Camping Gear On A Budget | My cheap backpacking gear setup 

I just discovered his channel and loved his calm, chill way of presentation. No shouting, no over-excitement like in those other channels and the gear he features is usually accessible affordable stuff.

I found that when starting from scratch you have to buy the cheaper gear other wise you wouldn’t be able to afford it all at once. But as the years roll on and your gear wears out one by one I found I was replacing it with nicer gear. I still have and use my original cheap plastic cutlery as it’s still going strong. 👍

Hi Paul, I’ve been watching your videos a lot through lockdown after discovering them by accident. Wild Camping is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but never really had much time to do it. Just wanted to let you know using your equipment videos I purchased all my stuff and have done 2 trips so far!! One up devils kitchen with my brother and one up Haystacks with my GF. Loved both. Keep up with the videos. They’re inspirational! Thanks again. P

My friend said “I don’t earn enough money to be able to afford cheap kit “. I liked this, he was referring to the fact that some cheap stuff simply doesn’t last! Meaning you have to buy two, maybe three times, perhaps outplaying more than one would have spent on a quality item. The truth is of course, you simply don’t know when buying things how Kong they will last. Price certainly isn’t a guide! As an example I bought some hyper expensive Rukka motorcycle clothing that turned out to be absolute junk. At the other end of the scale, our family has had good experiences with Decathalon products. Invariably good (surprisingly) high quality.

Brilliant video Paul, this sort of quality budget videos are what's needed on RU-vid, there's a big gap in the market for this sort of content as so many hiking / camping videos focus on ultralight equipment and I think it alienates a lot of people from the hobby , well done .👍🏽👊🏽

One of the most useful camping videos I’ve ever seen

Well done. It's great to have a pile of this kit around for when your unprepared buddies decide to tag along. As much as I love kit, we all know that you are some times paying for the name, and it's great to know what works just as well on the cheap. Thanks for doing this one. Cheers!

Like a number of people have already said I very recently came across your videos and they are exactly what I've been looking for, simple and honest without a load of shouting and flashy chaos. Thank you Paul.

Thanks for the inspiration during lockdown, I’ve done 2 weekend garden camps now and looking forward to trying wild camping for the first time when we’re aloud our again. Buying a few items so I have the essentials and starting on a budget so video was perfect timing. Keep it uk thanks!

Great clip, I totally agree with the price conscious choices you have made, a very nice practical selection. I particularly liked the cookset/stove setup with the gas canister and burner fitted snugly inside the cookset! It's surprising how much you were able to fit into the medium sized rucksack and what a lot of kit it appeared to be when all setup. Thanks for posting.

Honestly, I wanna thank you for these videos and your channel! Me and a friend of mine want to start getting into wild camping and backpacking and are about to go on our first little foray next week! Your videos, especially this one (as we're students, obviously we're on a budget ;) ) helped us get what we absolutely needed to start out, as well as brought us up to speed on what and how to do this kinda stuff! And the really chill presentation of your videos is lovely as well, thanks man!

Thank you for informing about your gears. Much love from Everest region. Thank you for inspiring me to make videos from Himalayas. Best wishes.

I motorcycle camp, so on some things I sort of need to pay a little more just for more compact size and weight, but generally find some middle ground. The only thing I really paid premium on (but I waited for a sale coupon) was my helinox chair zero. Nothing compares in any way and it fits perfectly in my pannier pack without having to lash it outside where the weather and mud affect it. Backpacking Channels are like the sister camping advise channel for me and I appreciate all you guys do.

You channel helps me to plan my first camping - building my system in a structured way.

Really appreciate your channel Paul. Not everythins is super light or super expensive. Makes it all feel accessible!

Great video paul. I have a few different set ups , from 6 man family set up with all the mod cons needing a van. To a set up like you showed here. A couple of years ago I scaled down a lot of kit to take motorcycle camping and I love it, even "luxury items" like the chair and even matching table can all be purchased on a budget now. I've even loaded the bike up and overnight and in garden lately. All the best and fingers crossed we'll all be out again soon.

Brilliant. I just came back from a trip to the Scottish Highlands where it rained for three days straight. I was using a twenty quid tent from ASDA which I re-proofed with Fabsil. The condensation was a bitch because it was a single skin, but I still managed to stay dry and warm in the tent.

