Is Backpacking Expensive?
By Lucky for the Backpacking, Canyoneering & Hiking Club
Stop! Don’t do it!!
Unfortunately, many folks that want to start backpacking make poor and expensive gear choices to outfit for their first trip. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people that go to REI and spend $1,000 for their first trip. Sadly, after a few trips to the backcountry they soon realize that the pricy gear they purchased isn’t what they really need.
I propose an alternative to the big, expensive shopping spree. Don’t make a major investment until after you have a few trips under your belt and your gain a better understanding of your hiking style and personal requirements. A particular piece of gear may be perfect for the REI salesperson and perfectly wrong for you. You need enough information and experience to make an informed buying decision.
I’ve taken the generic gear list posted in the “Files” section of the Meetup and will discuss inexpensive options for outfitting for your first backpacking trip. The companion Excel spreadsheet details the cost, weight, and web link for each of the items discussed. All said and done, the pack list with everything you’d need for a weekend backpacking trip would cost $335. That’s less than the price of just a backpack at REI.
But more importantly, of the total cash outlay 72% or $240 is quality gear that will serve you well for years to come. The backpack, tarp, and air mattress are all high quality and can be “keepers.” The cook pot, stove, and knife are also top of the line gear choices.
The total weight carried, not including food and water, is only 13.2 lbs. Of course, if you already have or can borrow a pack, tent, or a sleeping bag you’re way ahead of the game and can spend even less money! For the first couple of trips, I encourage you to borrow or rent as much gear as you can. Ask you friends if you can borrow stuff or rent from REI or Lower Gear (http://www.lowergear.com/ ) or the Hiking Shack.
The takeaway here is that backpacking doesn’t need to be an expensive proposition. It can be a very affordable hobby but you need to be an informed shopper to get the best deals and avoid costly and poorly advised REI shopping trips .
Shelter & Sleeping
This is the most important area to focus on as a trip can be pretty miserable if you’re wet and/or cold. Remember that a backpack is just a container to carry gear and most of the bells and whistles that come with expensive packs are not needed.
Backpack
Visit your local thrift store or go online to Craig’s list or e-Bay. I almost always see backpack at Goodwill for about $5. I found an excellent men’s Kelty pack on Craig’s List for $45. Campmor sells a very nice GoLite Jam 2 pack for $90. For women, the pack should sit comfortably on your hips with almost no weight carried on the shoulders.
Tent/Shelter
There’s a great one-person 3-lb tent made by Texsport available on e-Bay for $34 (key word “Bivy Tent”). That’s about the same price as renting a tent from REI or Lower Gear.
For guys, I recommend an ultralight tarp like the 8’ X 10’ silnylon (13 oz.) version made by Equinox and sold at Campmor. Buy some twine at Home Depot for the tie outs or buy a kit with fasteners from Campmor ($7). While you’re at Home Depot, buy some aluminum gutter spikes (8 * $1, 2.7 oz) and a 9’ * 12’ plastic painter’s drop cloth. Cut the drop cloth in half so it’s 9’ * 6’.
Pack rain cover
Pack anything you don’t want to get wet in a trash bag. Use a rubber band to close the opening.
Ground cloth
See shelter. No need to bring a ground cloth or footprint if you use a tent.
Sleeping bag
Long-term, you’ll want to invest in a good down sleeping bag like the ones made by Western Mountaineering as it’s one of your most important pieces of gear. Lower Gear, REI, and The Hiking Shack all rent quality sleeping bags for about $17 for a 3-day trip.
If you want to buy, look to REI Outlet or Campmor for discontinued models. Decent bags can be picked up in $60 price range. I found a Kelty Cosmic 35 degree synthetic bag at Campmor ($55, 42 oz). Similarly, REI Outlet has a Lafuma 30 degree bag ($40, 51 oz). You may find a great deal on Craig’s List and can have the bag professionally cleaned at your local dry cleaners.
Sleeping pad
This may be the one area where you’ll want to buy a Big Agnes or Pacific Outdoor InsulMat mummy air mattress. Sleeping comfortably and warm is important to your overall trip enjoyment. The best option (air mattress) isn’t much more expensive than other choices. The truth is, the old “blue form” pads just don’t cut it.
