Budget Hiking Gear, What’s Worth it, What Isn’t

Budget Hiking Gear—Let’s Start With the Basics

Hiking on a budget is completely OK as long as you put your safety first. 

Every hiker should be aware of the ten essential hiking gear items. If you aren’t, check out
our blog post about it or head over to the National Park Service website. These items
should be prioritized above any other gear you buy, so budget for them first.

Next, keep in mind you don’t have to buy top-of-the-line gear to start hiking safely. With
your essentials covered, water, food, hiking boots, and backpack, you can move on to other
items.

For example, your hiking apparel. Comfort and safety should again be top priorities, but
with apparel, comfort levels vary. Some beginner hikers do well with standard exercise
clothing as their primary apparel, while others need more moisture-wicking and layers for
comfort. 

Basic functionality is also critical. 

A cumbersome backpack causes pain and isn’t functional even during a day hike. Make
sure the backpacking gear you buy is built for comfort and functionality

A basic beginner hiking gear checklist might include:

• Portable battery for your phone
• Emergency whistle
• Extra socks
• Hat for sun protection
• Multi-tool
• Trekking poles
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses
• Hiking food packs

As a reminder, these are in addition to the minimum essential items the National Park
Service recommends:

• Navigation
• Headlamp
• Sun protection
• First aid kit
• Fire
• Knife
• Shelter
• Extra Food
• Extra Water
• Extra Clothing

Rest assured, there are quality items in each of these categories that are budget-friendly.
Everyone can hike safely regardless of price point.

With that in mind, where should you invest the greatest share of your hiking budget?

Where to Invest First

Whether you can afford the best backpacking gear or need to stick to a tight budget, here are the most important backpacking essentials and a few items you could skip but are nice to have.

Backpacking Essentials

• Footwear—Buy a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable and match the
  terrain you’re hiking in.
• Backpack—Select a well-fitted, supportive backpack with easy-to-adjust straps and
  hip support. 
• Navigation—A compass works as well as a state-of-the-art navigation system, if you know how to use it.
• Hydration—A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder is essential.
• Weather protection—A quality rain jacket or wind shell can save you lots of
  heartache on the trail.

Optional Best Backpacking Gear 

• Camp chair or sit pad
• Compression socks or dry bags
• Satellite messenger
• Bear canister or bear bag
• Hand warmers
• Toilet kit
• Trowel

You can get many of your backpacking essentials in our collection. Explore it here.

Where to Save (For Now)

This is your good enough gear list. This is exactly what you must have as a first-time hiker.
Invest appropriately in these items. 

Clothing layers

If your wardrobe already includes athletic wear, you don’t need to invest in specialized gear
at first. Wear what you have!

Rain gear

If you already have a poncho, wear it! Or, you can also find cheap waterproof ponchos at
many thrift stores. These make the perfect rain coverage for short hikes.

High-end gadgets

Beginner hikers don’t need expensive navigation tools. Wait on GPS watches and expensive
solar chargers until you’re taking multi-day hikes in the mountains. You aren’t likely to need
them.

Cooler weather insulation

Budgeted fleece or wool will work well in cold-weather hiking situations. Don’t hesitate to
opt for more affordable options if you can’t afford expensive hiking apparel.

Smart Buys—Awesome Gear for Under $50

What if you just want to grab a few items under $50 for your first hike? We’ve got you
covered. Here are some great hiking accessories and hiking gear at your price point that
you’ll love.

Camping Cup—Who doesn’t love a fresh cup of coffee on a hike? You can grab a thermal
cup option for well under $50.

Wool Blended Socks—Wool dries more quickly than cotton. Keep your toes comfortable
while exploring with an investment in wool socks.

Dry Bag for Your Phone—Your phone could be a survival tool in an emergency. Keep it dry and safe with a dry bag for under $50.

Cooling Towel—Summer hikes can be hot! Grab a cooling towel to stay cool throughout
your hike for well under $50. 

Mini-Repair Kit—Keep yourself and your gear in working condition with a simple minirepair kit that includes duct tape, zipper pulls, etc. 

Looking for more affordable hiking accessories?

Shop our budget-friendly hiking gear and accessories here.

Pro Tips to Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Quality

What about the quality of your gear—can you stay within your budget without sacrificing
quality? 

Budget hiking gear doesn’t have to be unsafe. You can stretch your dollars with a few
simple pro tips:

Buy Secondhand—You can check out spots like Facebook Marketplace to explore items
that work with your budget without sacrificing their quality.

Start with Short Hikes—Familiarize yourself with local hikes before you invest hundreds
into hiking gear. Know what you need and then buy it.

Shop Out of Season—Stay alert to end-of-season shopping sales to save big on expensive
gear.

Don’t Over Buy—Many beginners buy too much gear, simply out of excitement. We
recommend buying a few important items and expanding as your hiking habit grows.

Join Local Hiking Groups—In addition to Facebook Marketplace, join a few hiking groups
and see if anyone is willing to part with items you may need. You may be surprised by how
much other hikers may even give to you.

Getting Trail Ready On Any Budget is Possible

Exploring the outdoors is a human right. Doing it safely requires a bit of an investment. But
if you plan well and use these tips, you can meet your budget and safely hike just about any
trail. 

Keep in mind, perfection is important. What’s important is that you continue to get outside,
explore, and have new adventures!

Budget hiking gear doesn’t mean sacrificing safety. It simply means you’re a smart shopper

The next time you need to plan an adventure, browse Explore Gear. We always have your
back.

Shop budget-friendly hiking gear and accessories here.