Backpacking gear can be expensive. So what does it cost to outfit a backpacker from scratch? A pretty penny, that’s what! Here’s what I bought! Keep in mind that some of this was secondhand and that this is on the higher side of things because I had the money to spare and didn’t want to carry too much as I would be traveling for a long time.
Some good tips while picking gear – expensive is NOT equal to better. There is always a cheaper alternative. The trade-off is usually weight, which you need to calculate depending on your personal preference and your trip. Also remember that expensive and light might also mean delicate.
If you’re buying new, ALWAYS ask the store attendants, especially if you’re buying from a place like REI or CampMor. I could not have gotten by without their help and they always pointed me to cheaper options – it’s not about sales, they truly understand the value for money concept. They all also all camp very frequently and have personally used most of the things they sell. I purchased all of my stuff from CampMor, in New Jersey. I can’t stress enough how much of an effortless system they have. Many thanks to Ariel and Ella for driving me there and getting me sorted out!
Finally, if you can’t afford something, don’t get it. Look for it secondhand, or improvise. OK, enough of the tips, over to the deconstruction of my backpacker look!
