Why Should You Invest in Quality Backpacking Gear?

Backpacking is a great way to reconnect with nature and has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, one question that many beginners ask is whether they need to invest in quality backpacking gear if they are just starting. So in this blog post, I’ll provide some insights into whether quality backpacking gear is worth splurging on or not. After doing a lot of research for this post, I’ll also provide similar alternatives for each product type, for those who don’t want or can’t afford, to splurge on these items.

Is it worth investing in quality backpacking gear?

One of my goals with this blog is to encourage everyone to get out there whenever they can. Though you may have to invest in some items at first, that initial investment is the largest spend you’ll make in your backpacking journey. If you take good care of your outdoor gear, it will last you for many years.

Once you have all your backpacking gear, you’ll mostly only spend money on food and gas, which you would anyway even if you weren’t backpacking. There are plenty of free backpacking options out there, and even if you need to pay for a permit, the cost is usually fairly minimal.

Benefits of investing in backpacking gear

Investing in backpacking gear also often comes with a few advantages, such as:

• better durability
• better quality
• more comfortable
• better warranties and customer support

When choosing backpacking gear, you will need to also consider factors such as where you plan on going (mountain, desert, etc), the season of the year, weather conditions, and your trip duration. Of course, weight is also important because you’ll be carrying it, but the frequency of your backpacking trips will help you decide as well. You do not need to start with the lightest backpacking gear. However, in addition to your base weight (backpack, shelter, sleep system), you also need to account for carrying food and water, first aid, and other items, both essential and “luxuries”. That’s a lot of weight to consider, and you need to think of what you want to carry with you before you select your backpack.

If you are starting from scratch, I would recommend buying your big three first (backpack, shelter, and sleep system). But remember: The most expensive outdoor gear cannot make up for a poorly planned backpacking trip. With that said, let’s get into it.

Backpacking gear worth splurging on

Backpacking Pack

A sturdy and comfortable backpack is necessary to carry all of your gear on a backpacking trip. It’s important to look for one that fits well and distributes weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders, and that’s why a higher-end backpack may be best.

So when it comes to buying a backpack, yes, splurge!

The best backpacking packs

My current backpack is the Osprey Eja 58L, which I chose by trying on several options at REI. They can help you find the right fit and they add weights inside the bags to mimic your gear’s weight. I chose this Osprey bag because I couldn’t feel the weight of the backpack at all, it was the best fit for me.

Pay attention to the weight of the backpack itself when purchasing a backpack, some are much heavier than others, and of course, it’ll add to the weight you’ll have to carry all day. In a size medium, the Osprey 58L weighs 2 lbs. 13 oz. It’s big enough to carry the fairly lightweight gear I bought plus water, food, and the photography equipment I carry. But if you choose heavier or bulkier gear, you may need a larger backpack.

Osprey and Gregory are two of the most well-known backpack brands. They offer great quality, comfort, and durability. You won’t be disappointed by choosing either of these brands. And these brands stand behind their gear, so you can buy in confidence.

Another alternative would be the REI Flash 55L (Flash 55L for women, and Flash 55L for men), which is top-rated on the REI website. The REI Co-op Flash 55 pack keeps your load stable and steady. Its integrated suspension and adjustable torso make any hike comfortable.

Similar backpacks below $100

If you can’t afford those options, Amazon has some great similar finds. This 60L backpack comes with a rain cover, and this 55L backpack also comes with a rain cover and is the #1 best seller on Amazon.

Tent

Your tent will be an essential item for most backpacking trips. While there is a wide range of tents available at various price points, it’s important to look for one that is durable, lightweight, and provides adequate protection from the weather.

Personally, my home away from home is not something I wanted to save money on, and that’s one of the reasons why I chose the tents I did. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night soaking wet from a leaky tent or sleep in a tent that will break or collapse at the first gust of wind. You also want a tent that’s light enough to carry on your back all day.

So when it comes to buying a tent, yes, splurge!

The Best Backpacking Tents below $500

My backpacking tent is this Big Agnes ultralight tent and its footprint is my tent of choice for backpacking. It takes just a couple of minutes to set up, has lots of storage inside, and weighs just 2lb 8oz. I chose the 2-person tent, which is kind of a luxurious one-person tent. So far I’ve slept in 40mph+ winds, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures, and I’ve never had an issue with the tent. Not going to lie, I was extremely surprised it didn’t break in gale-force winds, but that goes to show you get what you pay for – QUALITY!

Before purchasing my Big Agnes tent, I hesitated with this Nemo Dragonfly tent for a long time. Ultimately I picked the Big Agnes tent because its rain fly was more protective than the Nemo Dragonfly, and it was lighter too. I loved that the Dragonfly was freestanding for when I camp where I can’t stake the tent, but I have never regretted my choice and figured out a way to mimic freestanding for the Tiger Wall tent.

