Is Backpacking Expensive?
By Lucky for the Arizona Backpacking Club
Stop! Don’t do it!!
Unfortunately, many folks that want to start backpacking make poor and expensive gear
choices to outfit for their first trip. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people that go to
REI and spend $1,000 for their first trip. Sadly, after a few trips to the backcountry they
soon realize that the pricy gear they purchased isn’t what they really need.
I propose an alternative to the big, expensive shopping spree. Don’t make a major
investment until after you have a few trips under your belt and your gain a better
understanding of your hiking style and personal requirements. A particular piece of gear
may be perfect for the REI salesperson and perfectly wrong for you. You need enough
information and experience to make an informed buying decision.
I’ve taken the generic gear list posted in the “Files” section of the Meetup and will
discuss inexpensive options for outfitting for your first backpacking trip. The companion
Excel spreadsheet details the cost, weight, and web link for each of the items discussed.
All said and done, the pack list with everything you’d need for a weekend backpacking
trip would cost $335. That’s less than the price of just a backpack at REI.
But more importantly, of the total cash outlay 72% or $240 is quality gear that will serve
you well for years to come. The backpack, tarp, and air mattress are all high quality and
can be “keepers.” The cook pot, stove, and knife are also top of the line gear choices.
The total weight carried, not including food and water, is only 13.2 lbs. Of course, if you
already have or can borrow a pack, tent, or a sleeping bag you’re way ahead of the game!
The takeaway here is that backpacking doesn’t need to be an expensive proposition. It
can be a very affordable hobby but you need to be an informed shopper to get the best
deals.
Shelter & Sleeping
This is the most important area to focus on as a trip can be pretty miserable if you’re wet
and/or cold. Remember that a backpack is just a container to carry gear and most of the
bells and whistles that come with expensive packs are not needed.
Backpack
Visit your local thrift store or go online to Craig’s list or e-Bay. I found an excellent
men’s Kelty pack on Craig’s List for $45. Campmor sells a GoLite Jam 2 pack for $90.
Tent/Shelter
There’s a great one-person 3-lb tent made by Texsport available on e-Bay for $34 (key
word “Bivy Tent”). I recommend an ultralight tarp like the 8’ X 10’ silnylon (13 oz.)
version made by Equinox and sold at Campmor. Buy some twine at Home Depot for the
tie outs or buy a kit with fasteners from Campmor ($7). While you’re at Home Depot,
buy some aluminum gutter spikes (8 * $1, 2.7 oz) and a 9’ * 12’ plastic painter’s drop
cloth. Cut the drop cloth in half so it’s 9’ * 6’.
Pack rain cover
Pack anything you don’t want to get wet in a trash bag.
Ground cloth
See shelter.
Sleeping bag
Long-term, you want to invest in a good down sleeping bag like the ones made by
Western Mountaineering. Until you get a feel for what you’ll need, look to REI Outlet or
Campmor for discontinued models. Decent bags can be picked up in $60 price range. I
found a Kelty Cosmic 35 degree synthetic bag at Campmor ($55, 42 oz). Similarly, REI
Outlet has a Lafuma 30 degree bag ($40, 51 oz). You may find a great deal on Craig’s
List and can have the bag professionally cleaned.
Sleeping pad
This may be the one area where you’ll want to buy a Big Agnes or Pacific Outdoor
InsulMat mummy air mattress. Sleeping comfortably and warm is important to your
overall trip enjoyment. The best option (air mattress) isn’t much more expensive than
other choices. The truth is, the old “blue form” pads just don’t cut it.
Garbage bags – Large lawn size (1)
See pack rain cover.
Stuff sacks (as needed for cloths, food, etc.)
Use gallon sized Ziploc bags. Use a straw to suck excess air out.
Camp chair
Use a rock or a log to lean up against.
Clothing
In this category, most people already have cloths that will work and don’t need to buy
more. I’ve found some great backpacking clothing at thrift stores. For a few bucks, you
can always find a fleece and long underwear.
Hiking boots/shoes
Use your running shoes.
Camp shoes
Use your hiking shoes. Don’t bring a separate pair.
Extra socks (1)
Use a pair of your athletic socks (non-cotton).
Wool sleep socks
Bring a pair of warm socks from home.
Long underwear top
Bring an extra long sleeve shirt to sleep in.
Long underwear bottoms
Bring a pair of tights or sweats to wear around the campfire and while you sleep.
Gloves
If you have a lightweight pair of gloves, bring them along. Otherwise, use your spare
pair of socks as mittens to keep your hands warm.
Sun hat
Wear a ball cap and tuck your bandana in the back as a cancer screen. Wear lots of
sunscreen. If you have a broad rimmed hat, bring it along.
Balaclava or wool hat
A good balaclava or beanie is important for keeping your head warm, especially while
you’re sleeping. Sierra Trading post has one from Outdoor Research for $7.
Fleece jacket
Everyone owns a fleece jacket or a warm sweater that they can bring. Just make sure
it’s not overly bulky. Don’t over pack here. You’ll probably be sitting around a campfire
in the evening when it’s cold.
Long-sleeve shirt
Light color is good but make sure it not cotton. Short sleeve is OK if that’s all you
have. The Under Amour or Starter shirts work great. Wal-Mart sells short-sleeved
versions for about $10.
Wind/rain jacket
While there are a lot of lightweight and expensive options for raingear, the reality is
doesn’t rain much in Arizona. For your starter kit, consider a poncho. Campmor has
them for $3.
Wind/rain pants
Use poncho.
Hiking shorts
Use your running shorts. If you own a pair of convertible hiking pants, those are good
too.
Cooking & Food
Cook pot
The famous Grease Pot is getting hard to find. As an alternative, go to K-Mart or Big
Lots and buy a 1.5-qt grease dispenser pot for $8. It’s perfect for freezerbag cooking.
