5 Best Budget-Friendly Gear Picks for Hikers in 2025

5 Best Budget-Friendly Gear Picks for Hikers in 2025

 

If you’re itching to explore the trails without draining your bank account, you’re in the right place. Quality gear is essential for comfort and safety, but you don’t have to fork over a fortune to find it. In fact, some of the best trips start with a sturdy budget pack and a stubborn desire for adventure (plus a decent granola bar). This list covers 5 essential pieces of budget hiking gear for 2025—including the all-important trekking poles, trusty hydration packs, and reliable hiking boots. Prepare to gear up and head out for less!

Common misconceptions about budget hiking gear:

• Budget gear is always low quality. In reality, there are many durable and reliable options at affordable price points.
• You need the most expensive gear to enjoy hiking. Comfort and safety can be achieved with affordable alternatives.
• Budget gear is only for beginners. Experienced hikers often choose budget gear for specific trips or tasks.

Backpacks

Choosing the Right Size

Backpack sizes are measured in liters, and size matters almost as much as your snack selection. Here’s what fits:

• Day hikes: 10-20 liters
• Weekend trips: 30-50 liters
• Multi-day trips: 50-80 liters
• Thru-hikes: 50-70 liters (lightweight preferred)

Day Hiking (1-4 hours to a full day): 10 to 30 Liters

For most day hikes, a backpack in the 10 to 30-liter range is the go-to choice.

10-20 Liters: These are ideal for short, half-day hikes in predictable weather. They offer enough space for the essentials: a water bottle or hydration reservoir, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.

20-30 Liters: This is the most popular and versatile size for full-day hikes. This capacity provides ample room for all the essentials, plus extra layers of clothing, a more substantial lunch, and potentially some specialized gear like trekking poles or a camera.

Overnight & Weekend Trips (1-3 nights): 30 to 50 Liters

When your hiking plans extend beyond a single day, you'll need a larger pack to carry sleeping gear and more food.

 

30-40 Liters: This size is suitable for a single overnight trip in mild weather, especially for minimalist packers. It can accommodate a lightweight sleeping bag, a compact sleeping pad, a small shelter, and food for two days.

40-50 Liters: This is the sweet spot for most weekend hiking trips. It offers enough volume for a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, and food for two to three days without being overly cumbersome.

Multi-Day & Expedition Backpacking (3-5+ nights): 50 to 70+ Liters

For longer treks into the backcountry, a more substantial backpack is necessary to carry the increased amount of food, fuel, and gear required.

50-60 Liters: This is a popular choice for multi-day trips lasting from three to five nights. It provides the necessary space for all your camping gear, extra clothing for varying weather conditions, and a more extensive food supply.

70+ Liters: These larger expedition-style packs are designed for longer trips of a week or more, winter camping with bulkier gear, or for those who need to carry gear for others (such as parents with young children).

What are the standard backpack volume recommendations in liters for various trips? The above guidelines offer a general starting point, though personal gear systems may vary.

 

Factors Influencing Your Backpack Choice:

Beyond the duration of the hike, several other factors will influence the ideal backpack size:

• Gear Size and Weight: Ultralight backpackers with compact gear can often use a smaller pack than those with more traditional, bulkier equipment.
• Weather and Season: Colder weather requires more and bulkier clothing and gear, necessitating a larger pack.
• Personal Packing Style: Some hikers prefer to be prepared for every contingency and pack more, while others take a more minimalist approach.
• Resupply Points: If your long-distance trail has opportunities to resupply food and other consumables, you may be able to opt for a smaller pack.

Budget-Friendly Backpack Recommendation

There are several highly-rated backpacks under $100 known for their durability and value. Look for padded straps, a breathable back panel, and expandable pockets for organization. For our current top picks, see our full gear collection.

 

Hiking Boots/Shoes

The Right Footwear (Under $150)

If you only invest in one piece of quality gear, make it your footwear. Wearing your old gym sneakers on a rocky trail is a fast track to rolled ankles, shredded heels, and a miserable time. Your number one goal is to walk off the trail feeling accomplished, not crawling back to the trailhead with your feet looking like boiled lasagna.

 

 

For 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Excellent, durable hiking footwear can be found for under $150. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

 

The Big Debate: Trail Runners vs. Hiking Boots

First, decide on your style. Each has its loyal fans, and the right choice depends on your hiking preference and typical terrain.

• Trail Runners: These are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. They're perfect for hikers who prioritize speed and agility or those who want less weight on their feet. The tradeoff is less ankle support and protection from rugged terrain.
• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, supportive, and built for abuse, boots offer superior protection and durability on rough, uneven trails. However, they’re heavier, less breathable, and can take a long time to dry out after a deep creek crossing.

 

What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Pair

Whether you choose trail runners or boots, here are the key features to look for:

• A Grippy Outsole: Look for deep, aggressive lugs that provide excellent traction on dirt, mud, and rock.
• A Supportive Midsole: This is the shoe's shock absorption. A good midsole protects your joints from impact.
• Ankle Support (Your Call): High-top boots offer more stability, which many hikers love for rocky trails or when carrying a heavy pack. For others, they can feel restrictive. Trust your ankles on this one.
• Waterproofing (Recommended): If you hike anywhere with rain, snow, or surprise puddles, waterproof shoes are a lifesaver. Look for gear with a Gore-Tex (GTX) or similar waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry and blister-free.

