When did backpacking become an elite and expensive activity?

[wintermom]

When I started out backpacking about 25 years ago, the equipment available was basic, fairly inexpensive, and people used things like, gasp, twine and bungie cords. Now the backpacking scene is so flashy, expensive and seems to be elitist. Is it just my own perceptions? Hunting and fishing equipment seem a little more basic still, though even there I'm seeing a lot more flashy and specialized gadgets.

[dirty ethel rackham]

Not speaking as a backpacker (I'm a climber but mostly a gym-rat) but have many friends who climb outdoors and backpack/camp. Plus, I'm the mom of a former Boy Scout. I wouldn't classify it as being elitist, but, as the years have gone by, many people have made getting decent gear a priority. Yep, there are people who will spend money on all sorts of gadgets because they have the money for it. But, most backpackers I know will invest in a few pieces of good equipment that will perform (lightweight, works well) and last. I still see bungee cords as required equipment, though :sneaky2: .

[PrincessMommy]

I think it has changed. Maybe not elitist but definitely some companies are making it specialized. I've heard similar complaints from people who ride bikes.

[J-rap]

I don't think it has to be, but more expensive equipment generally makes for a more comfortable experience. I remember when my dad and brother used to hike in the mountains in California (back in the 60's and 70's), which they did many, many times. They'd carry in their thick, heavy sleeping bags, my dad's old army blankets, and so much more. I don't know how they did it! Sometimes it would rain and then their sleeping bags and blankets would become drenched and impossible to carry. A couple times they just had to leave them. They did this for next to nothing (money-wise), and always considered it an adventure. Would they have splurged and bought light-weight sleeping bags (with no extra blankets necessary) that were moisture wicking, if they could? I think they would, but they still look back on those experiences fondly.

 

Today my brother is a research scientist who climbs Mt. Everest and such places, and he uses only top-notch equipment.

[Anne]

When I went backpacking for the first time as an adult, I used the gear I had used as a teenager. After that experience, I started saving my pennies and watching for sales. After awhile, I had acquired decent gear (lightweight!) for my daughters and me. I did a 40 mile trip a couple of weeks ago, and was very grateful to have lightweight gear that kept me warm & dry!

 

So, I don't view it backpacking as being elitist - I've seen plenty of old gear on the trail, held together with duck tape & bungee cords! The technology has improved so much since I was a teenager - everything is so much better than it was back then. You'd have to be nuts if you didn't prefer to carry/use lightweight, warmer/cooler, better gear over the old stuff.

 

Anne

[DawnM]

I didn't know either and was not adequately informed before signing up my DH and oldest for Philmont for this summer. They will be hiking 8-9 miles per day for 10 days. It is not just a weekend trip where if the gear isn't completely right, they will survive. I want them to be comfortable and be able to do the entire 100 miles.

 

They have done some weekend trips and now have a better grasp of what they want/need to be able to make it.

 

I had my son fitted for a backpack because the one he has was making the weight stay on his shoulders rather than his hips. I had no idea how important that was, but when you are 119 pounds and have a 35-40 pound backpack on, it is crucial! It was harder to fit him as his hips are tiny.....so the hip belts were too big and not allowing the weight to rest on them.

 

We finally broke down and bought an expensive backpack.

 

As for tents, Philmont won't allow anything that isn't fully enclosed......so, a backpacking tent it is!

 

And, since it is 100 miles, I won't be just "making do" with extra weight......so lightweight items we will find.

[Arcadia]

Backpackinging gear here is like cycling, bike trailer (where kids sit inside) and baby joggers (strollers). The basic gear has improved with technology. Price has gone up relatively little. The pricier gear caters to people who need or want all the other features. For example a few friends are serious cyclist and their bikes are really pricy. The rest of us are happy with a less than $100 bike for leisure cycling.

The sleeping bags and sleeping mats have improved and the range has widen. For tourisy backpacking, the gear pricing has not change much and I don't see any of the elite/flashy effect. For hiking backpacking, I see that more expensive or fashionable models have been added to the range. I don't see that as elite since the entry level range is still affordable and no one gets look down for going entry level for stuff.

