Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
While you’ll need to invest in certain big ticket purchases for hiking, such as backpacks or tents, it's equally important to recognize the value of inexpensive yet essential gear that we all use on a regular basis. There’s plenty of hiking equipment available that costs under $30 and consistently delivers good, solid performance. So, whether it's a water bottle, a headlamp, or even a compact multitool, we've compiled a list of affordable gear that hasn’t failed to meet our needs.
Skip the conversation and just take me to the list of gear under $30!
Hydration
You might think you need an expensive water filter (as we used to think) to ensure that you have clean drinking water on any hike, but it’s simply not true thanks to the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. This lightweight, compact filter comes in just under $30 at most retailers (including Walmart, which comes in handy in an emergency) and can provide seasons worth of clean water for you when it’s properly maintained.
Update: we know that the Sawyer Squeeze now retails for $40 at most retailers, but we think it’s still a steal considering the starting price of other filters. Plus you can still find it at most Walmart’s in the outdoor gear section, which can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
What to put that filtered water in? Get yourself a 32-ounce Nalgene Widemouth Bottle and it’ll last you forever. What we’ve found is we’re more likely to lose one than every break it or wear it out. Sure there are cheaper and lighter alternatives (we often use the 32-ounce Smart Water Bottle which has the benefit of fitting right onto a Squeeze), but we have these Nalgenes as our standbys and backups always.
Another great option that comes in very handy and works perfectly with the Sawyer Squeeze System are the CNOC Water Containers (they come in 1, 2 and 3 liter models - we go with the 2L). They have a large opening at the top to fill with water (either by dipping into a water source or filling from something else like a cup), they’re made of a tough and relatively durable plastic that’s easy to squeeze and roll up, and the Sawyer Squeeze screws right on to the end of the CNOC Container and it makes filter a lot more easy than with the stiff, standard bags that come with the Squeeze. One warning, we seem to only get one to two seasons of heavy use out of these bags - they are convenient, but the constantly squeeze and rolling tends to wear the plastic out, especially near the part that screws onto to the Squeeze.
Food and Cooking
Looking for one all purpose utensil that will serve you for every trip? We’ve come to love the long-handled titanium spoon (or for those of you who demand something fork-like, the long-handled titanium spork). It’s super lightweight, reaches down into the depths of a bag of rehydrated food, is long enough to dissipate heat when you stir stuff on a hot stove, and it’s easy to clean.
Mug, pot, water scoop, and much more, the multi-purpose 750 ml titanium mug/pot can come in handy when you’re looking to reduce weight and maximize space. If you’re looking to splurge a little, also get yourself a 450 ml titanium mug for a separate drinking container. If you want to splurge slightly over $30, consider a double walled 450 ml mug, which makes holding hot liquids a lot easier and keeps them warmer longer.
Headlamps
You never want to be in the woods without a headlamp in your backpack (see our 10 Essentials Guide), but for most of us, there’s no need to find the fanciest and most expensive headlamp. For years we have used the Energizer line of Headlamps, specifically the Energizer Pro260 LED Headlamp. It’s durable, it’s waterproof, has good battery life (3 AAA batteries), and has stood up to years of being in our backpacks and being on our heads in all kinds of weather and conditions.
You can go a little lighter with some of the basic models from more well-known headlamp brands. We’ve used the Black Diamond Astro 300 and the Petzl Tikkina over the years. Both are decent, no frills headlamps that are a bit lighter than the Energizer Pro260.
Hats and Gloves
Winter or summer, we also keep at least a lightweight pair of fleece gloves and a hat in our backpack. It can help you stay warm on an unexpectedly cool or wet summer day, or provide extra warmth on a cold day. We’ve been enjoying the Trail Mix Waffle Fleece gear from Outdoor Research, though their Trail Mix Beanie is the only item under $30 (the Trail Mix Gloves are $35). You’ll often find us in our blaze orange “Catskills” Knitted Hat from the Catskills Visitor Center. We also have REI’s Polartec Stretch Beanie.
Other gloves that cycle in and out of our kits include REI’s Fleece Gloves, REI Glove Liners, and Cotapaxi Fleece Gloves.
With average use you can usually get a couple of seasons out all of these gloves, though the more you wear them, especially when using poles, the quicker they will wear out. For us it’s often the seam on the thumb that’s the first to go. It’s why it’s a good idea to watch for sales and stock up on these fleece gloves.