Absolutely loving these vids Paul... I’m just about to start purchasing some kit from the tent up so these vids are much appreciated... keep em coming mate

Been fancying wild camping for a while now, watching your videos has given me confidence and today bought a new tent, mat and sleeping bag ready for next year. The rest I'll pick up over winter second hand. Cheers Paul

Only recently came across these videos. been nothing but impressed so far. Keep up the great work!

Just found this channel and its the only one I can watch without having to turn down my volume. Thanks man, love your content.

I'm glad you commented on not bringing expensive boil in a bags. Some of the best meals we have made have been from things thrown together, at a fraction of the price as well!

Brilliant video paul!!! Had £3000 of gear stolen, so having to start again! Plenty of things you’ve shown that will help getting me back in the great outdoors 🙏🙏✌️✌️👍👍

Another great post Paul. I'm coming back into wild camping after many years off and like many people have a limited budget. Some great recommendations. Getting out there doesn't have to cost the earth (although I would love a Hilleberg tent!). Keep the posts coming.

Honestly I've watched your videos for a while now and you're just always so well spoken and informative.

I have both those small stoves. The first one I've had for about three years, used weekly in the summer and if you're savvy using it the wind isn't always a problem. It's not the best in the world but for the money it's great. It's the sort of thing I was talking about before. Stuff like this get people out without breaking the bank.

Boom tingz pal. Your videos are getting better and better bud. Make the most of the lockdown and release as many as possible. I honestly think if you didn't take long breaks between your uploads pre-lockdown you would be on 100k subs by now.

Love this video, shows you can get out and have a good time without spending on a hilleberg or thermarest some budget gear is perfectly fine to use and no need for kit snobbery as long as it’s fit for purpose, and you can then upgrade over time for lighter or smaller kit as your cheaper kit starts to need replacing Thanks for the video mate 👍

Great video Paul! I love discovering new budget gear just as much as drooling over the expensive stuff!

I just got one of them camping chairs from the range, £29,99 Better than I thought as well , 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Great video Paul. I’m just starting out, so these budget tips are very much appreciated. Hope you’re well.

Great video Paul. You have a fantastic knowledge on this subject and it’s great to hear such honest reviews about real life experience of using the products. My new go to channel for kit reviews and advice. Love it 👍

Brilliant, down to earth post. Most posts about kit makes the cost of creating a kit prohibitive, so, this was a breath of fresh ai.

Always great for a calming video xx

Just got into watching your videos, first one I watched was you and your wife Jo out camping Lake District and now I'm binge watching all of your videos and subscribed to your channel. Made me laugh as I have the same Vango Contour 50+10 l rucksack I have had that for years same as my deuter speedlite 30 both been very good packs. Wish you and Jo all the best.

Great video Paul! Thanks for doing this. Been needing to get some info about cheap gear and I’ve found it.

I second the Decathlon down jacket. I've got a Rab microlight down jacket and got this for myself and the good lady for kicking about camp and I wear it way more than the Rab. Maybe not as technical as the expensive jackets, but £40 (ish) for this is an absolute steal. My missus genuinely wears it every day to walk the dog so can safely vouch for the quality. Just down washed it this weekend and its good as new.

Great video. Great to see gear on a budget. I myself have cobbled together a setup including secondhand and sale items. I may upgrade in the future but it's all about getting out there and experiencing the outdoors. My gear list includes a Vango Sherpa 65 bag I got second hand and a lichfield 2 man dome tent that I got for £10 s/h . Thanks Paul,

Great vid and great ideas. I've also used a windscreen cover as an insulating layer when light weight bivvying and bikepacking. I picked one up in LIDL for a few squids. 😄

I am very, very new at hiking/backpacking. It's nice to see beginner alternatives to equipment without having to go bankrupt. Thank you!

I have heard about you Paul more than a decade ago he is known to educate backpackers about ultralight backpacking. Now Im going back to the old hobby I loved which I stopped for years. Watching your video is nostalgic.

