Camping Gear On A Budget | My cheap backpacking gear setup

[@guzelmarmara]

I just discovered his channel and loved his calm, chill way of presentation. No shouting, no over-excitement like in those other channels and the gear he features is usually accessible affordable stuff.

[@jamesf8864]

He is reeeeally easy to listen to, isn't he? I think camping is largely a quiet, calm passtime that develops an appreciation of simple things like a good view and solitude. Our enthusiastic friends across the pond somehow still make camping videos all dramatic and hyped up 😂 Give me Paul any day!

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you for the kind words my friends. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you for the lovely words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@dawnadam6164]

@@jamesf8864 Its the Americans that get over excited you are quite right. I stopped watching them years ago!

[@guzelmarmara]

@@dawnadam6164 It's a culture thing maybe. I should also say some Brits are impossible to listen because of their accents too. These are very normal as we all are from different parts of the world and KZbin people are not that camera savvy. Yet I'm more happy to follow non-American outdoor channels because not all conversations should involve a fucking gun and a bug out bag in it.

[@loaferx5409]

Well done. It's great to have a pile of this kit around for when your unprepared buddies decide to tag along. As much as I love kit, we all know that you are some times paying for the name, and it's great to know what works just as well on the cheap. Thanks for doing this one. Cheers!

[@PaulMessner]

Very true! Sometimes you get what you pay for, but a lot of the time a logo adds to the £££

[@TheAjc999]

Been fancying wild camping for a while now, watching your videos has given me confidence and today bought a new tent, mat and sleeping bag ready for next year. The rest I'll pick up over winter second hand. Cheers Paul

[@prestobesto8883]

Just found this channel and its the only one I can watch without having to turn down my volume. Thanks man, love your content.

[@fionamichaelpaterson4411]

Paul, great video. Shame the mainstream media always forget to include lower price items in reviews. That is why videos like yours are good. Decathlon stuff is normally a good buy. Those head torches you mention are good for the price. Mine survived a month camping in Namibia. The red light is a good feature.

[@PaulMessner]

For that price you can't go wrong.

[@AJGeeTV]

Hello Paul. I only just discovered you today and really enjoy your videos. You are like a twin in a way.... I was born in Staffordshire in 1964 and backpacked all the UK with my parents until my late teens when I did the Pennine Way alone (but needed to be rescued)! Since 1996 I've been Bikepacking, doing the same but travelling by bicycle. I still need the same equipment, and how you choose yours is my way, too. I've shared some of your vids on cycling pages I'm a member of because I think folks will like your down-to-earth style. Keep up the great work, Paul. I'll look forward to your forthcoming videos. ANDY.

[@mbrider56]

Nice one Paul, As one of the chaps said earlier, its nice to see the budget end of camping stuff. For people like myself who cant justify huge amounts of money on a hobby this was really helpful, cheers.

[@PaulMessner]

The main thing for me is to get people out camping. We all have different budgets and gear requirements. Just because something is cheaper, doesn't mean it still can't do a job. There's usually a compromise, be that weight, comfort or durability. But for the occasional camper, all this gear will work well in the warmer weather. Thanks for watching.

[@mbrider56]

Paul Messner Top man Paul 👌🏻

[@ashleygoring2307]

Hi Paul great video! Not sure if you will read this but any chance you can do video for beginners going through all the gear and which would be good. I’m fairly new to this and need to go and buy all my camping gear but not sure which to get, people try and give advice and say for example ‘get a down sleeping bag’ but don’t listen to part when I say because I’m new I don’t want to go and buy all the expensive gear straight away. If that makes sense. I don’t need help finding out what gear is good when it’s expensive because everyone has them. Eventually I’ll upgrade but right now I don’t want to spend hundreds on a bag or hundreds on a mat. Love the videos and much appreciated if you could help! 👍🏽

[@rageoid]

A head torch. English enlightenment, the age of illumination. If only I had memorized kilos to pounds. Solid video with relevant advice - trekology has worked for me as well, as have several Decathlon garments. Seems folks worldwide are paying attention to the Lanshan tent.

