Of all the posts on my site, this article is one of my most popular in many ways. The list, I think, has inspired others to make similar lists. And is referenced a good amount.

The inspiration for this list came as a result of a discussion on AT-L way back in 2005: How to make a gear list for a beginner that is reasonably light and not too expensive? The direct inspiration for this list was from on discussion on Whiteblaze.net led by Sgt. Rock, a retired 1st Sgt in the Army and an experienced backpacker. This list is my contribution.

This list is a complete gear list. A person can not only use the list as a starting point, but the can plug in their gear as they upgrade or swap out to different equipment. How do I know? In many ways, this minimalist list is my list. 🙂 I think the key to going light is not what you bring, but instead what you don’t carry.

On this list also include an explanation of why I chose this gear. The gear choices aren’t theoretical, and something plucked off a website, but the equipment I’ve used or similar enough. In other words, the options are based on experience and not theory.

My list is more focused for Colorado or similar for prime three season conditions: More sun exposure, colder nights at elevation, less rain.

This list should suffice for most backpacking from about the Fourth of July through Labor Day.

You won’t see 40F bags on this list. Nor will you see more robust rain gear either. Everything is a trade-off and varies based on place, conditions, time of year, or even hiking style.

I wrote the original version back in 2005-ish. I’ve updated it over the years. Gear changes and some items no longer become available. If anything, the equipment has become correspondingly better for the price. Lighter, too.

I also tried to get items that aren’t one-off and can reasonably be found in the next year or two at least. Lucky one-offs aren’t going to be very consistent for the purpose of this article. As an example, I once found a $5, 300 wt Patagonia fleece in a thrift store. I would have a hard time finding this item again. On the other hand, I can pretty consistently find Ultralite Frogg Toggs for ~$20 a pair without too much hassle.

This list is not a definitive list, but rather a way for someone to get out backpacking and enjoy themselves. Take what works from the list and apply it for your use. The point of this little exercise is not to get hung up on gear, but rather to get OUT and ENJOY yourself. It is a misnomer that you need a lot of money to backpack. And the best way to learn about backpacking is not discussing gear online or going to gear sales but is actually to get out there. 🙂

To emphasize, I also think this list works as an excellent minimalist list. While a Home Depot tarp is not the choice of shelter for all, it is not functionally different than a DCF tarp either. In other words, as you have more money or different preferences, you can easily swap in a “better” piece of equipment without changing the basics of the list itself.

Note this 2019 list comes in at under 15 pounds and $280 total! If you still want to keep within in the budget (more or less), considering some of the UPGRADE items listed at the bottom of the article. The sleeping bag, in particular, will be the biggest-bang-for-the-buck.

Happy Trails!

–Paul Mags

Updated Jan 2019

Have more money than time? Want something a bit of a step up? Check out The Budget Backpacker – A complete gear list for a little over $800 that is light, functional, and easily assembled. Or perhaps you are looking for a multi-purpose kit? Something for day hiking, base camping, three-season plus backpacking/mild winter, trail work and maybe even day use snowshoeing? Check out the Jack of All Trades kit. Perfect for when money, time and space is limited…but when multiple outdoor activities want to be done.

THE SUB-$300 GEAR LIST

HAVE A LITTLE MORE MONEY?

With the total list coming in under $300, you still have some room to purchase some better gear.

One possible upgrade, but with a caveat, is the pack. An external frame pack works well on trails but is admittedly old-school. The 3F UL Pack is $53, ~32 ounces total, and is avail. via AliExpress. The pack has received some good reviews. You will come in at just over $300 and with a kit weighing in at 12.5 lbs. Pretty darn impressive. However, not everyone wants to use frameless packs. YMMV.

The three things you may want to upgrade? In my opinion, I’d update the sleeping bag, the stove, and the shelter.

The sleeping bag is the item I’d suggest upgrading when you can. What I suggested is perfectly fine for beginners use. As mentioned, I used a similar Campmor bag for my initial forays including falls backpacks in New England. However, I’d upgrade to a better bag that is lighter and less bulky if you have the funds. If you purchase a good, but affordable bag, you’ll only be a little over the $300 limit and have a very good overall kit in my opinion. The Kelty Cosmic down can still be found for $120 online on eBay or REI. The Kelty down bags are EN rated and generally true to temperature. The total cost would be ~$400 with this one upgrade. Weight would be slightly less.

is the item I’d suggest upgrading when you can. What I suggested is perfectly fine for beginners use. As mentioned, I used a similar Campmor bag for my initial forays including falls backpacks in New England. However, I’d upgrade to a better bag that is lighter and less bulky if you have the funds. If you purchase a good, but affordable bag, you’ll only be a little over the $300 limit and have a very good overall kit in my opinion. on eBay or The Kelty down bags are EN rated and generally true to temperature. The alcohol stove is a good budget choice. But with increasing open flame bans in the American West and even in the Appalachians in the recent past, an alcohol stove may not be a good choice for all situations and environments. For ~$8 and 3oz of a weight penalty, you can purchase a decent canister stove. Long term use seems to be rather good based on reviews.

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A tarp may not be the best or easiest choice for most beginners. I think tarps are better than most less expensive double-wall tents (space, ventilation, and weathering storms), but does require a bit more practice and skill than most beginners may have. AliExpress and similar now have some budget tents that have received decent reviews. This NatureHike CloupUp2 tent avail on eBay or Amazon is a Big Agnes clone for a little over three pounds and $90. Less weight if the poles and fly are taken only. Makes a spacious shelter for one. Considering the blue tarp setup is ~$20, but the same weight, this tent is only an ~$70 difference overall. Nature Hike also sells RidgeRest and Z-lite clones, too if more comfortable padding is needed with better R-Value. I used the Z-lite clone successfully on multiple hikes. NatureHikes sells many other designs “borrowed” from others. The ethics of purchasing something that is obviously directly copied from another manufacturer is another ball of wax…

If these three items are obtained, the total cost is now ~$500. The overall weight is slightly less.