BUDGET BACKPACKING! I Bought Gear AND Went Backpacking for Under $200! | Miranda in the Wild

[@TheBromad]

The fact that you went places other than REI is why I love REI. Keep up the dopeness!

[@rei]

Awesome, thanks John! - Miranda

[@luisguevara4113]

That... and they allow Miranda to curse! Hehe

[@DB-xo6xh]

they encourage you to buy used, so that was great that they showed her going to second-hand stores.

[@150F2011]

Thanks for making your videos fun to watch

[@lisalewis4181]

@@luisguevara4113 yess, love that 🤬! 😅 Keeps it real!

[@sbgroen]

The blue, framed, Kelty backpack you bought and looked brand new is exactly the same color and model that I purchased in 1982. I spent the entire next summer in southern Mexico with it, touring the Pacific coast on third class buses. Awesome, indestructible pack that holds a place in my heart, and I've still got it. I've moved on from it, but still . . .

[@MrHerks]

"my butts wet, my underwear is wet, but my sense of humor is dry" LMAO unlike my coffee table that i just shot tea out of my nose all over LOL

[@james35813]

Probably the funniest joke she's made all series

[@nonameman9291]

If that made you laugh that hard you might be autistic.

[@Matt-pd2cq]

@@fre3radic4l yesssss

[@jziskind]

@@nonameman9291 Who beat you as a child?

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

Best line ever.

[@thatoneguy722]

Make a sequel to this were REI gives you a $2000 budget and compare the two. It would be hilarious to see you walk into an REI, looking like a gangster and making it rain $$$

[@brucealfonsoacero]

Fully expect a Gucci bag with 15k wrapped carrots as snacks, haha.

[@Funkteon]

$2,000 USD would get you a budget one person tent and a sleeping bag in Australia..

[@voldemortified]

Yeah, maybe more like $3-4k.

[@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem]

@@Funkteon you must be joking? why would camping gear be so expensive in Australia? in the USA you could absolutely get a high quality lightweight kit that would be good for a thru hike. $700 tent, $300 backpack, $200 sleeping bag, $200 sleeping pad. those are the 4 main things and then the remaining $600 should suffice for the other gear no problem, assuming you're not being crazy and spending $400 on a puffy jacket, $300 on rain pants etc.

[@michaelkork6773]

@@Funkteon how would 2 grand in USD be worth less in Australia? Idk if y’all’s money is like Zimbabwe, but USD is USD on every website everywhere on the internet

[@tboneoutdoors688]

Yard sales here in Colorado, you can find some good deals, especially in the nicer suburbs. Young couples move here, think they are going to get into the outdoors. They buy a bunch of high end gear, never use it, sell it in a few years when they have kids.

[@bigt7706]

@Henry Tapia haha that sounds like a malibu thing to do

[@JustinRY]

“1970s called and it wants their cool factor back” 😂😂😂

[@rei]

Expectation: 😎Reality: 🤓- Miranda

[@escapetherace1943]

that old kelty frame is exactly 200 percent cooler than the UL garbage you see on half of people's backs today!

[@sturmykins]

And don't forget that while Miranda DIDN'T borrow gear from friends, you never know what folx will let you borrow til you ask! I was able to borrow a nice big tent, sleeping pads, and a two burner coleman stove for a car camping trip this summer.

[@gv_gamble]

I’ve been working on this for a little over a year now, I was able to find an older jansport external frame for $10 at a thrift store, a tent for $5 (discount day at the same thrift store), an ozark trail inflatable pad for $2 at Goodwill, and I’ll probably splurge and get a new sleeping bag as a treat for myself so I know I’ll be warm if nothing else.

[@cynthiabartz2157]

This is amazing! Have you gone out on a backpacking trip yet?