Similar tents below $250

If you’re not able to splurge on a tent though, there are a few great finds on Amazon. This 2-person backpacking tent weighs 4.73 lbs and has 4.6-star reviews.

This Near Zero 2-person tent comes in at 3lb 10oz, which is pretty good considering its price, and currently has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. If you choose this tent, don’t forget to buy its ground tarp too.

A similar tent below $100

Lastly, if you can’t spend over $100, I would recommend this backpacking tent instead. The 1-person version weighs just 3.3 lbs, and the 2-person version weighs 5.29 lbs. A little heavier than other options, but you can’t beat the price! Most of the reviews praise the tent, while a few reviewers complain about seam leaks. If you’re a fair-weather camper, that should not be an issue. But if you know it’ll rain on your trip, just buy this seam sealant and apply it over all the seams before your trip, and you should be fine!

Sleeping bag

A good sleeping bag is crucial for a good night’s rest. Again, there are many different options available, but it’s important to find one that is appropriate for the temperature and weather conditions you will be facing. It’s very hard to give specific recommendations on sleeping bags because it depends on several individual factors, such as how cold you sleep, how tall you are, where and when you’ll use it, if you prefer down or synthetic, what you wear when you sleep in it, etc. I’ll give recommendations assuming a three-season down sleeping bag is what works for you.

But when it comes to buying a sleeping, yes, splurge!

The best backpacking sleeping bags

Another way to splurge on a great sleeping bag is to get a Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag. Alternatively, you could also consider this Sea to Summit Flame Ultralight Sleeping Bag.

Similar options for less

If I were to buy a sleeping bag right now as a beginner and I didn’t want to splurge just yet, I would get a Nemo Disco 15 sleeping bag. It’s a good midpoint price and comes with 4.8-star review ratings! I would have bought that one if I hadn’t picked the FF one, but ultimately I went with the lighter option.

And if I was still testing the waters with backpacking or I didn’t plan on going often at all but still wanted a new sleeping bag, one of the best budget options you can get is the Kelty Cosmic 20. It’s affordable and has a 4.6-star rating!

Sleeping pad

I think it’s worth splurging on your bed to be comfortable in the wilderness. A sleeping pad will provide you with insulation and cushioning for a comfortable night’s sleep.

So when it comes to sleeping pads, yes, splurge!

The best sleeping pads

The ability of a sleeping pad to resist heat loss to the ground is rated with an “R-value” ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being the most insulated (winter) and 1 being the lowest (summer). And what is great about R values is that they can be stacked! For example, I sleep with two pads:

1. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite, which has an R-value of 2.0 (weighs 14 oz)
2. Nemo Tensor insulated, which has an R-value of 4.2 (weighs 19 oz for the regular wide)

So my total R-value is 6.2. And for me, this makes my setup suitable all year round. I’ve slept in freezing temperatures in Arizona and Utah where I woke up to frozen water bottles, but the combination of my full sleep system meant I was toasty warm, and this sleeping pad setup played a big part in it. Read my review of the Nemo sleeping pad here.

What I also love about combining both these sleeping pads is that the Z lite protects the Tensor. The Z lite can also be used as an insulated seat during the day, and the Tensor comes with an air sack to inflate your pad very quickly and effortlessly.

If you are looking for a similar option, this closed-cell foam pad is similar to the Z lite and has a slightly higher R-value of 2.1, and weighs 16 oz.

For those looking for an alternative to the Nemo Tensor, this Insulated 4 Season insulated pad comes with a 4.5 R-value. It’s 2.5″ deep of cushioning (whereas the Tensor has 3″) and a little heavier at 24.5 oz, but if you’re on a budget, the price could be the deciding factor.

Safety Gear

Another item that is worth splurging on is a satellite phone because your life could depend on it when you’re out in the wilderness. I’ve never used the SOS button on mine, but the device has still definitely been useful on multiple occasions when I couldn’t rely on my phone. One thing to remember if you choose any of the Garmin Inreach options, is you also need to purchase the Inreach subscription, which you can put on hold for months when you won’t use it.

The best satellite phones

I owned the Garmin Inreach Explorer+ for many years, and I was very happy with it. Though it is not in production anymore, it’s still possible to find it at some retailers and I highly recommend it.

What I loved about it was it is completely stand-alone, I could use it without needing my mobile phone. It saved me a few times when I was on snow-covered trails where I couldn’t find the trail anymore. I was able to find my way thanks to the pre-loaded maps on it. It was a bit clunky to use for text messaging, but it worked well, and again, I didn’t need my phone though it was possible to use the app instead of the Garmin to make typing easier.

I recently switched to using the Garmin 67i. The 67i also comes with built-in GPS map functions, which allow me to navigate out on trails without my phone. The Inreach 67i is kind of a smartphone version of Explorer+. It also has a lot more features than the Explorer+ and of course, also allows me to send messages to loved ones directly from the device, without my smartphone.

