Budget Hiking Kit
You don’t have to spend big to go big on the trail.
We’re all about helping people get outside, and sometimes the best way to do that is by focusing on affordable gear. If you’re new to hiking or sticking to a budget, you don’t need pricey, highly technical products to have a great day in the woods. With that in mind, we’ve done the research and testing to find hiking equipment that balances performance, durability, and affordability. The gear here will serve you well on established trails and in reasonable weather, no matter if you’re just starting out or well into your hiking career.
Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX ($120)
Osprey Daylite ($70)
Columbia Watertight II ($90)
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie ($60)
REI Co-op Trailmade ($80)
REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie ($149)
Mountainsmith Dolomite 7075 OLS ($30)
LifeStraw Peak Series Solo ($30)We prefer nimble hiking shoes to clunkier boots for non-technical day hikes, and the Skychaser AX5 delivers waterproofing and solid traction in a sneaker-like design. It’s heavier than other, more expensive options, but the value is hard to beat.
You won’t find a plethora of pockets or features on the Daylite, but it won’t break the bank. This pack’s simple design still offers enough storage for short to moderate day hikes, and its burly build will keep it on your back for plenty of hiking seasons.
The most appealing aspect of the Watertight II is its price for a waterproof shell, though we also appreciate its adjustability and the comfort of its 2-layer design. You’ll want something more robust for an extended time in the rain, but it’ll keep you dry if an unexpected sprinkle rolls in.
While hiking in a T-shirt is perfectly fine, we prefer sun hoodies for their versatility and UV protection. The Sahara Shade is a longtime favorite, and is an affordable and quality option that keeps your skin safe while you spend the day basking in the sun.
The Trailmade has a clean silhouette and supple material that works for all kinds of outdoor activities. Its thin fabric is breathable for warm-weather hikes, and though it won’t stand up to much bushwhacking, it’ll be all you need for moderate outings on established trails.
Comfort & Mobility
Durability
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Sustainability
REI, a bastion of affordable gear, somehow manages to price the 650 Down Hoodie at less than half the cost of the competition. It’s not the warmest or most weather-resistant puffy, but it’s great for staying toasty on moderately cold hikes.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
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Even if you’re sticking to casual hikes on easy trails, trekking poles can help minimize injury and boost your hiking longevity. At $30 for one or $60 for a pair, the Dolomite is a value-oriented option that, while heavier than most, grants plenty of stability and can take a beating thanks to its 7075 aluminum construction.
Sustainability
The Peak Series Solo turns nearly any lake or stream into a drinkable water source. You’ll have to supply your own compatible bottle or reservoir, but its pocket-sized shape and wallet-friendly price make it a no-brainer addition to your hiking setup.
How We Built the Budget Hiking Kit
Hiking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get outside. It’s also one of the least expensive: You don’t need highly specialized (and costly) gear like you do for some other outdoor activities, like climbing, skiing, or even car camping. However, that doesn’t mean that you should buy or use products that don’t perform well on the trail. Yes, you can certainly pull off a hike in Vans and a cotton T-shirt, but that’s going to leave you prone to sore feet and a sweaty back.
This kit focuses on recommending gear that can handle real-world outdoor use without breaking the bank. There are some tradeoffs (primarily in comfort and durability), so we advise against a gritty cross-country expedition through dense brush. But as long as you stick to defined, well-groomed routes, our picks will elevate your experience on the trail while keeping your bank account happy. After all, hiking is even better when you’re not sweating over paying for extra snacks or a post-trailhead beer.
Even if you’re just getting into hiking, you’re probably aware of one of the sport’s most debated choices—hiking boots or shoes. Each category has its fervent supporters: Proponents of the classic hiking boot love the stability and ankle-bolstering support, while those who favor hiking shoes appreciate their lightweight comfort, minimal break-in period, and responsiveness (as well as the savings). We fall firmly in the latter camp, and if you’re a beginner staying mostly on established trails and carrying day-hike-sized loads, then we think you’ll appreciate a hiking shoe as well.
One of the most affordable options worth considering is the Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5. It’s built with a grippy Continental rubber outsole that won’t slip on most rocks and dirt, and a Gore-Tex membrane will keep your feet dry in light rain or when you splash through small puddles. You’ll notice the weight underfoot more than with lighter hiking shoes, but the EVA foam midsole adds cushioning to each step. If you’re looking for something lighter—perhaps you want to get into more long-distance hiking, or you prefer a more nimble stride—the Altra Lone Peak 9 weighs about half a pound less. However, you also lose some cushioning compared to the Skychaser, which reduces overall comfort. (If the Skychaser AX5’s waterproofing feels like overkill, there’s a non-Gore-Tex version for $20 less.)
If you’re hell-bent on a hiking boot, though—maybe you want to get footwear that you can push into light backpacking duty—the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is our budget pick. A longstanding crowd favorite, it’s reasonably priced at $170 (though still pricier than a budget hiking shoe), offers decent traction on steep and muddy surfaces, and is relatively light at 2 pounds, 2.9 ounces for a pair. It also has a leather upper, which will provide plenty of durability. You might want to level up from the Moab 3 or the Skychaser at some point as you refine your hiking style and favorite terrain to trek through, but they’re both great options for starting out.
While you can hit the trail with a drawstring bag or a Jansport backpack, it’s worth investing in a dedicated hiking daypack. They’re made with stronger materials, offer more functional storage layouts, and provide better support and comfort. Packs may seem like a big-ticket purchase, but there are several impressive budget options on the market.
