Budget Hiking Gear for Under $50!

The actual act of hiking is usually free. But in order to get your prepared self to that trailhead, you're looking at transportation costs, park fees, backcountry permits, and an assortment of basic gear to keep you safe and comfortable. This can really start to add up – especially with the rising cost of living lately. So I've assembled a list of 9 budget hiking gear items that pack a punch, without breaking the bank. I've incorporated the best hiking and backpacking gear for under $50. Here's what I think every budget-conscious backpacker should check out. 

Budget Hiking Gear #1: Arcade Adventure Belt

A happy accident brought me to the Arcade Belt. I was heading off to do some Grand Canyon Winter Backpacking when I realized that I forgot my standard belt. There was nothing particularly special about it, I just needed something to keep my trousers in place. So I bolted into a gear shop en route and picked up this stretchy, elastic webbing replacement for $32. Aside from being lightweight and malleable, the main reason I love Arcade's belts is because they don't create pain points when pushed on by a heavy backpack. A non-hiking belt, especially a chunky leather one, digs into the hips under the weight and pressure of a fully-loaded bag. 

Budget Hiking Gear #2: A Compact Scraper

The cheapest item on this entire list ($5.95), is a Scraper from GSI. If you're committed to Cooking Delicious Backpacking Meals then you're going to have to deal with dishes around the campsite. This is a worthwhile trade off to not just eating dehydrated food all the time, and a reusable scraper makes cleaning up a lot easier. All you need to do is add a bit of water to your soiled pots and pans and scrape off all the plaque. Unpacking dirty dishes the following day is precisely zero fun, so add this tiny tool to your kit for a more enjoyable, hygienic experience. 

Budget Hiking Gear #3: Lifestraw Squeeze Water Bottle/Filter

A personal favorite water filter of mine is the Lifestraw Peak Series Squeeze Water Filter. I have the 650ml and the 1L versions. Both ring in at under $50 (i.e. $38 and $44 respectively). There are other collapsible water filters on the market, but the biggest reason I prefer this over the Katadyn BeFree or the Sawyer Squeeze is the water bottle (or rather, water bag) itself. It's thicker, and therefore more durable. Thinner might mean a hair lighter, but that also brings vulnerability to pinprick holes and general wear and tear.

Some YouTube commenters have pointed out that one of the Lifestraw's weaknesses is that the water has to funnel through an extended piece of plastic (rather than just go through the filter directly), but I haven't found that to be a problem at all. By folding the half empty bottle, the water flows into the extended filter shaft and you can get pretty much every ounce out with every batch. At 3.2 and 3.9 ounces, you cannot go wrong with the LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Filters. 

Budget Hiking Gear #4: BioLite HeadLamp325

All backpackers should have a headlamp on them, even if you're just doing a day trip (you never know what can happen). The trick is to balance weight, cost, and effectiveness. Well, the Biolite 325 Lumen Headlamp checks all these boxes. It weighs a feathery 1.75 ounces (50g) and kicks off 325 lumens, all for only $49.95. This headlamp is also USB rechargeable. It has a 3-hour capacity, but that's for full output. It can run longer at a reduced brightness. Unless you're navigating or doing some technical hiking at night, you definitely don't need to have this headlamp, or any one, for that matter, running at full strength all the time. Dim that sucker around camp and it will greatly increase its lifespan. 

Budget Hiking Gear #5: Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case

Matador is a cool backpacking/travel accessory company. Their Flatpack Pro Soap Case from Matador is one of those little things that solves a silly but nagging problem. I'm not a fan of bringing deodorant, colognes, or any of that superficial stuff into the backcountry. If I just have a source of running water and a bit of biodegradable soap, then I'm a happy camper. The problem is, bottles of soap can leak, and if left in a ziplock bag, those little bars become super gunky. Matador's soap case allows moisture to actually vent out, while also remaining leak-proof. So consider this gizmo as a way to transport your lightweight, eco-friendly soaps. 

Budget Hiking Gear #6: UCO Collapsible Camp Cup

I've been using the older, lidless version of UCO Collapsible Camp Cup and have really been digging it. So a lid can only make it better. And if it doesn't…well, ditch the lid and you'll still be super satisfied with this packable beauty. Don't discount the power of a hot cup of coffee in the morning and/or herbal tea in the evening. These things can be a big morale boost in the cooler temperatures at the bookends of the day, especially on either side of a taxing hike. Uco's eco cup is a luxury item, yes. But it's much more packable than those aluminum/tin camp cups (and it doesn't get nearly as hot to the touch, while still keeping your drink well insulated). 

Budget Hiking Gear #7: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow 

I've become wierdly passionate about backpacking pillows. I used to just rough it out there – shoving dirty clothes into my sleeping bag case as a makeshift headrest. But the more miles I log, the more I embrace the necessity of sleep. The Aeros ultralight pillow from Sea to Summit, weighs next to nothing (since it's inflatable), packs down tight, and makes a world of difference in regards to my sleep quality. They also make a down version, for a little extra comfort/warmth, but the standard one has worked wonderfully for me, and costs only $44. 

Budget Hiking Gear #8: Grip6 Hiking Socks

A great pair of hiking socks is worth 10 times its weight in gold. I've recently come across the Utah-based company, Grip6. Their merino wool crew sock is only $19, which is cheaper than a lot of the competitors out there. I hike hard, and have a tendency to wear holes in most of my socks. But my Grip6 ones have stood the test of time. If you read my list of Day Hiking Essentials for Beginner Hikers, then you know how important technical hiking socks are. Cotton will leave you treating blisters and hotspots until the cows come home. Make the switch to something synthetic, or better yet, wool. 

Budget Hiking Gear #9: Hillsound PackStack Pro Storage Cubes

These $35 packing cubes are contoured to fit perfectly in a backpack, and are waterproof for extra protection on the trail. I've sung the praises of Packsack Pro from Hillsound before, but when talking about simple, high-value backpacking items, this one has to get some more limelight. It helps me keep my clothes organized, and I'm able to stash my camera equipment in there too. The clothes provide the cushioning, and the waterproof cover provides that extra peace of mind. Sure, it's not quite as seam-sealed as a full-on dry bag, but the PackStack Pro will certainly keep most water out, especially when buried deep in your backpack. 

That's my highlight reel of low-cost, high-utility hiking gear. These nine items are light and packable, and with price tags under $50, total no-brainers to add into the mix. If you're looking for even more fun stuff to enrich your next backpacking adventure, Don't Overlook This Backpacking Gear. 

As always, head on over to BackpackingTV for more gear reviews, how-to rundowns, and epic trail documentaries. 

Thanks to Our Sponsor, Mystery Ranch

If you've been following along with BackpackingTV and In4Adventure.com, then you've seen me rave about my various Mystery Ranch backpacks. They make industry-leading bags for day-hiking, multi-day treks, heavy-duty expeditions, hunting, military operations, and more. Whatever category you fall into, if you're looking for durability, comfort, and performance, then Mystery Ranch has you covered. Head on over to MysteryRanch.com for more information. 

Gear Reviewed: 
– Arcade Belt
– Scraper from GSI
– Lifestraw Peak Series Squeeze Water Filter
– Biolite 325 Lumen Headlamp
– Flatpack Pro Soap Case from Matador
– UCO Collapsible Camp Cup
– Aeros ultralight pillow from Sea to Summit
– Packsack Pro from Hillsound