Basic Starter Backpacking Kit

  •   Category Price Weight
  • Pack $142.00
    3.44 lb
  • Tent $129.00
    2.9 lb
  • Sleeping System $217.00
    5.68 lb
  • Cook Kit $58.00
    1.21 lb
  • Water $65.00
    0.36 lb
  • Essentials $174.00
    3.77 lb
  • Personal Care $7.50
    0.34 lb
  • Clothes $0.00
    2 lb
  • Bear Bag $24.00
    0.33 lb
  • Total $816.50 20.04
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Worn 1.25 lb
  • Base Weight 18.79 lb

This is a hypothetical kit for a lightweight budget kit. All items are easily available and do not require customization. The goal of this list is to provide a baseline for expectations of cost and weight. The REI pack prices are assuming 25% sale. All other prices are non-sale and untaxed - assuming some sales would be shopped to balance the total cost. At about $800, it's about 18.5 lbs. With upgrades to the pack, tent, and sleeping bag, the weight drops to about 15 lbs for $1000 total. Weight savings beyond that would cost significantly more.