Rental gear is not available in my area. We don’t need equipment for extreme hot or cold conditions.
It’s definitely possible within that budget, but expect the gear to be heavier than the more costly alternatives. A good strategy is to search for ‘Budget ______ backpacking’ in this forum for each item you need.
@Ira
You might want to look at Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms for a 3-person tent, packs, sleeping pads, or sleeping bags. The person who posted this mentioned not dealing with extreme temperatures, but it’s also important to know about wildlife in the area you plan to camp.
It’s better to borrow or buy lightly used quality gear rather than new low-quality items. Do you know anyone you can borrow from? $600 is a modest amount for two people, and while you might manage with cheaper items, items like boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and tents are critical and not worth compromising on.
@Aman
Start with lower quality, heavily used gear. There’s a chance you won’t stick with the hobby, or if you do, the gear breaks, you’ll know what you need for your preferences. A heavy pack can even help build resilience. For $600, you can get a setup better than what was standard 50 years ago.
@Jai
Low-quality gear often ends up in the landfill and can ruin the camping experience, making it less likely for beginners to enjoy and continue camping. Durable gear is important for sustainability, something all campers should value. Just sharing my thoughts.
@Aman
I understand your point. I was referring to older brands like Eddie Bauer or Columbia, not disposable items. Cheaper, less technical brands have a place, though used higher-end gear might be a better option. Expense over discomfort might turn people off from camping, but it varies by individual.
Consider looking for used gear.
Torrance said:
Consider looking for used gear.
I recommend checking thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces like FB Marketplace. There are also resale sites and REI’s garage sale section where you might find some good deals, especially for lightweight backpacking gear.
Torrance said:
Consider looking for used gear.
Definitely consider this. You can often find barely used gear at great prices on marketplace platforms.
Don’t compromise on anything that separates you from the ground or protects you from the weather. Most of your budget should go towards the tent, pad, boots, socks, and rain gear. Everything else is secondary.
@Sky
That pretty much covers most of the essential gear anyway. That leaves you with just the backpack and cooking equipment if you’re not in an area with bears.
Tristan said:
@Sky
That pretty much covers most of the essential gear anyway. That leaves you with just the backpack and cooking equipment if you’re not in an area with bears.
Don’t forget about a sleeping bag. It wasn’t mentioned but is definitely essential.
@Sky
I’d also say don’t go cheap on the backpack. A poorly fitted pack can really make a trip miserable.
Dell said:
@Sky
I’d also say don’t go cheap on the backpack. A poorly fitted pack can really make a trip miserable.
You’re right about that.
@Sky
I’d go cheap on the rain gear if it’s just a one-night trip. You’ll likely choose a day with good weather anyway, so no need for high-end rain gear.
Ari said:
@Sky
I’d go cheap on the rain gear if it’s just a one-night trip. You’ll likely choose a day with good weather anyway, so no need for high-end rain gear.
I actually love camping and hiking in the rain. It feels incredibly peaceful.
Ari said:
@Sky
I’d go cheap on the rain gear if it’s just a one-night trip. You’ll likely choose a day with good weather anyway, so no need for high-end rain gear.
Hiking in the snow or rain can be very serene. It’s one of my favorite things.
You can make do with very minimal gear for just one night.
If you’re only going for one night, consider car camping which is much cheaper. Backpacking gear, especially the kind recommended by major retailers, will exceed your budget.