[@dougdixonhull]

Great video. Great to see gear on a budget. I myself have cobbled together a setup including secondhand and sale items. I may upgrade in the future but it's all about getting out there and experiencing the outdoors. My gear list includes a Vango Sherpa 65 bag I got second hand and a lichfield 2 man dome tent that I got for £10 s/h . Thanks Paul,

[@PaulMessner]

Cheers Doug. The main thing for me is to get people out camping. We all have different budgets and gear requirements. Just because something is cheaper, doesn't mean it still can't do a job. There's usually a compromise, be that weight, comfort or durability. But for the occasional camper, all this gear will work well in the warmer weather. Thanks for watching.

[@nikolakasherov1617]

Love your videos. All is great, excellent system at great value. I do not like 3 things. The backpack is really heavy. I have an expensive one - 175 EUR (could be much cheaper now I guess), very functional, lifelong guarantee and without the lid its only 1 kg, with it on its 1.1 kg - Osprey Exo 58L - love it, even use it on 1 day trips. The headlamp is a critical piece, I would prefer to be more functional, longer lasting life, waterproof from a premium brand - like Black Diamond Spot or Storm. The Opinel knife is not worth imo, simple and robust fixed blade is more reliable and practical.

[@alevans1168]

Bought the Trekology UL80 after I seen it on Thomas Heaton's channel, he recommended it after seeing it on your channel. Only used once but very impressed! Paid 55 as I don't buy from Amazon, but seems to be 45 on there now. Still a great pad for price and the curve works really well, especially as pitch wasn't perfectly flat.

[@YoDawgyyyy]

A great tent I’ve found for £60 is the bessport super light 1 man tent, it’s £60 or for an extra you can buy a footprint for £20

[@brummiesteve3825]

Those vango backpacks are great value and so are the tents..

[@PaulMessner]

Tough and well made. Definitely good value

[@lilbyrne2570]

Thanks paul these are some great recommendation and your content is always great have a good one :)

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you like them!

[@marks-0-0]

I wanted this tent but realised they have a new version now so ordered that. The Lanshan Pro 1 man tent for bikepacking. I'll need to sort out some kind of pole aswell obviously 👍

[@abearinthewoods5180]

Great information Paul. I have that first gas stove and love it. I have used it a lot.

[@PaulMessner]

Very cool! It's great for the price.

[@xjessukx]

I've heard good things about the lanshan 1 , considering getting the pro version

[@brndumsvandrehistorier3486]

I have the Pro version and are happy about it. A lot more space for tall people inside, but more prone to condensation.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

I have both the original Lanshan 1 and 2 in Sil Nylon... they are both great tents for the money and depending on hiking mileage both have their days. I was considering the lanshan 1 pro but it looks like because its so small and now effectively a single wall tent that condensation is a real problem (couple of you tube review show this). It doesn't seem to be as much as a problem on the Lanshan 2 Pro as its obviously a much roomier tent with vestibules on both sides that allow it to breathe better. The Lanshan 2 Sil is my favorite tent for mileages 10 to 12 miles a day.... if more than 12 miles then look at the Lanshan 1 …. atb Dave Mc

[@WildGingerBruce]

I'm kicking myself I didn't get the lanchan 2 as the 1 is just too small, back when they were about £50, with the prices now I went for a wild country zephos2 for 100, from westfeilds

[@lonecamper5520]

Got the zephyrus 2 and fancying the lanshan 1 😂😂

[@brndumsvandrehistorier3486]

@@SimonOutdoors I'm 6 f (183 cm) and i have plenty of room. I have put up a video with the pro, where you can see it with a large - wide mattress (6'3) inside (in danish, but you can see the size 😉 )

[@danrawding2789]

Just discovered you whilst looking to undertake my first wild camp. Some great tips and reviews :)

[@nigeljones8202]

Thanks Paul, really good video. I have the Trekology UL40 , not been able to use it yet, but saw like you great reviews.

[@PaulMessner]

Hope you enjoy it! I look forward to trying one myself.

[@paulhargreaves2143]

Thanks Paul very informative, keep it up.

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks, will do!

[@jamesrobert262]

Great video. Thanks paul

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks James. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@mamba8.24]

Love this

[@matteotamberini2152]

Great video buddy as always 👍🏼

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

[@rileygang6550]

I want to go wildcamping but I don't know which liter backpack I can carry. Could u help with that? Can you give some tips for looking for a backpack

[@DesGreene]

Great video, thanks Paul. I just got one of the Trekology pillows (about £13) it now has a strap to go around your sleeping mat. Not sure if yours had that, but seems a useful feature.

