10 Highly Rated Backcountry Essentials Under $25
These are some of my favorite affordable tools for backcountry camping. This list is by no means exhaustive and is highly preferential based on my own camping style. Remember that everyone enjoys the outdoors a bit differently and will therefore require their own mix of equipment.
While I may receive a small amount of proceeds through Amazon from any purchases, I wholeheartedly stand behind and even own most of the products listed below!
With over 7,500 rave reviews and 4.5 stars, this best seller is incredibly high quality and affordable at just $13.55 at the time of this article. The stainless steel cup and lid have a locking heat resistant handle and measurement markers from 8oz to 20oz stamped on the side. The cups fit perfectly inside and the handle snaps on top allowing for secure and compact transport. A plastic tab is connected to the top to allow for cap removal while hot - pour holes are located within the cap to allow for release of pressure and a perfect pour as seen in the photo. These are just a few of the high-utility features found in this set, all backed by Stanley’s generous warranty coverage. This may be my favorite piece of gear for light weight backpacking into primitive campsites. I used the set for morning coffee (seen here) as well as boiling water for meals. The unit is easy to clean as well. If you are looking for an ultra-light strategy, remove the cups and you’ll find a trail igniter/stove and fuel fit perfectly in the can.
This is an excellent trail stove for a few reasons: minimalistic build, ease of use, and inexpensive! With 4.5 stars and 1,500 reviews, the camping stove is the best bang for buck available. Like many less expensive compact trail stoves, I assume the igniter will eventually stop working but you can easily use a lighter or match in its place. The the stove is well designed and feels very sturdy. The design is superb as it cleverly folds up when in storage and requires about the same room as a pack of playing cards. As with many trail stoves, this will require an adapter for use with pure propane - I would recommend using a fuel blend such as the iso-butane/ propane mixtures found here. Tip: You’ll find these same fuel canisters at your local outdoors store for $5-$6.
This one is for the ladies! I have been told this is a must have for anyone hiking and camping in the great outdoors. Apparently the ability to pee standing up like a guy is pretty liberating as well. While there are disposable paper options, this is the most eco-friendly option as it is reusable. You’ll have to pack up and hike out the disposable versions anyway if you’re in the backcountry (due to leave no trace protocol) so opt for a higher quality, reusable option. If you know, you know.
Finding a pillow that packs small and provides support for snoozing can be a serious hassle. I’ve gone through my fair share of camping pillows - this one wins my vote. My girlfriend originally purchased the pillow due to favorable reviews on Amazon (over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.5 stars). I was skeptical as I prefer to do thorough research before making these types of purchases. Boy, was I wrong. We went on a trip with subfreezing temperatures and that pillow proved perfect for the job; the small version (what she had ordered) fit snugly in the hood of her sleeping bag and provided optimal support and warmth through the night. When we packed up the following morning, the pillow proved surprisingly compact! I subsequently purchased my own the next day. The durability is also nice as well; this pillow does not seem to become lumpy when exposed to moisture like some others.
Solar powered, lightweight, and affordable at $24.95, the LiminAID was a random find for me. Having never heard of the product, I recently discovered it was originally designed for disaster relief and had been pitched on shark tank. There is a lot to love here - the LED light is 100% waterproof, solar powered, and perfectly conducive to camping and hiking needs. For hiking, the unit collapses down into a very light weight piece of gear and it is waterproof so you do not need to keep it in a dry bag. For camping, this is the king of tent lights; the LuminAID allows for multiple brightness settings and charges during the day. The solar charged battery also acts as a phone charger when necessary. You can also have a positive impact on global communities! Through the company’s “Give Light, Get Light” program, they partner with NGOs and nonprofits all over the world to distribute LuminAID lights to individuals in over 100 countries who will greatly benefit from a safe, rechargeable light source.
There are loads of camping utensils on the market but few are as resilient and light weight as this spork. Snow Peak has made its name manufacturing high quality products and this utensil is no exception. I’ve used mine on every trip and it holds up with no problem.The Snow Peak Spork goes for about $10 - it is well worth the investment. If you are on the trail eating freeze dried bags like Mountain House, consider a long handled spoon to limit mess when moving your breakfast skillet or chili mac from bag to face.
Bringing a new interpretation to “The mountains are calling and I must go.” - when nature calls, you cannot find a better companion! The Deuce of Spades is ubiquitous among back country hikers. The trowel is light weight and sturdy, made in Korea of high grade aluminum, and comes in at about $20. Minimalist trowels are a life saver on the trail; simply use the handle end to cut out your cat hole and then remove the dirt with the scoop end. In most places such as the Appalachian Trail, this is completely permissible as long as the hole is at least 6 inches deep and subsequently filled.
For your own safety, it is important to keep necessities such as sleeping bags and fire starting gear dry when the weather does not cooperate. This is especially important for those many miles away from shelter; a drenched sleeping bag can mean hypothermia. Dry bags are also great to serve as “bear bags”. Bear bags are essentially bags you fill with all food and scented items and swing over a high tree branch (away from your campsite) when in bear country. The MARCHWAY is one of several great cost effective dry bags on amazon. This one has 5 stars and over 10,000 reviews! $13.99 for the 10L size. Dry bags are another one of those multi-functional tools ubiquitous in the backcountry.
The large Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel is $12.95 and worth every penny. This is the second Wise Owl mention on this list because I’m a huge fan of their products. The towel is affordable and high quality, made of microfiber and easily packable for long hikes. Microfiber towels pack away tight and light and are one of those things you don’t think you’ll need until you need it. Moreover, microfiber towels are small but mighty, often able to dry much more effectively relative to size when compared to traditional cotton towels.
With 5 stars and over 10,000 reviews, Tough-Grid paracord has proven itself to be a staple in the hiking community. The 50ft length is $9.85 and will do the trick for your back country needs. I use my cord for hanging bear bags whenever in bear country. A high quality paracord is one of the most useful items you can have in the backcountry. Paracord is a survivalist’s best friend - you can pitch a tent, fish, hang clothes, make a snare trap, hang a bear bag, and much more, making this potentially the most versatile trail equipment available.
Final Thoughts
Again, this list is by no means exhaustive and is only meant to provide aid in beginning your search. Be sure to do your own research and settle on products that best serve your purposes. Embracing the outdoors is just as much about learning your own personal preferences and needs as finding general consensus on the “perfect” set of equipment. Build your repertoire one step at a time and be sure to remember that certain approaches work for certain people. Enjoy the gear search because that is honestly half the fun!
