*BUDGET* BACKPACKING GEAR AWARDS 2022 - 2023

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

Excellent video!! Granny packer here. For those of you on a real budget just getting started, one word, COSTCO! My hiking poles, legendary down quilts, Mountain House Food Kits, dry peanut butter, Sailor Boy Pilot Bread (big crackers), trail mix, dried fruit… all came from Costco and perform great. Garage sales in the good part of town are also a great idea. If you go backpacking and decide it’s not for you (ya sissy!) you haven’t broken the bank. If you ever find the legendary Costco down throws back in stock buy one or two for every member of your family. They stuff down to a tiny size, are covered in super light nylon. With an emergency bivy that you can buy for under $20 you could save a life. We used to carry them when cross country skiing in Alaska. They make excellent under quilts for hammock camping. I bought about 10 of them for $16 each. Great car kit blankets. I also carry the Stanley 2 cup cook set in the car with some basic “add water” food and water, of course! The Waypoint survival YT channel has 25 short videos of hacks and mods for the cook set.

[@Cesiaj]

This is a good list! For those who think this isn't budget enough, it's true. Fact is, backpacking ain't really a budget sport. But there are ways. 1. Find used goods; 2. Break into the hike while building up your gear - start w/ day hikes so u won't yet need half the stuff mentioned here, then go on summer overnight climbs so you won't have to worry about winter layers & R-value sleep systems yet. The more you get into the hobby, the more you'll willingly invest in advanced (a.k.a pricier) gear; 3. Join a hiking community, they'd be happy to share or lend you some items until you can buy one such as a bag, tent, cookset, etc.; 4. Explore Decathlon 😊; 5. If you don't mind the weight, your existing stuff will do for the timebeing - as Dan had provided some examples, a garbage bag for waterproofing and a dairy queen spoon will work just fine. That goes with all other gear. So far I've used a dead branch as a trek pole, my old school backpack as hiking bag, my house slip-ons as camp slippers, sewn fleece blanket as sleeping quilt, a car sunshade/windshield cover as sleeping pad, cooked meals from scratch, and worn a garbage bag as raincoat! Be creative. 😊

[@Corrective_Damage]

Exploring Decathlin is a great way to get ideas about gear to buy or improvise. I totally agree with using available resources from the house. However , thank you for reminding me to buy a reflective windshield cover, I could use one as insulation for the hammock setup.

[@Beafy]

Finding the motivation is the problem anymore…your ideas were all absolute boss though and you effin’ rock!!

[@Beafy]

@@Corrective_DamageI cut one of those cheap sun visors up to ad some insulation and radiation to the inside of my boots. You only get a few miles out of them before they’re flat and very mangled, but dammit my feet stay warm when I use them!

[@freeman47]

So glad to see Paria getting some love. They’ve been a great company for years that focuses on getting people outdoors without breaking the bank.

[@KirbysBelt]

Their sleep pad is amazing and the tents.

[@silva3186]

I bought their 1p on recommendation from this channel and I have been very happy with the tent after a season. It's not the lightest, but for a first backpacking tent on a budget I could not have asked for better.

[@Sam-Icy]

I'm surprised he didn't recommend their sleeping pad. I have the Recharge XL and its great

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

I just bought their short sleep pad and the sit pad. My body needs comfort if I am to survive but can’t manage too much weight. I like my legs elevated at night anyway so it seemed like a good buy. The sit pad will be nice.. will also use it in daily life.. sat in a hard plastic chair at church for a class today for 4 hrs and it sure caused me a lot of pain & discomfort! Would’ve been nice to have that pad in my purse!

[@noahmcgehee1244]

For me the air pillow is worth it. After using a jacket or backpack as a pillow for about 12 years, I finally gave in and I'm never looking back. And that specific pillow is great!

[@CaseyWatchin]

I came back to this video just to let you know that this video is what finally got me into backpacking and now I go at least once a week! thanks for making this!!!

[@quentin4518]

how can you go at least once a week

[@MB-qx9vn]

Yes to the trash bag pack liner. I’m a seasoned hiker and still use just a garage bag. I actually pack a few to hold wet things, separate smelly things, or just garbage.