Similar options for less

However, a more affordable option is to buy this Garmin Inreach Mini 2 device, which costs almost half the price of the 67i and will be sufficient for most people. It tracks waypoints automatically and you can easily follow your breadcrumbs with the trackback feature. It also offers two-way messaging, but you need your smartphone in conjunction with it (and an app).

If you’re looking for an option with a smaller upfront cost, then the Zoleo satellite communicator could be perfect for you. You still also need to pay for a monthly subscription (which you can also suspend) and use it with an app on your phone. if you choose Zoleo, you must consider also carrying a power bank for your phone though, because you’ll only be able to communicate with rescuers via your phone.

Footwear

Good footwear is also essential when it comes to backpacking. Whether you get trail runners or hiking boots depends on personal preferences, but either way, it is worth taking the time to find the right fit for your needs. Typically, you need to size up a little and make sure you leave a thumb’s width between your big toe and the end of the shoe.

When it comes to backpacking footwear, yes, splurge!

The best backpacking footwear

I currently use the Altra Lone Peak 7 (Amazon | Backcountry | REI) and it’s still early days but I do highly recommend them. I purchased them after watching countless PCT thru-hikers on YouTube who also recommend them. They offer great cushioning and all-day comfort. Give them a try!

Check out my review of the new Women’s Altra Lone Peak 7 here. I would consider these high-end and excellent quality for hiking and backpacking, and I highly recommend them if they are the right fit for you too.

Similar options for less

If you’re on a budget, these Merrell hiking shoes offer good value for money, but they don’t offer much ankle protection. If you spend a little more money, these Merrell Moab 3 are ankle-high and will keep your ankles more secure.

Below are additional trail runner options. These Adidas Terrex seem to have good grippy soles and are made in part with recycled content!

Backpacking gear you can save money on

Backpacking stove and cookware

One of the main reasons I chose the MSR stove kit is because it came with the pot and lid, and the small 4oz fuel canister fits in it, so I found it easier to keep everything together that way. It’s never failed me and I absolutely love it, so I do not regret my decision.

However, If I needed to buy a stove kit in 2024, I would purchase this 16-piece camping kitchen kit, you don’t have to carry everything with you on each backpacking trip, but you do get a lot of gear for the price and I love that it comes with a frying pan as well as a pot! Another option I would consider is this budget backpacking stove kit because it is good value for money. It includes two aluminum non-stick pots, a camping stove, a spork, a cleaning cloth, and a carry bag.

For those who already have a pot and spork, and only need a stove, then I would recommend this budget portable backpacking stove. It’s very good value for money and comes with great reviews.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a way to empty the last bit of gas in your fuel canisters, this fuel canister refill adapter lets you do just that! it will collect residue butane gas from your half or near-to-empty butane canisters, and transfer the gas into another canister to get a full gas canister! No more fuel waste!

Flexible water bottle

If you would like to save money on the cost of a water bladder, why not consider this flexible water bottle? It carries 70 ounces (2 liters!) of water, for half the cost of a water bladder, and best of all, it works with the Sawyer Mini filter!

Headlamp

A good headlamp will come in handy and helps to keep your hands free. This headlamp is adjustable for adults and kids, water-resistant, has 7 lighting features including a red light option, and weighs just 3 oz.

Trekking poles

I chose my trekking poles because they are ergonomic, collapsible, and height-adjustable. I find them very comfortable and they helped me a lot on my hike of the Narrows at Zion, but I wish they were lighter!

These hiking poles are a great way to save on your gear. They each weigh under 10 ounces (which is good!), are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and are fully adjustable.

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Other options to acquire backpacking gear for less

Family and friends

Consider asking your friends and family If you could borrow outdoor gear from them before committing, that would allow you to test before you buy and ask them questions about the gear.

REI rental backpacking gear

Select REI locations also allow you to rent backpacking gear. This option is available for REI members and non-members. Of course, if you’re not a member, it costs only $20 to become a lifetime member, so it’s best to become a member and then rent the gear. REI rental gear pricing and locations to find out more. If you don’t live close to an REI store, there may be another outdoor retailer in your area offering a similar service.

Final thoughts

In short, no, you don’t need to splurge on quality backpacking gear to get started. There are many ways to save money and shop for similar outdoor gear for less. Plus you can also borrow backpacking gear from family and friends, or rent it from your local outdoors retailer. Once you know you are ready to commit, then splurging could be the right solution for you to invest in higher-quality gear. Click here to read my other blog posts about outdoor gear.

I hope this post helped you navigate the world of outdoor and backpacking gear. What tip was the most useful to you? Comment below!

Post originally published on April 26, 2023, and last updated on May 9, 2024.