[@PaulMessner]

Nice one! Mine doesn't have that. I use a tshirt to hold it onto my pad.

[@craiga6557]

Snugpak is a great brand and I swear by them... However, their temp ratings are completely off.

[@AcousticNRG]

paul what spots would you recommend for first wild camp spots ??

[@PaulMessner]

Next Sunday's video is all dedicated to this topic. thanks for watching

[@AnnoyingPlastic]

what is the name of the tent again please?

[@LegionarHR]

What do you think about tents in dechatlon? i found some in range of 100-200euros

[@adrianlopez7370]

Where do you buy the gas canister and alcohol fuel?

[@PaulMessner]

Gas from any outdoors shop (Decathlon usually) and the Bio-ethanol from B&Q.

[@EuaPatroaeoCalanguinho]

Great video

[@southleedsmemories2686]

What was the name of that first stove Paul, please? I have now found that camping stove, erm, so would you know the name of that canister, or do they all have a standard connector? Thanks paul.

[@PaulMessner]

Pretty standard canister

[@southleedsmemories2686]

@@PaulMessner Thank you Paul.

[@jc55555jc]

Great video, but I wouldn't recommend buying anything from blacks! I bought a Vango tent and it arrived with 5 holes on the inner. Instead of helping me out, they gave me the "run around"

[@dontclickonmychannel400]

We know it's you Coleman tents :p

[@robinthehippie95]

am i the first person to realise a sweatband was used for wiping sweat off your forehead???

[@HardyBunster]

I found that when starting from scratch you have to buy the cheaper gear other wise you wouldn’t be able to afford it all at once. But as the years roll on and your gear wears out one by one I found I was replacing it with nicer gear. I still have and use my original cheap plastic cutlery as it’s still going strong. 👍

[@AndyWardle]

That’s spot on. I’m using a £800 tent but a £3 and 7 year old pouch to store my coffee and tea stuff in 😆

[@Kvuzon]

Try to find 2nd hand stuff.

[@zivkovicable]

@@AndyWardle £800?! That's what my mum & dad payed for their house....Just kidding. You get what you pay for & i'm sure your tent is worth every penny of that.

[@jamiebrand269]

@@zivkovicable I just bought almost my whole set up yesterday for £600 during the Black Friday sale 😂

[@aggyMI]

Brilliant video Paul, this sort of quality budget videos are what's needed on KZbin, there's a big gap in the market for this sort of content as so many hiking / camping videos focus on ultralight equipment and I think it alienates a lot of people from the hobby , well done .👍🏽👊🏽

[@PaulMessner]

Hopefully it inspires a few more to enjoy the great outdoors.

[@aggyMI]

@@PaulMessner hopefully we'll all be out sooner rather than later, I'm running out of tent tarp bivi combinations to build in the garden 👍🏽

[@EspenFrafalne]

I think you can go a long way with budget camping gear if all you want to do is to get out in the woods and set up camp. But if you want to hike around for as long as possible during a day, then ultralight is definitely the way to go... Especially for people like me who are not "big and strong". I have heard hikers say that we should not carry more than 15-20% of our bodyweight. When i carried 20% of my bodyweight, i was pretty tired after only 8km/5miles. Totally acceptable for short hikes, but not ideal if you want to hike around most of the day...

[@aggyMI]

@@EspenFrafalne yes of course sir, but I think most people's introduction to backpacking is usually through a combination of day hikes and single night camps, and for these sort of starting out adventures budget equipment is more than acceptable. Like you said , when they want to start to explore further a field covering more miles over multiple days, then consider dropping the cash on the light stuff

[@mikefletcher6595]

@frenchie jonesI just sent everyone to Decathlon, won't go far wrong with your money in there.

