Nobody should break the bank to enjoy nature’s gifts. Being patient, open-minded, and resourceful can land you with quality gear at an affordable price. It may seem overwhelming to figure out what you need to buy and weigh it against your budget, especially in the beginning. That is why, before opening that wallet, take a step back to consider your options. Thus, the point of this post is not to share deals but to offer suggestions for finding quality gear without going into debt. Continue reading if you are in need of tips for backpacking on a budget.
Needs vs Wants
First things first: figure out your non-negotiables. If your goal is to keep your costs low, that means weighing what you want to bring against what you need to bring. For example, a quality backpack designed for backpacking is a must. That means old school bags should not double as a backpacking pack. However, if you are planning solo adventures or trips with one other person, there is no need for large, spacious tents. A 2-person tent will suit your needs just fine without added costs. There are lots of cool gadgets on the market that may seem enticing, but these may add unnecessary costs. These items fall under the Not Now, Maybe Later category. Not to mention, you don’t need to get everything at once. Stick to the bare necessities to keep those initial costs low. For ideas on what to pack, check out my post on backpacking essentials.
Another consideration when figuring out what you will need is to determine your goals. Are you looking to complete a thru-hike? Is this a potentially new hobby? Are you looking to be a weekend adventurer or a multi-day traveler? Where are you going and in what conditions? Plus, a big one that often gets overlooked: what is your maximum weight capacity? If you require a pack weight less than 25 lbs on a multi-day trip, it may cost more than for someone who can tolerate heavier loads. If you would like to learn more about how to ultra-light pack without sinking your savings, tune in at the end of the month! In the meantime, feel free to send me a quick message.
Make that list (and check it twice)
After you have determined what you need for your backpacking adventure, it is time to craft a list. I cannot stress this step enough. It is easier to overspend and overbuy when there is no focus on what to buy. In fact, many of us have been there: the food stash is running low, and a grocery run is needed. Instead of writing a list, we tackle the store aimlessly, going through each aisle. We believe we are only getting what we need, yet the receipt shows differently. A list could have alleviated this issue. And the same applies to buying backpacking gear. It may seem like a good idea to go into the store and browse. Yet, chances are, you will leave with more than you need. And while store associates have much to offer in their advice, going in with a list can be more productive and economical.
To further my point, remember that, at the end of the day, a business’s goal is to make money. Going into a store unprepared can make us more prone to being dazzled by displays and savvy marketing schemes. Before getting enchanted by fancy gadgets, consider whether it is on your list or if it will serve a life-changing purpose. If the answer to either of these questions is no, it’s best to save it for another day (add it to the Not Now, Maybe Later list). It’s not a large time investment to make a list, but it can be a preventive measure for impulsive purchases.
Buy once, cry once
This is a philosophy I live by. When I started backpacking, I was more concerned with keeping my costs low than I was with finding quality gear. The cheaper sleeping pads leaked, backpack zippers broke, and patchwork was required after every trip. What I was saving in the short term, I was paying for later when a replacement was needed. In the end, this was not a sustainable way to continue a hobby. Since adopting the “buy once, cry once” mentality, I have not needed to replace gear in years. Sometimes, it pays to spend more on higher-quality gear to save the headache of needing a replacement later on. It is not sticking to a budget if you are constantly replacing gear. Plus, fast and cheap often end up in our ever-growing landfills.
Now, I am not suggesting purchasing the most expensive gear or that the $40 tarp works better than the $4 one. The most expensive gear does not automatically translate to the best gear. And not every item of gear needs to be of the utmost quality. It is important to consider the price range of the gear you are interested in purchasing and find a middle ground that does not sacrifice quality. As well as considering how often you will use each item and what the higher-quality item may do better. For example, maybe you go with a cheaper warm-weather sleeping bag to afford a higher-quality sleeping pad. Lastly, on this point, I highly recommend reading through verified reviews and checking that the company or store has a good return policy. Protect your investment by doing your due diligence and ensuring an escape route.
Used gear: one person’s rejects are another’s treasure
One of the ways I was able to afford high-quality gear without breaking the bank was by buying used gear. I am a huge fan of thrift shopping and finding deals on second-hand items. There are plenty of online marketplaces available for finding used backpacking gear, such as GearTrade. If you are an REI member, the garage sale has great deals on gently used or even never-used gear. The beauty of used gear, too, is that you’re giving items a second life instead of them being sent to a landfill. Another landfill resident prevented.
The obvious setback for buying used gear is that it may not include a guarantee. Especially when you are utilizing community marketplaces such as Facebook, you are taking a gamble that the gear matches its description. These issues can be combated by finding platforms or websites that offer guarantees. It’s also advisable to check the reviews and profiles of the seller for credibility. Depending on what you’re purchasing, don’t be afraid to try the item before you hand over the money. Turn on devices, inflate sleeping pads, and check out all of the zippers.
Consider rental gear
Perhaps you are in a pinch for gear but don’t have the time and/or money to invest in purchasing a whole setup. Or maybe you want to dip your toes into backpacking without the commitment of investing a large sum. If either of these scenarios resonates with you, then rental gear can be a great option. Outdoor Geek offers multiple packages for backpacking gear rentals, and select REI locations offer rental gear as well. It is advisable to read through the rental agreements and understand what is expected of you when returning the gear to avoid unwanted fees.
Another scenario in which rental gear can be the more economical option is when you’re traveling by plane, as certain gear is not allowed in carry-ons. For example, trekking poles are not allowed in the cabin for most commercial airline companies, and some TSA officials may disapprove of backpacking stoves. Depending on the duration of your trip and the items you need, it may be more affordable to rent these items than to purchase a checked bag.
Captialize on seasonal sales & deals
If you’re not bound by a time constraint, it may be worthwhile to wait for deals and sales to go live. If you have your eye on a specific tent or backpack, sign up for the store or company newsletter to be notified of sales. It’s also no secret that the holiday season is a magnet for some of the best deals, although you may be competing with higher demands. For those in the US, Memorial Day weekend is another great time to find a deal. Some stores even do anniversary sales, which include storewide discounts. Keep your eyes peeled for these announcements, either on the internet or via mail.
Closing thoughts
The fact of the matter is, gear can be expensive. As stated above, I live by the philosophy of buy once, cry once. If your timetable isn’t urgent, gradually collecting high-quality gear can pay off in the future. In addition, thrifting for used gear can enable you to purchase quality gear at a discount. Or, you can be alert for when stores host sales and time your deals. On the other hand, if backpacking isn’t going to be a long-term endeavor, or you are unsure if you will enjoy it, renting may be more economical. Overall, backpacking on a budget is not impossible. With the right amount of patience and finesse, you can hit the trails without being trailed by debt.
Happy Trails!