Osprey is one of the most recognizable manufacturers of outdoor backpacks, and its $70 Daylite model offers great value. Its ribbed backpanel and padded harness provide a supportive, breathable feel, while the burly construction—it’s made with 300-denier nylon, with a 600-denier nylon bottom—can handle bumps and scrapes on your travels. You’ll want to pack smart, given its small 13-liter capacity and no-frills layout (there’s only one external pocket, two water bottle sleeves, and the main compartment), but it’s more than capable for mild-to-moderate treks. Plus, having a pack this small will prevent you from overpacking, a mistake that’s easy to make. (Make sure you bring the 10 essentials, though.)
If you want more space and organization, consider the $10 upgrade to the Osprey Daylite Plus. It adds an additional dorsal zippered pocket, a shove-it pocket, and seven extra liters of capacity. You’ll also find EVA foam padding integrated into its harness for extra structure and a more robust carry. Otherwise, the REI Co-op Flash 22 ($60) will save you even more cash, but its thin 70-denier material and lack of a framesheet negatively impact its long-term durability and comfort.
There are several advantages to wearing a hooded sun shirt when hiking over, say, your typical cotton t-shirt. They provide better sun protection while remaining light and moisture-wicking, helping keep you cool even on hot summer days. The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is not only our budget pick but one of the best options around. It blocks virtually all UV rays with its UPF 50+ material, feels soft against the skin, and is incredibly durable—we’ve worn it for well over 100 days outside, and it’s still going strong. Not to mention its uber-inclusive size range, all for the same $50 price. Lighter, perhaps trendier options like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody ($65) exist, but the Sahara’s value is undeniable.
For hiking pants, we like the REI Co-op Trailmade for friends trying to save a few bucks. Its thin build limits its lifespan somewhat (especially if you frequently take it off-trail), but we’re impressed with its fit and versatility. These all-purpose pants are capable of handling long days both on the trail and on the rock face. Fans of convertible pants will appreciate the $90 REI Co-op Sahara Convertible. Or you can go even cheaper with the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility. You can often find it for well below its $60 MSRP, but we hesitate to give it our full endorsement given its lackluster comfort, even lower durability, and overall cheap build.
We’ve all been there: You reach the trailhead excited to get outside, only to find that the warm, sunny day you expected has been usurped by a sudden shift to rain clouds and cold temperatures. Even if you mostly stick to summer hiking at low elevations, it’s always a good idea to pack extra layers in case of an unexpected temperature drop or sudden downpour. This is also one apparel area where it’s surprisingly easy to rack up a hefty bill.
Luckily, there are plenty of solid options at a fraction of the price. Again, it’s hard to beat the value of REI’s in-house lineup, this time with the brand’s 650 Down Hoodie. Not surprisingly, its biggest limitation is warmth (we wouldn’t recommend it for temps below 45 degrees), but considering most other down jackets cost $200-plus, it’s an easy tradeoff. The $185 Rab Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket is a pricier (but still reasonable) alternative that features synthetic insulation, which does a better job keeping you warm when wet and can handle more abuse. (You can learn more about this in our article on the differences between synthetic and down jackets.)
As someone new to hiking, we don’t expect you to head out in a torrential downpour. But for light showers, the $75 Columbia Watertight II will keep you dry. You can cinch down the openings for a more watertight fit, and it packs into one of its pockets for easy storage in your daypack. That said, if you live in a wet environment like the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want a more performance-oriented shell like the REI Co-op Rainier. It’ll cost you an extra $25, but its 2.5-layer design is lighter and more protective, and it adds pit zips for improved ventilation. Taken together, our two picks here add up to $204, or less than a third of our Editors’ Picks Hiking Kit picks in this category. Hopefully, you can put those savings toward gas money for your future adventures.
Trekking poles aren’t a necessity, especially if you're sticking to mellow, well-trodden trails. But if you find yourself venturing out on longer routes in steeper, off-camber terrain—or just prefer having more points of contact with the ground—poles can noticeably improve your time on the trail and help prevent twisted ankles. At $30 ($60 for a pair), it’s hard to beat the value of the Mountainsmith Dolomite 7075 OLS. You’re not getting the same weight savings as premium picks, but its telescoping design can fit hikers of all heights, and it comes with tip replacements as well as removable snow and hiking baskets, saving you the hassle (and cash) of buying them later. The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles ($80 for two) cut 3 ounces off the Dolomite, and their EVA foam grips are more durable—though at the expense of comfort.
With how affordable, portable, and easy to use the LifeStraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter is, it’s a no-brainer to bring along on the trail. Sure, you probably won’t need to pull it out on short, easy hikes, but it’s a great way to shave weight on longer treks (remember: 1 liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds), and on the off chance your bottle runs dry, it can be a lifesaver. There’s also something about filtering water from a lake or stream that makes your hike feel that much more adventurous. Its 28-millimeter thread fits most standard water bottles, but if you need something compatible with the larger 42-millimeter openings found on most soft-sided flasks, look to the Hydrapak Filter Cap.
Is the Budget Hiking Kit for You?
We built the Budget Hiking Kit to give beginners and thrifty hikers everything they need for a successful trail outing (minus snacks, of course). None of the products we’ve recommended will set you back too much, but all of them will enhance your hiking experience. If you’re new to the activity, trying to save a few bucks, or looking to round out your current setup, this kit is for you.
Curious about our absolute favorite pieces of hiking gear? Check out our Editors’ Picks Kit.
If you’re looking for more specialized products for more technical outings, visit our Peak Bagger Hiking Kit or Fast-and-Light Hiking Kit.
And finally, if you’re hitting the trail before hitting the pavement, our Trail-to-Town Hiking Kit has got you covered.
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