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.

[@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👍

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 £££

[@hippiemark01]

Like a number of people have already said I very recently came across your videos and they are exactly what I've been looking for, simple and honest without a load of shouting and flashy chaos. Thank you Paul.

[@rustybeddingfield227]

I'm just never ever going to go camping but i am obsessed with watching other folks do it!

[@LostKiwi]

You're very enthusiastic about camping! Why wouldn't you give it a go? I just uploaded a camping video if you'd like to check it out, it would be much appreciated 😄

[@josephinosante6297]

I have heard about you Paul more than a decade ago he is known to educate backpackers about ultralight backpacking. Now Im going back to the old hobby I loved which I stopped for years. Watching your video is nostalgic.

[@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.

[@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.

[@revbomb9523]

Honestly I've watched your videos for a while now and you're just always so well spoken and informative.

[@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.

[@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.

[@yellowlynx]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Andymac1701A]

Brilliant, down to earth post. Most posts about kit makes the cost of creating a kit prohibitive, so, this was a breath of fresh ai.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@BIRDSDHKHK]

Really appreciate your channel Paul. Not everythins is super light or super expensive. Makes it all feel accessible!

[@Thedagda801]

Vango tents are rock solid, what I like about them is they are designed for the UK and Ireland climate.

[@ashy1811]

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

[@towley737]

Great video paul. I have a few different set ups , from 6 man family set up with all the mod cons needing a van. To a set up like you showed here. A couple of years ago I scaled down a lot of kit to take motorcycle camping and I love it, even "luxury items" like the chair and even matching table can all be purchased on a budget now. I've even loaded the bike up and overnight and in garden lately. All the best and fingers crossed we'll all be out again soon.

[@PaulMessner]

Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. We can they start catching up with our outdoors activities. Thanks for watching

[@tammydennison1025]

I am very, very new at hiking/backpacking. It's nice to see beginner alternatives to equipment without having to go bankrupt. Thank you!

[@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.

[@mrgravyman]

I'm glad you commented on not bringing expensive boil in a bags. Some of the best meals we have made have been from things thrown together, at a fraction of the price as well!

[@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.

[@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 🙏🙏✌️✌️👍👍

[@MrCYCLESMITH]

Yes, good guy. Don't change Paul!

[@PaulMessner]

I won't. Thanks for watching.

[@English.Andy1]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👌🏻

[@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

[@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 😂 😂

[@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.

[@jayjenkins4721]

Out of your gear, I recently tested the same inflatable pillow but made by Off the Grid (same price even) and now I won't go to the woods without it! I also use the little gas stove in the orange box. It works pretty well, but it's my backup since I use the Lixada titanium stick stove or just the campfire. I think my first solo camp was with about $200USD of gear and I was very happy with it. I do upgrade a bit but I still don't need a lot. I do have a cheaper version of the added comfort chair...but I don't feel safe leaning back in it...heh.

[@jimtilbrook2389]

Excellent vlog Paul! If your a newbie to wild camping consider buying a two man tent first you won’t get stuck with a canvas coffin with no room to store kit!

[@davemcw.2803]

Hi Paul, I have one of those Eurohike 65L rucksacks. For the money they are very good. I did find i had to keep tensioning the shoulder straps as they slip through the buckles as you walk, they could use a buckle that locks more securely. It lacks side pockets too. The mesh pockets are good, but i’ve torn one of mine going through those V shaped walker gates in stone walls in the Peak District. That said, £25, holds loads of gear, comfortable enough to carry and fairly robust, good value.

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks for sharing. Some good info there.

[@andydatwork]

I've a similar 3FUL trekking pole tent, but I don't always walk with a trekking pole. You can pick up a carbon fibre folding pole for about £15 (~100g) from AliExpress, if you were to like the look of one of these tents but aren't a pole user.

[@lonecamper5520]

Love it Paul. Nice to see the expensive gear but also nice to see people using cheeper stuff as well. I have that cheap little stove you used. I paid 99p so bought 2 at the time. Still use it upto this day and never failed me yet. I use it I've r the jetboil most of the time. I'm really fancying the lanshan 1. Gradually building my gear up. Can gladly go out in most weather's and feel I'd be OK 😊

[@PaulMessner]

For the money it's a good little stove mate. The Lanshan is a good tent too. Not the best if you're tall though as your head or feet can touch the tent walls.

[@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.

[@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

[@twatts4436]

A tent? Positive luxury! Glad to see you showing good value options. I'm looking at camping gear more from a bikepacking than backpacking perspective, but it's still a lot of money to splash when first starting out!

[@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.

[@colinadgie6043]

Hi Paul. I have just discovered your channel. What a well informed, no nonsense site! Can’t put it down.....! Keep up the excellent work.

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you kindly

[@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

[@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 👍

[@peppiwilsonofficial922]

Another excellent video, Paul! 📼

[@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.

[@nicholadeanewriter3499]

Always great for a calming video xx

[@emmarowley1096]

Just got into watching your videos, first one I watched was you and your wife Jo out camping Lake District and now I'm binge watching all of your videos and subscribed to your channel. Made me laugh as I have the same Vango Contour 50+10 l rucksack I have had that for years same as my deuter speedlite 30 both been very good packs. Wish you and Jo all the best.

[@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

[@tldiefend1]

good to see a common sense approach to get more people outdoors as they now know they can do it more cheaply and work up as their pursuits increase. just joined your channel as I'm one of those aforementioned

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks 👍 I do think camping should be accessible to everyone.

