BUDGET BACKPACKING! I Bought Gear AND Went Backpacking for Under $200! | Miranda in the Wild
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I tried to do an entire backpacking trip for $200 or less! Over the course of ten years working in the outdoor industry, I’ve had access to affordable, high-quality gear and been able to test and ask questions from the experts around me before choosing to buy. I’m so grateful for this experience, but I know that for many people, backpacking and hiking can be quite an investment. I challenged myself to start from square one, acquire all my backpacking gear and take a trip - all for under $200! If you have an REI near you where you can rent gear, I highly recommend that. $200 is enough to take an amazing backpacking trip with great gear if you have access to REI rentals, but for this challenge I decided to see how far I could get without renting anything. Watch the video to see how that turned out... :) I hope you enjoy my $200 budget backpacking adventure!
Shop REI Good and Used: www.rei.com/used
Check your local REI Rentals: www.rei.com/rentals
Trail: Baker Lake - www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/b...
Baker Lake is on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish and Skagit people.
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Пікірлер: 509
The fact that you went places other than REI is why I love REI. Keep up the dopeness!
@rei
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, thanks John! - Miranda
@luisguevara4113
3 жыл бұрын
That... and they allow Miranda to curse! Hehe
@DB-xo6xh
3 жыл бұрын
they encourage you to buy used, so that was great that they showed her going to second-hand stores.
@150F2011
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making your videos fun to watch
@lisalewis4181
3 жыл бұрын
@@luisguevara4113 yess, love that 🤬! 😅 Keeps it real!
Make a sequel to this were REI gives you a $2000 budget and compare the two. It would be hilarious to see you walk into an REI, looking like a gangster and making it rain $$$
@brucealfonsoacero
3 жыл бұрын
Fully expect a Gucci bag with 15k wrapped carrots as snacks, haha.
@Funkteon
3 жыл бұрын
$2,000 USD would get you a budget one person tent and a sleeping bag in Australia..
@voldemortified
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, maybe more like $3-4k.
@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem
3 жыл бұрын
@@Funkteon you must be joking? why would camping gear be so expensive in Australia? in the USA you could absolutely get a high quality lightweight kit that would be good for a thru hike. $700 tent, $300 backpack, $200 sleeping bag, $200 sleeping pad. those are the 4 main things and then the remaining $600 should suffice for the other gear no problem, assuming you're not being crazy and spending $400 on a puffy jacket, $300 on rain pants etc.
@michaelkork6773
2 жыл бұрын
@@Funkteon how would 2 grand in USD be worth less in Australia? Idk if y’all’s money is like Zimbabwe, but USD is USD on every website everywhere on the internet
"my butts wet, my underwear is wet, but my sense of humor is dry" LMAO unlike my coffee table that i just shot tea out of my nose all over LOL
@james35813
3 жыл бұрын
Probably the funniest joke she's made all series
@nonameman9291
3 жыл бұрын
If that made you laugh that hard you might be autistic.
@Matt-pd2cq
3 жыл бұрын
@@fre3radic4l yesssss
@jziskind
3 жыл бұрын
@@nonameman9291 Who beat you as a child?
@meursaultscourtroom8886
3 жыл бұрын
Best line ever.
The blue, framed, Kelty backpack you bought and looked brand new is exactly the same color and model that I purchased in 1982. I spent the entire next summer in southern Mexico with it, touring the Pacific coast on third class buses. Awesome, indestructible pack that holds a place in my heart, and I've still got it. I've moved on from it, but still . . .
“1970s called and it wants their cool factor back” 😂😂😂
@rei
3 жыл бұрын
Expectation: 😎Reality: 🤓- Miranda
@escapetherace1943
3 жыл бұрын
that old kelty frame is exactly 200 percent cooler than the UL garbage you see on half of people's backs today!
And don't forget that while Miranda DIDN'T borrow gear from friends, you never know what folx will let you borrow til you ask! I was able to borrow a nice big tent, sleeping pads, and a two burner coleman stove for a car camping trip this summer.
