It’s no secret that the biggest barrier to entry for a lot of outdoor activities is cost. And every year, backpacking gear manufacturers come out with the latest and greatest technologies, which feature thinner and more advanced materials, lower weights, and—you guessed it—higher price tags. But the reality is that you don’t have to break the bank to get outside, and there are plenty of well-made products available that are built to handle rough outdoor use. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of good backpacking gear on a budget, including everything from a backpacking tent, backpack, and sleeping bag to hiking shoes and a down jacket.
Budget Backpacking Equipment Backpacking Tent: REI Co-op Passage 2 ($159) As your home away from home on the trail, you’ll want to look for a reliable tent that balances interior space and comfort with weather protection, durability, and price. Ultralight tents (which hover around 2 to 4 pounds) are currently all the rage, but their upgraded fabrics and poles often increase the price to $400 or more. For budget shoppers, we recommend REI Co-op's Passage, which costs a reasonable $159 for the two-person version. This design checks all the important boxes: easy-set up with an X-shaped pole structure, quality and long-lasting materials, and decent interior space and livability with two side doors and vestibules. The main downside of the Passage is its all-in weight of 5 pounds 10 ounces, although leaving behind the included footprint will save you about 7 ounces (the tough floor material makes a footprint unnecessary on most surfaces).
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