[poppy]

There is lots of fancy stuff you can buy, but go on the actual trails and you will see a big variety of people using expensive and cheap stuff. And no one is snobby about what someone else is using, seriously. Folks may get excited to see someone with the latest and greatest, but no one ever scoffs at those using bargain stuff. Except to say "hey watch out for blisters" if they're not wearing proper socks, stuff like that.

 

So, definitely not elitist IMO.

[Just Another Jen]

I didn't know either and was not adequately informed before signing up my DH and oldest for Philmont for this summer. They will be hiking 8-9 miles per day for 10 days. It is not just a weekend trip where if the gear isn't completely right, they will survive. I want them to be comfortable and be able to do the entire 100 miles.

 

They have done some weekend trips and now have a better grasp of what they want/need to be able to make it.

 

I had my son fitted for a backpack because the one he has was making the weight stay on his shoulders rather than his hips. I had no idea how important that was, but when you are 119 pounds and have a 35-40 pound backpack on, it is crucial! It was harder to fit him as his hips are tiny.....so the hip belts were too big and not allowing the weight to rest on them.

 

We finally broke down and bought an expensive backpack.

 

As for tents, Philmont won't allow anything that isn't fully enclosed......so, a backpacking tent it is!

 

And, since it is 100 miles, I won't be just "making do" with extra weight......so lightweight items we will find.

 

 

A few years ago one of my older boys went to philmont. I ended up getting good light weight gear that was last years model on the internet. I can't remember where I bought from but I did a google search for backpack outlet or outdoors outlet. He ended up having very good gear at a fraction of the price. We still use the tent and now I feel like it was money well spent. Back then I had major sticker shock.

[Mrs Mungo]

DP

[Mrs Mungo]

It can be super-expensive, but if you look for deals or sales, then it is not so bad. The tent, backpack and sleeping bag are where you want to put your money. But, places like REI rent nice equipment, if you don't want to buy it outright.

 

Socks can be pricey, but our local outdoor store often has Smartwool socks on sale. DD and I hiked about 25 miles on our last weekend backpacking trip and not one blister. I love Smartwool!

 

Example of a deal: most ultralight camping stoves anywhere from $40-100, but I only paid $12 for mine on amazon. It works great!

 

This is the one I have:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006GT50EA/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1371926231&sr=8-5&pi=SL75

 

This Stanley pot (with 2 mugs) is around $15 at Wal-Mart. It is perfect for using on the little stove to boil water. If they are packing a lot of lightweight meals, then something like this would get a lot of use. Plus, the tiny stove fits perfectly inside.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005188T90/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1371926467&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

[wintermom]

Those magazines, chock full of the latest and greatest, are generally referred to as "gear porn"! Hey, we have to have something to look at during the winter...

 

This is what I'm talking about! I completely understand about the preference for modern, good quality sleeping bags, underpads, tents and backpacks. What blows my mind is the specialized food related gear. This was the latest ad from one of Canada's biggests outdoor gear store:

 

http://www.mec.ca/shop/new-items-camp-kitchen-camping/20027+50035+50130/?h=10+20027+50130

[wintermom]

I think it has changed. Maybe not elitist but definitely some companies are making it specialized. I've heard similar complaints from people who ride bikes.

 

Yes, and the running culture seems to have changed a lot as well. There is so much more equipment than just good quality runners in a specialty running store. In fact, sometimes you don't even see the runners unless you go right to the back of the store! :laugh:

[Anne]

Oh, yeah - there's a whole lot of stuff you CAN buy - but most of it you can really do without!!

 

We prepare all of our own dehydrated meals, which saves a ton of money and ensures that we really eat well on the trail. If my little tiny stove ever dies, I have to admit I'm going to save for one of those Jet Boil stoves - they are FAST! But meanwhile, my little tiny old stove works great...

 

Anne

[Jane in NC]

My husband and son made their ultralight backpacking stoves from aluminum cans. The plan was given to them by a guy who made his sleeping hammock and gave my son the tip of using Tyvek under his tent instead of a tarp (The bottom was wearing out on an older tent).

 

What I think is a shame is that some people feel that they cannot do certain physical activities unless they have the proper equipment and wardrobe. I know why my friend who formerly raced bikes wears his lycra when he goes for a 40 mile ride. But if I bike to the grocery store (four miles round trip) I certainly don't need a specialty bike or clothing.

