On a budget: shelter, packs, sleeping bags and trekking poles

I remember my first backpacking trip when I was a kid. My dad took me out for 3 days to a beautiful, spring fed lake in the mountains. We packed a 10 year old A-frame tent, garage sale, used external frame packs and low end, big box store sleeping bags. We had a great time, I have great memories and we didn’t dish out a ton of cash on gear.

Our first backpacking trip with our 1 year old daughter. Note the old pack that carried our gear.

When I started my own family, I though back to that experience years earlier. Could I still go out on a budget so we could enjoy ourselves without spending a ton of cash? We planned and did a hike with our 1 year old and decided to try it without spending much money on new gear. We had a ton of fun and proved it possible.

Because there was a lot of interest on the “on a budget – backpacking cookset” post last week I decided, as a challenge to myself, to put together a list of major gear items that can get someone into casual hiking as cheaply as possible.

Obviously, there is lighter, more expensive gear and you should buy the best you can afford within the budget you have, but if you’re just looking to join in on a backpacking trip and you’re missing a couple pieces of gear, don’t think that you have to break the bank or waste your retirement fund just to get into the woods for a few days a year!

Here we go:

Shelter:
Traditionally we go with tents, but a good tarp can do most, if not all of what a shelter can do.

6×8 foot coated nylon tarp from campmor: $27 Wt.: 22.5 oz
8×10 foot coated nylon tarp from campmor: $34 Wt.: 15.2 oz.

Want to save even more money but carry a bit more weight? Why not try a polyethylene tarp:
8 ft. x 10 ft. Ripstop Woven Polyethylene Tarp from campmor $5.50
6 ft. x 8 ft. Polyethylene Tarp from campmor: $3.50

If you’re not a tarp fan and want to dish out some more take a lookysee at these options:

What about sleeping bags? In this category I specifically chose bags between 15 and 35 degrees to handle 3 seasons. With sleeping bags you want to consider size and weight. Some bags are cheap but the cost is that it will take up half your backpack and weigh you down. Speaking of down (from birds) down bags are nice, pack smaller and are lighter.But be careful, when wet they don’t insulate. It’s like sleeping in a wet duck.

Here’s a few options:
Slumberjack Ultimate 30 degree $30 –  3 lbs 11oz
Slumberjack Super guide 30  $40 – 2 lbs 9 oz
ALPS Mountaineering 20 degree $44 – 3 lbs 12 oz
ALPS Mountaineering 0° degree $50 – 5lbs 4 oz
Coleman Cresecent 15 degree $50 – 4.2 lbs

Or take a look at these slightly more well known brands. A bit more expensive, but in some cases smaller and lighter:

And of course you need something to lie on.

Like the Pack-Lite Closed Cell Foam Pad for $12 – 8 oz
The thermarest ridge rest for $17 – 9 oz
Or maybe one of these:

Next a pack to stuff it in:
For Packs on a budget I usually check the Sierra Trading post as they frequently have discounts on listed prices. Stock varies. If you were to splurge on anything, I’d recommend finding a good pack. You’ll have to carry everything in this so it should be comfortable.

A couple packs that caught my eye for under $100 were the following:

Vaude Brenta 38 Backpack $89 at the STP
Vaude Rock Ultralight 35 Backpack $69 at the STP

Another good option is Golite. While they’re a lightweight backpacker’s choice, at times they have great sales. Check their clearance section for all sorts of good deals.

Trekking poles, although not essential, do help with stability and for holding up your tarp if you can’t find sticks at your camp site.

Mountainsmith Trekking Poles $25
Easton ATR-50 Adjustable Trekking Poles $37
Cabelas Trekking poles for $40