Knives
You’ll always want to have some sort of knife with you on a hike because you'll find 101 uses for it and curse the day that it's missing. From cutting rope and opening packages to preparing food and even making makeshift repairs, a reliable knife becomes an indispensable tool for any hiker. What you’re really looking for though isn’t a big knife, or a multi-tool with so many options you’ll never use it, it is a simple, lightweight pocket knife. For us, that’s usually been the Classic Swiss Army Knife. Really the knife blade and the tiny scissors come in the most handy - everything else usually just stays in its place. If you want something with some more options, but still under $30, consider the Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-Tool. Want to splurge a bit, you won’t go wrong with the Leatherman Micra.
Hiking Shirts
You can find quality hiking shirts for under $30, especially if you watch the sales. The Sahara T-Shirt from REI is a quality synthetic t-shirt that will last for seasons of hikes. It also makes a good baselayer in the colder months. Eddie Bauer offers a couple of different synthetic shirts that also work well including their Resolution T-shirt. If you watch sales you can snag EMS’ Essential Peak Short Sleeve Shirt, and their Vital Peak Tees at $30 or under.
There are also tanks and sleeveless shirts that you can find for under $30 including the Essential Peak Tank Top from EMS which we both enjoy.
Socks
Our favorite socks are from Darn Tough and they offer a ton of different styles, weights, and sock types. The socks are made here in the USA in Vermont and while you’re likely never to need it, they offer a lifetime warranty on their socks should they wear out or break from use. The only time we ever took advantage of that was when Moe thru hiked the Appalachian Trail and wore out a pair of socks about 3/4 of the way through the 2189 mile hike. You can browse the selection of Darn Tough socks at REI too, which occasionally offers sales and clearance pricing that you won’t find on the Darn Tough site.
Runners up in the sock race for us are the Injini Toe Socks. They might look funny, but they are comfortable. Downsides is that they aren’t as tough as Darn Tough socks and they do take some getting used to.
Sunglasses
Are you the type who manages to lose or break those expensive sunglasses on your first trip into the woods? We sure were! A few years back we discovered Goodr Sunglasses and we haven’t looked back. The vast majority of these sunglasses are $25, with some models at $30 and a few higher than that. They are made tough and we have some pairs that have lasted through several seasons of use without breaking. The only manufacturer thing we’ve run across is that the coated finish on the sunglasses will begin to wear off if the lens soak in water (it’s not from rain, but sitting wet in a wet back, or lens down in a puddle). Even with that, at $25 and so many styles to choose from, we keep going back to Goodrs.
Sleeping and Sitting Pads
You won’t find much under $30 in this category, but there are some good closed-cell foam pads designed for both sitting and sleeping that you can get. We always carry the Nemo Chipper Seat Pad on day hikes. It makes a break that much more comfortable with a soft, warm and dry play to sit.
The closest to under $30 we’ve found for a closed-cell foam sleeping pad (the cheapest kind there is) is $39.99 Featherstone Outdoor Pad we got on Amazon a few years back. Other similar pads from REI and EMS will run you $40 to $80.
Odds and Ends
Everyone should be carrying a compass (and a paper map) with them on a hiking trip (see our 10 Essentials Guide). A basic navigational compass that can do the trick is the Suunto A-10.
A fire starter makes the task of starting a fire much, much easier. We always carry the Duraflame Fire Starter Cubes. For an even cheaper option, you can make your own! Use dryer lint and an cardboard egg carton. Fill the carton with dryer lint and then pour in candle wax. Let it dry and break it up into the 12 pieces and you’ve got a great, homemade fire starter (thanks to the Oklahomo Hiker for that tip).
You don’t really need to carry your full wallet with you on a hike and that’s where the Chums Surfshorts Wallet comes in handy. Easily holding your license, some cash and a credit card or two, it also has a keychain that let’s you keep those important items all together (and hopefully stow them all in a single safe place in your backpack).
It’s not gear per say, but quality guide books and maps for the areas you plan on hiking are key and they are usually under $30. Here in the Northeast the White Mountain Guide is a bit like a bible for New Hampshire hikers, as are the NYNJTC Maps for the Catskills and other downstate New York areas. National Geographic produces an extensive set of maps that cover hiking areas across the country with their Trails Illustrated Maps.
Our Favorites Under $30
Where We Like To Shop
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
