes it very easy to use, too.
Sawyer Squeeze Mini Filter $22 2 REI Effective and inexpensive water treatment. I prefer chemicals as I selectively treat, but for those who treat more, the Sawyer makes more financial sense.
Subtotal $45 6.5    
         
Clothing in pack        
100 weight fleece $10 8 Any thrift store One of my most versatile pieces of clothing. Wear it in all four seasons. I purchased one for $10 at Sports Authority
Uniqlo down jacket Clone $19 8 AliExpress Affordable, functional, and effective. Before I was given a Montbell jacket for volunteer work, I used a Uniqlo jacket. 
C9 (Target) Running Socks $12 1.5 Target Big fan of these running socks. Durable, light, and cost-effective. Sold in a two-pack.
Frog Toggs Ultralite 2 Jacket $28 6 Amazon or Discount Store Good for on-trail. The jacket works surprisingly well. I would not use the pants. Put them in your emergency car kit instead.
Red Camp rainpants $30 7 Amazon Similar to the NatureHike brand of AliExpress imports of decent to good budget gear. Some people like to size up the pants for a baggier fit.
Coldpruf layers: top and bottom  

$33 total

 

11  Amazon An American company, Coldpruf, designs some functional base layers. I have and use one of their bottom layers during the winter. Polypro tops might be old school, but it is durable as hell, dries quickly, and light.
Polypro balaclava $8 1.75 Amazon A long-time favorite of mine that I wear in all four seasons. Very versatile. Inexpensive. Mine dates to 2001!
Wool liner gloves $5 1.5 Surplus store Another four-season mainstay, coupled with the shell mitts (below), a versatile system for all conditions.
Decathlon Overglove $25 1 Decathlon Light and simple
Wool socks $7 1 Discount store My “snivel gear.” A warm pair of dry socks, only worn to bed, is heaven.
Trashbag 0 0.375 Home A free and waterproof stuff sack!
Subtotal $172 47.125    
         
Misc        
First Aid/ Repair Kit 0 1.5 Home Simple and to the point. Band-Aids, 4×4 gauze pads, Vitamin I, a needle with floss, a small tube of sunscreen, and a Ziploc bag.
Deuce of Spades Trowel/TP/Ziploc $25 1 Amazon LNT means leave no #2 and TP lying around! I have no affiliation with The Tent Lab (maker of the Deuce of Spades). But for the weight, no reason NOT to take one. Esp now that the longer trails are getting popular.
Hand sanitizer $3 2.25 Drugstore Get the travel size
USB Rechargeable Headlight $22 1 Amazon The poor person’s Nitecore!  Water-resistant, red light, USB rechargeable, and more than enough Lumens for general use. Modify it to get it down to 1 oz.
Subtotal 50 5.75    
         
TOTAL COST OF PACKED GEAR: $723   TOTAL WEIGHT OF PACKED GEAR: 169oz / 10bs 9 oz    
         
Equipment “on self.”        
Polycotton blend button-up shirt 0 6 Home I like the ventilation of a poly-cotton blend shirt. I use an old casual dress shirt repurposed for hiking now.
Nylon shorts 0 3.75 Home Assume most have some shorts for exercising
C9 Running socks 1.5 Target From Target. You already bought two pairs! 🙂
Bandanna $1 1 Many stores Multi-purpose. It helps keep me cool. Worn under a boonie hat.
Boonie hat $15 3.5 Surplus Store Surplus store special
Analog watch $10 <1 Discount store For dead reckoning and first-aid use. Don’t have a watch? Get the cheapest analog one you can find.
Key Chain Light $10 1 Amazon The light, can opener, and a knife is a basic kit. Something I happen to carry every day that I use on the trail. A basic, versatile tool kit for everyday life or the outdoors
P51 Can Opener $2 Surplus Store  Part of my EDC kit.
Swiss Army Classic $17 Amazon  All I need for 3 season solo backpacking.
Sunglasses $0 1 Home Probably already have a pair? I like safety sunglasses myself: Light, durable, and inexpensive.
Suunto  A10 $15 1 Many places Basic compass
Costco carbon hiking poles $30 16 Costco Light and inexpensive. Work very well. This one is a small cheat as you need a Costco membership or a gift card. 🙂
Running shoes 0 30 Home For trails, a good pair of running shoes used for workouts will work beautifully. Even some light scrambling is not out of the question.
Total $100 64.75    

 

TOTAL COST OF ALL GEAR:  $823

Notes:

  • S&H and taxes are not included in the prices unless through Amazon Prime.
  • Items that vary on trips such as food, fuel, guidebooks, and maps (which are trip dependent) not included. Nor do I add a battery (Anker box or similar) or a phone. Newer phones can last quite a while without a charge. Most people are fine for 3-5 days of use esp in airplane mode. I don’t list a phone as, gasp, some people do leave them behind, and the weights vary in any case.
  •  For basic snaps and landscape photos, camera phones have come a long way.
  • Unlike the $300 kit, this kit can easily push into later fall conditions.
  • Lots of useful budget items of various quality are listed on Frugal Hiker.
  • For AliExpress or NatureHike clothing, I’d size up
  • Be sure to check out my many articles on budget gear, too.
  • I don’t claim this is the best set of gear for everyone and all situations. I will say I think it is a very good gear kit for the price and works well for three-season use. This kit will work well for a variety of conditions and places, whether on a multi-month thru-hike or a weekend jaunt.  And it is a  kit beyond just a theoretical exercise; most backpackers could realistically use this kit for moderate to advanced trips.
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Drew Smith
Drew Smith
7 years ago