REI rents gear??? Thats a gamechanger, where have I been all this time
@rei
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Check with your local store to see what rentals are available. It's an awesome way to get out there! - Miranda
@LWilli5
3 жыл бұрын
I am fortunate enough to have two REI stores within 20 miles, neither of them rents much. 😕
@brucealfonsoacero
3 жыл бұрын
Legit, this is great! I only hope that you guys will have a store in WV! Need a go-to last minute stop before hitting Mononghela!
@Emeraldcow
3 жыл бұрын
I thought stores weren't renting during covid?
@LWilli5
3 жыл бұрын
@@Emeraldcow this video was recorded pre-COVID.
Yard sales here in Colorado, you can find some good deals, especially in the nicer suburbs. Young couples move here, think they are going to get into the outdoors. They buy a bunch of high end gear, never use it, sell it in a few years when they have kids.
@bigt7706
3 жыл бұрын
@Henry Tapia haha that sounds like a malibu thing to do
Told my wife the name of the video I was watching... her response... “Why didn’t you watch a video like that before you bought all your gear?!” Guess she thought I’ve spent too much. Lol. Just like Miranda said, “Comfort.” Nothing worse than being 10-15 miles in and seriously regretting a purchase. Good video, though! I do always try to find a good sale and also some used items. Planning way ahead, shopping around, and finding sales is GREAT advice before purchasing gear.
This may be my favorite episode with Miranda yet. 😂 VERY Relatable lol
@rei
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! - Miranda
"this is what I missed out on, being born on the East Coast" Cries midwestern tears
She must be really fun to hangout & backpack with.
I’ve been working on this for a little over a year now, I was able to find an older jansport external frame for $10 at a thrift store, a tent for $5 (discount day at the same thrift store), an ozark trail inflatable pad for $2 at Goodwill, and I’ll probably splurge and get a new sleeping bag as a treat for myself so I know I’ll be warm if nothing else.
@cynthiabartz2157
Жыл бұрын
This is amazing! Have you gone out on a backpacking trip yet?
@timelessadventurer
Жыл бұрын
Amazing! Goodwill has shot so far up in price!
I think it is a bit unfair to your budget to include food in the $200 limitation. I would include in the $200 any food sold specifically for camping but exclude any (e.g. carrots and peanut butter) you would eat at home. And you can save on cooking gear by using a large can and building a fire instead of buying a stove. In the rain wear/weather protection area, you forgot to consider large plastic garbage bags. Two bags would cost only pennies, and one could line your pack keeping the rest of your gear completely dry and the other could be cut to make holes for your arms and head keeping the rest of your body dry in that rain ps one of my favorite p-butter delivery systems is peanut butter and apples.
@mannymm7887
3 жыл бұрын
I planned a 3 day backpacking trip with all new/open box equipment for less than 300 bucks including food. I can even save more money if I chose used gear and chemical water treatment instead of gravity filters. Just gotta look for the really good deals and be smart with your money.
Oh. My. God. That Kelty is beautiful. What a classic.
Dinner= carrot Breakfast= carrot Good meal.. lol
@nunyabeezwacks1408
3 жыл бұрын
Miranda’s part bunny.
I love how excited Miranda is of everything
One place to always keep in mind, especially for camping is a Military Surplus store. Virtually all my gear is from there and other sites. eBay is also great for that reason. My gear still is only in the $200-$300 range and has no holes, tatters or problems what so ever. It is a fair bit heavier than contemporary back-packing gear but nothing more than 5lbs difference. Great video! I like that REI does stuff like this.
@wanderingcalamity360
2 жыл бұрын
Surplus stuff is definitely heavier, but it's tough and cheap. It's my preference as well. I'm not likely to ever go ultralight. Lol
@PanchoSmitty1122
2 жыл бұрын
@@wanderingcalamity360 I also find all the Ultra-light stuff does. Not. Last. You get maybe - or two uses out of it and then you’re out of vital equipment. Grow stronger and carry canvas. Your wallet will thank you
@wanderingcalamity360
2 жыл бұрын
@@PanchoSmitty1122 Canvas might not be the best example, given that it's cotton-based. But I catch your meaning.
