Sara’s Shocking Budget Backpacking Gear Challenge

Sara goes Backpacking to try out some $30 Amazon Camping Gear.

For this early spring backpacking trip, Sara and I headed to an upper elevation section of Arizona’s Coconino National Forest, about 30 miles southwest of Sedona. Despite it’s close proximity to the much hotter and drier desert like climate of Sedona, the 7,500 foot elevation and abundant snow melt provided an environment surprisingly similar to hiking back on our native east coast. Yes, you can actually find snow, pine trees and abundant streams in Arizona!

To get our dose of 20 degree cooler temps, along with some pockets of remaining snow, we chose to hike a section of the larger Cabin Loop Trail system.  This loop utilizes several different local trails.  One of which is the Arizona Trail, a roughly 800 mile long distance trail that traverses the entire length of the state from the Mexican border to the Utah state line.

This particular region of the AZT gave us some awesome camping opportunities right along the Mogollon Rim with stunning views down into the valley some 2,000 feet below.  To be fair though, we didn’t really spend too much time on the actual AZT.  We chose instead to create our own route along the rim, in search of drinking water and those aforementioned great views.

For gear on this trip, Sara decided to pick up several new pieces budget backpacking to test out – a sleeping pad, two person tent, and two person sleeping bag complete with pillows.  She found each of these for about $30 a piece on Amazon.  But would they get the job done for an overnight backpacking trip with our dog in tow?  Well, there’s only one way to find that out, I guess.

Oh, and the last mile or so of road to the trailhead was impassable due to a blockade of remaining snow, so that made for an interesting start 🙂

Trailhead Used
Battle of Big Dry Wash Historical Landmark & AZT Trailhead
Payson, AZ 85541
34°27’15.4″N 111°15’02.5″W

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Military Surplus Camping Pt 2 – Finding the B-47 Crash Wing

Hiking & Backpacking with Military Surplus Camping Gear in the Adirondacks Eastern High Peaks Region

For this 2 day, 1 night adventure, I’ll be returning to Wright Peak to continue my search for the B-47 wing. I’ll be using the same milsurp backpacking load-out (with some additional cold weather gear), along with MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) food to keep me fueled up while I search for the remnants of a cold war era B-47 bomber that crashed on Wright Peak during the night of January 2nd, 1962.

If you haven’t already seen Part One, where I explored the summit impact zone, you can check that out here.

My “big 3” for this backpacking trip are a medium sized ALICE pack, USGI Modular Sleeping bag with USGI Term-A-Rest sleeping Pad, and a USGI Poncho for shelter / rain gear. I scored each of these items for around $30.  A gear list can be found at the end of this post.

No permit is required to camp in the Adirondacks, but there are rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping. You can find more information here.

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Military Surplus Camping – B-47 Crash Site – Adirondack Mountains

Hiking & Backpacking with Military Surplus Camping Gear in the Adirondacks Eastern High Peaks Region

For this 2 day, 1 night adventure, I’ll be testing out and demonstrating my milsurp backpacking load-out, along with MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) food to keep me fueled up while I search for the remnants of a cold war era B-47 bomber that crashed on Wright Peak during the night of January 2nd, 1962.

My “big 3” for this backpacking trip are a medium sized ALICE pack, USGI Modular Sleeping bag with USGI Term-A-Rest sleeping Pad, and a USGI Poncho for shelter / rain gear. I scored each of these items for around $30.  A full gear list can be found at the end of this post.

No permit is required to camp in the Adirondacks, but there are rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping. You can find more information here.

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Unigear Sleeping Pad Review – Budget Backpacking Gear

A Review of the Unigear Inflatable Sleeping Pad.

In this camping gear review, I give a run down of the various features of the Unigear Sleeping pad, as well as my own personal experiences with the Unigear pad for backpacking.

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Disclosure: This post or video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links. Cross reference, do your own research and make your own decisions, duh 😉

Specs and Features as per the manufacturer

  • Comfortable & Stability: The sleeping pad’s wave air tubes support your weight, keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad, you won’t bottom out if you roll on your side. 2 Inch thickness of cushioning provide unrivaled comfort, stability and support, great for sleeping in any position
  • Durability & Warm: The durable 40-denier ripstop nylon polyester with TPU coating helps prevent tearing, offers the right balance between low weight and durability. You don’t need to worry about punctures or leaks. Thickness material limit heat loss for better support and warmth (R-value 1.3)
  • Ultralight & Ultra-compact: Unigear sleeping pad with ultralight weight(Only 507g/1.1lb) and compact packed to the size of a 1-liter water bottle, Inflated size is 74”x24”x2”, which is ideal for outdoor activity like fast-and-light backpacking, traveling or camping
  • Easy to Inflate & Deflate: This sleeping mat with one way valves for inflation and deflation, blowing air into this inflatable sleeping pad really is a breeze! Which allows quick to inflate (10-15 breaths) and super fast deflate(only one second). Includes repair kit with 4 self-adhesive patches for fixing punctures in the field
  • 100% SATISFATION GUARANTEE: If you are not 100% satisfied with this product for any reason, please contact customer service within 60 days, and we will immediately refund your purchase price – no questions asked

Other Gear Seen and Discussed

Budget Backpacking Trip – Camping in Tuscarora State Forest

Budget Backpacking & Camping with my Dog in Tuscarora SF.

For this hiking and camping trip, we’ll be using the exact gear seen on my previous ‘Budget Backpacking Gear List – Go Camping for Under $250‘ video.

Check out my live gear list on LighterPack.com for weights, prices, descriptions and product links.

Other Backpacking Topics Discussed on this Episode

  • Camping & backpacking with your dog.
  • Keto backpacking food options (hiking on a ketogenic diet – low carb, high fat)

Trailhead Parking
Hemlocks Natural Area Parking Lot, Tuscarora State Forest
40°15’18.7″N 77°38’02.8″W

Trails Used

  • Patterson Run Trail
  • Rim Trail
  • Hemlock Trail
  • Bushwack to legal campsite outside Hemlocks Natural Area

Denali’s Dog Backpacking Gear

Simplified Budget Backpacking Gear List:

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep System

Storage

  • Bear Bag Line (25′ guyline leftover from tarp setup, and small carabiner)
  • Bear Bag – 13 gal trash bag
  • Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich
  • Zip-lock Bag – Gallon

Cooking & Eating

Water Treatment & Storage

Tools

First Aid

  • First Aid Kit
    (Adhesive bandages, 1 gauze bandage, superglue, neosporin in straw tube, tealight wax candle, 6 doses benedryl, 10 doses ibuprofen, spare water bottle cap)
  • Sunscreen – 30 SPF 10ml bottle https://dutchwaregear.com/product/eye-dropper-bottles/
  • Fire Starter, DIY (dryer lint and wax, or cotton balls with vasoline)
  • Bug Spray – 100% Deet Mini Bottle 

Clothing (Packed, not worn. For spare, sleeping, rain)

  • Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Jacket 
  • Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
  • Shorts
  • Shirt, Long Sleeve -Lt Wgt
  • Shirt, short sleeve
  • Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
  • Wool Socks – Lt Wgt (1 pair)

Lighting

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toiletry Kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer

Additional Budget Backpacking Gear Options Discussed 

Approximate Costs for Each System

  • Tarp Camping version $248
  • Kelty tent version $317
  • Hammock Version $352
Clothing Worn (not included in cost)