Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
At its heart, backpacking is a simple pursuit: walk into the woods, sleep on the ground, walk out. You can do that without expensive gear. But you still need stuff, and not cheap stuff that will end up in the landfill after a season or two—that’s no way to save money. Put together a kit that will last with these low-priced picks.
Mountainsmith Scream 55
I start with the Mountainsmith Scream 55Â ($58; Buy Now
Ramen
$0.30; what worked in college will work on the trail
Snickers
215 calories for less than $1