[@jacklystackly]

The best budget anything is the gear you already have. It might not be pretty, or lightweight , but you can probably go backpacking with stuff you already own. I’m an Eagle Scout and an avid outdoors person and have litterly never owned a ground pad, Granted I don’t go winter camping super frequently, but I’ve still had lots of fun without an inflatable pillow, or a metal tracking pole (sticks work just fine). No hate towards the video. You Definitely need most everything that he talks about but just a reminder you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the outdoors

[@nathanlewis4045]

I actually took the Forclaz trek 100 on my expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro in the back end of last year. Was super happy with it, certainly kept me warm and rolls into its own pocket. Great piece of kit!

[@BackpackeRom]

wow glad you visited mt. Kilimanjaro. I live in Tanzania. I hope you enjoyed the experience :)

[@NickJensen200]

I enjoy your videos simply because you are down to earth and for that I respect your opinion on gear. Less content but better quality focusing on the things that YOU want to do won't result in any loss of subscribers especially with the quality that you put out.

[@TheWillRogers]

An alternative to the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down jacket is the Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Synthetic Jacket. Not quite as warm, but it makes a great mid layer / pillow, and it's synthetic so you can just wash it with everything else and occasionally hit it with some nikwax. It's about $30 cheaper and i've loved this thing for the past few years.

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

And for those who don’t know, synthetics keep you warm even when wet (well, damp). Down does not. So you need wool or synthetics in addition to your down and cotton layers. In winter leave the cotton at home. Alaskans have a saying: “Cotton kills”. If it gets damp you can’t get warm! It takes a long time to dry.

[@WayneTheSeine]

Nebo makes some great headlights, like the NEBO MYCRO lineup. The 400 is $15.00 and does have red and green plus four other levels of brightness. The 500 comes in at $24.00 and also has a large cob that surrounds the spot. The cob is great for a broad coverage light source. I have a Nebo slide that I have used a lot over the past 6 years and it is still going strong. For an affordable and very fine multi-tool you cannot beat the Rocktool 22-in-1 for $35. It even comes with a built in ferro rod. Very fine quality.

[@MB-jj8jw]

These videos have been so helpful! I bought a few of these pieces before I even started watching your videos after constant research and deal watching so I feel even more justified in my purchases now. This helped me decide on a few more items that I was on the fence about buying

[@johnschmalbach8243]

There are two models of the lanshan. The regular and the pro. The pro is single walled where the regular is double walled. The double walled is a little bit cheaper but keep in mind if people buy the Pro that one does not come seam sealed you'll have to do it yourself.

[@WolfPackM98c]

After comparing the two I picked up the original non-pro. I didnt think the 3 ounce weight savings was worth dealing with condensation and having less pitch options. Main reason is for the ability to pitch just the inner. I wanted it for my fast and light summer pack and rarely have to worry about rain in the summer here so I cut my shelter down to 1lb including the carbon pole to set it up.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

@@WolfPackM98c the main advantage I see with the pro is that it will work better with taller people. If you are taller than 6 ft the original lanshan 1p doesn't work as well.

[@martinerhard8447]

@@johnschmalbach8243 + you can wipe down the condensation on the pro easily while it will inner of the regular version will block you from doing so. I would also say the pro is more a 1,5 walled tent? I have a true single walled tent and it doesnt have an inner on the sides like the lanshan pro.

[@kaneoliver2080]

I have a lanshan 1p pro and love it I use it moto camping in Australia

[@RegrettablyLongwinded]

It's also worth noting that adequately seam sealing the elastic tiebacks requires special technique. If you seal them like normal, they will be waterproof 98% of the time, but can wick water straight inside the mesh in very heavy rain (ask me how I know... That was a real trip changer). The solution, supposedly, is to thin seam seal with some paint thinner, then fully saturate the elastic. I'll be trying this once the weather warms.

[@RebootRed]

Thank You for the video. Just started my journey of gearing up this week. Also last night I found that if you have a Costco membership you can purchase the Klymit Insulated Static V for 50 dollars through there website.

