Backpacker Magazine - Recession-Proof Gear Advice

GEAR CHICK - KRISTIN HOSTETTER - ASK THE EXPERT

Submit Your Question

Recession-Proof Gear Advice

Q.} Times are rough, and I don't have the spare cash to blow on top-dollar gear for every essential. If I have to skimp on one, which one should I cut corners: tent, sleeping bag, pack, or boots?
Submitted by: Billy, Boston, MA

A.} Hey Billy,
If this were a multiple choice question and I were forced to pick one, I’d go with b) sleeping bag. That’s because there are plenty of warm yet cheap bags out there—they just tend to be heavier and bulkier. And if a bag tends towards the chilly side, you can always add more layers of clothing to compensate. (A quick check of 20 to 40-degree bags on our database, Gearfinder.com, turned up 17 options that cost from $30-$75 from reputable brands such as The North Face, Eureka, Slumberjack, and Coleman.)

So, all that said, if you’re a fair-weather camper and just really need a tent to keep the summer bugs at bay, you could skimp on the tent. But, rather than go to Kmart or WalMart for a real cheapie that doesn’t even have a full rainfly, spend a tad more and get something that will at least get your though a surprise storm. (GearFinder.com check: plenty of sub-$100 tents from Coleman, Eureka, Cabela’s and REI.)

But now let me break away from the multiple choice. I actually did a story back in August 1999 that’s very relevant to your question. It was called “Attention Shoppers” and my assignment was to find everything I needed for a weekend of Oregon camping at Wal-Mart.

My colleague and I spent $520 on the whole two-person shebang---from tent to bags to kitchenwear to full layering systems, boots, and food. Everything worked fine until the rain rolled in, and our $40 tent started leaking like a showerhead.

Bottom line is this: If you really want to be savvy with your money, skimp on the little things like pots and pans, accessories, synthetic clothing, and foam sleeping pads. But stick to quality makers for the big ticket items. Not only will they protect you better and last way longer, they’ll be much more comfortable along the way. —Kristin

Kristin, can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?
Read more...

What's the proper teeth brushing procedure in the woods? Is there one?

Read more...

It's getting cold out there--when do I need a hardshell and when do I need a softshell? I've never really understood the difference and when to use which jacket. Help!
Read more...

What's a good set of on trail eating utensils--fork, spoon, etc?
Read more...

Hey Kristin, this doesn’t seem to come up very often but should I be wearing a different kind of underwear in the backcountry than I do every day? Any recommendations?
Read more...

I'm having trouble deciding upon an insulating layer. I can't decide to go with fleece or PrimaLoft. What are the downs and ups of the two?

Read more...

How should my daypack fit? Should it fit differently from my weekend or week-long pack?
Read more...

Hey Kristin, I've got a great sleeping bag but I can't sleep without a pillow. Do you have a recommendation for a lightweight pillow or so kind of trick for making one with my gear?
Read more...

I've read many outdoor books to get up to speed on camping, cooking, hiking, etc. I would like to hear what your choices of books might be in the outdoor education area. One of my complaints is that they all start to sound the same.
Read more...

Going to the bathroom in the wild. What do I need? Do I need to pack out my waste? How? I'm going on a multi-day trip and am not sure what I need.

Read more...

How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?
Read more...

I love hiking and camping, but not alone. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness?
Read more...

Hey Kristin, I'm a navigation newbie. Basically, I just head to the trailhead, look at the map there, and go. Is there essential, basic navigation equipment that I should have at all times, even on a dayhike?
Read more...

Dear Kristin,
Time and miles have taken their toll on the knees with one total knee replacement recently. I am getting back to limited hiking and some of the folks I pass on the trail are very high on the use of trekking poles. I would value your advice as to tips on how to adjust them to the proper length and techniques for most advantageous use of the poles to both reduce stress on the knees and ensure stability (twisting artificial knees is very painful!). I sure hope these poles are a benefit and not just an equipment fad?
Read more...

Kristin,
My wife and I are becoming more serious backpackers and l am shopping around to replace the tent that I've been using since childhood. Could you explain what “minimum weight,” “packaged weight,” and similar terms mean? Thanks, Rick

Read more...

I know I'm supposed to use a bear canister all the time in bear country but they can be bulky. If I'm going on an overnight trip, do I really need one? And if I do, is there a sealable bag option that might work?
Read more...

What's the best way to keep pack contents dry. Pack covers and pack liners have failed repeatedly. Should I just rely on zip lock bags?
Read more...

Baselayers. I need a good one for summer and fall. I know wool is great but frankly, I itch and get pretty hot when I'm mid hike. Any suggestions?
Read more...

How do I get the campfire stench out of my gear? I tried washing it but no-go.
Read more...

What can I feed my dog throughout the day while we are hiking to keep his energy up?

Read more...

Can a water purifier purify pee?
Read more...

Alas, pain in my shoulders and hips is destroying my ability to camp. I can no longer sleep on the ground, even with a thin mattress underneath. What is the best, most cushioned, and lightweight pad that might help solve this problem?
Read more...

I commute by bicycle to work 15 miles one way. Where can I find a backpack for clothing and hydration that is visible to vehicles?
Read more...

Is it really necessary to have big hiking boots with really sturdy ankle support? I've always used trail runners on multi-day trips without a problem.
Read more...

Times are rough, and I don't have the spare cash to blow on top-dollar gear for every essential. If I have to skimp on one, which one should I cut corners: tent, sleeping bag, pack, or boots?
Read more...