Pro Tips for Footwear Success

• Break Them In! Never take brand-new shoes on a long trail. Wear them around the house, on walks around the block, or on grocery store laps. If they give you blisters on mile one, imagine mile ten.
• Upgrade Your Socks & Gaiters: The best shoes are useless with bad socks. Ditch the cotton and invest in merino wool socks that wick moisture and prevent blisters. For extra protection from pebbles and dirt, grab a pair of gaiters.

Tents

Tent Types and Considerations

Your tent is your backcountry palace, your fortress against mosquitoes with personal vendettas, and the only thing standing between you and a very, very dewy wakeup call. While it's easy to find tents that cost more than a used car, we're here to tell you that for 2025, you can get a fantastic shelter for under $200.

 

Choosing Your Main Hiking Tent

This is your planned home-away-from-home. Your goal is to find a tent that won't feel like you're dragging a small boulder up the mountain. Balancing weight, weather protection, and your sanity is key.

• Dome Tents: The trusty ol' dome. They're popular for a reason—easy to set up (usually) and they don’t collapse if a strong breeze looks at them funny.
• A-Frame Tents: The classic your grandpa probably used. They can be lightweight, but they're not always the best choice in a dramatic, movie-style windstorm.
• Tunnel Tents: These offer palatial space for their weight but can turn into a giant, flappy kite if you pitch them sideways in a gale. User error is a powerful force.
• A Word on Popup Tents: Ah, the popup tent. A master of convenience in a car campground, a master of comedy on a hiking trail. Unless you plan on strapping a giant, fabric frisbee to your back for ten miles, leave this one for the music festivals.

 

The Lifesaver: Your Emergency "Oops" Shelter

 

Okay, listen up. This is the best $16 you'll ever spend on something you hope to never, ever use. An emergency shelter isn’t for a pleasant night of stargazing. It’s a super-lightweight safety net for when your day hike goes sideways.

• What is this wizardry? It’s basically a human-sized, reflective Hot Pocket sleeve. Usually made of Mylar, it comes as a bivvy (a sack) or a tube tent. It weighs next to nothing, packs down to the size of a burrito, and works by reflecting your own body heat back at you.
• Why carry one? Because for the price of a few fancy coffees, you get a portable survival cocoon that can save you from turning into a human-sized popsicle if you get lost or injured.
• The Bottom Line: It's not comfy. It's not glamorous. You will rustle like a bag of potato chips every time you move. But it is infinitely better than shivering uncontrollably while composing your last will and testament on a soggy leaf.

For a tiny investment, you get serious peace of mind. We found the perfect one—it's waterproof, thermal, and bright orange so rescuers can easily spot you. Add this essential piece of survival gear to your pack today.

--> Get the Emergency Survival Bag here at our store!

Our 2025 Recommendation

For your main tent, your back will thank you for keeping the weight under 4 lbs. For your emergency shelter, just get one—any highly-rated, compact model will do. Updated reviews will have the best options for 2025, and you can find our favorite reliable picks in our gear collection. Now go forth and sleep soundly!

Sleeping Bags and Pads

Temperature Ratings and Insulation

When the night gets chilly, a good sleeping bag can make the difference between a dreamy wilderness snooze and a long night of regretting life choices. Here’s what to know:

• Summer: 30°F (or higher)
• Spring/Fall: 20-30°F
• Winter: 15°F (or lower)

Down insulation: Lightweight and highly compressible, but often pricier.
Synthetic insulation: Less expensive, maintains warmth when wet, though bulkier.

 

Recommended sleeping bag temperature ratings: Match your bag’s comfort rating to the lowest expected night-time temperature.

Budget-Friendly Sleeping Bag and Pad Recommendations

Many sleeping bags and pads under $100 deliver surprising warmth-to-weight ratios for budget explorers. Seek out compact, lightweight models with solid insulation and check our latest affordable picks in the camping sleep system collection.

Cooking System

The Backcountry Kitchen (Under $50)

Nothing beats a hot meal after a long day of hiking. It’s the difference between shivering while eating a squashed granola bar and enjoying a culinary masterpiece of rehydrated chili mac. For 2025, you can assemble a complete, budget-friendly cooking system for under $50 that's both lightweight and reliable.

First, Choose Your Fire: Stove Options

• Canister Stoves: These are the champs of convenience. You screw on a fuel canister, turn the valve, flick a lighter, and voila—a tiny, roaring flame that sounds like a miniature jet engine. They're simple, fast, and great for most trips.
• Liquid Fuel Stoves: These are the workhorses for serious, long-distance, or winter adventures. They are more fuel-efficient and work better in the cold, but they are bulkier and require a bit more practice to operate.

For most budget-conscious hikers, a simple and affordable canister stove is the perfect place to start.

Our Budget-Friendly Cooking System Picks

A great cook set starts with the right gear. In our own gear shop, we've sourced everything you need to build the perfect, affordable kit.

• The Stove: We love this ultralight folding canister stove. It's tiny, weighs next to nothing, and gets the job done without any fuss, making it one of our top budget picks.
• The Cook Pot: Next, you need something to cook in. We stock a few killer options depending on your hiking style:
• For the Solo Hiker: This all-in-one pot with orange handles is perfect. These integrated systems are efficient, and everything (including a small fuel canister) nests neatly inside.
• For Pairs or Versatility: The stainless steel nesting mess kit is a classic. You get multiple pots and bowls, so you can boil water for a drink while your food is simmering. It's a great deal for a multi-piece set.
• For Groups: This bright green hanging pot is ideal for cooking larger meals or melting snow on winter trips.

Ready to build your backcountry kitchen? We handpicked these items for their value and reliability. Check them out in our Camp Kitchen  collection!

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