[@timelessadventurer]

Amazing! Goodwill has shot so far up in price!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

This may be my favorite episode with Miranda yet. 😂 VERY Relatable lol

[@rei]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! - Miranda

[@danbaker8677]

Told my wife the name of the video I was watching... her response... “Why didn’t you watch a video like that before you bought all your gear?!” Guess she thought I’ve spent too much. Lol. Just like Miranda said, “Comfort.” Nothing worse than being 10-15 miles in and seriously regretting a purchase. Good video, though! I do always try to find a good sale and also some used items. Planning way ahead, shopping around, and finding sales is GREAT advice before purchasing gear.

[@funkeyman232]

REI rents gear??? Thats a gamechanger, where have I been all this time

[@rei]

Yes! Check with your local store to see what rentals are available. It's an awesome way to get out there! - Miranda

[@LWilli5]

I am fortunate enough to have two REI stores within 20 miles, neither of them rents much. 😕

[@brucealfonsoacero]

Legit, this is great! I only hope that you guys will have a store in WV! Need a go-to last minute stop before hitting Mononghela!

[@Emeraldcow]

I thought stores weren't renting during covid?

[@LWilli5]

@@Emeraldcow this video was recorded pre-COVID.

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

I love how excited Miranda is of everything

[@Knubinator]

"this is what I missed out on, being born on the East Coast" Cries midwestern tears

[@rbrooke2379]

Oh. My. God. That Kelty is beautiful. What a classic.

[@larryterry7874]

She must be really fun to hangout & backpack with.

[@backpacker3421]

The Quarterdome 1 (the tent Miranda rented) is a great solo packing tent, and actually fairly inexpensive, as tents go. It would have broken a $200 budget for everything, but for beginners looking to build their set up, it's a very solid budget choice. I put hundreds of miles and many nights on mine before eventually trading up.

[@backpacker3421]

For those who have a beginning set up and are considering upgrading items, I recommend you start with the sleep pad, then the sleeping bag or quilt, then your backpack. If your backpack is really uncomfortable, start there, then the sleep pad/bag, otherwise start with the sleep stuff. Somewhere in there, I would take a look at getting a really premium base layer as well (or really two - one for cold weather and one for warm weather). These things are the items that most impact your comfort and will most improve your experience. After that, I would weigh every remaining item, and consider where you can make changes that will reduce your overall weight most substantially. The tent will almost certainly be the biggest potential weight saver, as cheap tents are usually very heavy. Making your load lighter will make the whole experience more fun, but once you get to a weight where you end the day feeling good, stop upgrading for weight, and just think about what items detract from your experience. It took me 20 years to dial in a set up I am fully happy with. And honestly, I still make changes from time to time as the gear advances. But the rig I started with probably cost me less than $100 back in the early nineties, although the backpack and tent were hand-me-downs. But I used that cheap packing rig for over a decade with few changes, and some of by best backpacking memories are from that time, even though my base weight was about 35 lbs, and my sleeping bag was way too cold for many trips... good times.

[@jmorrow6913]

Tent ~ use an 8x10 blue tarp, with 5x8 blue tarp or sheet of plastic as ground sheet, and mosquito net ; Sleeping Bag ~ envelope bed made with 3 blankets (synthetic are lighter) ; Cooking~ use "Sterno", balance pot on sticks with aluminum foil windshield. Hint from a REI member since 1967: Kelty packs need to be fitted, there are several frame sizes for different back lengths. It makes a real difference in comfort.

[@theresachester3845]

Miranda, I didn’t think I could love your energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm more. But I do after this video!

[@professorsogol5824]

I think it is a bit unfair to your budget to include food in the $200 limitation. I would include in the $200 any food sold specifically for camping but exclude any (e.g. carrots and peanut butter) you would eat at home. And you can save on cooking gear by using a large can and building a fire instead of buying a stove. In the rain wear/weather protection area, you forgot to consider large plastic garbage bags. Two bags would cost only pennies, and one could line your pack keeping the rest of your gear completely dry and the other could be cut to make holes for your arms and head keeping the rest of your body dry in that rain ps one of my favorite p-butter delivery systems is peanut butter and apples.

[@mannymm7887]

I planned a 3 day backpacking trip with all new/open box equipment for less than 300 bucks including food. I can even save more money if I chose used gear and chemical water treatment instead of gravity filters. Just gotta look for the really good deals and be smart with your money.