 

That said, we have invested in a decent sleeping bag and pad for my son. We have also replaced the old hand-me-down tent with a new three season one. The latter was purchased from Sierra Trading which often has good deals on production over runs or last year's colors.

 

And yes to Smartwool. Love the stuff.

[LucyStoner]

Backpacking has long had pricer than all get out stuff. Think of the old legendary outfitting stores. Not cheap at all. Though you could get less expensive stuff as well.

 

People have always had a range of options from on the cheap to quite expensive. When I was getting set up for Student Conservation Association work in high school, I bought a lot of secondhand gear. I think I spent about as much then as I would need to now, adjusted for inflation.

 

Nearly all of our gear is used, clearance or REIs annual "garage sale".

[regentrude]

The only difference I have seen is that now there is advanced, light weight equipment available. I do not have to spend a lot of money on a lightweight tent or a titanium cook set or an ultralight stove, but I am sure glad that I no longer have to carry 50lbs of heavy gear. You can still get inexpensive equipment that is heavier and less durable, but it is nice that high end gear is available. We are gradually replacing out 20 year old equipment piece by piece. If I consider the lifespan of good gear (my back then high end, very expensive bakcpack has served me well for 20 years), backpacking is still an inexpensive activity compared to many others.

And there are truly wonderful new things. We have a ceramic water filter - those things did not exist twenty years ago, and carrying enough fuel to boil all water on an extended trip is a problem.

 

I looked at the food related link in a previous post: most serious backpackers would not bother with all this stuff. you can get by without most of these items. I don't know anybody who would carry chopping boards and camp stove grills on a backpacking trip.

[DawnM]

Is your son a scout? Do you KNOW a scout?

 

You can go to AlpsMountaineering.com and look and then order from ScoutDirect.com but you do need a troop number to give them. SD has AM items at a fraction of the price.

 

My husband got a great backpack from them.

[wintermom]

The only difference I have seen is that now there is advanced, light weight equipment available. I do not have to spend a lot of money on a lightweight tent or a titanium cook set or an ultralight stove, but I am sure glad that I no longer have to carry 50lbs of heavy gear. You can still get inexpensive equipment that is heavier and less durable, but it is nice that high end gear is available. We are gradually replacing out 20 year old equipment piece by piece. If I consider the lifespan of good gear (my back then high end, very expensive bakcpack has served me well for 20 years), backpacking is still an inexpensive activity compared to many others.

And there are truly wonderful new things. We have a ceramic water filter - those things did not exist twenty years ago, and carrying enough fuel to boil all water on an extended trip is a problem.

 

I looked at the food related link in a previous post: most serious backpackers would not bother with all this stuff. you can get by without most of these items. I don't know anybody who would carry chopping boards and camp stove grills on a backpacking trip.

 

Very true! Equipment has been changing and improving gradually over 100 years and more for civilian use. I still have my Swedish army portable stove that fits right inside the pots. It's not the fastest or lightest, but I just love the simplicity and design.

 

I laugh when I think back to when I thought compression bags were high tech! :laugh:

[wintermom]

Is your son a scout? Do you KNOW a scout?

 

You can go to AlpsMountaineering.com and look and then order from ScoutDirect.com but you do need a troop number to give them. SD has AM items at a fraction of the price.

 

My husband got a great backpack from them.

 

 

:confused1: I'm not talking about scouting at all. I'm talking about backpacking in general. I'm the backpacker in my family.

[regentrude]

I laugh when I think back to when I thought compression bags were high tech! :laugh:

 

My first backpacking trip in 1986 was a miserable experience. The only pants I had were jeans, because one could not purchase leightweight or fast drying fabric. Nothing wrong with jeans, but hiking in wet jeans is a pain. Heavy yellow oil skin type rain coat. The thing must have weighed several pounds. It was waterproof, but that was the only redeeming feature. Exterior frame backpack. A cotton (!) sleeping bag. A hard heavy black rubber sleeping pad. A heavy gasoline stove that had to be lit pouring gas over it and throwing a match.

 

I do not ever want a single of those items back.

[Mrs Mungo]

 

 

 

:confused1: I'm not talking about scouting at all. I'm talking about backpacking in general. I'm the backpacker in my family.

 

She was asking because the shop she linked has good deals on gear, but you need to be a scout.