That $13 backpack was a score! Also, didn't know REI did rentals! That is super cool!
As a cheapskate, I'm glad that I kept most of my military gear. Took out alot of the upfront cost to getting into backpacking, haha.
@jordan2042
3 жыл бұрын
Just don’t go out with the mentality of, “ I easily carried such and such weight in my Ruck, so this should be cake”. I did, and on my first trip my pack weighed about 72lbs lol
Goodwill is a great place to come across used hiking boots, clothes, and sometimes gear. Another great place to check out for cheap gear is Walmart👍🏼
@lindsaywait8763
3 жыл бұрын
Yup, walmart is the first place I would go. Ozark trail :)
The Quarterdome 1 (the tent Miranda rented) is a great solo packing tent, and actually fairly inexpensive, as tents go. It would have broken a $200 budget for everything, but for beginners looking to build their set up, it's a very solid budget choice. I put hundreds of miles and many nights on mine before eventually trading up.
@backpacker3421
3 жыл бұрын
For those who have a beginning set up and are considering upgrading items, I recommend you start with the sleep pad, then the sleeping bag or quilt, then your backpack. If your backpack is really uncomfortable, start there, then the sleep pad/bag, otherwise start with the sleep stuff. Somewhere in there, I would take a look at getting a really premium base layer as well (or really two - one for cold weather and one for warm weather). These things are the items that most impact your comfort and will most improve your experience. After that, I would weigh every remaining item, and consider where you can make changes that will reduce your overall weight most substantially. The tent will almost certainly be the biggest potential weight saver, as cheap tents are usually very heavy. Making your load lighter will make the whole experience more fun, but once you get to a weight where you end the day feeling good, stop upgrading for weight, and just think about what items detract from your experience. It took me 20 years to dial in a set up I am fully happy with. And honestly, I still make changes from time to time as the gear advances. But the rig I started with probably cost me less than $100 back in the early nineties, although the backpack and tent were hand-me-downs. But I used that cheap packing rig for over a decade with few changes, and some of by best backpacking memories are from that time, even though my base weight was about 35 lbs, and my sleeping bag was way too cold for many trips... good times.
REI membership really jumped since the pandemic started. It’s $30 now. Still a great deal if you use it, but I discovered that at least in the two stores near me, no one restricts purchases of the “members-only’ items.
Your sense of humor is really good. I really don’t find other backpackers funny but your “This is Benjamin right?…Wow! That would be embarrassing.” had me in stitches.
Tent ~ use an 8x10 blue tarp, with 5x8 blue tarp or sheet of plastic as ground sheet, and mosquito net ; Sleeping Bag ~ envelope bed made with 3 blankets (synthetic are lighter) ; Cooking~ use "Sterno", balance pot on sticks with aluminum foil windshield. Hint from a REI member since 1967: Kelty packs need to be fitted, there are several frame sizes for different back lengths. It makes a real difference in comfort.
I love this video, full of good information. Only left out the cost, in time, spent checking out all the thrift stores, even "free" time has a $ cost.
@eurekamarijka
3 жыл бұрын
... and the gas!
@faye76000
3 жыл бұрын
@@eurekamarijka some people drive electric lol. Jk, you are right, but it probably is part of the time spent looking. Also, honestly making outdoor friends is the best way to borrow stuff lol
@Matt-pd2cq
3 жыл бұрын
Eh. True... but it's fun to shop, though, and if you're enjoying it in your free time, is it really costing you?
I love REI, it has some expensive items so the Garage Sale days are best but get there early.
Love your videos, they always make me smile. How about a video of your top backpacking items you SHOULD spend the extra money on for more enjoyable backpacking trips.
@Pants13
2 жыл бұрын
Anything involving warmth, dryness, and health should be top priority IMO. But think about what bothers you the most day to day and how it would translate to camping.
@andrewb9595
2 жыл бұрын
@@Pants13 Makes sense. For me, the best $$ spent has probably been my sleeping bag, sleeping pad and puffy. Nothing is worse on the trail (for me) than a terrible night's sleep. Also a good puffy makes a huge difference when hiking in the cold or even around camp in the mornings or when it gets dark.
