| Some cheap backpacking tips to keep that | | | | have modified cheap pans for backpacking, made |
| wilderness adventure affordable. | | | | hats from old thermal shirt sleeves, and bivy |
| Cheap backpacking is accomplished in two basic | | | | sacks from plastic and duct tape. And now that I |
| ways? The first is to cut the cost of the trip. The | | | | think about it, I did make a backpack once from |
| second way is to spend less on the gear you buy. | | | | an old aluminum frame and a duffel bag. It |
| Here are some tips for doing both of these. | | | | weighed less than any commercial frame pack for |
| Cheap Backpacking Gear | | | | sale at the time. |
| Don't bother with high-tech gear. Is it really | | | | Skip the expensive foods. You don't need |
| important to have a super wicking poly-fiber | | | | freeze-dried meals to enjoy backpacking. Snacks |
| t-shirt for when you're hiking? Probably not, | | | | are a good way to go, and if you really need |
| especially if it is the middle of July. Any regular | | | | those cooked meals, bring simple foods like instant |
| t-shirt bought on sale for a few dollars will work. | | | | rice. |
| For that matter, a cheap plastic emergency | | | | Cheap Backpacking Trips |
| poncho can replace that $200 breathable | | | | Plan your own backpacking excursions. Although |
| waterproof rain suit if rain is unlikely and it's warm | | | | guided hiking trips can be nice, they are expensive. |
| out there. You might want to spend the money | | | | Just plan your own. Choose a location, do your |
| for better gear if you want lighter versions. In | | | | research online, and start looking for the cheapest |
| that case, you can still save money by putting the | | | | plane tickets that will get you there. |
| next two tips to use. | | | | Go to free places. Many people automatically think |
| Look for the deals. An obvious tip, but easy to | | | | of national parks or other places that have fees |
| forget when you get excited about that shiny | | | | when they think of a wilderness experience. But |
| new equipment. Shoes and hiking boots in | | | | there are many places that are just as beautiful |
| particular can be bought inexpensively if you | | | | and don't charge anything. Try national forests |
| watch for the sales. Apparently some people | | | | with hiking trails, for example, or BLM (Bureau of |
| won't buy last year's styles, so those $90 shoes | | | | Land Management) land, or state forests. One |
| go on sale for $40. Look for the closeouts from | | | | advantage of this approach - apart from the |
| online vendors and local shoe stores. Thought | | | | money savings - is that you'll likely find such area |
| outdoor clothing is most likely to go on sale, tents, | | | | less crowded. |
| sleeping bags are sometimes half-priced when | | | | Find a location nearby. For many backpacking trips |
| newer models come out. | | | | the cost of getting to the trailhead is the biggest |
| Look for used gear. Though I would never buy | | | | expense. Isn't there someplace interesting to see |
| used shoes, I've found that thrift stores have | | | | within an hour or two of where you are? Visit |
| plenty of used jackets that are in great condition. | | | | those areas and you might save a lot of travel |
| I've even found decent lightweight hiking pants at | | | | money. |
| times, as well as aluminum pans that are really | | | | Now put it all together. Plan your own trip to a |
| light and some other backpacking equipment. | | | | free place close to home and outfit yourself with |
| Make your own gear. I know of backpackers who | | | | basic clothing bought at thrift stores and |
| sew their own backpacks and sleeping bags. That | | | | equipment bought on sale. That's cheap |
| seems like too much work to me, and I'm not | | | | backpacking. |
| sure the savings would amount to much. But I | | | | |