[@nisouchi8851]

A great diffuser to turn small bright lights into a hanging lantern that you may already have is the microfiber pouch for your sunglasses if it is a lighter color, especially the bright yellow pouch for Suncloud glasses, but any lighter color will work, and means you can customize the tent glow color your choice

[@CBne1997]

Nitecore NU 25 is only a few dollars more than the Energizer, but it’s rechargeable, lighter, and brighter.

[@Danefrak]

Does it have red light

[@Danefrak]

@@23chnge thanks I'll check it out. I've been rocking the Energizer for a bit because of the red light but I've been looking(passively)for something brighter

[@silentbushcrafter3720]

Get the Nu25 and Nu32..put the smaller one on the back of the Nu32..then you have a great headtorch for walking at night plus a backup

[@Danefrak]

@@silentbushcrafter3720 rip I bought a Fenix HP25R V2.0

[@samueljung2165]

​@@Danefrakhello im a noob. Why do we need red light?

[@russellhowells6314]

Dan, thanks for listening to what some of us are asking. This was appreciated. Yes, you can't test every piece of gear that's on Amazon, but you did give us your take on it. Some stuff is worth the extra money, but like you've shown there are numerous ways to go backpacking without breaking the bank.

[@ArtisticEclectic]

I am so enjoying my Crown 3 60L backpack! Went all through REI's gear, a few other places, and nothing was comfortable. Went back to what my gut said I'd love, and I do! First time backpacking in 20 years, last summer.

[@ca2129]

Puts on Benchmade jacket “let’s make a budget video!” This is the best video of gear I’ve seen. Liked and subscribed.

[@rmpruitt228]

Thanks Dan. Nice helpful video. A couple of thrift store suggestions: A table spoon makes a great cheap option, and a wool sweater is a good midlayer.

[@NicholasJens]

My puffy jacket packs down into one of the pockets. I stack that on my outdoor vitals air pillow I got for free (just pay $6 shipping) last summer. Perfect pillow height and comfort.

[@dontall71]

Thanks for sharing these tips. One of the things I like about the Smart Water bottle is that it can be used with a Sawyer Mini filter.

[@TonyChin226]

Great video, affordable gear that isn’t junk.

[@jon27d]

Decathlon makes a great Backpacking chair (called the Quechua mh500) that occasionally goes on sale for $25. It weighs right about 2 lbs and has stood up to everything I've thrown at it so far. Normal price is usually $40 or $50 - Which is still a great price for the quality and weight. 5 yr warranty too

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

I just picked up a 2 person Quechua tent for $20 at Walmart . I couldn't believe it when I saw it . Told myself no more tents a while back , never say never. This thing is great for camping but too heavy for backpacking

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Thanks Dan I am going to look into some of these bargains. I really appreciate info like this and I am sure I am not the only one by the looks of the comments here.

[@michaelkork6773]

I have the granite gear crown 2 38L and I love it. Highly recommend and agreed with everything Dan said. I have the quilt version of their paria thermodown 15 and find it comfortable in underwear to 15 and highly recommend it. The Amazon dry bag set has lasted me 4 years of weekend warrior use and is still in good condition. I used a sawyer mini for about a year or two before I got sick of the low flow rate and opted for a katadyn befree, that said it was still a great cheap ultralight filter to get first.

[@TheJollyRogers]

Decathon also makes a good budget backpack: the Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 70L. Haven't used it extensively, but it's been a good, well-made pack and cost about $130 US.

[@RebootRed]

I should be getting mine on Friday

[@TheJollyRogers]

@@RebootRed Did my first-ever backcountry hike with it. The fit was good and the weight carried pretty comfortably. Hope your experience is a good one, too!

[@RebootRed]

What was your final weight with all your gear?

[@TheJollyRogers]

@@RebootRed I'm embarrassed to admit that I never got an accurate weight on it. Rookie mistake. 🙄 I'd guess that it was around 30 pounds?

[@RebootRed]

That’s not bad. I’m afraid of bringing too much when I go and will probably forget to weigh it also.