[Alessandra]

Look at campmor.com If you don't mind rotting-pumpkin-colored packs, you can get GREAT deals! My dh's pack (replacing one 35+ years old) is a lovely shade... :laugh: Seriously, they carry the latest and greatest for LAST year, at fabulous prices.

 

I was reading "gear porn" in a Scout magazine a few years ago and scoffing at why anyone would "need" a Flex-fuel Tahoe... Well, let's just say, I really like mine... It will be the last big vehicle we'll ever need to buy, but hey, the room sure is nice now!

 

 

I LOVE Campmor. We live near enough that I go often. Every department has staff that truly know their stuff and, if you say you need something inexpensive for a scout, they don't scoff.

 

One cool thing that has REALLY gotten use here is SteriPens. Because we live in the West, our water is clear--you'd have to strain east coast water. We even have little solar chargers for them (we have two because dd had given Ed one) but I see now that they have a hand-crank model. See, that kind of technology makes life easier. Yeah, you CAN treat water with iodine, but I always get sick from that.

 

A fun Scout activity: declare one meeting a stove night or one meeting a water filtration night. It's really fun to see what all everyone has--and it's nice to be able to say--hey, I have this and you have that; let's share and cut down on weight.

 

I did a talk one night for a training for adult Scouters--it was a walk through the years of backpacks. Yeah, we own a WII green pack (with the metal pieces to flip up to dump it if you're being shelled) but I'm sure glad I don't have to carry it!

 

 

 

That is a great idea! I love gear. Looking at catalogues is just the start -- I google you tube videos of products.

 

I love this you tube person, not so much for the military, but for the backpacking. He has several hours just on first aid kits.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy

 

I didn't know either and was not adequately informed before signing up my DH and oldest for Philmont for this summer. They will be hiking 8-9 miles per day for 10 days. It is not just a weekend trip where if the gear isn't completely right, they will survive. I want them to be comfortable and be able to do the entire 100 miles.

 

They have done some weekend trips and now have a better grasp of what they want/need to be able to make it.

 

I had my son fitted for a backpack because the one he has was making the weight stay on his shoulders rather than his hips. I had no idea how important that was, but when you are 119 pounds and have a 35-40 pound backpack on, it is crucial! It was harder to fit him as his hips are tiny.....so the hip belts were too big and not allowing the weight to rest on them.

 

We finally broke down and bought an expensive backpack.

 

As for tents, Philmont won't allow anything that isn't fully enclosed......so, a backpacking tent it is!

 

And, since it is 100 miles, I won't be just "making do" with extra weight......so lightweight items we will find.

 

 

:iagree:

 

Well, my ds is not ready for Philmont, but he did a mini-backpacking trip last year. I searched for a tent that was better than the troop tents (Eureka Timberline). I'll be buying lighter things bit by bit as ds gets older. I enjoy it if I can help make his trips a little more comfortable.

[catz]

When I started out backpacking about 25 years ago, the equipment available was basic, fairly inexpensive, and people used things like, gasp, twine and bungie cords. Now the backpacking scene is so flashy, expensive and seems to be elitist. Is it just my own perceptions? Hunting and fishing equipment seem a little more basic still, though even there I'm seeing a lot more flashy and specialized gadgets.

 

 

You don't have to do high end. You can buy equipment used, chose not to upgrade, or watch for sales for pieces you do want. My husband and I both did a lot of hiking, camping, canoe camping before kids and having a few high end things is nice. A good camp mattress is well worth the price. Companies make this stuff because people will buy it. That doesn't mean you have to buy it to have a good experience backpacking or that it's become elite. Anyone can go out there with cheap tent, a sleeping bag, and some dried fruit and nuts. No one cares what you're using on the trail. I know mountain climbers that look at the gear first used for climbing Everest and they think of those initial climbers as super heroes. :)

[regentrude]

I know mountain climbers that look at the gear first used for climbing Everest and they think of those initial climbers as super heroes. :)

 

 

Absolutely! I come from an area in Germany where free rock climbing originated, and looking at the equipment the first people had, it's amazing. Hemp ropes. No harness; they tied directly into the rope. No biners; at the bolt, they had to untie themselves, thread the rope through the eye of the bold, and tie themselves back in. Hemp soled shoes, or bare feet. They had to be really good to survive this.

