Budget Backpacking Gear: Saving Money on Tents, Backpacks, Clothing for Thru-Hiking (BPR #298)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by former guest, Trek writer, and certified gear nerd Alex "GPS" Brown. The focus of this one is how to save money on your backpacking kit. We break this one down category by category, sharing the best ways to cut costs, pinpointing which items aren't worth pinching pennies on, offering specific product shoutouts, and discussing overall strategies to ensure more of your hiking budget goes toward your hike. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or just looking to save a few bucks, this episode is for you.

We wrap the show with news on a partial reversal of NPS layoffs, a debate on whether we'd prefer to be chased by a bizarrely fast turtle or lug around a backpack full of jelly, and the triple crown of foods we wish we had discovered sooner.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

Bear Mattress: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

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Interview with Alex "GPS" Brown

• Alex's Trek Bio
• Budget Gear (Low) Lighterpack
• Budget Gear (Mid) Lighterpack
• 2024 AT Hiker Survey

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! And sign up for the Trek's newsletter!

00:13:30 - Introducing Alex

00:14:07 - Tell us about the Haute Route Pyrenees

00:19:00 - Disclaimers for this episode

00:31:50 - Budget backpacks

00:36:40 - Budget tents

00:44:00 - Budget sleeping bags

00:50:40 - Budget groundcloths

00:54:00 - Budget sleeping pads

01:02:20 - Budget footwear

01:20:16 - Budget socks

01:26:30 - Budget rain gear

01:38:00 - Budget clothing

01:50:05 - Budget cookware

01:55:10 - Honorable budget mentions

02:01:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Alex's Poop Story

Trek Propaganda: Trump Administration Partially Reverses National Park Layoff Decision by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would you rather hike 100 miles while being chased by a slightly-too-fast tortoise or while wearing a backpack full of jelly?

Triple Crown of foods you wish you knew existed sooner

Mail Bag

5 Star Review (suggest a guest!)

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.