Garbage bags – Large lawn size (1)
See pack rain cover.
Stuff sacks (as needed for cloths, food, etc.)
Use gallon sized Ziploc bags. Use a straw to suck excess air out.
Camp chair
Use a rock or a log to lean up against.
Clothing
In this category, most people already have cloths that will work and don’t need to buy more. I’ve found some great backpacking clothing at thrift stores and at Walmart. For a few bucks, you can always find a fleece and long underwear.
Hiking boots/shoes
Use your running shoes.
Camp shoes
Don’t bring a separate pair unless the trip is a water hike where you know your feet will get wet..
Extra socks (1)
Use a pair of your athletic socks (non-cotton).
Wool sleep socks
In cold weather, bring a pair of warm, long socks from home.
Long underwear top
Bring an extra long sleeve shirt to sleep in.
Long underwear bottoms
In cold weather, bring a pair of tights or sweats to wear around the campfire and while you sleep.
Gloves
If you have a lightweight pair of gloves, bring them along. Otherwise, use your spare pair of socks as mittens to keep your hands warm. Wal-Mart sells gloves.
Sun hat
Wear a ball cap and tuck your bandana in the back as a cancer screen. Wear lots of sunscreen. If you have a broad rimmed hat, bring it along.
Balaclava or wool hat
A good balaclava or beanie is important for keeping your head warm, especially while you’re sleeping. Sierra Trading post has one from Outdoor Research for $7. Wal-Mart sells them.
Jacket
Everyone owns a down/fleece jacket or a warm sweater that they can bring. Just make sure it’s not overly bulky. Don’t over pack here. You’ll probably be sitting around a campfire in the evening when it’s cold so don’t overpack. Most backpackers like down jackets because they compress well.
Long-sleeve shirt
Light color is good but make sure it not cotton. Short sleeve is OK if that’s all you have. The Under Amour or Starter shirts work great. Wal-Mart sells short-sleeved versions for about $10.
Wind/rain jacket
While there are a lot of lightweight and expensive options for raingear, the reality is doesn’t rain much in Arizona. For your starter kit, consider a poncho for unexpected rain. Walmart has them for $3.
Another great option is the DriDucks/Frogg Toggs raingear sold by many sporting goods stores. The waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants weigh 10.4 ozs and cost under $25.00. Leave the pants at home and the is really a cool rain/wind jacket that weighs about 6 ozs.
Wind/rain pants
Use poncho or, if there’s a chance of rain, bring the Frogg Togg pants.
Hiking shorts
Use your running shorts. If you own a pair of convertible hiking pants, those are good too. Don’t backpack in cotton jeans (e.g., Levis).
Cooking & Food
Cook pot
Go to Wal-Mart and buy a 1.5-qt Imusa grease dispenser aluminum pot for $8. It’s perfect for backpacking. Throw the strainer and heavy knob handle away to make this pot ultralight. Replace the knob with a 4" piece of duct tape with a fold in the middle that can be grabbed to list the lid. http://www.imusausa.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=43&Itemid=6&limitstart=0&limit=5000
You can leave the lid at home and just use a small piece of aluminum foil as a lid.
Pot grabber
Instead of added weight, just put your gloves on to protect your fingers. Use your bandana if necessary.
Utensils
Next time you’re out and about, save a plastic spoon or spork from a fast food joint. They’re fairly fragile so treat it gently. Dairy Queen has great long-handle spoons. Taco Bell has good sporks.
Insulated cup
Grab a small plastic cup from home or at a dollar store. If you don’t have one and you need a cup for your morning coffee, save a leftover single serving yogurt cup and wrap a couple layers of duct tape around it for strength and insulation.
Waterproof matches
Just bring regular matches. Grab a pack next time you’re at a nice restaurant.
Lighter
If you don’t have one, Circle K sells them for a buck. Small is good!
Stove
This is one piece of gear you really want to try to share with another hiker. Just ask.
For weekend trips, you can’t beat a side-burner pepsi can stove. They’re cheap ($9), lightweight (0.3 oz), and allow you to bring just the amount of fuel you’ll need. AntiGravityGear is a good source and they’re also sold on e-Bay.
