Solo Backpacking With 100% WALMART Budget Gear (No Online Shopping)

00:00 Walmart Backpacking Challenge: What And Why?
07:33 Tent (Ozark 1p Backpacking Tent)
08:50 Backpack (Slumberjack 65L)
09:35 First Night Camping
12:02 Tent Condensation
13:48 20L Dry Bag and Pack Redundancy
15:11 Wipeout #2: I Don't Like These Shoes
18:09 Why I Chose Sipsey
19:12 The "Big Waterfall" and "Big Tree"
22:56 Sleeping Bag (Firefly! Youth Mummy)
24:04 Total Cost, Weight and Gear Impressions
25:39 Finishing Up The Trail
28:14 *IMPORTANT POST-TRAIL UPDATE: Catastrophic Tent Failure

#backpacking #backpackinggear #budget #budgetgear #budgetbackpackinggear #walmart

* I do NOT accept anything from gear companies. I do not do paid reviews. I do not have any sponsors. All opinions are my own, based on my experiences. I do not plan to ever incorporate sponsorships on this channel in an effort to remain 100% impartial. If I were to accept gear in exchange for a review I would disclose it per FTC regulations.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links in my gear lists and possibly in product links in this video description. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases (doesn't only have to be backpacking gear).

Amazon Affiliate Page: www.DixieAZ.com

WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL & ADVENTURES:

(You can pledge as low as a $1/month to support my upcoming hikes.)

(Purchase an item from my gear wish list. Some of the items may require contacting me for shipping details. See address below.)

*Buy My Book

*ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION:
-Bitcoin (BTC) Wallet: 1PLcRstR4bamTYKpwd9Nzus75WjfjMY6gG

Contact information:
twitter: @homemadeWL
Instagram: homemadewanderlust
PO Box 4192 Opelika, AL 36803

[tessaonthego]

Thank you for making me feel like I belong in the outdoors community. I feel sometimes like I get a side eye for the gear I bring along. It doesn’t have to be expensive to work, and I have to make money stretch as far as possible. I prefer making it work to not getting out there at all.

[raylambert]

My favorite parts are the "kind to animals" moments.

I also tell people that are new to the hobby, don't spend a ton of money until you are certain you want/need something better or lighter or that suits a need. Thanks for showing you don't need to spend a couple of thousand dollars just to get out in the woods.

[sc]

I went on my first backpacking trip there last December. Four guys from work knew of my great longing to give it a try. They helped this old gal across a bunch of water crossings and over some pretty rugged terrain. We hiked in at the end of a rainstorm. The nights dipped into the twenties. I pitched my tiny tent on an incline the first night and spent most it inchworming my way back. We were totally cut off from the world. Sound terrible? Nope. It was one of the best times of my life. Oh. And I’m 56 yo.

[agentkurt]

My husband and I haven’t done any backpacking since our oldest was born, 5.5 years ago. This past weekend we took our 3 kids (5.5, 3, 1.5) on their first camping trip. We kept it simple, went to a park not far from home, did car camping, only stayed one night. And they LOVED it! It reminded me that we don’t have to go deep into the back country to still share this with our kids ❤️ this video is another great reminder!

[davidprather]

I don't know why, but this is one of my favorite videos I've seen about getting out in the woods lately. Beautifully done

[jessicaimes]

My first backpacking tent was an Ozark Trail tent from Walmart. Lightweight, seam sealed, great quality. $70. I’m still using it. Hundreds of miles, multiple nights, rainy weather, temps in the 30s, and it’s still going strong!!

[billheckman]

As an old geezer who has spent a fair amount of time in the woods, I am able to see your video in 3D. Yes it's only 2 dimensional but I truly appreciate the natural beauty you capture. Cabalistic slugs, spiders scampering across your toes, and your feet hiking onward underwater. I'm happy you showed people that you can enjoy a multi day hike on a budget. The world would be a better place if more people slid their fannies down a muddy slope and listened to Barred owls as they fell asleep. That's why we do it, right? Thank you for sharing.

[bexpoking]

I've been hiking alot for the last 18 months and bought 85 to 90% of my gear from Walmart. I have to say so far everything has held up and has made getting into the hobby fit into my budget. Thx for the video Dixie!!!!

[KimberlyGreen]

With the muddy falls, let's rename it the Slipsey Wilderness.
I'm glad you did this challenge. It will be useful for passing along to help people become more comfortable & confident that they can do it in their budget.

[djw]

Hello Dixie, I just wanted to let you know that I Love all of your videos, and My Momma watched them with me. Unfortunately, I lost her January 19th and this brought back a sweet memory with her. I sure miss her every hour. Thank you for another wholesome video. Take care❤️

[ralphjesseman]

This is an excellent video, as it’s not as much educational as it is genuine, a more “ Everyman” type hiking experience . It definitely was more real world, and enjoyable to watch. You seemed to be happy doing it, and as you hiked, your joy for what you do shined through. Thank you!!!

[jasonsoutthere]

My first trekking poles, sleeping bag, and cookset for my first backpacking trip were all purchased at Wal-Mart. I was totally stoked to upgrade to better quality and lighter gear as I got more experienced, but I don't remember ever having real issues with the Wal-Mart gear. A little heavy and bulky, but hey'.

[roryb]

Ozark trail is underrated. I’ve been through many a storm in one, dry and comfortable with its full cover fly and built in tub. No, it’s not light or high tech but it’s reliable.

[annegallagher]

That was really informative, thank you for that!! I hope when the weight lets you do it, that you will take your trail cam (always) with you... even if you filmed nothing the first time, you sure will catch some amazing wildlife in the future and who knows, maybe even a cryptid from the region you are in... Sasquatch the big boss is always watching!!! 😊

[livinlarge]

The shots do not look dumb: great shots of the leaves, trees, stars, fire, creatures...great work!

The leaf floating, the choice of music...all great! That old Disney western music at the end like "Charlie the Cougar" or "The Nashville Coyote"...awesome!

[nickm]

I don't comment much, but I had to here. I've been watching your videos for a while and this one is the best yet. Great production, funny & folksy yet informative and very judicious use of effects. I know that it would take backpackers like me years to be able to take footage like this, and I for one am very glad you do it for us. Thank you - this is a truly fun, slick, informative and yet thoroughly enjoyable video.

[JoachimMoskalewski]

Thanks. Not for this Walmart test, and not explicitly for this tour. But for the passion and effort with which you make videos like this :)

[rvboondocker]

What a terrific video idea! I only do day hikes now that I have the van but I still go to Walmart all the time because I appreciate them supporting us all! Thanks

[barryshepherd]

Sipsey Wilderness is one of our favorite places - unique rock formations - waterfalls- usually not a lot of people - big beautiful trees! Neat place

[VivianCaMedina]

Thank you Dixie!! I started and I'm still using budget gear, surprisingly so far everything has been great! I only went above my budged with my beacon, and that's kinda obligated, slowly building up my gear, all I ask for Christmas is camping and hiking gear, which is a great way to get stuff without having to buy them perse. The places you've seen are so magical, and we see the beauty of the world through your videos. Thank you.