“My butt is wet, my underwear is wet, but my sense of humor is dry.” 😂😂😂 literally LOL
Spent about $1000 in camping and backpacking gear this year at REI. Don’t regret it one bit
7:55 It's the Miranda from the title card!
@janewhitzend688
3 жыл бұрын
Reuse recycle ..not cheap, practical, minimal and environmentally friendly ..all boxes ticked 💚
You mentioned how you grew up on the East Coast and never got to experience such lush forests. I grew up in Richmond, VA and rarely ever got to experience any real, raw nature. Never even went camping :-/. I bounced around a bit and recently ended up living in Washington, and I am in awe of the old growth and lush forests. I can't get enough of it. I want to explore them all and climb all the tall rocky things. Anyway, I thought that was pretty awesome that we had the same reaction. I'm just getting into backpacking, so I'm hoping to meet some more awesome and knowledgeable folks like you out there!
I think 11:49 was a Schitt's Creek Moira moment and I am here for it. Stellar vid!
Some of the best backpacking finds Ive ever had has been through esate sales and Goddwill. Ive found muliple Osprey bags (in store would cost $150+) for like $20 almost brand-new. Also, you can find great outdoor wear this way and sometimes unused tents!
You were making me laugh and relive a memory of a 1970's childhood backpacking trip to the Ozarks with my brother. On the way we stopped off at Sears and he and his wife bought me gear. We were only a few miles into a 8 mile hike when my new backpack and shoes started ripping apart. The second night we were all sleeping and his dog got into a fight with a skunk and was sprayed, they both knocked down my tent during the fight. The 5th night a very strong storm blew through and we could hear several tornadoes around us. The next morning my brother was so freaked out we left early. Even with all of that drama I believe it was one of my favorite backpacking trips. My brother taught me a lot about hiking and camping before he passed away and that trip taught me how important it is to buy quality gear.
Miranda, Thank You for taking one for the TEAM. Framed backpacks can be under rated sometimes. Good job as always, Thank You for the smiles. Merry Christmas to You and Yours...🎅⛄🎄❄
Miranda, I didn’t think I could love your energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm more. But I do after this video!
As always great video Miranda and the whole crew this video was even nicer with all the views and a brief description of what backpacking is like (including the bloopers like getting your but wet, etc.), I'm not sure many people will be able to get all that equipment for under 200 dollars but is a good thing there's people like you, me and many others who encourage others and even lend equipment and pass knowledge to those who are interested in backpacking, keep up the good work 👍
I did almost this exact same thing except I avoided REI and paid a fraction of the price using eBay, Amazon, Farm King and to a much lesser extent Walmart.
I can tell you are a very fun person to be around. Able to entertain yourself while entertaining everyone else too.
I only started learning about camping since the reality of my Egypt/Jordan trip is not possible this year :( I remember someone left an un open tent (still in a seal box), so I started researching about camping. The only thing I bought were the military grade cooking fuel cubes since I am not sure if I am committed to camping after the pandemic, I love traveling the world, without limited to only camping. The rest of what I need for camping are all used, hand me down and I am totally happy with it since there are almost new. I took a small old cooking pot, mainly to boil water for coffee & instant noodles, couscous etc. My first camping trip was at Catalina island in July, I pick a spot near the ranger's station so that I can get some help on how to set up a tent for the firs time in my life lol. Luckly I got the pop up tent, so the chance I took for not practicing how to set it up before my trip turned out OK :) No, I don't want to go wild camping, I need running water & a bathroom!
Wow I didn't know that rei did rentals! This will make my April trip much cheaper! I thought I was going to have to buy a $70 bear canister. Thanks for the video.
Wow, seeing the external frame pack brought back memories of when I was in the Boy Scouts, in the 70s, and used something like that.
This was a cool gear video. Oh, I almost forgot. Miranda is hilarious.
Great video and tips, thanks! I’d love to see a video on backpacking on a $300 budget and even one on a $400 budget.
One of your best videos yet! Loving what you're doing with this channel.