[@peterduffy4206]

Hi Paul, I’ve been watching your videos a lot through lockdown after discovering them by accident. Wild Camping is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but never really had much time to do it. Just wanted to let you know using your equipment videos I purchased all my stuff and have done 2 trips so far!! One up devils kitchen with my brother and one up Haystacks with my GF. Loved both. Keep up with the videos. They’re inspirational! Thanks again. P

[@maxflight777]

My friend said “I don’t earn enough money to be able to afford cheap kit “. I liked this, he was referring to the fact that some cheap stuff simply doesn’t last! Meaning you have to buy two, maybe three times, perhaps outplaying more than one would have spent on a quality item. The truth is of course, you simply don’t know when buying things how Kong they will last. Price certainly isn’t a guide! As an example I bought some hyper expensive Rukka motorcycle clothing that turned out to be absolute junk. At the other end of the scale, our family has had good experiences with Decathalon products. Invariably good (surprisingly) high quality.

[@dw7859]

One of the most useful camping videos I’ve ever seen

[@ajthorn4054]

You that’s sick Travis Scott is from Huston itsss lit 🔥 slattttttttt shiiiiiiish lesssgo happy da baby day sooo sicko mode

[@dcba3210]

Thank you for informing about your gears. Much love from Everest region. Thank you for inspiring me to make videos from Himalayas. Best wishes.

[@PaulMessner]

So nice of you. Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@englishwoodsman]

I just got one of them camping chairs from the range, £29,99 Better than I thought as well , 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@timwood101]

English Woodsman I just did the same. Two. One for my daughter too.

[@guzelmarmara]

I have the same chair and when I was buying it I was not expecting myself to use this often. It's not comfortable as the big Helinox ones but compared to its price and size it's the best in the market.

[@PaulMessner]

Great value Dan. I really like mine

[@neilmoss9318]

Thanks for the inspiration during lockdown, I’ve done 2 weekend garden camps now and looking forward to trying wild camping for the first time when we’re aloud our again. Buying a few items so I have the essentials and starting on a budget so video was perfect timing. Keep it uk thanks!

[@PaulMessner]

The garden is great, safe place to try your gear and see what you need. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@aquaish]

Boom tingz pal. Your videos are getting better and better bud. Make the most of the lockdown and release as many as possible. I honestly think if you didn't take long breaks between your uploads pre-lockdown you would be on 100k subs by now.

[@PaulMessner]

I wish I could fit the time in to more. Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@yellowlynx]

You channel helps me to plan my first camping - building my system in a structured way.

[@quiddity1977]

I've had a similar chair from aldi. Only cost me £10 about 10 years ago! They still do them but about £15 now. I love budget gear myself. Like to get my monies worth! I've had an argos Pro action hike lite tent for 13 years & it's still going strong. It only weighs 1.6kg & a steal at £15! Yes it was bright orange but I managed to pick up the previous years green version for £10 new! Also managed to get a sleeping bag bargain at a festival last year. There was a charity stall selling used camping gear & I got a snugpak kestrel 6 for just £5!!! As a cheaper alternative to the foil liner I use a car windscreen cover which costs about £2. Have you looked at naturehike tents? I now also have a mongar 2 (getting older & fancied the extra space & head room!) which weighs 2kg & only cost £65. Loads of space plus massive vestibules on either side

[@PaulMessner]

Sounds like you have it sorted Stuart without breaking the bank. thanks for watching.

[@garytrigg-graynoth4034]

You don’t need expensive gear just well made reliable gear. Don’t get sucked in on all the marketing saying you need this and you need that, buy what you need and buy quality👍

[@martinmcgowan89]

hey Paul, another place to try for rucksacks is TK Maxx, I got a 45 litre bag for £25 and its a good bag as well

[@grendelprime166]

I motorcycle camp, so on some things I sort of need to pay a little more just for more compact size and weight, but generally find some middle ground. The only thing I really paid premium on (but I waited for a sale coupon) was my helinox chair zero. Nothing compares in any way and it fits perfectly in my pannier pack without having to lash it outside where the weather and mud affect it. Backpacking Channels are like the sister camping advise channel for me and I appreciate all you guys do.

