I love spending time outside, but I don’t love spending a ton of money in order to do it. That’s why I’m always looking for the best cheap hiking gear that’ll make my outings more enjoyable without putting a huge dent in my wallet.
Of course, some equipment (read: anything that keeps you safe and comfortable on the trail) is worth investing in, like a warm sleeping bag, a reliable rain jacket, or a tough pair of hiking boots. But when it comes to smaller gear, like power banks, hats, and water bottles, you might not need to splurge on the priciest model. Luckily, quite a few SELF staffers agree: Below, they’ve shared their favorite budget-friendly outdoorsy items that clock in under $50.
But first let’s go over the best places to shop for less pricey gear (because beginners and seasoned hikers alike deserve to save their cash where they can).
Where to shop for good-quality (but cheap) hiking gear
If you want to save on brand new gear, head to the outlet brands of mainstream outdoor retailers, like Backcountry’s Steep & Cheap and REI Outle;, or sites that offer past-season, discontinued, and overstocked gear at a discount, like Sierra, Campsaver, and Outdoor Gear Exchange. For maximum convenience, there’s always Amazon, which sells trusted brands like Merrell, Black Diamond, and Keen—just make sure you’re ordering from a legit seller (and sign up for a Prime membership to get even faster shipping).
You can also shop for used gear, provided it’s been evaluated by experts before going back on the market. REI Re/Supply, Patagonia Worn Wear, and Geartrade (to name a few) inspect everything they receive to make sure the gear they’re selling is up to industry standards, meaning it doesn’t show signs of heavy wear or damage, isn’t missing any components, and is still functional. There’s also Arc’Teryx ReGear, which not only resells gently used items but also refurbishes them.
And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for discounts—both Backcountry and REI run several major sales every year, and the markdowns can be huge (I’ll never forget the time I snagged a pair of my favorite climbing shoes for $100 off).
Shop SELF editor’s favorite affordable outdoor gear
Julia Sullivan, associate health conditions director
When Sullivan hits the trails around her home in Arizona, she knows how to stay comfy from head to toe (literally). She says Darn Tough’s Merino wool socks protect her feet from blisters, and she calls the Ultra Adventure Hat from Sunday Afternoons her “everything”: “I’ve worn mine to death.” Both are designed to wick moisture and help you stay cool (Merino wool is naturally breathable), so you can wear them out on sunny days without winding up in a pool of your own sweat.
On snowy days, Sullivan uses a simple set of crampons from Amazon to add traction to her shoes. “These are so cheap and work so well,” she says. With a stretchy rubber strap that wraps around your shoe and 19 spikes per foot, Cimkiz’s crampons are an easy upgrade that’ll make hiking more enjoyable (and shoveling the driveway less of a slog).
Darn Tough
Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Sunday Afternoons
Ultra Adventure Hat
Westry Green, director of editorial operations
Hiking with your dog means packing hydration for two, but Kong’s stainless-steel water-bottle-and-bowl hybrid makes it a lot easier for Green. “It’s meant to be just for dogs, but it doubles as [a bottle] for me,” he says. “It’s a generous size, it’s stainless-steel so the water stays cold, and the lid is a drinking bowl.” Just unscrew the top and pour H2O in the lid—your pup has an instant water bowl, and you don’t have to worry about leaving an enormous puddle behind. We love that it comes in multiple colors and that it’s also available in a 9.5-ounce size for smaller dogs (or shorter outings).
