GamerNxUSN(JonathanWaits) said:
So I want to get into backpacking or truck camping even, and I was wondering what would be a good starting budget for gear and what not? 2k per person? Or can one be outfitted for less?
There doesn't seem to be a detailed answer here so I figured I'd pipe up. I backpack by myself and here's what I carry:
backpack: Mine was $100, waterproof ones at full retail can be $350. You need a trash bag if you don't get a waterproof one.
stove system: Mine was a JetBoil Flash, $100, you can find the Zip's for $60 sometimes. Lots of options here but the JetBoils are simple, fast, efficient, and clean. Hardcore guys will mess with liquid fuel stoves and those are complicated and stink if you have an accident.
tent: I use a $220 Clip Flashlight by Sierra designs. I paid about half that because I used to be a dealer. Some people opt for hammocks or bivy sacks if going solo.
sleeping bag: A $60 North Face works fine. I like to go when it's warm and use an ultralight one though, probably got $180 in it but retails for $300. I also use a top of the line Thermarest that is maybe $150.
boots: I actually just use trail running shoes, have had multiple pairs that average maybe $100.
flashlights: I like to use a small $20 head lamp, a $30 Black Diamond lantern, and a long range "what the F was that" light, which is typically a $50 one from Gander Mountain.
knives: I like to carry a Buck 119 special, a Kershaw folder, a mini Ka-Bar, and a landscaping saw that weighs 1 pound. With these I can whittle, chop wood, filet a fish, cut an entire tree down, cut paracord, open food packages, and most anything else you can think of.
That's the major things, and full retail on the high end of things comes to about $1,270 total. And, I could get by with just the 119 and a head lamp if I had to, but it's shiny and I like knives and flashlights, so whatever. That sleeping bag is on the very high end of things, and that's an expensive tent for its size.
You still need small items... personally I like to carry chap stick, paracord, wet wipes, a hotel shampoo bottles worth of dishwashing liquid, toothbrush that is half size, toothpaste obviously, sunglasses, BUG SPRAY, dental floss, and that's about it. I've also recently started using the trekking poles, thought they were gay at first but they really help your back.
If truck camping, alot of this flies out the window, you can get away with much cheaper. Once you start strapping stuff to your back its a whole different thing. You can get a cheap sleeping bag and tent because they're heavier and it won't matter and you don't need a backpack. All the above with extra cold weather clothes, food, and water, weighs 42 pounds. That's usually about as much as you want, less is better. With a truck it don't matter.