[@OUTDOORALLY]

Freecycle website is good for getting free camping stuff from people in your local area , I got a couple of self inflating sleeping mats , a brand new tent (gelert rocky 2) ,gas burner and several cans of gas, also got a full set of bergaus waterproofs and hiking boots , also bought a new unused eurohike tamar 2 tent from a guy on gumtree who was leaving the country and never got round to using it , I use my old arctic army sleeping bag in winter and my old army jungle bag in summer. Where there's a will there's a way people , don't let money stand in your way

[@luckybuccaneer]

I second the Decathlon down jacket. I've got a Rab microlight down jacket and got this for myself and the good lady for kicking about camp and I wear it way more than the Rab. Maybe not as technical as the expensive jackets, but £40 (ish) for this is an absolute steal. My missus genuinely wears it every day to walk the dog so can safely vouch for the quality. Just down washed it this weekend and its good as new.

[@PaulMessner]

Superb value for money. Up there with best outdoor items i've ever bought.

[@bigearedmouse17]

Thanks for the Upload Paul, There is a lot of snobbery around the subject of Kit, Most people I see around the Lake district towns with hundreds of pounds worth of top quality gear on rarely get out into the hills. The majority of my kit is ex military it's not pretty but it's cheap and it works.

[@PaulMessner]

It just goes to show that you can still enjoy the outdoors and go camping without breaking the bank

[@lincolnbroke]

Hey Paul, thank you for yout videos. During covid pandemie they help to relax. Regards.

[@marksadventures3889]

Get down the middle isle of Lidl at the minute some good bargains for camping stuff. I saw alsorts last visit and bought a new pair of shoes, £15! they had a load of stuff.

[@PaulMessner]

I've seen some of their gear, and Aldi....it's good value for money. Thanks for watching.

[@thekernewekpenguin]

Honestly, I wanna thank you for these videos and your channel! Me and a friend of mine want to start getting into wild camping and backpacking and are about to go on our first little foray next week! Your videos, especially this one (as we're students, obviously we're on a budget ;) ) helped us get what we absolutely needed to start out, as well as brought us up to speed on what and how to do this kinda stuff! And the really chill presentation of your videos is lovely as well, thanks man!

[@johnseagraves8700]

Hi Paul I'm after some tent advice, I'm after a 3 person tent For me the wife and 4 year old for wild camping. I was looking at the naturehike opalus 3 and wondered if you knew much about it. Thanks for the great videos its given me great inspiration 👍

[@RogueAero]

Go for 4 person tent imo if you're wanting to cram all 3 of you into the same tent a 4 person tent will have some extra space that will be valuable if it rains and you need to pack all the gear into the tent. The "person" rating is what can fit not what can fit comfortably.

[@iankiff4243]

Excellent video paul really enjoying your videos. Since I have found your channel its become a box set, as soon as you finish watching one you just gotta watch another. Thumbs up from me mate. Stay safe 👍

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you like the videos Ian. I need to get my boxset on netflix then haha. Thanks for watching.

[@silvanigra]

What is the total weight of the packed backpack? (Sorry if I missed this info in the video).

[@PaulMessner]

I didn't weigh it all. It was quite light though.

[@armyretired28]

Dang ,you can't carry a locking pocket knife in your country? How crazy is that?

[@Luhbeet]

Yea but our kids aren’t afraid of going to school because of guns :)

[@DenisNazarenko13]

Hi Paul! Thank you for your videos. Greetings from Russia. Could you recommend please your daily meal for hiking? What is the best for you?

[@PaulMessner]

I usually take dehydrated meals. Rice or pasta mainly.

[@hpgogreen3889]

Get yourself some spicy ramen too. Very flavoursome and cheap too

[@DJOutdoors]

I’ve got that trekology pad but haven’t used it yet, I have blown it up and lied down on it seems very comfortable have to test it in the field when this is all over. Good vid again Paul

[@PaulMessner]

It looks a great bit of kit. I'm going to have to try one out. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@xspireddreams]

2 best top tips for camping on a budget: 2nd hand gear that has been taken care of can save you a ton of money, and doing your research as to what you're actually buying, materials, weights etc. You can generally get items which are 95-99% similar to premium brands, for a fraction of the price.

[@LOFIGSD]

With weight, practice walking with it and see how you cope, know what your limits are, I can carry a fair amount and weigh over 95KG, so the odd few grams is less important to me than saving a few hundred quid, everybody's comfort in sleeping bags is different, again find out what works for you and be realistic, no point spending money on Gucci gear if you are not going to need a -10 1KG sleeping bag and a 50 quid job will be fine. First and always test new Gear out before needing it for real, sleep in the Garden with your sleeping bag or have some backup gear in the car, until sure it is going to do the job, everything is easy when the weather is nice, but when it is wet and horrible, is the wrong time to discover things, Paul's is a great channel, for novice and experienced people alike.

