If you’re new to backpacking and don’t want to spend a fortune before you even hit the trail, you’re not alone.
Plenty of people ask the same question: can you actually get a decent tent and sleeping bag without blowing your budget?
The short answer is yes, but with some conditions. Let’s talk about what’s actually out there, where to look, and what to watch out for.
And if you’re specifically on the hunt for cheap camping tents, there are more options than you might think.
It Depends on Where You’re Going
This is the most important thing to figure out first. A summer camping trip in mild weather? A $50 to $100 tent can absolutely do the job. A multi-day hike above the treeline with unpredictable weather? That’s a different story. Your budget matters, but so does the conditions you’ll be facing.
One backpacker in a Reddit thread put it well: “Festival in the middle of summer? Sure, plenty of options for $100. Multi-day hiking above the treeline? Not so much.”
So before you buy anything, think about where you’re going, what season it is, and how serious the conditions might be.
Where to Find Budget Tents and Sleeping Bags
Buy Used Gear First
This is probably the best advice for anyone starting out. Used gear can save you a lot of money. Subreddits like r/geartrade and r/ulgeartrade are solid places to find quality gear at a fraction of the original price. REI’s re/supply section is another good one. People have scored $200-plus gear for around $80 there.
Facebook Marketplace and local outdoor gear groups are also worth checking. You’d be surprised what people sell when they’re upgrading their kit.
Featherstone and Kelty Tents
If you want to buy new on a budget, Featherstone is one of the most recommended brands for affordable backpacking tents. One backpacker took a Featherstone Granite 2P tent on a 69-night bike touring trip across the Great Divide and said it held up through rain, snow, and high winds. Still had life left in it at the end.
Kelty is another solid option. Their gear won’t win any ultralight awards, but it’s reliable for beginners and won’t fall apart on you.
Amazon Budget Tents
There are some surprisingly decent single-layer tents on Amazon for around $30. One backpacker who has been at it for five years swears by a cheap Amazon tent he bought for under $30. It weighs under three pounds and has more headspace than some $600 options. He’s taken it on 30-plus mile treks in the high Sierras.
The catch? Single-layer tents collect condensation in humid weather. But pick the right campsite and it’s a manageable trade-off.
Decathlon
If you have a Decathlon nearby, it’s worth checking out. They make decent entry-level gear at accessible prices, and their tents have gotten solid reviews from people who just want something functional without the premium price tag.
What About Sleeping Bags Under $100?
Sleeping bags are where it gets trickier. You can find options under $100, but you need to pay attention to the temperature rating.
REI’s used gear section is a great starting point. One backpacker picked up a used REI Magma sleeping bag from the re/supply section and used it for 60 consecutive nights of touring through South America. It still works great.
For new bags, synthetic fill options in the $50 to $80 range are available and can work well for three-season use. Just make sure the bag fits your body right. Extra room in a sleeping bag means more space your body has to heat up, which makes you feel colder. Try it on in the store if you can.
The Honest Take
Budget gear can work. Plenty of real backpackers use it and have great trips. But cheap gear does have real limits, especially in harsh or unpredictable weather. If you’re just starting out and want to test the waters without spending $500 upfront, buying used quality gear is almost always better than buying cheap new gear.
Start with a modest setup, see if you enjoy backpacking, and then upgrade the pieces that matter most to you.
FAQ
Can a Walmart tent handle rain?
Ans: Some can, yes. A few backpackers in the community have had decent experiences with Walmart tents in wet weather during summer trips. That said, cheaper tents tend to have weaker seams and less durable rainflies, so they may not hold up over many uses or in heavy downpours.
What sleeping bag temperature rating should a beginner get?
Ans: A 20-degree bag is a good starting point for three-season backpacking. It covers most conditions you’d face in spring, summer, and fall. If you’re camping in winter or at high elevations, you’ll want something rated lower.
Is a sleeping pad necessary for backpacking?
Ans: Yes, very much so. A sleeping pad insulates you from the cold ground, which is just as important as your sleeping bag. Look for one with an R-value of around 4 for versatile three-season use.
How heavy should a beginner’s backpacking kit be?
Ans: A general target for beginners is a base weight (everything except food and water) under 20 pounds. As you get more experience and upgrade gear, you can work that down.
Are hammocks a cheaper alternative to tents?
Ans: They can be, especially for solo trips in forested areas. A basic hammock and bug net can run you well under $50. Just keep in mind that hammocks don’t work above the treeline, and you’ll need an underquilt or insulation layer for cold nights.