[@hasancanalan7726]

Dinner= carrot Breakfast= carrot Good meal.. lol

[@nunyabeezwacks1408]

Miranda’s part bunny.

[@delphineee93]

Goodwill is a great place to come across used hiking boots, clothes, and sometimes gear. Another great place to check out for cheap gear is Walmart👍🏼

[@lindsaywait8763]

Yup, walmart is the first place I would go. Ozark trail :)

[@PanchoSmitty1122]

One place to always keep in mind, especially for camping is a Military Surplus store. Virtually all my gear is from there and other sites. eBay is also great for that reason. My gear still is only in the $200-$300 range and has no holes, tatters or problems what so ever. It is a fair bit heavier than contemporary back-packing gear but nothing more than 5lbs difference. Great video! I like that REI does stuff like this.

[@wanderingcalamity360]

Surplus stuff is definitely heavier, but it's tough and cheap. It's my preference as well. I'm not likely to ever go ultralight. Lol

[@PanchoSmitty1122]

@@wanderingcalamity360 I also find all the Ultra-light stuff does. Not. Last. You get maybe - or two uses out of it and then you’re out of vital equipment. Grow stronger and carry canvas. Your wallet will thank you

[@wanderingcalamity360]

@@PanchoSmitty1122 Canvas might not be the best example, given that it's cotton-based. But I catch your meaning.

[@ronridenour5285]

Miranda, Thank You for taking one for the TEAM. Framed backpacks can be under rated sometimes. Good job as always, Thank You for the smiles. Merry Christmas to You and Yours...🎅⛄🎄❄

[@M0USEP0TAT0]

I love this video, full of good information. Only left out the cost, in time, spent checking out all the thrift stores, even "free" time has a $ cost.

[@eurekamarijka]

... and the gas!

[@faye76000]

@@eurekamarijka some people drive electric lol. Jk, you are right, but it probably is part of the time spent looking. Also, honestly making outdoor friends is the best way to borrow stuff lol

[@Matt-pd2cq]

Eh. True... but it's fun to shop, though, and if you're enjoying it in your free time, is it really costing you?

[@christinalockerby4956]

I think 11:49 was a Schitt's Creek Moira moment and I am here for it. Stellar vid!

[@nathanrains9292]

That $13 backpack was a score! Also, didn't know REI did rentals! That is super cool!

[@ChurroWaffles]

Your sense of humor is really good. I really don’t find other backpackers funny but your “This is Benjamin right?…Wow! That would be embarrassing.” had me in stitches.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

I only started learning about camping since the reality of my Egypt/Jordan trip is not possible this year :( I remember someone left an un open tent (still in a seal box), so I started researching about camping. The only thing I bought were the military grade cooking fuel cubes since I am not sure if I am committed to camping after the pandemic, I love traveling the world, without limited to only camping. The rest of what I need for camping are all used, hand me down and I am totally happy with it since there are almost new. I took a small old cooking pot, mainly to boil water for coffee & instant noodles, couscous etc. My first camping trip was at Catalina island in July, I pick a spot near the ranger's station so that I can get some help on how to set up a tent for the firs time in my life lol. Luckly I got the pop up tent, so the chance I took for not practicing how to set it up before my trip turned out OK :) No, I don't want to go wild camping, I need running water & a bathroom!

[@andrewb9595]

Love your videos, they always make me smile. How about a video of your top backpacking items you SHOULD spend the extra money on for more enjoyable backpacking trips.

[@Pants13]

Anything involving warmth, dryness, and health should be top priority IMO. But think about what bothers you the most day to day and how it would translate to camping.

[@andrewb9595]

@@Pants13 Makes sense. For me, the best $$ spent has probably been my sleeping bag, sleeping pad and puffy. Nothing is worse on the trail (for me) than a terrible night's sleep. Also a good puffy makes a huge difference when hiking in the cold or even around camp in the mornings or when it gets dark.

