Budget Backpacking Gear Guide: Affordable Picks That Actually Work
Let’s be real — backpacking gear gets expensive fast. But starting your outdoor adventures doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. Over the years, I’ve put my gear through everything from mellow overnights to tough multi-day peak pushes, all while sticking to a tight budget. I’ve mixed in pro-deal steals, secondhand scores, and smart budget buys to build a setup that works — without overspending.
This guide breaks down the affordable gear I actually use on the trail, along with some tips to help you stretch your dollar and still get outside. Whether you're gearing up for a big trek or just testing the waters with your first overnight, this one’s for you.
Backpack: Mammut Lithium 40L
This is one item I recommend not skimping on. Your backpack carries everything — and if it’s uncomfortable, you’ll feel it for every mile. I use the Mammut Lithium 40L, which I snagged through a pro deal for around $100 (normally $170). It’s lightweight for the size but seriously durable. It’s got a helmet pouch, water bladder compartment, and straps in all the right places. The back support and hip belt take a ton of pressure off your shoulders, which has made this pack a go-to from short day tours to 7-day backpacking trips.
Budget Tip: Can’t swing full price? Facebook Marketplace (especially in Colorado) is full of great packs at half the cost.
Tent: Stoic 2-Person Tent from Steep & Cheap
Our tent is definitely on the budget end — a $94 two-person Stoic tent I found on Steep & Cheap. It’s not ultralight, but we split the load between our packs, and it’s gotten us through some cold nights above 12,000 ft. It’s a 3-season tent, which is key for unpredictable mountain weather.
If you're ready to invest later on, Big Agnes, a local company out of Steamboat, Colorado, makes amazing lightweight tents with solid weatherproofing. That’s where we’re headed for our upgrade — friends with Big Agnes tents have nothing but good things to say.
Sleeping System: bags and pads
This category took a lot of trial and error. I use the Teton Sports LEEF sleeping bag, rated to 0°F, because cold nights are common in the mountains. It’s under $100 and keeps me toasty, but it does take up a lot of space in my pack. If you’re headed somewhere warmer, a Zenbivy quilt packs down smaller and still keeps you cozy — usually around $100–120.
For pads, I learned the hard way that inflatable pads don’t hold warmth well. I switched to the NEMO Switchback foam pad ($50 at REI) and haven’t looked back. Even Walmart has a similar knockoff version for ~$33 that works great.
Cooking System: FireMaple Stove
This is a great alternative to the JetBoil that costs half the price and goes for about $40. We use ours with a couple of utensils and that’s it. It boils water fast and packs down small. One of our best budget purchases.
Shoes: Salomon Sense Ride 5s
I got these trail runners for $40 on Steep & Cheap (originally $120), and I’ve absolutely run them into the ground. I’ve put 400+ miles on them: backpacking, 14ers, trail races, class 3 scrambles — they’ve handled it all. If they disappear from stock, my next pick is probably the Hoka Mafate Speed 4s, but they’re a steep $185.
Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze
We use the Sawyer Squeeze ($45) and it’s handled all our needs. Easy to use, lightweight, and lasts forever. Enough said.
Clothing: Hoka Shorts + Melanzana Micro Grid
Some of my best hiking clothes are secondhand. I prefer shorts — less restriction and less bulk. My go-to: Hoka One One shorts, which I found used for $20 (retail $60). They’re insanely comfy.
Second must-have: Melanzana Micro Grid hoodie. A Colorado classic, made in Leadville. These micro grids cost around $80 and are totally worth it — durable, warm, and always the perfect layer. If you're in the area, you can even find them secondhand or stop by the Leadville store, where there's a discount section you don’t need an appointment for.
Trekking Poles: Save Here
We have nice Z poles because we also ski tour, but for backpacking only, you don’t need to go fancy. Walmart poles will do the trick. If you want something collapsible and trail-ready, Cascade Mountain Tech makes solid budget options.
Food: High-Calorie, Low-Budget
AlpineAire meals are some of the best we’ve had — filling and tasty, which helps justify the $10 price tag.
But the real budget dinner winner? Knorr rice packets + a can of chicken. It costs ~$3 for two people, and it’s surprisingly filling. Add hot sauce or seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy gear or a massive budget to start backpacking. With the right picks (and a little patience while deal hunting), you can build a setup that’s comfortable, reliable, and trail-ready. Use what you’ve got, upgrade as you go, and just get out there.
Got your own budget gear hacks? DM me or drop a comment — I love hearing what’s working for other folks on trail.
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