Ask An Outfitter: Do you need expensive gear to go hiking?
Gear is a huge part of being able to hike comfortably, but it isn't everything
Hello, fellow crazy outdoor people! Today I have another Ask An Outfitter post. For those who are new here, once a month I will spend some time talking about a specific hiking topic that you all want to know more about. I work as an outfitter and assistant store manager at a local outdoor shop in St. Louis, MO and it is my passion to provide advice on all things hiking related. Whether that be strictly gear focused or directed toward something more open-ended like certain backpacking philosophies and beliefs, I am an open book! If you have a question you would like answered or explored in-depth, please reach out in the comments or at calliehikes@substack.com. It would absolutely make my day.
Alright! Let’s get into the content for today.
A common theme I run into when helping customers is working within their budget parameters. Sometimes it’s not feasible, necessary, or practical for people to drop hundreds of dollars on equipment for a backpacking trip they will go on once in their life only to closet the items for the rest of eternity afterward. However, avid backpackers or experienced thru-hikers can justify spending that much money on gear because they will consistently use it for dozens of seasons or potentially many, many years. Yet, do they always have to?
This begs the question: Do you need expensive gear to go hiking?
In short, no. Theoretically, you can go hiking in converse shoes while carrying a Jansport backpack the whole time and be completely fine. You might be uncomfortable and risk getting blisters or other issues if the hike is really long, but it can be done. Ultimately, you can hike in or with anything.
Check out the queen of backpacking (Thank you Pattie for all that you do)
Different schools of thought
In all honesty, it depends on evaluating your priorities. If having the lightest weight gear possible is the main goal, getting a discounted Kelty Redwing at almost 4 pounds may not be a good pack for you. However, if weight is flexible for you and you are on a tight budget, the Redwing would be an awesome choice! On the flip side, it is possible to obtain the expensive gear you’re after.
Remaining vigilant for certain sales and taking advantage of all REI membership perks (coupons, used gear, dividends, etc. ) are great ways to not break the bank. Also purchasing items that are marked down and passed their season helps as well. Maybe it won’t be the exact color you were hoping for, but it can still be a legit piece of gear!
In the backpacking world, in particular, there are all walks of life out perusing the trails. There’s the guy sporting a fancy Arc'teryx puffy and carrying the latest ultralight Dyneema® Composite Fabric tent inside their customized made-to-order pack. Then there’s the person who’s thru-hiking with everything from Walmart; the rest of backpackers fall somewhere in between. Is either setup the best or worst to hike with? Absolutely not! Everyone’s situation is so different.
Overall advice
When searching for hiking or backpacking gear, I recommend not automatically gravitating straight toward the shinier, more expensive gear at first. Especially if you’re just starting out, it helps to begin constructing you’re preferred system with cheaper gear. Then as you gain more experience and learn more about what kind of adjustments need to be made to maximize you’re time in the backcountry, then you can research and make upgrades.
Before making purchases, evaluate each piece of gear seriously and compare your options. Ask yourself questions like: “What gear will I realistically use?” “Do I just want this item because this person on YouTube said it’s the best?” “Do I need to replace this right now or can it wait?” “What gear will help me reach my goals more efficiently?” “Is there a way to try this gear out before making a final purchase?”
If you’re having issues or are conflicted about things, do your research and really talk to the outfitters at your local outdoor shop. They are a great resource and want nothing more than to nerd out about gear with you. Outfitters should always tell you the truth and should show you all of the options regardless of price to be able to guide you toward the best gear that fits your parameters and budget. If they can’t because their specific inventory doesn’t match what you need, they can always direct you to other places or options.
A note on sustainability
For the sake of the planet, it always is nice to keep sustainability at the forefront of your mind. This means not only looking for used gear options to lessen supply impact but to make smart purchases with the longevity of gear as the main goal. Look for durable gear and research how to repair something when it breaks instead of immediately replacing the item. Rips and tears happen, materials brake down, and rain jackets or rain flies for tents lose their waterproof capabilities over time. This is perfectly normal and in most cases can be an easy fix!
If there’s a bigger problem, like a torn zipper or, in my case where my dogs used my pack as their chew toy, look for more creative options. Some companies like Patagonia and Osprey are great at handling unique repairs in situations like this. Just send in your gear and most of the time they will send it back to you good as new! A lot of outdoor companies are getting better at reducing environmental impact and keeping climate change in mind when manufacturing their products, but it helps to also do your research and understand what the companies you buy from are doing to give back to the outdoors. Be an informed shopper!
For myself, I was the girl who hiked in converse with a cheap day pack from Amazon in the beginning. I’ve also talked about the monster of a seven pound tent I got for my first backpacking trip as well. Sure, I’m no longer using those items anymore, but those experiences shaped and solidified my love for hiking in the first place. The gear served its purpose and that’s all that matters at the end of the day. Cheap or expensive, fancy or trendy, old or new, as long as the gear serves you, nothing else matters.
I hope you enjoyed another post within the Ask An Outfitter series! Do not hesitate to reach out in the comments or at calliehikes@substack.com if you want a specific question answered or a topic covered.
See you all out on the trail!