[@Knordsman]

I can tell you are a very fun person to be around. Able to entertain yourself while entertaining everyone else too.

[@MB-qx9vn]

Some of the best backpacking finds Ive ever had has been through esate sales and Goddwill. Ive found muliple Osprey bags (in store would cost $150+) for like $20 almost brand-new. Also, you can find great outdoor wear this way and sometimes unused tents!

[@Fusterclucked00]

You mentioned how you grew up on the East Coast and never got to experience such lush forests. I grew up in Richmond, VA and rarely ever got to experience any real, raw nature. Never even went camping :-/. I bounced around a bit and recently ended up living in Washington, and I am in awe of the old growth and lush forests. I can't get enough of it. I want to explore them all and climb all the tall rocky things. Anyway, I thought that was pretty awesome that we had the same reaction. I'm just getting into backpacking, so I'm hoping to meet some more awesome and knowledgeable folks like you out there!

[@jimgam730]

Wow, seeing the external frame pack brought back memories of when I was in the Boy Scouts, in the 70s, and used something like that.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

If you have a bit of time, it's actually pretty easy to hit close to that budget; the trick is planning far enough ahead that you can accommodate stated shipping times (keeping in mind that generally, the cheaper something is online, the longer it will take to reach you). I got my 90litre pack off eBay for like AU$35, my cushiest pad + pillow off Amazon for AU$60 (& my cheap one for like 3/5s that) + AU$39 respectively, my stove off eBay for AU$18, my tent from a military surplus store for about AU$90, I had an old sleeping bag from years ago when I was a Girl Guide + spent the extra $20 or so for a fleece liner (to insure against the possibility the fill might have flattened over the years of neglect) , & I make my own meals. That comes to $262, so not quite under $200, but the difference is invested into the sleep system, which is pretty crucial. I could admittedly have trimmed some fat by passing up my 8cm deep, horizontally-baffled sleeping pad for the thinner - but still surprisingly sleepable - large hexi-cell 5cm deep "bubble-wrap" one. That would have made it $229. Now, admittedly none of that stuff is especially technical, or ultralight, or made to _last_ , but it gets me out there (with the option to save up for better in the meantime), & it _is_ light enough for me to lug without too much trouble on a bushwalk of a couple of kms or so at a time without a rest.

[@grendle81]

Loving the external frame pack. I wish I saw more of them out there.

[@jakatalbot]

I have a 20 year old external frame Kelty, and I'm not here to say it's awesome. I can't reach my water bottle in its pocket, it squeaks when I walk (maddening), it isn't built for a bear can, and it holds less than 60L. (Not sure how many liters it can hold...It's 20 years old, I don't remember.) It also isn't water resistant, and it has no hip belt pockets. But I'm on a budget, and the darn thing keeps working, it still fits mostly comfortably, so I haven't replaced it yet. Darn you reliable gear!

[@grendle81]

@@jakatalbot I have at least 3 externals. Maybe 3 internals. I have a sentimental attachment to those old packs. My 1st pack was an external, I hitch-hiked all over with that thing, state parks, airports, Alaska. I'm more of a collector now. There is one of like to get, more designed for hunters but it'll work for backpacking, check out the Alps mountaineering commander.

[@TheWallnut76]

I have one and love it

[@craigadamkelly]

I have 4 kelty external frame backpacks my oldest one ,my dad bought me when I was joining the Boy Scouts 30 years ago I used it 5 to 6 times a year for 20 years and I have sents hand it down to my son who still uses it to this day external backpacks have several advantages they can hold more weight comfortably, but have more adjustments to fit you better, they're more breathable and help keep you cool in the summertime ,and they're definitely built to last a lot longer

[@christinacope562]

I love REI, it has some expensive items so the Garage Sale days are best but get there early.

