How to allocate funds?

[vandeman17]

I am in the process of basically starting from scratch to hopefully being self sufficient in the back country for a few days at a time. My question is how you guys and gals would prioritize your budget? I am looking at packs, tents, sleeping bags, pad etc.

[dscubame]

Stone Glacier pack.  Thought process is that will make you the most comfortable you can be as you discover what items and how far your willing to take it to be the weight you want.  Comfortable equals enjoyment.

[vandeman17]

Stone Glacier pack.  Thought process is that will make you the most comfortable you can bef as you discover what items and how far your willing to take it to be the weight you want.  Comfortable equals enjoyment.

I tried on a new nimrod pack this past weekend that isn't out yet and it was awesome. It was pretty spendy and thus I am posting this thread. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

You pay for what you get is my thoughts on hiking the backcountry.  Figure out what you like and look for sales or someone getting rid of there's cheap. It's all a great investment of the Great Outdoors.

[davk]

I guess it depends on what you are looking to spend.  Id start with getting decent equipment that you will be satisfied with and not want to replace after your first or second trip.  Another big thing is dont end up buying a bunch of crap that you eventually leave at home.  There are tons of gear lists around from people who know what they are doing.  A lot of new people bring way to much crap, just stick to what they carry initially.  Do a bunch of trips in the off season and refine your gear.  If there is something else you rreeeaaalllyyy want, go pick it up. Also pay attention to stuff you didnt use or could go without.

Id get as good as of quality as you can afford for pack, tent, pad, and sleeping bag.  Stoves are relatively cheap.  For cookware, if you are looking to save money you can go with aluminum.  Otherwise you probably can get a sufficient size titanium pot for 30-40$. This is also where I think some people bring to much crap.  Ive ran into so many people with massive pots, plates, cups, etc.  Ill run as small of a pot as I can, and Ill occasionally bring a small cup for coffee.  I guess my continuing suggestion is to go with less first, and get anything additional as you feel you need it instead of buying gear and then having it sit in the closet.  Id get a quality headlamp, and a backup headlamp or regular flashlight.

Id grab one of the gear lists and get a Excel spreadsheet or something going.  Just put the category down and then go search for that item.  Get everything totaled up and see what it is going to cost.  Its definitely one of those things that adds up really fast.  Id start watching for sales.

[SemperFidelis97]

I would focus on getting your heavier items like sleeping bags, tents, etc. out of the way.  Obviously a quality pack is a big investment as well, I would watch places like Rokslide classifieds for deals.  I was able to put a Kifaru pack together for my wife this year with a DT1, and the new ultralight frame from the classifieds for waaay below retail. 

[Ridgerunner]

Definitely shop the rockslide classifieds, tons of good deals in there.  The good thing with high priced stuff is the availability to resell it pretty easily.  I'd get a good pack first and go from there


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[vandeman17]

Definitely shop the rockslide classifieds, tons of good deals in there.  The good thing with high priced stuff is the availability to resell it pretty easily.  I'd get a good pack first and go from there


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I am not a member their but have been watching it a lot lately. My budget as of now is between from $1000-$1500 depending on the day you ask me. 

[couesbitten]

If you're patient, you could make a good dent with $1000, and obviously, you could make a considerably larger dent with $1,500 and you might not have to be as patient or selective.

[jackelope]

First is pack.
2nd is sleep system...tent, pad, bag etc.
Get all the other stuff you need from there, then throw half of it in a pile and sell it as you won't need half of the smalls you buy.

Did you try on the nimrod with a load in it? I don't think I would go with an untried/untested pack at this point.  There are way too many great tested options out there that are likely at or near the same price point and you'll know they work and will stand up. What's the price of the Nimrod?

[boneaddict]

I put more importance on boots than pack, but not much.  so boots, pack, sleeping bag.   for me   

[jackelope]

I put more importance on boots than pack, but not much.  so boots, pack, sleeping bag.   for me   

Good point, Doug.

[SemperFidelis97]

Your budget should be fine to get you lined out with some pretty good stuff. 

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[quadrafire]

I put more importance on boots than pack, but not much.  so boots, pack, sleeping bag.   for me   

Good point, Doug.

And don't forget quality socks

[Magnum_Willys]

I put more importance on boots than pack, but not much.  so boots, pack, sleeping bag.   for me

Well there goes the first $1500