We tested the best budget hiking gear in 2024. Here’s all you need for under $200
Budget hiking gear quick picks
Budget hiking boots: Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
Budget hiking backpack: REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
Budget hiking shorts: Decathlon Quechua Mountain Walking Shorts
Let’s face it, hiking is one of those weird sports that seems like it should be free, but in reality has loads of start-up costs, and finding the best budget hiking gear can be quite difficult. When buying hiking gear, you need to consider a comfy hiking backpack, grippy hiking boots, waterproof hiking gear (like a rain jacket) and proper safety gear (like a headlamp). But all those purchases can seriously add up.
Thankfully, several key stores and brands are dedicated to providing nature lovers with wallet-friendly technical gear to help them get outdoors. Though perusing the REI sale section and checking out websites like Steep & Cheap are great options, they lack reliability regarding certain gear and the sizes available. So, we did a ton of research to find the best budget day-hiking gear, sans discounts and sales.
After ordering all the items that users rated as their favorite in a given category, I tested them all on several five-mile hikes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain foothills. I scuffed the boots against slick boulders, loaded the packs with weight and soaked the rain jackets under my faucet to determine their level of waterproofing.
The result is a fantastic, top-down list of the best affordable hiking gear. Read on for our favorite picks for hiking boots, backpacks and pants.
Best budget hiking boots and shoes
Hands down the most important thing to spend a bit on when you start your hiking journey is the shoes. Why? Because they’re a key safety item when it comes to not slipping and sliding on wet trails or loose gravel. Plus, the good ones can ensure your trek is blister-free.
This is, by far, the best high-top waterproof hiking boot your money can buy. They're a bestseller and a flagship item for legendary budget gear brand Columbia, come in loads of great colors and offer decent grip and support for hiking and backpacking. On the dry gravel trails of the Rocky Mountain foothills, they performed beautifully during my month of testing.
The men’s version of Columbia’s best-selling Newton Ridge is no less loved by fans, gleaning thousands of positive reviews on every website I researched. These boots are stylishly crafted with real leather, great ankle support and solid grip.
The perfect blend of form and function, these classic hiking shoes are constructed with waterproof suede, traction-heavy Vibram soles and breathable recycled mesh to ensure your feet stay dry and ventilated on even the most rugged trails. They were also noticeably lighter and better for hot weather hiking when I tested them on sunny days around Boulder. Best of all? They’re made with recycled and eco-friendly materials.
For just $10 more than the Speed Eco hikers above, you can nab a slightly sturdier (and still eco-friendly) hiking shoe with these Speed Solos. Featuring grippy Vibram outsoles and waterproof suede, these are a fantastic starter shoe for new hikers and those on a strict budget.
Best budget day-hiking backpacks
A sturdy hiking backpack is the second most important thing for your day-hiking setup. Ideally, you’ll want one that won’t chafe and offers plenty of thoughtful, well-designed pockets to store all your gear, snacks and layers. It’s important to consider what you’ll be packing and how much space you’ll need in your daypack so you don’t end up schlepping a huge bag up a mountain for no reason.
Best budget hiking pants and shorts
When it comes to hiking pants and shorts, you’ll likely want something durable, stretchy and quick-drying so you aren’t soaked and chafing if you get sweaty or caught in the rain. My favorite hiking pants also offer stretchy side pockets to hold a smartphone and at least one zippered security pocket so I don’t lose my keys.
Best budget hiking tees and sun shirts
When it comes to hiking shirts, you want to avoid cotton, which can chafe and cool you down to a dangerous level if you sweat through on an intense uphill or summer day. You’ll also want a shirt with adequate, scientifically measured sun protection (which is typically marked with a UPF number). Below, we’ve listed a few of our top picks for quick-drying, sweat-wicking synthetic hiking shirts.
Though it doesn’t offer an official UV-protection number, this T-shirt from Decathlon’s Quechua line is amazingly lightweight, quick-drying and soft. I was sincerely impressed by how smooth and silky it was in my hands when I took it out of the box. As such, it would be a fantastic pick for both trail runners and hikers this season.
This is another one of my favorite budget hiking shirts I tested. Soft to the touch and supremely stretchy, this bright short-sleeved piece also features mesh panels under the arms to help vent your body when hiking or running on a hot day.
If you prefer a button-up style sun shirt, this Tamiami design from Columbia is a great option. Designed with hard-working anglers in mind (though it works incredibly well for hikers and trekkers, too), this top offers UPF 40 sun protection and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It even has a small side pocket for keys or a snack.
With its UPF 40 sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric and all-over coverage, this long-sleeve button-up from Columbia is the ultimate summer sun shirt, whether you’re fishing on the shoreline or hiking up a hillside. Because of its street-smart style, it also transitions from the summit to supper with ease.
Best budget hiking jackets and fleece
Having a solid insulating layer and rain jacket is crucial, whether you’re day hiking or backpacking, even in the summer months. Unfortunately, it’s typically one of the most expensive things you’ll have to purchase for your trekking quiver. Thankfully, there are a few stellar deals to be had, and we’ve scoured the web for them. Here are our top picks for budget hiking jackets.
This ultra-cozy fleece offers conveniently zippered pockets, a super-soft hand feel and a high collar to help keep you warm when it's gusty outside. It’s also a bit thicker than the other fleeces on our list, making it ideal for cold nights and chilly climates. I love it for frigid shoulder season sunset viewing from my balcony, too.
Want a bright, high-visibility fleece jacket? Or do you prefer a sleek black design? Either way, REI Co-op has you covered (literally) with these super-plush fleece jackets. Featuring zippered pockets and recycled polyester fabric, it’s an eco-friendly way to stay warm and safe on the trail in any season.
If you’ve got a little more than $50 to spend on a great raincoat for hiking, we recommend REI Co-op’s Trailmade Rain Jacket. Not only is it made with Earth-friendly Bluesign-approved polyester, but it also has zippered hand pockets and a cinchable hood to keep out the elements. I loved using it on drizzly dog walks because I could stash my keys and phone in the secure pockets. Plus, it’s machine-washable, should you take a tumble in the mud.
The men’s version of REI’s best-selling Trailmade Rain Jacket is just as great as the ladies’ model. Blessedly waterproof and windproof, it’s a must-have for high mountain adventures this season. It even comes in loads of great colorways so you can showcase your unique style on the trail.
Though it might not seem like the most budget-friendly jacket at first glance, this is one of the most affordable down jackets on the market. When I first took it out of the box, I was amazed at how soft it was, which kept me extra cozy on chilly evening dog walks when the temperatures dipped into the 40s. Even better is that it’s made with recycled ripstop nylon that resists abrasions. It’s also machine-washable, lightweight and perfectly packable, weighing just 10.2 ounces.
We also love the men’s version of REI’s fabulous 650 down jacket. Weighing a scant 10.9 ounces, this packable, eco-friendly jacket offers two zippered hand pockets and two slip-in interior pockets to secure your valuable items on the trail. It’s a fantastic all-season jacket that transitions well to the ski slopes when winter hits but can also keep you cozy around a summer campfire.
Best budget hiking accessories
Last, but not least, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few of our favorite budget hiking accessories. It’s important to pack a bright headlamp and an extra pair of socks (to prevent blisters) into your day pack, and we’ve included a couple of our other must-haves here as well.
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