Thank you Miranda. 🤠 Happy trekking!
Impressive! I def appreciate the frugality, honesty, & diversity of brands...i really want to go backpacking again (borrowed the equip last time) & have some decent gear of my own. Didn't realize how affordable it could be, tbh! Now I want to hit some yard sales, esp since I live near the mountains!
Carrots and peanut butter, genius! I have never been a fan of celery and peanut butter, just cause celery Always gets stuck in my teeth! But now I have been shown the obvious alternative, thank you Miranda!
Thanks for both, an informative and entertaining video. Your videos are always fun to watch, and your effervescent personality & humour provide the icing on the proverbial cake Cheers.
You have the best personality! Great knowledge. I have binged watched you all day!
Looks like a great challenge. Im sure that gear would be fine for short trips but pretty rough on 10+ mile days. Buy once cry once. As long as its quality Would love to see more challenges like this
Really great to see this. Took me back to my early 20s getting geared up. Nice place to hike.
Loving the external frame pack. I wish I saw more of them out there.
@jakatalbot
3 жыл бұрын
I have a 20 year old external frame Kelty, and I'm not here to say it's awesome. I can't reach my water bottle in its pocket, it squeaks when I walk (maddening), it isn't built for a bear can, and it holds less than 60L. (Not sure how many liters it can hold...It's 20 years old, I don't remember.) It also isn't water resistant, and it has no hip belt pockets. But I'm on a budget, and the darn thing keeps working, it still fits mostly comfortably, so I haven't replaced it yet. Darn you reliable gear!
@grendle81
3 жыл бұрын
@@jakatalbot I have at least 3 externals. Maybe 3 internals. I have a sentimental attachment to those old packs. My 1st pack was an external, I hitch-hiked all over with that thing, state parks, airports, Alaska. I'm more of a collector now. There is one of like to get, more designed for hunters but it'll work for backpacking, check out the Alps mountaineering commander.
@TheWallnut76
3 жыл бұрын
I have one and love it
@craigadamkelly
2 жыл бұрын
I have 4 kelty external frame backpacks my oldest one ,my dad bought me when I was joining the Boy Scouts 30 years ago I used it 5 to 6 times a year for 20 years and I have sents hand it down to my son who still uses it to this day external backpacks have several advantages they can hold more weight comfortably, but have more adjustments to fit you better, they're more breathable and help keep you cool in the summertime ,and they're definitely built to last a lot longer
If you have a bit of time, it's actually pretty easy to hit close to that budget; the trick is planning far enough ahead that you can accommodate stated shipping times (keeping in mind that generally, the cheaper something is online, the longer it will take to reach you). I got my 90litre pack off eBay for like AU$35, my cushiest pad + pillow off Amazon for AU$60 (& my cheap one for like 3/5s that) + AU$39 respectively, my stove off eBay for AU$18, my tent from a military surplus store for about AU$90, I had an old sleeping bag from years ago when I was a Girl Guide + spent the extra $20 or so for a fleece liner (to insure against the possibility the fill might have flattened over the years of neglect) , & I make my own meals. That comes to $262, so not quite under $200, but the difference is invested into the sleep system, which is pretty crucial. I could admittedly have trimmed some fat by passing up my 8cm deep, horizontally-baffled sleeping pad for the thinner - but still surprisingly sleepable - large hexi-cell 5cm deep "bubble-wrap" one. That would have made it $229. Now, admittedly none of that stuff is especially technical, or ultralight, or made to _last_ , but it gets me out there (with the option to save up for better in the meantime), & it _is_ light enough for me to lug without too much trouble on a bushwalk of a couple of kms or so at a time without a rest.
I am not a fan of REI for what it is. I'm a fan of REI for what it could be. Miranda, you are easily the best brand ambasador I have ever seen on KZread. GoodStuff™ and keep up the good work!
Love your humor and your info!
I have just started watching your videos, and you are as goofy as my daughter. It's like we were on the trail hiking with each other again after all these years. Her mom was the same. It was a hoot.