[@04kerriganj]

Wouldn't mind buying the shown kit off you as been thinking of getting a set up to be able to go out and try bugging out for 2-3 days... Watched a few of your view now and have found inspiration in them

[@PaulMessner]

Going to be putting a load of gear on the new website soon. Thanks for watching

[@04kerriganj]

@@PaulMessner I'll keep my eyes peeled thanks 👍

[@ScouseinAD]

Great video Paul! Thanks for doing this. Been needing to get some info about cheap gear and I’ve found it.

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@vulture3874]

Tesco are doing a small 'camping' pillow. £4. Probably not the greatest, but it can be packed in my sleeping bag spider.

[@northofenglandoutdoors6557]

I have both those small stoves. The first one I've had for about three years, used weekly in the summer and if you're savvy using it the wind isn't always a problem. It's not the best in the world but for the money it's great. It's the sort of thing I was talking about before. Stuff like this get people out without breaking the bank.

[@PaulMessner]

The main thing for me is to get people out camping. We all have different budgets and gear requirements. Just because something is cheaper, doesn't mean it still can't do a job. There's usually a compromise, be that weight, comfort or durability. But for the occasional camper, all this gear will work well in the warmer weather. Thanks for watching.

[@ashy1811]

Only recently came across these videos. been nothing but impressed so far. Keep up the great work!

[@freddiesadventuresforkids4911]

Brilliant video paul!!! Had £3000 of gear stolen, so having to start again! Plenty of things you’ve shown that will help getting me back in the great outdoors 🙏🙏✌️✌️👍👍

[@BulldogBadger]

Love this video, shows you can get out and have a good time without spending on a hilleberg or thermarest some budget gear is perfectly fine to use and no need for kit snobbery as long as it’s fit for purpose, and you can then upgrade over time for lighter or smaller kit as your cheaper kit starts to need replacing Thanks for the video mate 👍

[@iamtheoverlordofu554]

Is it possible to live full time in a cheap tent

[@stevenvitali7404]

Great video!, I know you're a busy man, is there any chance you could recommend some cheap clothing for my wildcamping, at the moment I just use what I wear normally and don't know anything about the right clothing, I camped at black tor Dartmoor on my second ever wildcamp and got soaking wet walking from meldon dam to black tor and had to get in my sleeping bag to stay warm, this is the only clothes I took also as the forecast was for no rain, luckily the next day was 23 degrees and clothes dried and had no more rain, p.s I'm vegan so can't wear down

[@AndyWardle]

Yeah this is what folks need to watch. My first lot of camping gear was worth a total of about £100 all of it. And the tent was £70 😂 you start cheap and cheerful and learn and upgrade as you go. It’s pointless shelling out hundreds for gear you might only use once. If it’s your “thing” you’ll pick stuff up and find out what works for you. My first backpack was the vango thing. Black one. I’m sure I’ve still got it. Hope you’re keeping well. Atb 👍

[@allanb2906]

Thanks for this addition to Paul's video. I'm looking at early retirement and I want to rekindle my love for the outdoors and venture into wild camping too. I was thinking that the essentials might warrant splashing out a bit more but your comment in conjunction with Paul's recommendations have persuaded me to start budget and trade up with experience. Cheers. Been researching via KZbin and just got a Stanley cook system which will house a similar budger stove & small gas cartridge. Looking for a decent quilt and inflating sleep mat and the Amazon recommendation looks promising.

[@PaulMessner]

That's spot on Andy. The amount of top end gear you see for sale (only used once) is ridiculous. If you're just starting out then beg steal and borrow and just get the basics to get you going. Once you get the bug....then you need to up the limit on your credit card or put some hours in at work.....as it can get expensive to upgrade, but in most cases I find it's a worthwhile investment.

