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Started By
Message
Should I rent or buy equipment for my first backpacking/camping trip?
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:48 pm
I'm going on a 3 day 3 night backpacking trip in about a week, and I think I'll want to make backpacking a hobby (only done it once before with borrowed items).
Should I rent or purchase equipment for this outing? Renting can be costly (about $200), but it's still cheaper than buying everything. However, REI is having their anniversary sale this weekend so I'm tempted to buy.
It would probably be more sensible to rent, huh?
Should I rent or purchase equipment for this outing? Renting can be costly (about $200), but it's still cheaper than buying everything. However, REI is having their anniversary sale this weekend so I'm tempted to buy.
It would probably be more sensible to rent, huh?
13
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:51 pm to DosManos
Buy, and then rent your gear out if you don't use it. 
Idk. I'm a buy kinda of guy for things like this. I rent snow skis every time, but in hindsight I've probably paid more than enough for a nice pair.
It's just hard to explain yourself having snow skis in the shed living in LA.
Idk. I'm a buy kinda of guy for things like this. I rent snow skis every time, but in hindsight I've probably paid more than enough for a nice pair.
It's just hard to explain yourself having snow skis in the shed living in LA.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:05 pm to DosManos
Either buy used to save money or look at resale value and buy around what could be resold for the most. Renting would be a waste whether you decide to continue or not. Thats the only things I can think of to help you save/recoup some of your money.
Your kinda only looking at two extremes right now if cost is the issue.
Your kinda only looking at two extremes right now if cost is the issue.
This post was edited on 5/15/14 at 2:06 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:09 pm to DosManos
renting is a good way to see what you want or need before you buy...
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:14 pm to DosManos
If you're gonna stick with it, buy a couple things you know you want or need, and rent the things you're not sure of. Maybe?
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:23 pm to DosManos
I'd buy. But, I'm not the most sensible person in these instances. Actually, I DID buy, and my backpacking gear has barely been used. But, I'm still glad I have it. Wife had a baby shortly after I got my stuff. The kid is 9 now and old enough that she can start doing to packing with me.
This post was edited on 5/15/14 at 2:28 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:52 pm to DosManos
I would buy a pack and hammock. Also you can find most other necessities for pretty cheap. I do a lot of 3-5 day hikes. I use a cheap hammock and tarp for shelter, an aluminum pot from a dollar store for my stove, a $10 burner off amazon that is a Chinese knock off of a pocket rocket. You can also find a lot of containers, stuff sacks etc at dollar stores.
It's more weight using this stuff, but it gets the essentials out of the way and you can upgrade to better gear as you get into it more.
The pack is really the biggest item, make sure you get a good one that is comfortable for you.
Also if you have any DIY skills you can make a lot of equipment yourself to save money. Plenty of YouTube videos out there on them
It's more weight using this stuff, but it gets the essentials out of the way and you can upgrade to better gear as you get into it more.
The pack is really the biggest item, make sure you get a good one that is comfortable for you.
Also if you have any DIY skills you can make a lot of equipment yourself to save money. Plenty of YouTube videos out there on them
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:21 pm to dltigers3
quote:
a $10 burner off amazon that is a Chinese knock off of a pocket rocket.
I'm already planning on turning a coffee can into a boiling pot. Do you have a link for this $10 burner that you use? I don't know what stove I should be using, i.e. propane or alcohol?
Thanks for the recs.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:26 pm to DosManos
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:26 pm to DosManos
There are places to buy quality used. Look at whiteblaze.com. I bought a couple of ULA packs for about 30% saving. They were barely used.
Good down sleeping bag will cost you between $2-300. Tent and pack you can be under $200 each.
I use a $5 Imusa mug from Walmart as a cook pot. Either a handmade achohol stove or a $30 msr gas stove.
Good down sleeping bag will cost you between $2-300. Tent and pack you can be under $200 each.
