I Found the Best Backpacking Gear on Amazon For You

Gear in this video:

I've spent the last six months searching Amazon for backpacking gear that would work for people who want to go on real backpacking trips, who want to trust their gear, without spending a lot of money. I have made three different videos documenting the gear I've put to the test, each time trying to improve the quality of the gear. It all started with a simple idea: most backpackers are not interested in spending a small fortune on good backpacking gear. I've heard from many people who are frustrated that most YouTubers, myself included, only review super expensive gear. So I gave myself a challenge, to scour Amazon to find a quality backpacking set up, tent, backpack, sleeping bag, mattress, stove, cookpot, headlamp, and more, all for under $500 dollars.
This video highlights the gear that has been the best.

Many of the above links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to support creators you enjoy!

[MyChannel-vmdw]

Eric just gotta say I've seen a ton of "from Amazon " gear videos and yours stand out because of how well you explain your pros and cons. AND you offer alternative choices BOTH above and below the price points. Keep this series going.

[chrismoore]

I agree with your choices. I have been backpacking for 44 years and have stayed on the budget side of equipment. I'm not an ultralight guy but I don't carry a cast iron pan. I love showing people that they can have fun on the trail without breaking the bank. Well done sir.

[itsmeLori]

Appreciate that you not only took a look but really put these to the test and showed us along the way. It’s been fun to watch this ‘series’ if you call it that, we were also able to see some of your epic trips too

[miyun]

Really appreciate pros making videos like this! It really gives me the impetus to actually go solo dispersed camping without having the fanciest/best gear.

[jdr]

No one else is doing this. Esp ones with monetary incentives. Kudos to you dude! Thank u!

[AuthenticBiker]

I clicked on this video so that I could recommend it to my son and we could talk about some inexpensive gear he can gather since he's just now getting into hiking, camping, and even edging in on survival methods. Thanks for the great review on specifically less expensive products. Also, I've been using the elements hydration and the electrolyte booster since you recommended it a while back. My dad who is 79, myself at 54 and my son-in-law in his thirties, all started using this after our first day of a pretty extreme elk hunt after we woke up cramping. Taking one a day stopped the cramps all together for the remainder of the trip. Thanks for the great recommendations!

[adventure_hannah]

Seeing my stove, the A02, on Eric's channel absolutely made me crack up. I bought one for $8 at a military surplus store 7 years ago to reduce my weight from the MSR Whisperlite I'd used for years prior. I've taken my A02 stove on 11 backpacking trips in all 4 seasons, across six states, and will be taking it on a week-long backpacking adventure. It's durable, repairable, and reliable. I love it and will vouch for it!

[barbara]

Hey! My husband and I have been using the Paria Recharge XL for $85 (4.6 Rvalue) for 4 years now and it is still going strong. We go camping pretty much every weekend, even in the winter, and we have stayed comfortable and warm. I also LOVE my Paria 15 degree quilt for $150. I have been using that for 2 years in the mountains of VA. I hope this helps anyone that's on a budget =)

[dadassery]

I’ve really enjoyed this series. Super helpful, and weirdly validating for some of the choices I’ve made. Your blend of longer form trips and shorter gear stuff makes your channel really valuable to me and others I’m sure. Your friends deserve the same credit

[kotaisoutside]

I really enjoy the direction of your channel. I find channels like mylifeoutdoors and Dan beckers channel are just guys saying "your doing everything wrong, and im the best and have the best gear and the most knowledge." It doesn't feel like a creator respecting their audience.

As an experienced hiker, climber and alpine climber i still have a great time watching your films Eric and i feel the general enjoyment you have hiking and exploring new gear. I also really enjoy the hiking footage as a photographer i really apreceate the quality of the shots and your creativity.

Thanks for this series and all the others! Happy hiking!

[MattVHulst]

You must've overloaded featherstone. This tent has been out of stock since you made your first video on it. Hope they give you a nice sales bonus! Thanks for the videos Eric

[brentperron]

I see above someone already suggested it but Hikenture released a 6.2 R for 100cad (i got it 80 on sale) and it honestly has worked quite well!

Thanks again as always for checking out more affordable/reasonable gear! We appreciate it Eric!! 👍

[diverjake]

Love seeing pro backpackers doing budget gear reviews!! Thanks bro!

[zrs]

i had been a close follower of Darwin On The Trail in his youtube prime and i loved his budget gear reviews. im so happy to see you take up that torch and vet some new budget gear options for the 2024/25 seasons.

[tcf]

I use the "mystery string" to hang camp socks... This is my first tent and it definitely won't be my last. Thanks for being a great source of information while I start this journey.

[HikeWithDeb]

I bought that exact Teton when I first started backpacking five years ago and didn't want to spend too much money "to start". Five years later, it's still going strong and I still absolutely LOVE it. It's been all over the WCT, ECT, and many more 8-10 day trips! Part of me wants to buy a lighter pack, but I just love the organization, durability and fit of that pack.For reference, I'm 5'3" with "decent hips" lol. It fits really great

[TheJetJJ]

I love the LMNT sample pack. Don’t tell them I just gave the unflavored to my horse that was having dehydration issues. Vet was out at 10pm for him, today he got lmnt instead 😮😊

[calebe]

I finally started to put together my first camping kit and money is definitely the biggest problem.
Maybe this goes as a good tip:
I got the Naturehike 650ml titanium pot for 21 euros. The Toaks 750ml was 35 euros here.
Mine also has a handle that allows one to hang the pot if necessary.
And it easily fits 100g gas canister, lighter and BRS3000T inside.

[michaelchambers]

Miranda just hung your 'missing cup' on her Christmas Tree in her holiday video 😂😂

[Berttheturt]

I love the BRS 3000T! So cheap, so light, and i love how you can really crank the output down low so you can simmer (way better than my friend's pocket rocket)