But then, under those conditions, *I* would not have been a climber. I like my harness and modern ropes and quick draws.

 

Even when I grew up, there were no climbing shoes or harnesses available (East German dysfunctional socialist economy). There was one person in the city (big city with lots of climbers, because we were close to a wonderful sandstone area) who made harnesses from webbed straps; on one specific day in the year he would take orders for the year, and you had to be there early to get measured and be one of the lucky people who got their orders in. Some special shoe makers would put a better rubber sole on a certain type of leather shoes upon request that could be used for climbing - but none of this gear was available for purchase in stores. I cringe when I see our old pictures. There were no flexible climbing pants or leggings available either; for several years, I was climbing in pajama pants, and our leader was climbing in scrubs that he appropriated from his internship at the hospital. There were no plastic drink bottles to take water in; a friend managed to procure some unused plastic half gallon oil canisters to take our water.

[Incognito]

I think that the world has more and more specialized "equipment" for all sorts of purposes - backpacking, baseball (my DAUGHTER had to wear a "jill" at only 6!), babies...

 

I think we are very marketed to as people, and things are designed for exclusive purposes. It's a vicious cycle, IMO.

[mom2scouts]

The equipment may be expensive, but most of it lasts for MANY years. Someone above commented about replacing a 35+ year old backpack. My husband still regularly uses the down sleeping bag, backpacking stove, and backpack he's had for about 40 years. Spending the money for quality equipment will make backpacking more enjoyable and possibly save money in the long run.

[Alessandra]

Look at the Kelty Gunnison tents--they aren't super expensive but ours have held up well. We liked the 2 man so well, we bought a 4 man too. We like the extension on both ends of the fly. We had an LL Bean for years with a separate vestibule, but one of the sleeves wasn't sewn correctly and one of the poles finally broke. They finally gave us a refund, but it was a long process. I was amazed how far tents had come in 20 years. I had one of the very first JanSport dome tents--the LLBean was a huge step up. And the Keltys a step up from there.

 

 

We GOT the Kelty Gunnison tents. I had a big spreadsheet of all the tent possibilities, actually bought the Eureka Backcountry 2. Then based on YOUR recommendation and that of an IRL friend, who suggested vestibules (two, if possible), I returned the Eureka and got the Kelty Gunnison 2 tent. It's a great tent. Ds finds it a cinch to set up, and it has kept him completely dry in rain storms, when people in other tents were damp or wet.

 

I will always be grateful to you for the excellent advice!!

 

As a family, we have two Eureka Sunrise tents, 10' and 8'. When I was buying the 10' the only advice I got from ds's then cub scout pack was to buy what ever I liked, and for some reason I thought it was important to be able to stand upright in a tent, lol. Well, a lot of our camping is in the woods, where it's difficult to find a 10 x 10 space; not to mention that I can barely throw the fly on top; and it weighs about 25 lb. I am happy, though, with the 8' Sunrise; it weighs about 12 lbs and is very comfortable. But I am also thinking about a bigger Gunnison for dd and myself. Funny, how, the more you camp, the less you carry....

 

My next purchase will probably be a lightweight backpacking tent for when ds does multi-day backpacking. Some friends of ours have an LL Bean Microlight that they like, but I will certainly be posting here when I ready to buy. Or maybe something that uses hiking poles?

[lailasmum]

I've definitely noticed here that there is a lot of cheap equipment available but its not good quality. If you want things that last then there seems to be a big step up in price. I tend to buy the better quality stuff on sale out of season, that works well.

[In The Great White North]

We prepare all of our own dehydrated meals, which saves a ton of money and ensures that we really eat well on the trail

 

Recipes?

[In The Great White North]

BTW, I went to garage sales and bought all the ex-boy scouts equip! Some of their parents really overspent, then the kid lost interest and I got a great deal.

 

I will stick pick stuff up, when I can find it cheap enough, that I know someone will pay me back for at CAP. I really don't understand why some of them (their parents?) will complain to no end about the price but not look for anything used!

[FriedClams]

Steepandcheap.com is another great place for smoking nice gear at low prices. It's the outlet for

Backcountry.com. The deals change every 10 minutes but they do have theme days. The daily email is usually very funny. I got a $280 pack pack for $70 this spring.