I decided to hike the trail only two months before leaving for Georgia. I got a second job and saved as much money as I could. I had no other choice but to buy used gear, discounted gear, and little known gear brands.
Did I still make it to Katahdin? You bet I did!
Gear is important but there have been many hikers to reach Katahdin without the most expensive pieces.
Think of Grandma Gateway. Think of Earl Shaffer. Think of the Barefoot Sisters.
I’m not recommending going to these extremes but these thru-hikers completed the trail without expensive gear or clothing and you can too! Seriously, you won’t walk your first steps on the Appalachian Trail seeing everyone decked out like a Patagonia catalog. I promise.
Remember:
Gear doesn’t get you to Katahdin, you do. However, good gear does make things a bit easier and can boost morale. Take some time to search for gear. There are so many cheap options available. Good gear does not necessarily mean the most expensive. However, cheap gear might not be the lightest.
DON’T BOTHER SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON…
Rain Gear
Whatever rain gear you decide to go with, you will either be complaining about the weight, the lack of ventilation, or the lack of resistance to rain. I don’t recommend forgoing rain gear but I do recommend against buying the most expensive set. Frogg Toggs can grant you the exact results as a brand worth five times as much. Also, some hikers choose to not carry rain pants. This could save you some weight and some cash.
Cheap but Worthy Rain Gear Options:
Frogg Toggs and Campmor have cheap rain gear selections. Also, some ponchos seem to cost less than a set of jacket and pants.
These Frogg Toggs DriDucks Ultra-Lite 2 are only $21.99.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are absolutely wonderful but I did not buy the most expensive pair. However, I would recommend looking into the brand you are about to buy to check on their warranty policy. I might have bought cheap poles but the company offered free repairs.
For trekking poles I recommend choosing ones with a strap. If you are using your poles as tent poles as well, choose your poles carefully. You might want to invest if this is the case.
Trekking poles with flick locks instead of twist adjustments seem to last in the long run. My twist adjustments seemed to stick or malfunction after a few months of continuous use.
If you are considering going for Walmart’s Outdoor Products or Costco’s Coleman trekking poles, I have seen these poles work for others. However, the quality of these poles are not made to withstand heavier body weights.
Cheap but Worthy Trekking Pole Brands:
Komperdell,Mountainsmith, and Black Diamond havepoles online for $60 or less. To find these prices, expect to use one of the discounted gear websites listed below. Don’t doubt big stores like Cabela’s or Dick’s Sporting Goods. These retailers carry cheap poles as well.
Clothes
I’m sure you know not to purchase cotton clothing. Besides this characteristic, no need to purchase an $80 hiking shirt. Evaluate what you already have or hit a local thrift store for great poly finds.
Stove
If you can’t afford a JetBoil you can’t afford a JetBoil. Don’t sweat over it! Homemade stoves are an extremely popular alternative.Check out Megan’s tutorialhereand La Mariposa’s tutorial here.
BUY USED GEAR
Used gear can be found anywhere from your local thrift store, online auctions like eBay.com, used gear sites like Geartrade.com, the Bearfoot’s Hiker Gear Flea Market on Facebook, or local sellers from Craigslist.com.
Resist the urge to buy damaged used gear. Do not be shy to ask the seller further about the condition of the piece of gear you are thinking of purchasing. If you are looking on Craigslist.com, be bold and offer a lower price. It never hurts to ask.
Used Gear Resources:eBay.com, Geartrade.com, Craigslist.com,Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Online GearSwap, Bearfoot’s Hiker Gear Flea Market (on Facebook)
HERE is a the top 10 used gear stores in the U.S. compiled by Backpacker.com. If you don’t live near these great stores, a simple Google search could guide you to your nearest used gear haven.
USE WHAT YOU HAVE
No need to purchase a new pack or sleeping bag if you already have these items. Evaluate what you have at home especially for clothing and shoes. Get creative. Use a Gatorade bottle instead of buying a water bladder. Use your old bandana instead of buying a Buff. Use a spoon from home instead buying an outdoor cookware spoon. Hint: Wendy’s spoons are quite durable.
THE BEST WAY TO AFFORD GEAR IS TO GO WITHOUT
To go without a shelter, town shoes, or pillow can lighten your load while still keeping your wallet full. Forgoing some gear options might not be recommended for some pieces (pack, sleeping bag, etc.). This option can only be based on preference and how you would like to hike your hike.
BUY BRANDS WITH GREAT WARRANTIES
Before buying an item, look into the brand or company’s warranty policy. Your item might receive free repairs or replacements.
The art of communication with gear companies can be hit or miss. Depending on the employee you speak with, your story, and your gear, you can get exactly what you want or you could completely strike out. This list includes gear companies that have a reputation for great customer service toward hikers. I can’t promise you anything but their policies. Every single company on this list has stated no free repairs or replacements if damaged from normal wear and tear. However, flexibility has been seen in all of these companies, good luck.
REI*
Gregory
Black Diamond*
Salomon
Osprey
Darn Tough
ThermaRest
Big Agnes
MSR
GoLite
Komperdell*
Deuter
Kelty*
*These brands seem to be cheaper than their competitors while still upholding top quality.
Please feel free to comment on this post with any other gear companies with outstanding warranties.
MAKE YOUR GEAR
https://diygearsupply.com/diy-guides/backpack/
Make your stove or summer blanket or (if you are feeling ambitious) your pack. Do be aware of how expensive some fabrics can be and price accordingly.
The most popular DIY (do it yourself) gear item would be the tuna can stove.
Check out these websites for further instructions on other pieces of DIY gear:
https://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html
https://diygearsupply.com/
BUY DURING OFF SEASON
Since I decided in February to hike the trail, I obviously didn’t have this option. However, prices for summer gear will fall during the winter.
BUY ONLINE INSTEAD OF AT AN OUTFITTER
Online prices seem to be cheaper than buying at an outfitter. However, do keep your options open for some outfitters that host major sales or ‘garage sales.’
Best Websites for Used Gear:
Finding cheap gear online is never hard. Google Shopping provides great options from all over the web. Do beware, some websites provide a discount on a piece of gear but only for a certain size or color. Other websites will only offer a discount on a certain piece of gear during a specific time frame. I recommend signing up for these websites because these companies will sometimes email coupons. Online products also provide user reviews which can be very helpful.
These are my favorite options to find cheap gear online (there are plenty more so I still recommend Google Shopping):
BC25.comandBC25.com’s Gear Price Checker
Geartrade.com
Steepandcheap.com
SierraTradingPost.com
REI Outlet
Feel free to leave a comment for your favorite online gear site and I’ll gladly add it to this list.
Quick List of Quality, Affordable Online Items Worth the Money:
Petzl Tikka 2 Headlamp, $25 plus shipping
Portable Aluminum Alloy Outdoor Camping Cooking Pot, $15 with free shipping
Sea to Summit Waterproof Dry Bag, Price depends on size (This brand is not always the cheapest but it is the best quality especially for a waterproof sack. The link takes you to a site selling them for cheap)
USE COUPONS
As mentioned above, many online retailers will email coupons to those a part of their mailing list. If you haven’t received any coupons directly, I recommend searching online for online coupon codes. Websites like Retailmenot.com,Coupons.com, and Vouchercloud.netprovide coupon codes for a variety of retail websites.
Searching for cheap and affordable gear can be work but isn’t an impossible task. Stay on top of local outfitter sales and online website sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday or Memorial Day.
Good luck my frugal friend, may the discounts be ever in your favor.
