Frugal Backpacker

Fun cheap things to do

Backpacking can really add up; but it doesn't have to. As a frugal backpacker, you'll save big bucks by focusing on discount backpacking equipment and used backpacking gear.

You really need quite a bit of gear and equipment for your trip. This can be especially expensive if you're a beginning backpacker.

This makes knowing how to get discount backpacking gear and equipment at bargain prices key!

Bottom line, this activity is near the top of our list of fun cheap things to do. Without a doubt, you can enjoy a wonderful backpacking adventure "and" not break the bank.

Please share your best frugal backpacker tip?

Frugal Backpacker

Frugal Backpacker Money Saving Tips

• Don't Stray Too Far

  Taking a long trip to your hiking destination is a big expense. Especially if you’re just starting out, we suggest researching areas in your own state.

  You can check out the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), DNR (Department of Natural Resources) or your state's atlas. The atlas will actually list national and state forests and hiking trails!

• Fee or Free?

  After you find a few select spots, find out if a fee is charged? Some areas have fees, while others do not. We've hiked many areas that are free and have had wonderful experiences.

• Cooking

  The lighter your pack, the better your back. As a sidenote, if your prone to back pane, consider wearing a weight lifters belt - it help's immensely.

  Ok, back to the subject at hand. Learning how to cook over a fire will save you money on food costs as well as space and weight in your pack. You can take a look at these cheap camping tips
  for specifics.

• Food Costs

  You'll save a great amount of money by shopping your food at the local grocery store. Otherwise, you'll have to buy food at local stores (near your hiking site), and will pay much more!

  We learned this the hard way through experience. We found that most of these shops are geared toward us (tourists) that charge premium cash.

• Important Items

  To avoid a miserable trip and added expenses, it's a good idea to pack basic essentials including matches, water, flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen, first aid, a compass, and a tent repair kit.

Fun Cheap Things To Do

Discount Backpacking Equipment

• Buy Used

  You can shop your local thrift store for hiking pants, jackets and jeans.

  You can also get discount backpacking gear by shopping bargains during the off season. We always shop off-peak and have saved 40% on up.

• The Key Gear

  We call these the Big 3 - you want to have a quality tent, sleeping bag and backpack. These are the areas you really don’t want to skimp on.

  The tent needs to be waterproof, not heavy and easy to pack. The last thing you want is to be caught in bad weather; it will put a dampener (excuse the pun) on your trip.

If you shop around, you can find a good quality 20F sleeping bag for a little under $100. Generally, if they're much cheaper than that, it's not a quality bag.

When it comes to a good backpack, we would suggest avoiding the $20 to $30 range packs which tend to be on the lower side of the quality scale.

You can get nice deals on used backpacking gear on EBay. Also, Backcounry.com and REI-outlet.com have deep discounted products as well.