[@MervinM123]

As always great video Miranda and the whole crew this video was even nicer with all the views and a brief description of what backpacking is like (including the bloopers like getting your but wet, etc.), I'm not sure many people will be able to get all that equipment for under 200 dollars but is a good thing there's people like you, me and many others who encourage others and even lend equipment and pass knowledge to those who are interested in backpacking, keep up the good work 👍

[@titanpreparedness]

Looks like a great challenge. Im sure that gear would be fine for short trips but pretty rough on 10+ mile days. Buy once cry once. As long as its quality Would love to see more challenges like this

[@Dragon1276]

REI membership really jumped since the pandemic started. It’s $30 now. Still a great deal if you use it, but I discovered that at least in the two stores near me, no one restricts purchases of the “members-only’ items.

[@DempsterDave]

I have just started watching your videos, and you are as goofy as my daughter. It's like we were on the trail hiking with each other again after all these years. Her mom was the same. It was a hoot.

[@JoshSweet]

The Adirondacks in New York have very lush green mossy forests. (Reference to your comment on “missing out” on nature from the East Coast.)

[@caitlynbee3214]

Wow I didn't know that rei did rentals! This will make my April trip much cheaper! I thought I was going to have to buy a $70 bear canister. Thanks for the video.

[@neemancallender9092]

To wear the poncho easier lower the top bar on the frame of the pack That Kelty pack is a classic

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Impressive! I def appreciate the frugality, honesty, & diversity of brands...i really want to go backpacking again (borrowed the equip last time) & have some decent gear of my own. Didn't realize how affordable it could be, tbh! Now I want to hit some yard sales, esp since I live near the mountains!

[@brucealfonsoacero]

As a cheapskate, I'm glad that I kept most of my military gear. Took out alot of the upfront cost to getting into backpacking, haha.

[@jordan2042]

Just don’t go out with the mentality of, “ I easily carried such and such weight in my Ruck, so this should be cake”. I did, and on my first trip my pack weighed about 72lbs lol

[@TrueMofo]

“My butt is wet, my underwear is wet, but my sense of humor is dry.” 😂😂😂 literally LOL

[@arocker23]

This was a cool gear video. Oh, I almost forgot. Miranda is hilarious.

[@melissarobinson9618]

Carrots and peanut butter, genius! I have never been a fan of celery and peanut butter, just cause celery Always gets stuck in my teeth! But now I have been shown the obvious alternative, thank you Miranda!

[@neolexiousneolexian6079]

7:55 It's the Miranda from the title card!

[@janewhitzend688]

Reuse recycle ..not cheap, practical, minimal and environmentally friendly ..all boxes ticked 💚

[@riskassure]

Great video and tips, thanks! I’d love to see a video on backpacking on a $300 budget and even one on a $400 budget.

[@BlackCoffeeGeneral]

Miranda, I don’t like to get up for the remote, but theses are great.

[@Forklift_Fella]

I did almost this exact same thing except I avoided REI and paid a fraction of the price using eBay, Amazon, Farm King and to a much lesser extent Walmart.

[@myshelhilty4068]

You have the best personality! Great knowledge. I have binged watched you all day!

[@Zeppelinfaktor]

Having a long timeline to acquire everything definitely helps. I think I was able to get most of my stuff on sale/closeout from REI

[@ghost762]

On of my Favorite trails. Only been as far as Maple Grove from the south end. Camp two nights at Anderson point. Thinking I'm going to do this again this summer

[@drewhigginbotham3773]

I actually prefer external frames over internal. Keeps your body cool, and they usually have plenty of easy to access pockets for snacks and rain gear.

[@mirola73]

Yes you can, depending on what you accept and what you understand by 'backpacking', day trips or staying the night.

[@clairew4123]

I'd love to see a video on tips for women solo backpacking/camping/hiking! Love this show!

[@rei]

Thanks for the idea Claire!

[@karenlee3372]

I have a bag packed up and ready to go.. you never know when you're going to bug out.. I've been camping since the age of 10 when I got older I got into bushcrafting.. I'm 54 now. I'm in Arkansas.

[@hotla7]

Spent about $1000 in camping and backpacking gear this year at REI. Don’t regret it one bit

[@timfredrickson3889]

Get 2 tarps, used ski poles (goodwill) and save a lot of money on shelter.

