Thru Hiking Gear Doesn't Have to be Expensive

Thank you for watching! I hope I did the topic justice. As always get what you want and use what you want! There is no one perfect kit for every trail, season, person, or objective! But still hoping this video gives you some ideas on how to do things on more of a budget

One thing I would add is buy a sewing machine. They can be found in thrift stores and you can make your own gear, stuff sacks, food bags, fanny packs, back packs, tarps, bivys, tents, hammocks you name it if they sew it in a factory you can make it at home for cheaper. Tons of companies sell DIY kits.

Fun video. I already have all my gear, but one of my biggest strategies for buying the gear I want is to refuse to pay full retail price for anything. It takes research, planning and patience. I research to narrow down what I want, make a list, then wait for sales. I've saved a lot of money doing that alone.

Regarding avoiding used down and waterproof items, I'm amazed how well Granger/Nikwax products do in restoring performance. I always buy second hand gore-tex products, saves so much money and I know I can get them back to near new form with a bit of TLC!

Thanks for not being a corporate mouth piece on new high-priced gear.

Great tips! One thing to add. If you go through your medicine cabinet, you can build a really good and cheap first aid kit for backpacking. The pre made ones tend to be heavy, expensive, and full of redundant and/or useless items.

Inflatable sleeping pads are another item that I would lean towards buying new as you cannot fully tell the quality before you try it out yourself. Great video as always!

Tip for used rain jackets; Most lose their ability to keep you dry because of the outer coatings wearing over time, but DWR can be reapplied for very little money. These DWR coatings can also be used on wind shells, to give you a bit ore protection with those as well. I'll find expensive rain jackets at thrift stores all the time that people tossed because they were "worn out", reapply the DWR and get 2-3 seasons out of them staying perfectly dry.

Great advice....I just took a friend out yesterday, who wants to backpack, window shopping for gear.....so perfect timing I just shared your video with her and I know its the perfect place to start.......thanks for the videos ...!!!!!

Costco for clothing - The deals they have on activewear are amazing and it's good quality materials and name brand stuff. The technical clothing I've got there stands up against anything else I've bought and was 80% less. Only downside is the clothes rotate every week and it's not a huge selection so you'll probably have to make a few trips there to find what you want. Still, for the small selection they have, it's always on point and I always find something I want. Dollar stores are also treasure troves for cheap backpacking gear. The name brand stuff will usually be in small portions/travel containers and everything else is cheaply made so its lightweight and lasts long enough to get your dollars worth.

Thank you - such a great topic. I actually love the planning almost as much as the actual trip!

One of my favorite videos of yours @JupiterHikes! I feel like more and more people are getting locked in to "perfection" and "the best of the best". If something isn't "exactly" what is perceived to be needed, it simply will not work. However, there is so much grey area with backpacking and we human creatures are far more creative and adaptable than we seem to have become accustomed to. There are nearly endless options when you "color outside the lines". I posted a gear list video of a 6lb base weight using a $19 packable backpack that worked out great for a 1-night trip and I used that same backpack for a 2-nighter.

I just want to add that probably everyone has a granny or great aunt that has extra long teaspoons in their kitchen that they aren’t using. Free long spoon for rehydrated food bags!

You have produced a most useful video. Thank for being concerned for the backpacking community. Simplicity is often your explanations. Thank you.

Great video Jupiter! Another super inexpensive way to lighten your base weight is to use a tarp instead of a tent! You can get a 10x10 tarp for $75 which weighs 18oz with stakes and lines included.

So far these are the best videos on ultra light hiking gear etc. I´ve found. Thanks

Sunday, March 03rd: Many good and useful ideas. Thank-you. Happy Trails! Ross08

Some of the best advice I've heard about putting together gear for backapcking.

Thanks I'm going on my first official trek and you are most interesting youtuber for me

Very much look forward to your specific picks! Thanks for the great tips!