[@AndyWardle]

Paul Messner bug = disease 😂 😂

[@CosmicSeeker69]

this whole vid could have been done with just VANGO and DECATHLON products... VFM ground zero

[@ashleybishton742]

some of it can be cheap but some of it cant. for example tent....you will want to get a more expensive tent because it comes with added benefits such as packability and lightness. next should be a good backpack and sleeping bag. the rest can be what ever you want but you would want to spend the most money on those three main things as a bare minimum. i changed these 3 things and my set up is totally different to what i had say 5 6 years ago. its half as light and dosent dig into my back because i spend some time researching. i can pretty much get what i want in my camp now cos i use laybuy so not really on a smaller budget but just pay installments within 6 weeks. so from doing that It has helped me get the better equipment.

[@richardlyness3426]

Perfect for new starters or those on a tight budget👍

[@PaulMessner]

That was the plan my friend. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@ninjasrose1653]

It's such a minefield. I have recently got into Bushcraft. I have spent around £400 for a complete set and you can do it MUCH cheaper than that if you shop around on Ebay & Military Mart. But I wanted half decent gear. Admittedly you can spend thousands on top of the range named brands. But a £300 pair of Boxing gloves don't make you fight better and a £200 pair of football boots don't turn you into Messi. So it's all relative. My advice would be go Mid-range if you can, because that strikes a balance between affordability and quality. And the stuff around that mark usually lasts longer than the bog standard cheapy stuff and doesn't break the bank like some of the high-end gear. Ultimately it's about being outdoors and enjoying what you are doing. But to enjoy it properly you don't want to be uncomfortable. So if you are gonna cheap out on gear, don't make that your sleeping system. Because that WILL ruin your experience VERY quickly. It nearly did for me. Hammock is also the way to go if you like your comfort. And you can cheap out on that. Just make sure you have a quality sleeping mat and bag to go with it.

[@toffeeriot4219]

I've got a 65 litre rucksack, it's good but I have a recurring problem that spoils my hiking trips: after walking a while I get a painful right pectoral muscle. I have to take the pack off. Breathing in can sometimes be painful too. I must have adjusted the straps and other bits 30 times but this doesn't fix the problem. Have I packed it all wrong do you think? (Weight in the wrong places). Any advice gratefully received.

[@barrywebber100]

Great clip, I totally agree with the price conscious choices you have made, a very nice practical selection. I particularly liked the cookset/stove setup with the gas canister and burner fitted snugly inside the cookset! It's surprising how much you were able to fit into the medium sized rucksack and what a lot of kit it appeared to be when all setup. Thanks for posting.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Another bombproof cheap tent is the Coleman cobra 2. Weighs in at 2kg and is great in bad weather. You will get it for about 60 quid

[@philenglish3931]

Great video. I rate the alpkit numo mat as an entry level bit of gear. Needs pairing with extra insulation for three season use but plenty good enough to get you going.

[@PaulMessner]

I do like Alpkit gear. Thanks for watching.

[@philenglish3931]

@@PaulMessner yep, they're a great company. I have loads of bits and pieces of their gear but no big ticket items yet. Not that I wouldn't they've just never had the right thing for me. Lovely company and ethos though.

[@ukpaul9221]

Love your video and your style. There were some very good ideas. Thanks. Extra insulation from foil is good. I use a redundant car windscreen cover. Your video contrasts positively with the many macho channels that promote gear totaling into the thousands. If they are married, they must have VERY tolerant wives or they are very rich. Thanks again, Paul. Best wishes from Paul int the Midlands.

[@bigmikehikez2927]

Nice gear. Some of the brands are a bit different over here in the states. I have a lanshan 1 as well. Looking forward to taking it out. God bless.

[@PaulMessner]

Cheers Mike. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@ThisWontEndWell]

I have a cheap self-inflating Vango foam sleeping mat thats too bulky and fills my pack up I'm going to replace it with the Treckolocy UL80 blow up mat. To sleep in, I have a Songmics wide sleeping bag that's rated down to 5 but I push it further with the edition of a fleece sleeping bag liner. I'm a fidgety sleeper and I find I uncover myself in the night with a standard mummy bags so a wide bag gives me room to thrash about and stay inside the bag it only costs £26 on Amazon and its really waterproof so if I touch the side of my Vango soul 200 tent I won't get a wet bag, although the sacrifice for waterproof fabric is its stiffer than the silkiness of most bags but its still comfortable. I had a friend make me up aluminium polls to replace the naff carbon fibre polls in my Vango Soul 200 tent that cost me £30+£5 delivery I just changed the guide ropes it says it ha a 3,000 hydrostatic head but it never leaked you just need to look after it and I put down a heat-reflective sheet (that doubles as an emergency tarp) in the autumn it fits the whole floor of the tent. If I think its going to be cold Ill take a lightweight fleace blanket with me as an extra comfort layer I can add. I'm one of those people who always overpacks and have a backup for everything and I'll always tun up 40 mins early its my nature, I'll start off intending a really lightweight minimal hike and camp then this nature will start adding extra kg to my backpack just in case.

