You can start backpacking without spending a lot. Budget gear is usually heavier or less refined, but it can be safe and comfortable. The key is knowing where saving is fine and where it is not. For the full checklist, see the backpacking gear list.
Principles for budget gear
- Buy only what the trip needs
- Prefer used or rented items for expensive pieces
- Accept some extra weight in exchange for lower cost
- Do not cut corners on warmth, rain protection, or water treatment
Where to spend and where to save
Spend more on: footwear that fits, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag or pad that keeps you warm.
Save on: stoves, cookware, stuff sacks, trekking poles, and base layers.
The list, with budget options
- Backpack: Look for last-season models, used packs, or a rental. Fit still matters most.
- Shelter: An entry-level tent or a basic tarp setup. Borrow one for the first trip.
- Sleep system: A synthetic bag is often cheaper than down. A basic closed-cell foam pad is inexpensive, durable, and warm for its weight.
- Cooking: A small canister stove, a lightweight pot, and a spoon. You could use a household pot and mug for early trips.
- Water: An inexpensive filter or chemical tablets.
- Clothing: Layers from thrift stores or what you already own. Avoid cotton when possible.
- Light and navigation: A basic headlamp and a free offline map app.
- Safety: A first aid kit you assemble yourself, sun protection, and a lighter.
Used, rental, and sale options
Outdoor shops often rent gear. Used gear can be found through secondhand marketplaces, gear swaps, and community groups. End-of-season sales and outlet sections can lower costs. Inspect used items for damage, especially sleeping pads, tent poles, and zippers.
What not to skimp on
A cheap rain jacket that leaks, a bag that is too thin, or boots that blister can end a trip early. Spend there before anywhere else.
Upgrade order
After a few trips, upgrade in the order that your experience suggests. Many people start with the sleep system, then the pack. For guidance see best gear for backpacking and, if you are new, backpacking gear for beginners.