[@howardguillory3811]

Hi Miranda! I spent a number of years backpacking the Oregon Cascades and coastal ranges and where you are brings back a ton of memories.

[@kennymonty8206]

Be either really small or really large also, to get great savings. Unfortunately, I'm not. Fun video. Bought just about all my stuff from REI. Just found you videos. You have a lot of energy. I'm getting a glass that's half full vibe, I like it.

[@TheRetiredHiker]

I am not a fan of REI for what it is. I'm a fan of REI for what it could be. Miranda, you are easily the best brand ambasador I have ever seen on KZbin. GoodStuff™ and keep up the good work!

[@marctaladay376]

My first pack looked exactly like that in the 90s for boy scouts. Got me through several trips around Japan and the mountains of AZ tool. Just getting back into backpacking here in Fl. I was actually hoping to do Florida Trail by spring time or at least part of it.

[@steventwiddy3402]

Miranda I absolutely love your personality, you would be a lot of fun to hang out with……don’t let life and people change that as you get older !

[@Tephomab]

I have the same backpack! Used it for years and just got a new one recently. Honestly it's a great pack, just noisy and a bit uncomfortable compared to modern packs. Mine has mesh and a couple pads that keep the frame from digging in to your back. Yours seems to be missing it, or maybe the original owner of mine had modified it.

[@EpwnaExeter]

This video was my first hiking trip experience to a T. New boots and socks, used or pre-owned sleeping bag & sleeping pad, and my mom's pack from the 80s. Thank goodness it was a group trip and tents were provided.

[@joyfaithlove]

We all need a Miranda in our lives. And I don't work for REI, but I totally second, third, fourth, etc...what Miranda said!

[@kchappie6672]

Lots of people say you should wash down, it's all we use in the army and I wash after every trip and my kit looks and works way better than the no washers

[@heidih2887]

Ahhh, brings back so many memories of my youth, and using firm foam pad, a backpack not as nice as that one, etc. and "wasn't warm but didn't freeze to death" sleeping bag! :D

[@kevinjnaquin11]

So thrift stores have been my go to over the years. But REI used gear has been a game changer.

[@jjmcwill2007]

This was a great episode. The bleeped out f-bombs are funny. You be you! Lol.

[@JaredHikes]

Thank you Miranda. 🤠 Happy trekking!

[@findaway2sayyes]

Love your humor and your info!

[@mariannadipasquale9870]

This is everything!!!! Now, could you make a video of how to set camp in heavy rain without succumbing to the water?

[@Seamus3051]

Thanks for both, an informative and entertaining video. Your videos are always fun to watch, and your effervescent personality & humour provide the icing on the proverbial cake Cheers.

[@jamesd7527]

3:44 -- total Kristen Wiig "Target lady" moment!!! Hahaha!

[@thegreatnorthwet1760]

Love to see people working in Whatcom/Skagit county. Sometime I want to go hiking down in that area for waterfalls

[@22phan]

REI Clearance, Arrowhead Pack. All done in 1-4 hours. Tentless, Poncho tent with trek pole, bivy

[@girlscouttroop4546]

I wish there was an REI in Maine. How there isn't one in a state with such great hiking blows my mind.

[@BlackHawk2029]

On tents, I've spent several nights under cheap poly tarps in the past and they worked great. Not ideal, and a bit heavy, but they work in a pinch.

[@rei]

Inexpensive tarps can work great when there are no other options! Thanks for the advice 😊⛺

[@alexiscarpenter8923]

Fav series

[@rev.johnpate3231]

Funny a merchant is hosting this video! Haha, blast from the past... Hit up Walmart, $20 pup tent, junk bag, no stove: open fire, no filter: purification tablets, Walmart poncho. Oh, pack - some crappy frame pack I got from somewhere. Cookpot: Something my wife no longer wanted. Dinner: Ramen noodles. No pad: Heap up leaves, pitch tent on top of the leaves. It rained. The tent leaked so I put my poncho over my bag. We survived. That was over 30 years ago...