[@stuartmiller8053]

Just started working my way through your channel as the spirit burner pocket brew kit caught my attention. Well presented and informative. Off to Ali Express now to investigate some of your kit. Cheers Stu NZ

[@ninjaunknown1093]

Hya Paul,quick question.I am 6 feet and wondering what size mat I should get I’m planning on getting the NeoAir elite should I get the standard or the large I’m planning on using a trekology pillow also recommended by yourself.Please would you answer I want to be as comfortable as possible.thanks and really enjoy your videos

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Brilliant. I just came back from a trip to the Scottish Highlands where it rained for three days straight. I was using a twenty quid tent from ASDA which I re-proofed with Fabsil. The condensation was a bitch because it was a single skin, but I still managed to stay dry and warm in the tent.

[@gertvanpeet3120]

That kind of food...can not find it in the normal shops in the Netherlands...all gone...some years ago..no problem. Not at Aldi, Lidl, Albert Heijn, and so on. Only high price at special shops.. mountain food..with Bad Taste.. like the Mats you use..

[@milesmccall2301]

Buy used, and don't buy gear you don't need, but please don't buy the cheap made-in-china gear. Even if you don't care about labor practices and design theft, anyone who loves the outdoors should care about environmental practices. Western/cottage outdoor companies usually have very good sustainability practices, while the cheap companies save money by not bothering.

[@HoratioNelson78]

Absolutely loving these vids Paul... I’m just about to start purchasing some kit from the tent up so these vids are much appreciated... keep em coming mate

[@kingofches]

Hi Paul, if am honest, you have given me the kick up the backside in regards of camping, it's somethimg I have always wanted to do but somehow never got round to it, after watching a few of your video I decided to go to go outdoors and get some gear, I will be going wild camping next week and probably bought too much but I will learn with experience, thankyou for the videos as there very informative, keep up the good work mate

[@brutumfulmen2129]

Hi Paul have you ever some used or come across one these? eydonkettle.co.uk/p/original-storm-tm-kettle

[@PaulMessner]

I've used the Ghillie and Kelly kettles which are the same. Check out my other channel where I show it in use.

[@brutumfulmen2129]

Paul Messner will do 👍

[@kimelisabethkristensen1485]

Very good video. When choosing gear I try to measure how much I'm gonna use it and in which environment. But it is all affordable. Did the Lanshan 1 fail in rainy conditions?

[@Obi-Wan_Pierogi]

I actually like the color of that sleeping bag. Have you ever tested it?

[@deandre1988]

Too bad you let your squarespace site expire.. I guess you didnt like the product that much anyhow, and traffic was low?

[@metalbearuk]

The only one thing I won't skimp on is socks and boots. Nearly got put off for life when I got some bad blisters, but now I have good boots and merino wool socks, I never get blisters or any foot discomfort.

[@klipk7296]

That £25 bag looks identical to £75 bags from osprey, deuter etc... what are you missing out on?

[@Andyb2379]

Think it’s a brilliant set up. If it breaks or gets lost it’s no big deal. Things don’t need to expensive to be able to give you enjoyment. Unless you going out every week up mountains, get the better gear but a few weekends out here & there this is perfect

[@PaulMessner]

absolutely Andy. Cheaper gear is fine for the occasional camper in better conditions. Then if you like it, and go frequently, you can always upgrade.

[@BradleySmellsOfBeans]

super nice high quality video! i just found your channel and i say it is 10/10! love it! keep up he good work!

[@thefalchion]

Very inspiring video, doesn't have to be expensive indeed! One remark I also find with some other vids, you never talk about a lighter for the stove etc