We all know that backpacking gear can get fairly expensive.
For many it’s not feasible to get the newest, lightest, greatest thing out
there. So what are ways to save a little money here and there when it comes to
gear without costing a bunch and carrying heavy gear?
Check your big box stores for clothing ideas. Many of them
are carrying synthetic type garments just fine for backpacking. You don’t
have to shell out $60 for a shirt but can get it for $15. Same with synthetic
pullovers, hats, gloves, hiking socks (now is the time to stock up on winter
clearance items too!).
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| Sitting on my 50 cent seat cushion. |
Look for deals online and in your community. Browse thrift stores for gear. Many thrift stores like Goodwill,
Salvation Army, etc. will get gear in that can be used. Clothes, outerwear, sometimes
even other gear like sleeping pads. I have also scoured ads for yard sales that
might be carrying gear and took for several years a Thermarest seat cushion I got
for fifty cents at a yard sale. You never know! If you have an REI near you, get on their email list for their garage sale events. Great way to get gear real cheap. Many outfitters want to unload returned merchandise. Especially if they loan it out for rent. Ask around and see what they can do for you. Scour store clearance areas online for great deals where they are unloading old models of gear.
Browse used gear forums. There are many online
and in social media. Most go under Backpacking Gear Flea Markets on Facebook (there's at least five of them if not more). Whiteblaze.net has a used gear forum also. Negotiate where you can.
Other ideas for gear:
Smartwater bottle for a Nalgene. $1 for $8-10 saved, and
it weighs less too.
A grease pot for a titanium pot. Only $8 vs $20-30 for a
small pot that works fine for cooking
A homemade alcohol stove. You can make your
own soda can stove, but be sure you test it. Flair ups is what causes damage to shelters
and picnic areas and can cause burns. There is also cheap canister stoves on
Amazon that many have said works well too. A Lexan spoon for less than a buck is all you need for silverwear.
Make your own gear. If you are handy with a sewing machine
or a family member is, there are patterns and materials available online to sew
your own stuff sacks, quilts, vests and jackets, tarps, etc.. Check out Thru-Hiker.com or Ray Jardine for ideas
Dehydrate your own food rather than buying Mountain House meals
or the like. Dehydrating and adding vegetables and meats to rice and other pastas (repackage
in sandwich bags) with some beef or chicken base can make great meals for the
fraction of the cost (watch the Knorr mixes which has hidden msg in it). Normally about $1-2 bucks per meal rather an $7-8.
NEW - Just saw this - Walmart has an Ozark headlamp, weighs nothing, for ONE buck ($1). Saw it in a bin. No joke. I mean, only one setting, but hey, for a weekend jaunt. works great.
NEW - Just saw this - Walmart has an Ozark headlamp, weighs nothing, for ONE buck ($1). Saw it in a bin. No joke. I mean, only one setting, but hey, for a weekend jaunt. works great.
With a little bit of searching and ingenuity, you can make your backpacking dream come true without breaking the bank.
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I have been a diy backpacker and for me it not only saves money, it leaves me more invested in having a good hike. Somehow knowing I made my own equipment leaves me feeling more in control of my hike--plus feeling I'm living a little bit lighter off the land. Love your blog and happy trails!
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