What would you suggest for a windproof lighter that is simple and dependable?
Read more...

I am going to summit Kilimanjaro, but I only have summer weight sleeping bags good to 40 degrees. Given the high cost of lightweight, warm bags and that I don't winter camp, would it be effective to double bag a couple of my summer bags?
Read more...

How should a shell fit? I can't decide between a large or an extra large. Is it best to have ample layering room or should it be tight and form fitting? I can't decide whether to go up or down.
Read more...

Does Talc powder block the GoreTex Membrane of my boots? And what is the best odor killers for GoreTex Boots?

Read more...

Do campfires deter bears?

Read more...

I have been backpacking for 15 years and I have not been able to find a way to stop black toenails. I have changed my lacing especially going downhill, always trim toenails and had several different types of boots. Help!
Read more...

On a recent backpacking trip, the sole of one of my hiking boots came loose. I was able to use a tent cord to tie it on and hike back to the trailhead. How do you repair loose soles on hiking boots?
Read more...

I'm an extremely heavy sweater no matter what the weather. Should I really trust my hi-tech clothing to be absolutely dried by my body heat? Or is it better to carry extra clothing to change? I can't imagine risking the chance of sleeping damp.
Read more...

What is the best way to clean my down bag? Should it be dry-cleaned or can I just throw it in the wash?
Read more...

I have been backpacking for a little over a year and would like to try some cold weather backpacking. I am wondering how to keep warm in the tent at night. Is there a such thing as a backpacker tent heater? Any suggestions are appreciated.
Read more...

How do you remove poison oak or ivy sap from boots?

Read more...

I am tired of iodine for water purification and I am considering a filter (like the Hyperflow), but I see that it doesn't filter viruses. If I only backpack in America, do I have to get a filter with a purifier, or will a filter for bacteria only suffice? Going to Big Bend in 3 weeks and I'm clueless...
Read more...

Kristin, I was wondering about your thoughts on waterproofing your own
clothes, particularly pants. I have never used any sprayon or wash in
waterproofing product. Would something like that work to waterproof your
pants or would that be a waste of time?

Read more...

Is steel better than aluminum when choosing crampons?
Read more...

When camping in subzero temperatures whats the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it and whats a good way to clean the pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
Read more...

My favorite trail is snowed over now but I still want to get out there. Should I use snowshoes or crampons? Or is there something in between?

Read more...

I'm an amateur hiker/backpacker and I'm wondering how much gear I should pack. I don't want to bring too little, and I don't want to be overexerting myself with too much. What's in the ideal pack?
Read more...

What are the best products for re-waterproofing Gore-Tex rain jackets?
Read more...

Is it safe or advisable to use Febreeze or other "fabric refreshers" on my down sleeping bag?
Read more...

Dear Kristin, I just started hiking through mountain trails in the last year or so. I'm ready to take on full weekend backpacking trips. My main concern is food. What are some important tools to take along for good food prep?
Read more...

Dear Kristin,
How do I prevent chafing? I have been on many long distance hikes in the last year and seem plagued by raw spots. I have tried talc, shaving and even gone commando to the summit of the South Sister. What's the deal and what really works?
Read more...

Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
Read more...

Dear Kristin
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
Read more...

Dear Kristin, How can you carry on trekking poles when flying a commercial airline?
Read more...

I take long dayhikes (20-30 miles) and am looking for an emergency shelter to use in case I don't make it out before nightfall. I don't want to carry a tent. I have been considering a bivy sack - something just to keep me warm and dry. Will a waterproof bivy sack on its own be sufficient in case of rain?
Read more...

Is it okay to keep your backpack in your tent at night? There seems to be two opposing camps (no pun intended, or maybe it was)on this issue.
Read more...

I wear size 11 EE boots. I have tried to get hiking boots via mail order without success because they are always far narrower than marked. Do you know of a boot maker who makes really wide boots that are true to size? Thanks.
Read more...

Canister backpacking stoves are becoming so popular, but I have a concern about them that I can't find much info about. Are the canisters refillable or recyclable? Or are we just creating more waste when we purchase these stoves in the quest of lightness?
Read more...

Is there a multipurpose helmet out there I can use for skiing, climbing etc. or should I just plan on getting one for each season/sport?
Read more...

I'm confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20 percent higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives?
Read more...

Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
Read more...

When camping in frigid temperatures, what's the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it? And how can I clean my pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
Read more...

Dear Kristin,
I plan on backpacking Europe for about a month. What is the most suitable backpack for me to use?
Read more...

I do a bit of camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I am looking for a 3-person tent that can withstand the howls and gusts of the winds without collapsing or flapping so loud it keeps me awake. No $3,000 tents please.
Read more...

What is the best way to wash my fleece so that I get longer use out of it?
Read more...

I just returned from a trip to the High Sierra and found a 1/2 inch tear in the bottom of my Big Agnes tent. The fabric is silicone treated nylon. How do I fix it?
Read more...

My wife and I have decided we want to hit the trail and take some overnight and weekend trips.

The trouble is, I'm a big guy: 6 feet tall and 325 lbs. Big. Since no amount of vertical stripes and black cloth can conceal that fact, I'm not going to wait for the flab to fall off so I can enjoy nature, so I've already begun to accumulate equipment. Unfortunately, I've come to an impasse; that being the distance between the clips on the hipbelt of every pack I've tried. My question is, are there any companies that make packs for bigger guys, and a 54" waist? I'll avoid going for a Krispy Kreme while I await your suggestions.

NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS 2
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE
EMAIL (req)