CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESEnticed by the open trail but discouraged by the high cost of outdoor gear? You’re not alone. Getting your feet wet (and dry, mostly) doesn’t require gram-counting models suited for serious, fast-moving hikers.
Active Junky put together a killer kit – including a backpack, bag, pad, stove and tent – for under $500. While managing dollars, you’ll still get durable performance for miles and years ahead.
Testers slept well in the Dome 2 from California to Colorado and back again. A simple staple in the REI line, this classic 2-person tent is compact enough to hit the trail. The under-$100 Dome 2 carries the durability and intuitive features of a $200 tent.
Best For: A first tent that delays the need for a second
While not plush like the NeoAir series, Z-lite zooms in at an unbeatable price if a touch of warmth and padding is enough. Shrewd backpackers employ the Z-lite as a seat around the campsite or during trailside lunch breaks. Bonus: the heat reflective surface means you won’t wake up shivering.
Best For: Sleeping cheaply, a versatile and trusted design
Hovering just over $100, the comfortable Trestles 15 is a synthetic 3-season mummy that retains warmth below freezing. Though heavier and bulkier, synthetic insulation is a smart pick for frugal folks or rainier climes. With Marmot, bag buyers find a plush and snug night’s sleep.
Best For: Car camping, introductory backpacking trips
Knowing there are lower cost alternatives, we embraced the well-fitting Volt 60 as a comfortable pack; which is arguably the most important piece of the five. Without a solid pack, aching shoulders and screaming vertebrae send you back to the car long before you reach camp. At 60 liters, Volt stashes all your gear for weekend (or longer) trips.
Best For: Years of durability, becoming your new favorite piece of gear
Burning hot under $40, this AJ favorite stove is as compact and user-friendly as they come. Stripped down for action, this one needs stabilization and wind protection in extreme weather. Assembled in seconds, this canister model lives to boil your water for now and for years to come.
Best For: Boiling water, packing light.