I use a $5 Imusa mug from Walmart as a cook pot. Either a handmade achohol stove or a $30 msr gas stove.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:28 pm to DosManos
You will also need a pad. Or get a hammock and be comfortable. Hammocks aren't anymore expensive than a quality tent.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:30 pm to DosManos
It takes the same fuel canisters as the msr burners. It weighs about an ounce more than the pocket rocket. I've used it on 3 hikes and loved it.
I made a few alcohol stoves that I have used in the past. They are very light weight and cheap (free even) but with a burner you can boil much faster and control the flame to just simmer items if needed.
With this stove I am boiling 2 cups of water(which is what most mountain home meals use) in about 3-4 min and it is only using a little over .5 oz of fuel to get to boil.
Let me know if you have anymore questions
I made a few alcohol stoves that I have used in the past. They are very light weight and cheap (free even) but with a burner you can boil much faster and control the flame to just simmer items if needed.
With this stove I am boiling 2 cups of water(which is what most mountain home meals use) in about 3-4 min and it is only using a little over .5 oz of fuel to get to boil.
Let me know if you have anymore questions
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:31 pm to Nodust
Hammocks are awesome, and the only way to camp IMO. Just got to figure out a good method for hanging them and some sort of under quilt. People underestimate how much colder you are in a hammock
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:34 pm to dltigers3
I sleep in a hammock 99% of the time now. Much better for my back than a bed.
Set one up inside just to relax in and sleep in it now. I'll start off in bed but switch to hammock, so now I just go in the hammock from the start.
Set one up inside just to relax in and sleep in it now. I'll start off in bed but switch to hammock, so now I just go in the hammock from the start.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:37 pm to DosManos
Would I be laughed out of the camping world if I showed up with a ruck sack?
Because that's what I bought at the army surplus for $20.
This "backpacking" thing is new to me. Camping has always been a side thing to going on a multi day hunting trip.
Because that's what I bought at the army surplus for $20.
This "backpacking" thing is new to me. Camping has always been a side thing to going on a multi day hunting trip.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:43 pm to DosManos
Check out The Clymb for some pretty good deals on outdoor equipment. It changes everyday and when they sell out, it's gone. Join and they'll mail you deals everyday. We're talking at least 50% off name brand outdoor gear, shoes, camping, biking, gps, etc. Every deal I've seen on there, I've compared to zappos, amazon and rei and have all been at least 50% cheaper.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:45 pm to Clyde Tipton
Backpacking all depends in what your goals are. If you want to go 6 miles a day and spend more time in camp then heavier equipment may work. Heavy equipment needs a pack capable of toting it.
I can't carry more than 25 # in my pack. But most of my gear is really lightweight. But I enjoy covering more miles than spending time in camp.
Best purchase is a Sawyer Squeeze filter. $40 and will filter fast enough for ten people to use. Only 3ounces.
I can't carry more than 25 # in my pack. But most of my gear is really lightweight. But I enjoy covering more miles than spending time in camp.
Best purchase is a Sawyer Squeeze filter. $40 and will filter fast enough for ten people to use. Only 3ounces.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:46 pm to Clyde Tipton
You won't be laughed at, but you will be uncomfortable the whole time. There are plenty of backpacks out there for under $100 that are great starters. The one I use was only about $60, and I love it. It weighs a bit more than more expensive options but mine has adjustable straps and waist pad which is great since I am 6'4". I have cut off a lot of strap etc on it that I didn't use to cut weight. Now my base pack weight is about 15 lbs.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:48 pm to dltigers3
Golite for $100 is a great pack. I was going to buy one until I found a used ULA.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:48 pm to Clyde Tipton
I'll second the sawyer squeeze. It is awesome. It save a lot of water weight because now I just carry it and a regular plastic water bottle with me.
Also, as far as packs go. Don't get one with more storage capacity than you need, or you will be tempted to fill it up with nonessential items
Also, as far as packs go. Don't get one with more storage capacity than you need, or you will be tempted to fill it up with nonessential items
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