Hiking Gear for Beginners on a Budget or: The things they carried

Many people may be afraid to start hiking because they think it's an expensive activity. Good news! Unless you're going to be completing a multi-week trek, you do not need to spend a ton of money! There are many cheap options for budget-friendly clothes and hiking gear for beginning hikers.

Probably the best tip about hiking gear I can give beginners is to check out the activewear section at TJ Maxx. I've found leggings, sun shirts, and other items that wick moisture and help block the sun. The clothes wash well and are pretty sturdy. Depending on the day, I've also had luck at  Goodwill or other thrift stores.

Orange backpack: Venture Pal. Fanny pack: Outdoor Products

I like to keep it simple for most of my hikes. A fanny pack/water bottle combo from Outdoor Pro has everything a beginning hiker wants. There are several zippered pouches--I have plenty of room for my keys, phone, chapstick, and a little snack. The pack is also pretty comfortable. Look, Ma, fanny packs are back in style!
For hikes that require more stuff, I carry the bright orange Venture Pal pack. Bright orange  = safety first! I'm able to carry my water bottle in the outside mesh pouch, there are several zippered pouches inside for smaller items, and the chest strap can be useful as well. The backpack, although water resistant, is not water proof. You'll probably want to put a garbage bag or some other covering over it if you're hiking in the rain.

Sandals: Chacos Z/2. Shoes: Merrell Vibram

I realize that Chacos and Merrell shoes don't exactly scream "cheap!" However, your feet are really the one true place you shouldn't skimp. I've had this pair of Merrell Vibram shoes for over a decade, and although they look like they need to be put in the wash (I was tramping through water earlier), they've have held up beautifully and are my sturdy go-to hiking shoes. I originally bought the Chacos Z/2 sandals to help out with sore feet in the summer. I don't use them a whole lot when hiking because I like to protect my feet from bugs and possible poison ivy, but these sandals work well in hot weather.

As far as headgear goes, all you need is a baseball cap for the warmer weather. I've got a few old caps I rotate through, but my gray FitKicks is really easy to wash and fold to store away.

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I've got my FitKicks cap, Venture Pal pack, and a shirt from TJ Maxx.

It can be really fun to go to a big outdoors store and buy a pile of new gear. What's not really fun is looking at the receipt. I started day hiking with just a few exercise shirts and pants from budget-friendly stores and a hiking pack from Wal-Mart. When I'm ready to try overnight camping, I know I can rely on friends to borrow a sleeping bag or tent until I'm ready to purchase my own. Hiking is only as expensive as you make it. Enjoy the great outdoors on the cheap!

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