[@ballwizz23]

I have an excel sheet with all the backpacking essentials so I can list and budget for what I'm going to need. Each item has a "Recommended, but expensive" column and a "Budget option" column. The Granite Gear Crown2 is my Recommended but expensive option. We are clearly multiple tax brackets apart lol. Though I'll admit, it cost over $200 when I first added it.

[@SoftJay94]

I got it for 118, but it was hard to find. Couldn't just amazon it and their site only had 3 left by the time I found it. Claims of discontinuing it. It's well worth it imo, the most comfortable bag I've ever used.

[@KD-ug4jp]

Bought that jacket - and LOVE IT! SO WARM! Best recommendation!

[@seanogrady5093]

Thank you for some more awesome content. I really like your content bro. I'm actually out camping right now. Was getting some really nice night for photography. I'm in Washington State. Got a epic view of the Olympics right now. Have a great one!

[@robinday1179]

I am about to pass my Kelly Cosmic bag down to my granddaughter. Nice bag for the $$. Definitely quality budget gear.

[@justinsnider2179]

Thanks for the coupon code for Flextail products. Just got the Tiny Pump Ultra Mini for $22! I thought a huge benefit for using a pump on the trail is actually deflating the air mattress way more effectively than rolling it through the dirt. 🤣

[@maxboo1]

Buying this stuff is addictive. New Decathlon puffy jacket that you mentioned arrives in 2 days. I got it online from Decathlon and it was $50 CAD with free delivery.

[@annarborthenorris5455]

Amazon camp chairs, check if you can return it before you try it. I got 3 types to try. One I kept for little people, one returned and wanted to return another but wasn't allowed. They all ran very small and squashed legs, all very low to ground. As Dan says... read reviews, double check measurements

[@scout06171]

Thanks for the info Dan. I’m cheap so these videos come in very handy. Although I tend to buy the higher priced stuff because it’s cheaper to buy once.

[@EFLO3D]

Where do the lies stop

[@greasemonkey4god]

That Z-lite foam pad is pretty popular to add to a 4R pad in the winter.

[@paddle_hike]

Great gear list for sure.... The Decathlon Trek 100 jacket is AWESOME!.. I own 2 and I hike with it in most of my videos.

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

I have that Big Agnes sleeping pad. I use it for winter camping. It’s super comfy (side sleeper) and keeps my back warm with my quilt. Bought mine on a Black Friday sale, on the low low.

[@jeremymitoraj1715]

Me too. Bought mine back in 2019..its not a new pad at all. Prob slept 60 nights on it and still is awesome.

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

@@jeremymitoraj1715 I wanted a nice winter pad, but didn’t want to spend $200 on it. I was really impressed w the Big Agnes. The inflate sack wasn’t even that annoying like Dan was saying, at least in regards to inflate sacks in general. But I use one of those mini air pumps like in this video, but I definitely didn’t pay $40 for it… more like $12 lol

[@adamhughson3673]

Yessss to the energizer. Only thing I’d do differently is get the bigger one. The energizer hard case is the best performing head lamp I’ve ever seen and is like 25 bucks

[@TreyDeuce109]

Last year I after seeing all the reviews for the Trekology pillow, I picked up the Hikenture one. I has a strap as well as little anti-slip silicon "beads" on the bottom. It had a slightly higher loft (needed for us side sleepers) was cheaper than the Trekology.

[@kimberlym4289]

Yay! 2022-2023 awards for us who love functional, cheap gear! Thanks Dan and co!

[@mishaytv]

Thanks for keeping it real 🤣. My son and I are going on our first backpacking trip and I need to make sure I enjoy this before I go in spending lots of money. I will invest in the areas that matter most but otherwise budget it is.

[@deannefalise2784]

Really great video! Some brands I wasn't familiar with so will check them out. My Decathlon puffy just came a few days ago. I like it! The real test will be on my trip. For those that don't know, it stuffs into it's pocket and zips closed. I wish I had known about some of these products a few years ago! One thing missing, unless I wasn't paying attention, best budget backpacking stove! Thanks for another great video!