Fuel Bottle
You’ll need about 1 oz of alcohol each time you heat water. Recycle a small plastic soda bottle to carry your fuel. An 8-oz container should be plenty for a weekend trip. Mark it with duct tape and the word “fuel” so you don’t accidently confuse it with a water bottle.
Pot stand
Not needed if you bring a side burner alcohol stove. You can make a pot stand from a cloths hanger if needed. Directions are on the Excel spreadsheet.
Windscreen
Use folded aluminum foil. The windscreen should be 4” high, 4 layers thick, and long enough to comfortably encircle your pot. Cut a couple of ½” groves along the bottom to let air in. Bring a paper clip to keep the ends connected.
Other/Navigation
Compass
On your first few trips, save the route finding and navigation for the hike leader until you get a couple of trips under your belt. Stick with the hike leader. But a compass is one of the 10 essentials and you should never leave home with out one. Of course, you also should learn how to use it and to read a map.
A very basic compass that tells you generally which direction you’re going is about $5. Wal-Mart. A very decent compass, like a Silva Polaris Type 7, can be bought online for less than $15.
First-Aid kit
All you really need is some moleskin, a couple of band-aids, some antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, tweezers, and a 3" X 3" sterile gauze. Keep it in a Ziploc bag. Keep any prescriptions or OTC meds you need here also.
Maps
Make sure you get a map from the hike leader or find one online.
Glasses/contacts
Pack in a lightweight case.
Paper, pencil
From home. You only need a nub of a pencil.
Fire starter
Save some dryer lent and a couple of birthday candles in a small Ziploc bag.
Headlamp/flashlight
Wal-Mart sells inexpensive headlamps for about $10.
Sun glasses
Bring your pair from home.
Sun block
If you have a small tube at home, bring it and use it! Otherwise, go to REI and buy a small 1-oz plastic bottle ($1) and fill it with your sunscreen of choice.
Lip balm
There lots of options. I like the Carmex brand ($2). Keep it in your pocket. Works well for rashes also.
Water filter
Ask your hike leader if you can share one. As a back-up, go to REI and buy a small 1-oz plastic bottle ($1) and fill half full with laundry bleach. A couple of drops per water bottle will effectively purify the water. You may need to strain the water through a bandana to remove the organic matter.
Bug protection/Deet
I like 40% Deet for mosquitoes. REI’s Jungle Juice product is good and costs about $7. Buy a small container at REI and only bring about ½ oz.. If it’s going to be buggy on the trip, bring a head net. Coleman sells one for less than $5.
Water containers (minimum 3 liters)
Bring 3 1-liter pop bottles. Bring a plastic grocery bag with handles for scooping water.
Plastic whistle
It’s great for making a lot of noise if you get separated or need help. Buy the cheapest plastic one you can find. Attach it to your compass and keep it in your pocket on a lanyard.
Guide book/notes
Go online and print the trail description. Hikearizona.com is a great source.
Knife
A knife is needed to cut things. You won’t be quartering an elk so you only need a small knife. The small Swiss Army Classic style knives are good because they have scissors. You can find them on Amazon.com for less than $15 and 1.3 ozs.
Duct Tape
See insulated cup above. What’s that saying about duct tape and bailing wire? Bring about 3’.
Pack towel
Bring a small wash cloth or some paper towels from home in a ziploc bag.
Toothbrush/paste
Buy a small travel-size toothpaste and bring your spare toothbrush.
Cord (Minimum 30 feet)
Use the same cord you bought at Home Depot for the tarp tie-outs. Use it to hang your food at night.
Bandana
Buy a cheap one a Walmart.
Hiking poles
Buy later. Poles are very optional.
Sewing kit
This is very optional and assumes you know how to sew. Many nicer hotels provide free kits. All you need is a needle and some thread. I can’t thread a needle for the life of me, so a thread puller is required. Minimus.biz sells a sewing kit for $0.27.
Repair kits
In a small Ziploc bag, throw in a couple of safety pins, a rubber band, a small tube of super glue, and a photon back-up light.
Toilet paper