I'd love to see a video on tips for women solo backpacking/camping/hiking! Love this show!
@rei
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the idea Claire!
Having a long timeline to acquire everything definitely helps. I think I was able to get most of my stuff on sale/closeout from REI
Hi Miranda! I spent a number of years backpacking the Oregon Cascades and coastal ranges and where you are brings back a ton of memories.
I actually prefer external frames over internal. Keeps your body cool, and they usually have plenty of easy to access pockets for snacks and rain gear.
Sweeeeeet. I've been waiting to see you guys make a hike and camp vid!
That's a beautiful trail!! Those bridges were really a really cool part
Fav series
This was a great episode. The bleeped out f-bombs are funny. You be you! Lol.
I outfitted my nephew Colby with a lot of gear from Walmart. It’s not the best but it was cheap and it got him outdoors.
@greyglassL92
3 жыл бұрын
Some of the stuff there is gimmicky, but most of it is pretty decent!
@aaronfuentes5919
3 жыл бұрын
Your nephew can customize his upgrades & learn from that... The expensive stuff is generally not as durable.
@katyaks8770
3 жыл бұрын
There outdoor product brand bags have a life time warranty.I have had my internal frame pack for 7 years and its still going strong.
Just my hammock without a tarp or anything blows this budget. Crazy that this works
Ahhh, brings back so many memories of my youth, and using firm foam pad, a backpack not as nice as that one, etc. and "wasn't warm but didn't freeze to death" sleeping bag! :D
Really liked that !! Could you do a "budget food" video for multiple days ? :) Love your show 😍
@rei
2 жыл бұрын
Great idea! I'll see what I can do. Thank you! - Miranda
Miranda, I don’t like to get up for the remote, but theses are great.
This video was my first hiking trip experience to a T. New boots and socks, used or pre-owned sleeping bag & sleeping pad, and my mom's pack from the 80s. Thank goodness it was a group trip and tents were provided.
Great video! I have used that tent for two years and love it. :) Happy holidays!
First time watching. Loved!!!
This is everything!!!! Now, could you make a video of how to set camp in heavy rain without succumbing to the water?
I can not stop watching Miranda's videos!
We all need a Miranda in our lives. And I don't work for REI, but I totally second, third, fourth, etc...what Miranda said!
loved the video Miranda!!!
My first pack looked exactly like that in the 90s for boy scouts. Got me through several trips around Japan and the mountains of AZ tool. Just getting back into backpacking here in Fl. I was actually hoping to do Florida Trail by spring time or at least part of it.
Cross country ski camp trips! Woo Hoo! ;-) Happy trails!
Thank you so much for this video @miranda! 🏕💯👌🏽
That 630 fog! Beautiful gear. Super easy to put up and take down.
Good job Miranda!!!
You are funny and adorable, love that smile! Thank you for your positive vibes and all the backpacking tips
Not biased! REI is the best
Very cute Miranda. Well done I really enjoyed this. I’ll be checking out REI’s used gear on line! Thnx
Love REI nice video. You have a great sense of humor.
Miranda in the Water
Gotta love the KRK studio monitor setup! Good finds for under $200!
Love your videos. I wish I had that kind of enthusiasm.
Very interesting personality. Subscribed!😂
Just found your channel and subbed I'm starting to get back into this kind of stuff and bushcrafting also setting my Jeep up for overlanding looking forward to going back and looking at your other videos.
I loved this! I didn't think you'd make it, but you made it look even harder that it was! Your phone has a compass. Could have passed on REI membership. And you don't need a bear canister lots of places, so that was more potential savings. I didn't think you would come in under budget, but you killed it! Yay!
To wear the poncho easier lower the top bar on the frame of the pack That Kelty pack is a classic
YOUR BAG IS SO CUTE! 💙
Bridges...definitely underrated!
3:44 -- total Kristen Wiig "Target lady" moment!!! Hahaha!
As always you are entertaining and show if you want to do it you can. I enjoy all your video's and I am a REI member. Take Care
Get 2 tarps, used ski poles (goodwill) and save a lot of money on shelter.
Great video !!! Very cool 😂👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