Throw the strainer and heavy knob handle away to make this pot ultralight. Replace the
knob with a 4" piece of duct tape with a fold in the middle that can be grabbed to list the
lid.
If all you’re going to do is boil water, a beer can pot works well too (and they’re fun to
make!). Just use a can opener to cut the top off a Fosters beer can and you have an
ultralight pot.
Pot grabber (If needed)
Instead of added weight, just put your gloves on to protect your fingers. Use your
bandana if necessary.
Utensils
Next time you’re out and about, save a plastic spoon or spork. They’re fairly fragile so
treat it gently. Dairy Queen has great long-handle spoons.
Insulated cup
If you need a cup for your morning coffee, save a leftover single serving yogurt cup and
wrap a couple layers of duct tape around it for strength and insulation.
Waterproof matches
Just bring regular matches. Grab a pack next time you’re at a restaurant.
Lighter
If you don’t have one, Circle K sells them for a buck. Small is good!
Stove
For weekend trips, you can’t beat a pepsi can stove. They’re cheap ($9), lightweight
(0.3 oz), and allow you to bring just the amount of fuel you’ll need. AntiGravityGear is a
good source and they’re also sold on e-Bay. If you’re handy, you can make your own.
Fuel Bottle
You’ll need about 1 oz each time you heat water. Use a small plastic soda bottle to
carry your fuel. An 8-oz container should be plenty for a weekend trip.
Pot stand
You can make a pot stand from a cloths hanger. Directions are on the Excel
spreadsheet.
Windscreen
Use folded aluminum foil. The windscreen should be 4” high, 4 layers thick, and long
enough to comfortably encircle your pot. Cut a couple of ½” groves along the bottom to
let air in. Bring a paper clip to keep the ends connected.
Other/Navigation
Compass
Save the route finding and navigation until you get a couple of trips under your belt.
Stick with the hike leader. But a compass is one of the 10 essentials and you should
never leave home with out one. Of course, you also should learn how to use it and to
read a map. A very basic compass that tells you generally which direction you’re going
is about $5. Wal-Mart sells one that has a built in LED light.
First-Aid kit
All you really need is some moleskin, a couple of band-aids, some antibiotic ointment,
ibuprofen, tweezers, and a 3" X 3" sterile gauze. Keep it in a Ziploc bag. Keep any
prescriptions or OTC meds you need here also.
Maps
Make sure you get a map from the hike leader or find one online.
Glasses/contacts
Pack in a lightweight case.
Paper, pencil (in a Ziploc bag)
From home. You only need a nub of a pencil.
Fire starter (Optional)
Save some dryer lent and a couple of birthday candles in a small Ziploc bag.
Headlamp/flashlight
Wal-Mart sells inexpensive headlamps for about $10.
Sun glasses
Bring your pair from home.
Sun block
If you have a small tube at home, bring it and use it! Otherwise, go to REI and buy a
small 1-oz plastic bottle ($1) and fill it with your sunscreen of choice.
Lip balm
There lots of options. I like the Carmex brand ($2). Keep it in your pocket. Works
well for rashes also.
Water filter
Ask your hike leader if you can share one. As a back-up, go to REI and buy a small 1-
oz plastic bottle ($1) and fill half full with laundry bleach. A couple of drops per water
bottle will effectively purify the water. You may need to strain the water through a
bandana to remove the organic matter.
Bug protection/Deet
I like Deet for mosquitoes. REI’s Jungle Juice product is good and costs about $7. Buy
a small container at REI and only bring about ½ oz.
Water containers (minimum 3 liters)
Bring 3 1-liter pop bottles. Bring a plastic grocery bag with handles for scooping
water.
Plastic whistle
It’s great for making a lot of noise if you get separated or need help. Buy the cheapest
plastic one you can find. Attach it to your compass and keep it in your pocket on a
lanyard.
Guide book/notes
Go online and print the trail description. Hikearizona.com is a great source.
Knife
A knife is needed to cut things. You won’t be quartering an elk so you only need a
small knife. I like the small Swiss army style knives.
Duct Tape
See insulated cup above. What’s that saying about duct tape and bailing wire?
Pack towel
Bring a small wash cloth from home in a ziploc bag.
Toothbrush/paste
Buy a small travel-size toothpaste and bring your spare toothbrush.
Cord (Minimum 30 feet)
Use the same cord you bought for the tarp tie-outs. Use it to hang your food at night.
Bandana
Buy a cheap one a Wal-Mart.
Hiking poles
Buy later. Poles are very optional.
Sewing kit
Many hotels provide free kits. All you need is a needle and some thread. I can’t thread
a needle for the life of me, so a thread puller is required.
Repair kits
In a small Ziploc bag, throw in a couple of safety pins, a rubber band, a small tube of
super glue, and a photo back-up light. The compass I recommended has a photon light.
Toilet paper
Wrap some around a pencil then pull the pencil out. Bring twice as much as you’ll
need. Some people like to save a partially used roll.
Alcohol gel/soap
Bring a very small bottle of hand sanitizer. Use it before cooking and after going to the
bathroom.
Trowel (Optional)
Use a stick or the heel of your shoe.
Cards, games (Optional)
Bring some from home in a Ziploc bag.
Camera, film (Optional)
Bring your camera from home. Keep it in a Ziploc bag.
Clock, watch
Bring your sports watch from home. Ones with an alarm are good.
Earplugs
Earplugs can be worth their weight in gold if it’s noisy in camp at night. They weigh
almost nothing and can help ensure a good night’s sleep.
MP3 Player (Optional)
You bet! Bring your MP3 player. Make sure it has fresh batteries.