Backpacking on a Budget

Backpacking offers many benefits… from keeping us fit and healthy, to allowing us to experience things which have the potential to enrich our lives. Unfortunately, it can also be a very expensive endeavor… especially for those just starting out. A prospective backpacker can easily spend over a thousand dollars when purchasing his or her pack and all of the goodies to fill it. For many, the investment required can be prohibitive. Whether out of necessity or by choice, it is possible to acquire all of the gear required without breaking your budget.

Let’s take a look at some options for getting geared-up “on the cheap”:

Yard Sales:  You may have to invest a couple of weekend mornings, but yard sales are often an excellent source of backpacking and camping gear. It’s best to do a little research before heading out so you don’t spend all day sorting through baby clothes and used paperbacks. Most people advertise their upcoming yard sales in the classifieds or through online sites such as Craigslist. Find the ones that have what you’re looking for and then head out early to beat the crowds.

Craigslist:  This is a great way to find more specific pieces of equipment. Simply type in a search for the item you’re looking for and you then have a list to choose from. Another benefit of Craigslist is that you have the ability to haggle… so go ahead, make an offer!

eBay:  Yet another great online option to score the deal of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a new or used item, eBay probably has it. While generally not one of the cheapest places to find gear, you very well may score big here. Just be wary of shipping charges.

Thrift stores:  From that expensive pair of hiking pants to the perfect lightweight cook-set, it’s hard to beat thrift stores for huge savings. The trick here is to visit often, as they usually have a fast turn-over of merchandise (you didn’t think you were the only one looking for a great buy did ya?). This is probably one of the biggest money saving options of all. I once scored a nice North Face pack for 3 dollars at a local thrift store!

“Hand-me-downs”:  Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a co-worker, someone you know may have some gear just lying around in the basement that they no longer use and would be eager to part with… just ask.

DIY:  Personally, this is my favorite option of all. With a little creativity, effort, and practice, you can make anything from simple stuff sacks for your gear, to alcohol burning stoves, all the way to an ultra lightweight tent! One thing you’ll need for more elaborate projects is a sewing machine, as well as the ability to use it (unless of course you can convince someone else to help out). Otherwise, you can get by with basic tools that you probably already have around the house. There’s not much that compares to the satisfaction of carrying a piece of equipment that you made yourself if you ask me.

While these may not be all of the ways that you can backpack for less, it is a good place to start. The point here after all is to be creative. In the end you will find yourself just as well equipped (and with alot more cash left in your wallet) as the person who spent the kid’s college savings on their pack system. Happy bargain hunting!

Backpacking Fishing Gear

   There’s not much that can compare to the sense of tranquility and quiet solitude that I find when standing along the edge of a remote mountain stream watching the currents flow meaningfully along on their never ending journey.  As the sun fades over the mountain tops and the pastel hues of twilight gather in the sky for their all too brief show, my mind is clear.  My senses are filled with only the most basic things which nature provides… perhaps the only things that truly matter.  The whisper of water flowing over rocks worn smooth from the persistence of time.  The crisp clean smells of the forest.  The feeling of the evening air on my skin… cool and damp and invigorating.  I stand fully alive studying the current for the places in which I know a hungry trout will lie in waiting for an evening meal. Searching for the perfect place to make that first cast. This is my meditation.  My religion.

    A huge part of my outdoors experiences are centered around the pursuit of fish.  Whether I am spending a relaxing day out on the boat with family, spending a week in a deer camp with “the guys”, or backpacking into a remote wilderness location; fish are typically part of the equation. While my intention is not always to fish, sometimes an opportunity presents itself which is simply too good to pass up.  With that being said, I like to be prepared.  Sometimes that simply means having a rod and reel combo stashed under the seat in the truck.  Other times, it means a little more planning and fore-thought.

    Whenever I go hiking, whether it is a simple day hike or an extended backpacking trip, I generally carry a compact and lightweight fishing outfit along with my gear. I try to keep it as uncomplicated as possible. Less is more… or so I’ve heard.

    For a rod, I prefer something with an ultra light action and that breaks down to a fairly compact size.  There are a multitude of decent rods on the market that fit the bill.  To keep this simple I’ll just give you a breakdown of what I carry. Quantum’s Xtra-Lite series rods have found a place in my pack for several reasons: they are very packable (down to 16 inches), constructed from sturdy graphite, and have solid and reliable guides. My choice is the 5 ½ footer which does the job well for a variety of species.  The fact that it weighs only a few ounces is a huge plus. I pair this rod up with a Shakespeare Micro Spin reel spooled with 4 pound monofilament line.  For more versatility another good option is to step up to a braided line such as Spiderwire which gives you the benefit of having a low diameter line with a huge increase in breaking strength and abrasion resistance. For example a 3 pound diameter line would afford you 10 pounds of breaking strength! 

    Tackle is always a personal choice, but I’ll give you a list of some of what has worked well for me over the years. I like to have an array of tackle which will cover everything from panfish to trout to bass. For those mountain trout it really doesn’t have to be too complex. Maybe a couple of spinners such as Mepps or Roostertails (size 1 seems the most versatile and effective). I prefer black bodies with silver blades as they have been by far the most effective in my experience. If you like a little variety, pinks and reds seem to call in the fish at times, especially in stained water situations. A small assortment of flies (dry and nymphs) is always good to have along, in combination with a small clear casting bubble for getting them out to where the fish are. For the times when the artificial presentations just aren’t enough I carry a small plastic bottle of salmon eggs as well as a little pouch of Powerbait (the nuggets seem to hold up best here).  For the warmer water species such as bass and bluegills, I carry along an assortment of small plastic. The trick here is to keep it simple. A few 2-3 inch plastic grubs and maybe a couple of tube baits will usually do the job. For terminal tackle it’s tough to beat the gear for making simple slip rigs and/or a basic leader with a split-shot clamped on. A few hooks in size 8-10, some small barrel swivels, and a couple sizes of sliding weights and split shot sinkers are about as complicated as it needs to get here. For an extra bonus “lure” check out the attached video.  A Plano Mini Stowaway is enough to house all the tackle you’ll need.

    After I’ve arrived at base camp I like to ditch the heavy pack and set off down the stream or along the shoreline for some unrestricted fishing; just me, my rod, and the fish. To accomplish this, I strap on my little fanny pack with my tackle, a water bottle, and a few snacks, and away I go. Hopefully to return to camp with some freshly caught fish for the grill. Then maybe a cup of coffee and some quality time staring into the fire while the night settles in around me. Doesn’t get much better than that my friends!

Upcoming Fishing Video Trailer

Here's a sneak peek of an upcoming fishing video that is currently in the works...