A popular article of mine is The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 challenge.

That article has a few different purposes:

Lets a person new to the outdoors world or on a budget purchase some equipment that will not break the bank and will allow a person to explore the outdoors.

Show how the BEST gear is not needed to get outside.

I think it functions as a good minimalist list. As I wrote, “A better pack, sleeping bag, shelter, etc. within this lists’ framework will still leave you with a lightweight list with no extras. In other words, this is a good list to build upon for lightweight backpacking in general, I think. Part of what lightweight backpacking is not so much what you take, but rather it is what you do not take.”

However, I realize this kit is not ideal and narrow in focus. Works well for prime three-season summer conditions (unless you purchase a better sleeping bag, for example). As an aside, my original kit way back in 1996 was not much different from the $300 challenge kit (bargain external frame, bulky and cheap sleeping bag, old fleece), and I rather enjoyed myself. But I did upgrade, swap out, etc. as my experience, preferences, and budget dictate.

In 2012, I was asked to contribute a gear kit for my friend Liz Thomas’ course for Backpacker Magazine. The package was a step up from the $300 kit but not quite what I have now in some cases. There is a “better” pack shown, but still, suggest the M65 liner, for example. I called it the “dirt bagger deluxe” kit. 🙂

So, I thought perhaps it was time to write a sequel of sorts to the Frugal Backpacking Kit and introduce the Budget Backpacking Kit. A little beyond what I sent Liz and perhaps a kit for all-around backpacking as opposed to the specialized long-distance treks. Most weekend backpackers will not want a tarp for a general-purpose shelter, will not be moving all day to make miles, nor do they wish to futz with an alcohol stove. It is a kit that handles a variety of conditions beyond well-marked and maintained trails.

The budget kit is the not the lightest gear, or the most cutting edge. But you’ll find the equipment to be light and functional overall without requiring a lot of legwork. The rule I imposed upon myself for this kit is that it has to be composed of items I can easily find; be it online, in a store, or a typical person’s home as of Nov 2019. One-off clearance items or lucky finds would not work for this list.

You’ll notice many links for REI and Amazon for a reason: REI is found almost everywhere now. And, with Amazon Prime, it is effortless to get a wide variety of goods. There is still a sprinkling of cottage gear makers, surplus, and discount stores, too. Frankly, that is how I shop as I like to get items online as much as possible. I will go to an individual store if I know the item will be less expensive (a fleece pullover, for example. Cheaper at Target or –gasp- Wally World versus other places). If you buy some gear such as long underwear or winter jackets off-season, the prices may be even less expensive.

So here’s my Budget Backpacking Kit. ~Updated Nov 2019 ~

Since I wrote my version list of this back in 2005, other people have contributed their versions. What makes my list different from similar listings?

I explain what I choose

I choose items I’ve used personally, their close counterparts, or know people well enough to take from their personal experience

I don’t just pick something that looks good on Lighterpack; my choices reflect real-world use

The list is for not a narrow range of conditions, such as summertime in prime weather. The list works for ~25F at night, for example.

I’d like to think my experience makes these picks of value beyond a theoretical exercise

As always, I have the Intermountain West region in mind with cooler temps but generally drier with more sun exposure. Other places may want a warmer weather bag, perhaps beefier rain gear, maybe a heavier fleece in place of the lightweight puffy, a lightweight alcohol stove where food carries are less and fire restrictions not as common, etc. This kit is not meant to be the cheapest kit. Again, see my $300 kit for that type of list. Instead, this kit is a well-rounded kit for a variety of conditions beyond set routes and trails.

Overall, though, I think it is a suitable all-purpose kit that all requires minimal tinkering for any environment in three-season conditions.

I can honestly say it is gear I would use myself (and in many cases, do!) and would gladly suggest to friends.

Happy Trails!

-Paul Mags

Originally written Fall of 2015, Updated Nov 2019

TOTAL COST OF ALL GEAR: $759

Notes:

S&H and taxes not included in the prices unless through Amazon Prime.

Items that vary on trips such as food, fuel, guidebooks, and maps (which are trip dependent) not included. Nor do I add a battery ( Anker box or similar) or a phone. Newer phones can last quite a while without a charge. Most people are fine for 3-5 days of use esp in airplane mode. I don’t list a phone as, gasp, some people do leave them behind, and the weights vary in any case.

For basic snaps and landscape photos, camera phones have come a long way.

Unlike the $300 kit, this kit can easily push into later fall conditions.

Lots of useful budget items of various quality listed on Frugal Hiker.

For AliExpress or NatureHike clothing, I’d size up

Be sure to check out my many articles on budget gear, too .

I don’t claim this is the best set of gear for everyone and all situations. I will say I think it is a very good gear kit for the price and works well for three-season use. This kit will work well for a variety of conditions and places, whether on a multi-month thru-hike or a weekend jaunt. And it is a kit beyond just a theoretical exercise; most backpackers could realistically use this kit for moderate to advanced trips.