Backpacking gear can seem like such a daunting thing when it comes to getting into hiking, but I don't think it has to be all that expensive. I think you can get gear that works great for very cheap or for free! If you can save a thousand dollars (or more!) before even setting off on your thru hike, that's huge! So I hope you enjoy these tips on how to thru hike on a budget!
One of the things we talked about in this video is what I consider a list of essential items to bring backpacking. You can check out that list below for extra reference, with some recommendations!
My list of Cheap Essentials:
- Backpack
- Pack liner * - http://tinyurl.com/2p8uvn7w
- Sleeping pad - https://amzn.to/49XV9I1
- Sleeping bag - https://tinyurl.com/yw3wy6x3
- Shelter - https://tinyurl.com/3rxufbcv
- Tent stakes
- Trekking Poles - https://amzn.to/3T0xUGz
- Food bowl * - https://amzn.to/3RqILsD
- Stove - https://amzn.to/47VAO42
- Food bag * - https://amzn.to/3UJ6XbU
- Spoon * - https://amzn.to/3uAxYDw
- Water bottles *
- Water filter - https://amzn.to/3wkWVUb
- Rain jacket * - https://amzn.to/47Vo5yc
- Warm jacket *
- Socks * - https://amzn.to/3DDlk73
- Beanie * - https://tinyurl.com/bdfru8h5
- Gloves *
- Tights or pants * - https://amzn.to/4bGcvdi
- Phone *
- External battery *
- Flashlight * - https://amzn.to/3uLxw5g
- Lighter *
- Teeth care *
- Blister care - https://amzn.to/3qZ55f9
- Ibuprofen *
- Trowel & toilet paper - https://amzn.to/3u6VIMr
- Baseball cap *
- Shirt - pref polyester *
- Running shorts *
- Trail Running Shoes
We also talked about how you likely already own a lot of this gear! It may not have been sold to you as 'backpacking gear' but sometimes the best stuff is not intended for backpacking anyway! So I encourage you to dig through your home, and ask yourself what do you already have that would work perfectly fine while hiking? You can save a lot of money this way, and then later on maybe upgrade for lighter weight or more packable items.
We also talked about researching and how that can save money! I do this all the time, and an example would be when I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. By starting in May, I needed much less gear than those who started in April or March. Sometimes this is a fine balance to strike, but it's definitely worthy of note! Some more extreme examples of this would be desert hiking vs a rain forest (Arizona vs Washington), or winter hiking vs summer hiking! Some places, some seasons, and some trails just require less gear! So with a bit of planning, you may find that you need to buy even less than you though.
While you're at it don't forget to check out used markets! Thrift stores can be incredible places for clothing items. You won't find the highest end products there (though you might) what you will find is a ton of gear that is more than good enough! Jackets, fleeces, rain coats, beanies, gloves, base layers, tights, hats, shirts, pants, and shorts are all readily available at thrift stores.
Probably something else many wouldn't know is how much material can affect price. Look out for silpoly or silnylon tents, instead of dyneema. Look out for synthetic insulations like Apex, instead of Down. When it comes to shelters or Sleeping bags you could find yourself saving literally hundreds of dollars on really high end ultralight gear
00:00 - Budget Thru Hiking
00:53 - What You Need
01:50 - You Own It!
04:08 - Planning
05:14 - Thrifty
07:29 - Deals
09:02 - Materials
11:13 - Creativity
12:25 - Thank You :)
Hiking Essentials Shirt! http://jupiterhikes.com/product/hiking-essentials/
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
http://www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
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