[@Tyradius]

Screw mountain house. You can buy knorr or lipton noodles, beef jerky, uncle bens rice packets, cans of beans can be pre opened before trip and stored in ziplocks, or presoak dry beans while hiking etc. You're so fancy with those freeze dried meals.😱🥢

[@vc5213]

Recommend shopping sales, discount stores, and thrift shops. I've found some great gear on Sierra and found my trekking poles for less than $20 on Eddie Bauer on sale.

[@austin_bennett]

As far as knifes go I'd argue that if you're going for a Swiss army knife that the medium sized knife would be more worth it. Paying just a little extra ($30 - $35) for something like the climber, hiker or camper might be worth it in the long run because they're great EDC knives in general so they're a nice balance of being affordable & practical

[@MrBBCZ]

Dan, can you please always include kg and °C on a screen when you talk about weight and temperature? Not only rating of gear but also when you speak about your own experience or anything.

[@douglasdoucette7352]

Great list of budget gear esp the items you already own at home! FYI, the Coughlan's plastic trowel isn't so durable - not as effective as a trekking pole but likely better than a random stick or tree branch. I have one of those Amazon chairs - $25 & still going strong 3 years later with 10-12 days a year on trail.

[@Mark_Hemmings]

Very helpful reviews, thank you!

[@mitchellrohrback]

Thanks Dan Becker, you’re a real homie. I will take that and apply it in my life

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Great video and info!! As someone who has backpacked for almost 40 years, if you are new to it, this stuff is the kind of things you want to have. I've over the years found that I'm not going with out some things that are not high dollar, like pants, socks, saw and lighting. Other things I either just cheep on or even make myself. Some of the best advice I heard you give is, when buying something, is check the numbers, like for the down fill and r factors. Also to look at and read the reviews before buying.

[@dreamwalks8200]

To me the best Budget headlamp is from Decathlon aswell. I got the HL100. Between 15 and 20 Bucks. Super comfortable and secure fit. rechargeable and lasts a long time.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 'Dan the Man', the answer man for all things outdoors. Thank you for sharing this most informative video. All the best to you and your family. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋

[@theeds]

Thanks for sharing Dan! I'm definitely going to share this with my friends who are just getting into backpacking. It would be interesting to see the price and weight totals, and how it compares to a non-budget gear list.

[@skiphalbakken6499]

Great video Dan, very informative. I use to do quite a bit of backpacking when I lived in California. Now living in Texas its adv. motorcycle riding. The cross overs are real similar. Videos like this are very helpful. Keep up the great work!!!!

[@siege2928]

The frog togs poncho is baller too! Can be used to lay down on for naps, picnic, changing socks, etc when not used to keep watwr off you and your pack(aince its masaive it can cover it too)

[@ScottUrquhart17]

Dan if you couldn't afford a insulated sleeping pad for budget reasons, could you wrap a summer pad in a sleeping bag liner and and gain some R value that way?

[@kaceesavage]

Best big bang buck budget backpacking!

[@mendyviola]

SE Gulf Coast Texas: 3 seasons will last you all but 2 weeks in February. I do a NatureHike Mongar2 tent (lust like the MSR Hubba Hubba, but at the fraction of the cost). Max I do a R4 pad (self inflating

[@retireddac]

Question about Onx; what is the difference between it and the Far Out or All trails Apps? Great video. Thanks and keep it up!!

[@sheilasunshine9173]

Im wanting someone to compare all these apps for maps!

[@HunterJE]

This kind of thing is such useful advice as I get back in to the hobby, I'm a strong fan for any gear-heavy pursuit of "even if you plan to eventually shell out top bucks start with gear at the budget end of the 'actually usable and not cheap fake crap' tier," because it's not like there's just an easily identifiable "best in slot" option for most things and buying expensive stuff before you know your preferences you might be shelling out for something that's great for someone else but totally wrong for you, and you're going to be much better equipped to make those decisions once you have some experience. Good low-middle-budget gear is what will carry you long enough to get the experience it takes to develop those preferences.