Love it Paul. Nice to see the expensive gear but also nice to see people using cheeper stuff as well. I have that cheap little stove you used. I paid 99p so bought 2 at the time. Still use it upto this day and never failed me yet. I use it I've r the jetboil most of the time. I'm really fancying the lanshan 1. Gradually building my gear up. Can gladly go out in most weather's and feel I'd be OK 😊

Hi Paul, if am honest, you have given me the kick up the backside in regards of camping, it's somethimg I have always wanted to do but somehow never got round to it, after watching a few of your video I decided to go to go outdoors and get some gear, I will be going wild camping next week and probably bought too much but I will learn with experience, thankyou for the videos as there very informative, keep up the good work mate

Great information Paul. Even if someone only takes a part of what you demo it's a great help to getting more people into the outdoors and wild camping even if only for an overnight

Great video and some great recommendations. For the money the Lanshan 1 punches well above its weight; I used one last summer in the Alps and was mighty impressed. My sleeping mat is an inflatable Klymit Static V short which I picked up for under £40 (forget how much), like you I bump up the R value with a reflective sheet.

Just discovered you whilst looking to undertake my first wild camp. Some great tips and reviews :)

Great video as usual, I treated myself to the treckology sleep pad and you won't be disappointed after a few years of using a thin pad 👍

just found this guys channel and have ended up binge watching over the last 24 hours haha! great videos! just wish i had more time to get out there doing it!

Excellent video paul really enjoying your videos. Since I have found your channel its become a box set, as soon as you finish watching one you just gotta watch another. Thumbs up from me mate. Stay safe 👍

Very inspiring video, doesn't have to be expensive indeed! One remark I also find with some other vids, you never talk about a lighter for the stove etc

super nice high quality video! i just found your channel and i say it is 10/10! love it! keep up he good work!

Hello Paul. I only just discovered you today and really enjoy your videos. You are like a twin in a way.... I was born in Staffordshire in 1964 and backpacked all the UK with my parents until my late teens when I did the Pennine Way alone (but needed to be rescued)! Since 1996 I've been Bikepacking, doing the same but travelling by bicycle. I still need the same equipment, and how you choose yours is my way, too. I've shared some of your vids on cycling pages I'm a member of because I think folks will like your down-to-earth style. Keep up the great work, Paul. I'll look forward to your forthcoming videos. ANDY.

Another excellent video, Paul! 📼

I wholeheartedly agree about the Trangia stove with a tiny cartridge burner stove as a backup. Paul, I didn't see any cords?! Para Cords are a must for so many surprise situations from ridgelines to first aid. I'm sure you carry some with you just not showcased this time around. LOVE your videos and your wisdom.

It’d be great to see a video detailing where you go and the routes you take. Great videos!

Loved this video! Super informative and makes camping feel way less daunting

Brilliant Paul. Excellent advice for us novices. Thank you.

A tent? Positive luxury! Glad to see you showing good value options. I'm looking at camping gear more from a bikepacking than backpacking perspective, but it's still a lot of money to splash when first starting out!

Another great video Paul. Your videos are giving me lots of inspiration and ideas for when we can get back outside again. Keep up the good work

I’ve got that trekology pad but haven’t used it yet, I have blown it up and lied down on it seems very comfortable have to test it in the field when this is all over. Good vid again Paul

Just started working my way through your channel as the spirit burner pocket brew kit caught my attention. Well presented and informative. Off to Ali Express now to investigate some of your kit. Cheers Stu NZ

Out of your gear, I recently tested the same inflatable pillow but made by Off the Grid (same price even) and now I won't go to the woods without it! I also use the little gas stove in the orange box. It works pretty well, but it's my backup since I use the Lixada titanium stick stove or just the campfire. I think my first solo camp was with about $200USD of gear and I was very happy with it. I do upgrade a bit but I still don't need a lot. I do have a cheaper version of the added comfort chair...but I don't feel safe leaning back in it...heh.

Thanks paul these are some great recommendation and your content is always great have a good one :)

Great video ! Also check out the Vango planet range for up to 3 season, similar to snug pack but a wider foot and fully zips out to a quilt if it gets warm.

Nice one Paul, As one of the chaps said earlier, its nice to see the budget end of camping stuff. For people like myself who cant justify huge amounts of money on a hobby this was really helpful, cheers.