[@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 👍

[@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

[@lincolnbroke]

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

[@neilmetcalfe5261]

Another great post Paul. I'm coming back into wild camping after many years off and like many people have a limited budget. Some great recommendations. Getting out there doesn't have to cost the earth (although I would love a Hilleberg tent!). Keep the posts coming.

[@PaulMessner]

Cheers Neil. The important thing is getting outdoors and enjoying yourself. That doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg.

[@niksgee]

I have vango contour 60 plus 10 bought in 2005 still works good

[@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.

[@slap_A_flamingo]

I got a 2 person tent about 2 or 3 years ago from argos for like 30 odd quid and it was probably the best 30 quid I spend. Enough room for me, my swag and room to move and it was double skinned. It was that good I bought a second one because I burnt a hole in the top. 71 quid for a tent is a bit steep.

[@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.

[@colford5833]

The lanshan tents are surprisingly well made, my only issue is they are too small, I'm 6"2 and my head and feet press up against the inner mesh and I wake up with a wet sleeping bag, my 10yr old daughter loves and uses the lanshan 1 now, perfect size and weight for her.

[@keepthefaith35]

The sleeping pad, I use a army green foam pad, bit thicker than your pad. However, like the idea you used to carry the pad rolled around the inside the rucksack, think I'll copy it and place it in my army bergen. Well presented video, cheers for showing what you got.

[@jasonmaddison6148]

a got the 65 eurohike pack. its very good and for 20pound it fine .... cheers for vid again mate🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@PaulMessner]

For that price you can't go wrong. Thank you. Glad you liked the video

[@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

[@gilbertdiaconu7145]

Always a pleasure Paul, stay safe man!

[@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.

[@MrTowton1461]

Brilliant Paul. Excellent advice for us novices. Thank you.

[@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.

[@danielmoore686]

The trekology sleeping pad is 100% worth a buy. I bought one for my girlfriend and it's way comfier than my much more expensive thermarest x-lite pad (though it's heavier and not as insulated).

[@timwood101]

Also Paul. Just bought some bioethanol but wasn’t sure it was the right thing for my new stove. Be good to get some tips too. Prices range wildly.

[@PaulMessner]

I use bioethanol from b&q. It's about 7 quid a bottle. Lasts forever too. Thanks for the coffee Tim. it's much appreciated.

[@georgepotcovaru913]

Mr Paul ,took your advise and bought the down jacket from Decathlon, seems to be a good deal for the price ,waiting for the moment to take it out into the mountains. Respect !

[@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.

[@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

[@philmcglass450]

Hope you are good Paul, some good bits of kit there for new and old campers alike, when so many are focused on all the latest lightest kit its easy to forget there is some decent budget kit out there that is still a manageable weight. I found one of those closed cell foam mats with foil back for £3 on offer in a local supermarket, usually £5 so that's two extra cans of beer right there. My first rucksack purchase was the Eurohike 90 litre for my fishing escapades though a little large for hiking/camping alone, have concluded the Snugpak Travelpak 2 bag is ideal for me covering 2.5 seasons, it's cheap, relatively lightweight at 1kg and easily replaceable/washable when we consider most don't camp below zero celsius its a no brainer for less than £40. I plan to use my down bag below 5C or it will be too warm. I also found the ex-MOD 'Goretex MTP Trousers' are great for around £20, camo pattern but do the job and have full length zips for ventilation, will likely last a good while and pack down to less than a litre volume, there's plenty on fleabay.

[@PaulMessner]

Seems you have it sorted Phil without breaking the bank. 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.

[@RobertJohnKerrUK]

Nice one Paul .... That little stove looks tempting.... 👍👍👍

[@PaulMessner]

It's not bad at all for under a tenner Rob

[@chrisarnold4709]

Great information Paul. Even if someone only takes a part of what you demo it's a great help to getting more people into the outdoors and wild camping even if only for an overnight

[@PaulMessner]

That's the aim. I'd like to see more people enjoy the great outdoors.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@huevosfritos9620]

Simple, calm and effective. Thanks.

[@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.

[@AeetosOutdoors]

Great video Paul! I love discovering new budget gear just as much as drooling over the expensive stuff!

[@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.

[@pamelaklemp5615]

I wholeheartedly agree about the Trangia stove with a tiny cartridge burner stove as a backup. Paul, I didn't see any cords?! Para Cords are a must for so many surprise situations from ridgelines to first aid. I'm sure you carry some with you just not showcased this time around. LOVE your videos and your wisdom.

[@lilbyrne2570]

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

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you like them!

[@davidmcconnon2800]

Great vid and great ideas. I've also used a windscreen cover as an insulating layer when light weight bivvying and bikepacking. I picked one up in LIDL for a few squids. 😄

[@sholayo]

I wish we had Decathlon back then when I was kid/student. They hit the sweetspot of quality/design/price.

[@AirbornePirates]

Brilliant video Paul for the newbies like me!

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you found it useful Matt

[@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!

[@musicman4164]

Excellent stuff as normal, great content and top advice and guidance as usual. Brilliant, thanks Paul.

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@English.Andy1]

I think you want the warmest sleeping pad you can get. Nothing worse than a cold back as I discovered once. I’d spend more on a mat than a tent.

[@PaulMessner]

I agree...the sleeping pad can make or break your trip. That's why i normally take the exped or thermarest. 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.

[@AndyWardle]

That foil mat is a god send. I paid a fiver double sided off eBay. I always take it. You can feel the difference straight away.