[@nicksmynickname]

its very possible! I know its a foreign concept to people but most the things I own are happily purchased used. my entire backpacking setup comes in a 300. abit more than 200 i know. but nothing is older than 10 years (most things no more than 5) and my pack weighs in at around 20-25 depending on if I pack the luxury items or not. You just have to look at facebook marketplace, craigslist, goodwill, find random selling apps (Those have the best deals sometimes because they are abit obscure and not many people know of them), etc.... If you want a decently modern setup for a budget its very possible. But I must say, it took me months to accrue everything. The deals are out there, you just have to wait sometimes. But the hunt can be very rewarding and fun. the coldest ive camped with my setup is 30 degrees F and I was as snug as a bug in a rug! Goodluck with the hunt to whoever decides to embark!

[@remirez2k3]

*knock knock knock* ow thats not wood...loved it and love your vids you are one of the reasons i have decided to check off a bucket list trip and doing the AT in a little over a year

[@plfreeman111]

One of your best videos yet! Loving what you're doing with this channel.

[@Livestrong00782]

Best part about this video, you eat carrots and peanut butter, I do that as well, and no joke no one, and I mean no one has ever heard of that! I think they’re crazy bc it is so good! Great snack, sweet and rich flavors. I’m jealous of your scenery, I’m in phx and have to head to GC for something like this. Loved the video, awesome, a small tip if you do it again, a reflective car shade from a dollar store or Walmart over your sleeping pad will add some warmth to your sleep system, that is if you do another video similar to this again.

[@loganpayne6086]

Just my hammock without a tarp or anything blows this budget. Crazy that this works

[@rickkaylor8554]

Craig's List is a good choice for getting good used gear. Your suggestion of checking out thrift stores is good. Sometimes you can find real gems. 99 cent store is awesome for finding cheap food. I rarely spend more that $25 on hiking shoes (trail runners) and usually go for New Balance at Big 5. They seem to last just as long as expensive trail runners.

[@neil2809]

As always you are entertaining and show if you want to do it you can. I enjoy all your video's and I am a REI member. Take Care

[@totoroben]

Gotta love Kelty packs being so easily available for those that wanna dip their feet into backpacking for little to no investment. Internal frame is better, sure, but you can make that decision after a few trips and seeing if backpacking is something you're into.

[@alangauld6079]

I started backpacking in 1974-5 with an external frame pack. Luckily Karrimor (and Lowe and Berghaus) introduced their internal frame packs about the same time or I might have given up. External frames are fine on level tracks but they suck on mountains!

[@victoriaforguson8292]

i just hiked the baker river trail like 3 days ago!!

[@theweldonatorsamputeejourney]

That's a beautiful trail!! Those bridges were really a really cool part

[@ShroomAndMoss]

Really liked that !! Could you do a "budget food" video for multiple days ? :) Love your show 😍

[@rei]

Great idea! I'll see what I can do. Thank you! - Miranda

[@msspi764]

Backpacking like your grandparents did when they were in college. They had it so hard. I still have my frame pack and Fabiano hiking boots (if an ounce on your feet is a pound on your back they add about 32 unnecessary pounds). If you want a real come to Jesus moment check out what Olaus and Mardy Murie (think Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 1950s) Benton McKaye (think Appalachian Trail 1920s), and Harvey Broome (think Great Smoky Mountains 1920s-1960s) used. Damn! We all hike in their footsteps.

[@davidpurych8741]

Very cute Miranda. Well done I really enjoyed this. I’ll be checking out REI’s used gear on line! Thnx

[@hikingff77]

Love your videos. I wish I had that kind of enthusiasm.

[@tiffanym4202]

I'd like to transition from dispersed camping to backpacking, I just don't know if I can carry the weight of my existing gear over a distance at my age, especially since my local mountains have elevation gains of about 3000 ft over 4 miles. My big 3 comes in at almost 16lbs and my cheap 35 deg bag leaves me miserable at 40 deg. Glad to know REI rents gear!