Excellent post Paul. Everyone would have a slightly different list, of course, but I don’t think anyone could go wrong following this one. I would suggest one alternative – a nylon poncho rather than a rainsuit. Costs $15 and is multi-use. I know I am in a small minority here and I rarely see other poncho-wearers out on the trail. I started with ponchos in the 60s and 70s (because that’s all there was – my best friend carried an Army surplus canvas poncho) and switched to Gore-tex jackets with rain chaps in the 80s and 90s. But I kept… Read more »

Bill
Bill
7 years ago

If you look around in the hardware stores, you can often find Gorilla tape in 1″ wide rolls. I like the 1″ wide tape for my kit, but I don’t always like Gorilla tape. The adhesive seems OK for short term, but dries out over the long term. I like the 3M transparent duct tape. It’s thinner and less messy and seems to hold up fairly well. Duct tape isn’t all the same and some tapes are better than others for specific applications.

Nathan
Nathan
7 years ago

I love this article! I especially like the tips about the gloves, hat, socks and long underwear. And, the $5 sunglasses! Great finds! Thanks for sharing your research.

Jarrett
7 years ago

Great budget list. I started with a really low end/budget set up to begin with. My plan has been upgrading one expensive piece of equipment each year using store sale coupons (usually a 20% any item deal). I have slowly been accumulating a pretty could packing list by looking at which 1 piece of equipment will be the most beneficial for that year.

Robert
Robert
7 years ago

I think for me it’s always been an internal debate when it comes to lightweight/cheap/less comfortable versus heavier weight/more expensive/more luxurious . When i’ve gone out with first time backpackers I ‘ve tried to insure that they ease themselves into it with a fairly light pack but I also try to make sure that what they have meets their comfort level. This could mean a semi rectangular bag instead of a mummie or a full length pad instead of a 3/4 and perhaps spending extra on a more comfortable fitting pack. Many of these upgrades can be made for a… Read more »

Robert
Robert
7 years ago
Reply to  Paul Mags

My point was that individual differences vary. I lived at Lake Tahoe (elev. 6200′ +) for several years and backpacked in places like the Canadian Rockies and always had a semi rectangular bag which I found to provide adequate warnth, even in late fall. Never have been comfy in a mummie bag. I always used a full lengh pad since it provides better insulation on cold ground. As far as tents, I used to manage a backpacking store and tried out several varieties and realized that there are many variables when selecting the right tent for someone – or for… Read more »

Paul
Paul
7 years ago

Hi. I’ll be hiking the Appalachian trail for the first time next year. First time hiking or basically camping for that matter lol. I’ve been researching gear and everything about the trail for a couple months now. This list isn’t far off from what I’ve been looking at honestly. I can’t decide on a tent because I’veonly used a wWalmart tent once. I’m nervous and excited and I’m worried I won’t have the right kind of gear to make it through the cold winds and rains mostly. Basically bad weather is my main concern. I’ll most likely be buying my… Read more »

Mary
Mary
6 years ago

Wow, fantastic! Someone from a hiking group I’m part of just posted a link to this. Next time a friend says they’ve been wanting to hike since they moved to my current city, Seattle, but aren’t ready to commit lots of $, I will link them here. I moved here for the outdoors so have been stalking the REI garage sales for awhile now and was lucky to get some great hand-me-down gear. The Energizer headlamp is great. I picked one up in Sri Lanka in 2012 and put it through all sorts of shenanigans, the rubber around the clicker… Read more »

Cathy E
Cathy E
3 years ago

I really enjoy these kinds of posts as they get me thinking and looking at what else is out there. I started backpacking 2.5 years ago, not having a friend who did it to help or loan things, so was on my own. And I made a LOT of gear-buying mistakes, many in trying to save money. Wish I had seen this post back then. However, now many miles in, I’ve been able to fine-tune things, buy some better and lighter equipment over time, and can now loan to other friends wanting to try a weekend out. Thanks for the… Read more »

Cathy E
Cathy E
3 years ago
Reply to  Paul Mags

I had not backpacked there at all till this summer, then went on a 6 day trip in the Gila with a friend in July. Amazing! Especially the Middle Fork! So much gorgeous and varied terrain! Hoping to get back there in June 2020, too. It’s a reasonable drive from Oklahoma, where I live. Prior to that, I’d mostly been going east to hike over in SE Oklahoma and Arkansas (still doing that too), also beautiful terrain but totally different from New Mexico.

Scott
Scott
3 years ago

Side sleeper that can’t get comfortable on the z rest here. I am a fan of the children’s length klymit Static V with 4 sections of z rest (Or generic) under it for insulation that is also good for sit pad and frame for pack. The pad is is 23” wide which makes a pretty big difference for an active sleeper the system is under a pound and goes into shoulder season and hits doesn’t cost much.