[@bajabigs]

The best budget quilt for me is the featherstone moon dance 25. I absolutely love it

[@scotthenderson9281]

Well Done Dan 👍🏼 appreciate your hard work .💯 🇺🇸Milwaukee

[@timothyberry9084]

I have the big Agnes air core ultra it's pretty great!! I used it down to the mid teens around 14-16 degrees I've brought it on a month long canoe trip in the Yukon I've used it out camping everything it's just great!! Super comfortable

[@Devastator123]

Another budget excellent one is North Face Stormbreak 1 person tent 3lbs under for $100 bucks! Very very legit!

[@MegaSusanc]

Awesome as always Dan. Thank you for sharing and for all the hard work and time you put into your videos. Stay Awesome KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU 🤗HUGS🤗

[@bobsiddoway]

Great vid for budget options! Love it!

[@yeswecanlaugh]

I like budget items lol Just bought the Big Agnes and looking forward to using it in March

[@Swimdeep]

Best Budget Backpacking Meals: DIY!! I use a dehydrator and vacuum sealing. Works great and they are the cheapest meals by far. Average cost per meal: $5.

[@ronrony2kify]

I just wanted to say I love your channel and videos and anything I say is

[@sallad2645]

You can get those food bags from Walmart but they're a different brand. I fit 3 days and 2 nights of food in the yellow one and used the smaller red one for my electronics.

[@vince4316]

Awesome vid brother. I've had the Energizer head lamp for 5 years, still works like the day I bought it.

[@fero-outdoors]

tested the foreclaz mh100 last weekend on a day hike in snow: I was so toasted I had to take off my sweater and hiked with t-shirt and the down jaket

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

Thanks so much for this! I was on the fence about pulling the plug for a Six Moon Design Minimalist V2 - which appears to be a fantastic backpack, and has great reviews. Last year I did a lot of searching/reading/researching and I just got to the point where I was in info overload, and never bothered ordering a pack for overnighters. I watched this video last night, and today I took a look at the Granite Gear Crown2 60. BONUS - it is currently on sale for ONLY $99.95!!! I immediately pulled the trigger on THAT - looking forward to it arriving at my door! Again, many thanks!

[@patrishlaquindanum1335]

I had that same trowel…used it once and the tip broke off 🙈 thank you so much for all the other info 💜

[@Ryguygarien]

Thanks Dan. Just getting started (restarted after forever) for backpacking. Watching as much of your content as I can. 👍

[@ValAllyse]

Little packets of Parmesan cheese, or dried herbs or spices, or maybe some dried vegetables chopped up really help to improve Mountain House meals. I like to use chopped dried tomatoes and zucchini. I like that they have quite a few gluten-free options, more than a lot of other companies. They do need a little help, though, when it comes to flavor. I can see getting some of those little restaurant packets of chile or soy sauce or other condiments to spice up the meals.

[@leogoughmtbs]

Bin bags, or trash bags are great, however in the uk they have been made really weak so they are eco friendly. Good old dry sack for us 👍

[@Beafy]

Could be cheaper if you and your friends chipped in and had a large roll of “contractor trash bags” from the states shipped to you. Whatever the cost is would be divided by the number of bags you’d get, which would be a whole lot, to put it lightly. These bags are FAR FAR thicker than typical trash bags, even for us out here where they’re still pretty good at holding weight(regular trash bags). Contractor bags can hold - fully grown man’s dead body…or alive body to see if it actually worked. It held him…hefty brand is the best. Cheers

[@hobofab]

I just bought the BA Air Core and it's great. Had it out in the low forties and I was so warm I had to remove layers. Very comfortable as well.

[@davecastro1340]

Hey Dan. Great video! Will definitely be picking up a few of your recs. I would love to see you do more full reviews of gear, including budget gear. REI or AliBaba tents, off brand gear. That kind of stuff, for us on a shoestring budget. I really enjoy your full reviews and would appreciate more of those.

[@granite-headgold1038]

Someone probably already mentioned it, but: Budget stove - BRS 3000T VERY compact and light, as well as CHEAP! I love mine.

[@buxtond]

All good info. Thanks for posting

[@websurferx]

Those multi-colored dry bags work OK for a while, but they don't last when you load a couple of days of food for two people. The webbing isn't sewn on well enough to withstand multiple hangings. When they fail, you can tie a knot around the open end of the bag with your hanging cord, but it's significantly harder to open and close and could potentially slip out.

