The Budget Backpacking Kit

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

That article has a few different purposes:

• It allows a person new to the outdoors world or on a budget to purchase some equipment that will not break the bank and will allow them 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. It 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 dictated.

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.  A “better” pack is shown, but still, suggest the M65 liner, for example. I called it the “dirtbagger 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. It is 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 online, in a store, or in a typical person’s home as of March 2024. One-off clearance items or lucky finds would not work for this list.

You’ll notice many links for REI and Amazon because REI is found almost everywhere now. With Amazon Prime, getting a wide variety of goods is effortless. There is still a sprinkling of cottage gear makers, surplus, and discount stores.  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). The prices may be even lower if you buy some gear such as long underwear or winter jackets off-season.

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.

~Updated March 2024 Inflation continues to come into play but with more budget choices vs. even two years ago

Since I wrote my version of this list 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 does not include 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, which has cooler temps but is generally drier and has more sun exposure.  Other places may want a warmer weather bag, perhaps beefier rain gear, maybe a heavier fleece instead 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 list (which will also be updated in 2024 to reflect inflation.).

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

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 2024

TOTAL COST OF ALL GEAR:  $858

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), are 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, especially in airplane mode. I don’t list a phone, and the weights vary. 
•  Camera phones have come a long way for basic snaps and landscape photos.
• Unlike the sub-$400 frugal kit, this kit can easily push into later fall conditions.
• 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 gear set for everyone and all situations. 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 various conditions and places, whether on a multi-month thru-hike or a weekend jaunt.  It is a kit beyond just theoretical exercise; most backpackers could realistically use this kit for moderate to advanced trips.