The best budget backpacking gear for summer adventures, according to experts

“The REI Co-op Flash 55 backpacking pack is an unbeatable value,” says Abigail Bliss, editor at Travel Lemming. With a lightweight roll-top design, drool-worthy pockets and a front phone pouch, this backpack offers many of the same features you’d expect in a big-name bag at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it frequently goes on sale during REI’s big Memorial Day and Labor Day blowouts. “It wins extra points for its user-friendliness, ultralight weight and recycled materials,” says Bliss.

“I try to bring a packable backpack or waist pack when I'm backpacking, so I have something lightweight to carry around between heavy travel days,” says Dustin Christensen, founder and editor at Territory Supply. At just 9 ounces, REI’s Trail 5 Waist Pack is light enough to mindlessly toss into your larger rucksack for peak-bagging treks or short jaunts from camp. “I've found I can fit quite a bit into this bag, including water and day hike basics,” he says.

“Fanny packs aren't for dweebs anymore. They are fantastic for hiking and camping,” says adventure photographer Paulina Dao. She likes to store small but important items (like a smartphone, ChapStick, lighter, pocket knife and “all the snacks”) at the ready in her Thrupack Summit Bum, then customize the body color and add a colorful comfy strap.

A fan of Decathlon’s affordable camping products, CNN Underscored contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort says that the Forclaz MT500 Air 45 + 10 has plenty of space for most multi-day treks and is well built, compared to big-name brands that can run you over $300. With oodles of pockets, an included rain cover, an exterior stash pouch for wet or grimy gear and easy-grab water bottle holders, this 3.5-pound backpack is a great starter bag for wallet-conscious campers.

Weighing in at 4.3 pounds, Kelty’s Coyote 65L overnight pack manages to pack in loads of necessary features while still saving on weight, at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. Solid suspension means that even your heaviest loads (up to 55 pounds) will carry with ease, and oodles of external pockets and webbing (those two on the sides are enviable small gear stash pouches) mean you won’t have to leave your favorite bits and bobs back home. Best of all, a padded hip belt and shoulder straps help keep your back happy on the go.

Though it’s a touch heavier than ultralight tents, Alps Mountaineering’s Lynx 1-Person design offers everything a solo hiker needs to get out and explore the woods. “I've had a few Alps products over the years that stand up well to the elements but cost much less than comparable products from higher-end brands,” says Christensen. “I liked this tent because it seemed like a great balance of cost and weight while I spent time backpacking and deciding how much I enjoyed it (which was a lot).”

Dao loves Featherstone’s lineup of ultralight camping shelters, like this 4-pound, 3-ounce double-door tent. Sure, it’s not the lightest one you’ll find on the market, but at just $130, it’s easily one of the cheapest backpacking-specific tents out there, plus it comes with a durable rainfly and sturdy aluminum poles to withstand anything Mother Nature throws at you. Inside, stash your essentials (like a phone and headlamp) in the tent’s mesh gear loft.

“In general, I think budget-minded backpackers should consider looking more to tarps, instead of tents,” says Rochfort, who also penned the book "Women Who Hike". Tarps are minimalist shelters that are typically floorless and provide minimal coverage, generally a piece of waterproof fabric over your head and a little side protection to keep you out of the elements. “If you're comfy sleeping on your pad directly on the ground, you can save a lot of weight and cash at the same time,” explains Rochfort. Rab’s Siltarp 2 can be pitched with your trekking poles, easily fits two campers and weighs just 1 pound.

Of course, you could just go all-in on a killer deal with this tried-and-true, all-in-one kit from REI Co-op. The Trailmade 2 Backpacking Bundle doesn’t include the lightest or the most sophisticated gear on our list, but with a 5-pound, 7-ounce tent, an ultra-warm 2-pound sleeping pad (R-value of 5.5) and a 3-pound, 4-ounce synthetic sleeping bag that can comfortably keep you warm when the weather dips below freezing, it’s one of the best deals out there today.

“Founder Will Liang wanted to get into backpacking but couldn't afford all the expensive gear at the time,” says Dao of Featherstone’s budget-conscious ethos. The Moondance 25 is seriously impressive, weighing in at just 1 pound, 7 ounces (for a regular length) and boasting 850-fill-power DownTek PFC-free duck down. “They also have a line of great quilts and sleeping pads, including foam pads,” says Dao.

"This Coleman sleeping bag is fine,” says Sebastian Modak, writer, photographer and former New York Times 52 Places Traveler, “and for 90% of the camping that most people are going to do, ‘fine’ is all you need.” Though it weighs in at 6.2 pounds, this sack is temperature-rated down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit — more than enough for summer excursions. “For many years of camping (and many more touring in a rock band), this did the trick, keeping me warm and cozy even when temperatures approached freezing,” adds Modak.

Sure, it’s only stuffed with 550-fill power down, but with a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a breezy weight of just 2.34 pounds (for the short length), Kelty’s Cosmic Down Sleeping Bag is a solid choice for beginner backpackers who want to save money while also being weight-conscious. “Backpacking sleeping bags are tough because they need to be small enough to actually fit inside your backpack without taking up too much space, and the Cosmic does that while still clocking in well under $200,” says Rochfort. “By comparison, most backpacking bags clock in closer to the $300 mark.”

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way to save money and make your gear last, says Alyssa Ravasio, founder and CEO of Hipcamp. “There's nothing like a basic egg crate sleeping pad. They're lightweight and comfortable, and you can find them most places for under $40,” she says. Exped’s FlexMat has an R value of 1.5, which is great for summer jaunts, and its medium length boasts an impressive 12.3 ounce weight.

“Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a great way to save weight for backpacking while also pinching pennies,” says Rochfort. They aren’t going to be as warm or as comfortable as inflatable pads, but they’re a durable, puncture-proof sleeping essential. Plus, with a standard-length pad (72 inches long) weighing a scant 14 ounces, you’ll be saving your body from joint-crunching weight on long uphills and downhills.

“I can't start a day of adventuring without a cup of coffee. To some, it might feel like a luxury on the trail, but for me it's a necessity,” says Modak. Rather than reaching for fancy outdoors-oriented bean brewers (like titanium pour-overs and AeroPresses), he says that this $24 reusable filter from MSR does the trick. “It's easy to use — a must when you wake up groggy — and easy to pack,” says Modak.

They might not seem like an immediate no-brainer when it comes to loading up your pack for an overnight, but Ravasio swears by simple glass mason jars for storing bulk foods like oatmeal and rice at the beginning of a trek, then storing leftovers in them as the trip continues. “Plus, they're infinitely recyclable,” she says.

Ultralight and ready for anything, UST’s Klipp Spork is the ultimate spoon-and-fork combo for hearty stews and pasta feasts in the backcountry. “Titanium sporks by Snow Peak are ultra-flashy, but these UST sporks (four for less than the price of one Snow Peak model) are handy to tuck into backpacks, cars, etc., for when you need a utensil,” says Dao. Gift or share the extra three with friends.

Every backpacker will want a reliable, ultralight stove and cookware setup that’ll go the distance, and Soto’s Amicus Cookset Combo provides trekkers with everything they need (a stove, large pot and small pot) for less than the price of many solo stoves on the market today. The pots are made out of lightweight aluminum that can also boil water and warm simple meals over a campfire if you’re really trying to save on weight.

While you’re at it, it’s important to grab a canister or two of easy-to-use camp fuel, especially if you’re backpacking somewhere with strict campfire restrictions. MSR’s IsoPro has been a favorite for newbies and experts alike for years, with sizes ranging from an easily packable 4 ounces to a huge 16-ounce can for group dinner parties in the wilderness.

“For me, camp coffee is both a luxury and a necessity,” says Nicole Brown, communications and marketing associate for Outdoor Alliance. This collapsible pour-over device weighs in at a mere 2.9 ounces and helps aspiring baristas create the perfect cup of joe in the wilderness. “I’ve been using this for a few years now, and have even transitioned to a pour-over at home; I love the routine,” says Brown.

“My favorite budget backpacking and camping gear comes from Decathlon,” says writer, Emmy-nominated makeup artist and train travel expert Karim Orange. Not only are these Quechua hiking pants a cinch to convert into shorts, they’re also woven with a mix of stretchy elastane and moisture-wicking polyamide to help keep you comfortable and dry on the most rugged trails. “They are lightweight and feature two pockets, plus a belt for convenience,” says Orange.

A solid hiking boot can easily run you $200, but thankfully, Merrell’s classic Moab 3 Mid Waterproof model brings grippy lugs, great ankle support and sturdy stitching at a cheaper price point. “A bargain compared to similar products," says BIiss. "Users can expect unparalleled comfort, durable construction and breathability — plus full protection from the elements."

“This is my go-to shirt for all outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to stand-up paddle boarding and camping,” says CNN Underscored contributor Erica Zazo of REI’s quick-drying Sahara T-shirt. While many athletic and outdoor-focused tops can feel overpriced for a simple polyester blend, this sweat-wicking staple is fairly priced and durable. “It's lightweight, odor-repelling and doesn't break the bank either,” adds Zazo.

“For lounging around camp, I've found cheap sandals or flip-flops can be just as comfortable as any name- brand camp shoe,” says Christensen. Cut costs by clipping a pair of lightweight thongs to your pack with a carabiner, then slide them on to lessen boot fatigue when you’re at the campground. “Generic flip-flops are great for cutting weight and having something soft and flexible around camp, plus they're fine getting dirty or wet,” he adds.

Of course, you could splurge a bit more on cushy camp sandals, like these Birkenstocks. They’re washable, adjustable, waterproof and made of comfortable EVA. “If I have more space, I'll bring a pair,” says Christensen “They're extremely durable, still lightweight and offer more cushion than standard flip-flops.”

Finding a solid wool hiking sock for under $20 can be a challenge, and REI Co-op has somehow managed to weave together this snuggly wool quarter crew for just $18. Often touted for its natural antimicrobial properties and its ability to insulate, even when wet, merino wool is considered the holy grail of sock fibers. “Merino socks are known for their excellent moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation and odor control,” explains Orange.

As affordable as they are adorable, these battery-powered string lights are what Ravasio likes to string up inside her tent to read without the harsh glare of a headlamp. “As a bonus, add them to a Mason jar along with some foraged moss for a gorgeous campsite centerpiece,” she says, “but remember to leave scattered patches of intact moss, which will re-seed the area and encourage faster regrowth!”

“You don't have to invest in a huge water filter for your first time or shorter backpacking trips,” says Zazo. Not only is the Sawyer Mini feather-light at only 2 ounces, it’ll last most newbie hikers a couple of years while they dial in their gear setup. “I've used the Sawyer mini on many multi-day backpacking trips and it's super easy and efficient for filtering moving water (streams, rivers, creeks) into your own water bottle along the route,” says Zazo, adding that the Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L and MSR MiniWorks EX are worth the extra scratch when you’re ready to spend more.