[@travisowens9154]

Do you have a recommendation for a lightweight hatchet/kukari/machete/whatever for processing wood? Or do you normally just look for smaller bits of wood that won’t need to be processed?

[@razorsharp170]

Ive used the 3 pack of generic dry bags for almost 20 years. Only replaced them once. The old ones still work but arnt as waterproof anymore. Love those damn things.

[@bexpoking1]

I use a Decathlon tri-stool as a camp chair and I would recommend as a budget option at 9$.

[@scottengh1175]

My budget chair is an old Z-rest egg carton sleeping pad. When it's folded up, or drapped over a log or rock, it's fairly comfortable. And then if my air mattress leaks, still have something to smooth out the roots and rocks. If mattress is leaking a little, or like it softer, the Z cushions hip or shoulder.

[@Fletchenterprises]

Hey Dan! Would love to see a similar video with your pinnacle gear. Price be damned, what is the best gear, most luxurious, lightest, warmest, etc. if you have a large budget, what is the absolute best load out money can buy!

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

He did one of those type of videos a while back. Listed over $5k of gear

[@KirbysBelt]

Bear bag that works is a 18 x 30 woven polypropylene bag. They're around 2.00 each, but it may be hard to find in less than bulk. It's very durable and waterproof.

[@cimarronMC]

Ive been planning to get the majority of my new gear from paria this year, all of it seems nice and legit, thouhh im debating just using my synthetic bag thats -20, but obviously takes up space

[@andrewdrittler5307]

Good video! More budget videos please!!!!

[@ScarlettCamria]

Decathlon has an awesome headlamp too for less than $20 - it’s less than 1.5 oz and has all the fancy features.

[@fredrikcarlen3212]

Love my Big Agnes Air Core Ultra. Cost 80 bucks on sale for the LW version, and quite frankly it's unbeatable at that price!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

That Decathlon jacket is an AMAZING value honestly. I like it better than my Arcteryx Cerium honestly…

[@chrislowe5611]

The Thermarest Z lite pad: curious to know if anyone has doubled this by folding it in half at the 7th panel or used two pads. It would double the r value but don't know if it is "doubly" comfortable.

[@isaaclejeune5389]

I have a kelty cosmic 20 and it can easily get down to the mid 20's. Had it down to 24 with a 3.2 sea to summit ether light xt and was very warm

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I don't mind the slightly higher sodium in the MH meals, good for your electrolytes after a long sweaty hike to help keep your body hydrated.

[@ridewithwoody5808]

I have a Paria tent and quilt and recommend them to EVERYONE!

[@JulioCauthorne]

This is a good list! For those who think this isn't budget enough, it's true. Fact is, backpacking ain't really a budget sport. But there are ways. 1. Find used goods; 2. Break into the hike while building up your gear - start w/ day hikes so u won't yet need half the stuff mentioned here, then go on summer overnight climbs so you won't have to worry about winter layers & R-value sleep systems yet. The more you get into the hobby, the more you'll willingly invest in advanced (a.k.a pricier) gear; 3. Join a hiking community, they'd be happy to share or lend you some items until you can buy one such as a bag, tent, cookset, etc.; 4. Explore Decathlon ; 5. If you don't mind the weight, your existing stuff will do for the timebeing - as Dan had provided some examples, a garbage bag for waterproofing and a dairy queen spoon will work just fine. That goes with all other gear. So far I've used a dead branch as a trek pole, my old school backpack as hiking bag, my house slip-ons as camp slippers, sewn fleece blanket as sleeping quilt, a car sunshade/windshield cover as sleeping pad, cooked meals from scratch, and worn a garbage bag as raincoat! Be creative.

[@drunkenpumpkins7401]

6) Explore the army dump, even tough army stuff is generally heavier, it makes up for it in quality. a good messkit for cooking or army sleepingbag goes a long way. I still use some army stuff when backpacking.

[@robhayden5515]

I’ve used those Fizan trekking poles for about 1300 miles of the AT so far and they’ve been great. I was skeptical because many people had said twist lock poles will slip when you need them most but I have not found that to be the case with these Fizans.