Just watching some of your videos the now , very helpful as I'm looking to do a wee bit of outdoor camping myself with my stepson up here in Scotland up loch lomond , glencoe, fort William way. Picked up some great wee tips from your video clips Paul . I've just subscribed to your channel paul keep the camping tips coming 👌

Excellent stuff as normal, great content and top advice and guidance as usual. Brilliant, thanks Paul.

Hi Paul. I have just discovered your channel. What a well informed, no nonsense site! Can’t put it down.....! Keep up the excellent work.

Simple, calm and effective. Thanks.

Paul, great video. Shame the mainstream media always forget to include lower price items in reviews. That is why videos like yours are good. Decathlon stuff is normally a good buy. Those head torches you mention are good for the price. Mine survived a month camping in Namibia. The red light is a good feature.

Good video, I've used the Trekology matt your thinking off. They did a good price via Facebook when they cane out. It's very comfy but I use a cheap tesco silver roll mat underneath for insulation. Great nights sleep with a summer bag too. I normally use an Exped Synmat UL love that too but it's a double so the Trekologys good for solo stuff. It packs small. I notice you like the pillow; I've got that too and love it the Matt's just as good an absolute bargain.

Thank you for this. I got the same model of head torch from Petzl

Hi Paul I'm after some tent advice, I'm after a 3 person tent For me the wife and 4 year old for wild camping. I was looking at the naturehike opalus 3 and wondered if you knew much about it. Thanks for the great videos its given me great inspiration 👍

I'm just never ever going to go camping but i am obsessed with watching other folks do it!

Great video Paul! I've just bought a used Trangia 27 set and a Polish army sleeping mat, looking forward to trying them out soon somewhere, as for tent I currently use a Gelert Track 1, but sadly haven't had an opportunity to use it recently with everything going on!,

I wanted this tent but realised they have a new version now so ordered that. The Lanshan Pro 1 man tent for bikepacking. I'll need to sort out some kind of pole aswell obviously 👍

I got a 2 person tent about 2 or 3 years ago from argos for like 30 odd quid and it was probably the best 30 quid I spend. Enough room for me, my swag and room to move and it was double skinned. It was that good I bought a second one because I burnt a hole in the top. 71 quid for a tent is a bit steep.

Always a pleasure Paul, stay safe man!

Hi Paul, another great video - it almost felt like a historic journey back to how it all started for us! One question i have, of all of the top quilts you have used over the past few months - which do you recommend the most? I am looking to move to quilts and I wild camp and hike in the same areas as your good self.

Brilliant as always Paul - many thanks!!

Wouldn't mind buying the shown kit off you as been thinking of getting a set up to be able to go out and try bugging out for 2-3 days... Watched a few of your view now and have found inspiration in them

As always Paul, great video. I do like the chair, would be great for festivals

2 best top tips for camping on a budget: 2nd hand gear that has been taken care of can save you a ton of money, and doing your research as to what you're actually buying, materials, weights etc. You can generally get items which are 95-99% similar to premium brands, for a fraction of the price.

Brilliant video Paul for the newbies like me!

This was so helpful thank you!!

Mr Paul ,took your advise and bought the down jacket from Decathlon, seems to be a good deal for the price ,waiting for the moment to take it out into the mountains. Respect !

Thanks for the tips Paul, very handy if you would like to save a few quid.

Great information Paul. I have that first gas stove and love it. I have used it a lot.

Vango tents are rock solid, what I like about them is they are designed for the UK and Ireland climate.

Great review. Thanks again

Hope you are good Paul, some good bits of kit there for new and old campers alike, when so many are focused on all the latest lightest kit its easy to forget there is some decent budget kit out there that is still a manageable weight. I found one of those closed cell foam mats with foil back for £3 on offer in a local supermarket, usually £5 so that's two extra cans of beer right there. My first rucksack purchase was the Eurohike 90 litre for my fishing escapades though a little large for hiking/camping alone, have concluded the Snugpak Travelpak 2 bag is ideal for me covering 2.5 seasons, it's cheap, relatively lightweight at 1kg and easily replaceable/washable when we consider most don't camp below zero celsius its a no brainer for less than £40. I plan to use my down bag below 5C or it will be too warm. I also found the ex-MOD 'Goretex MTP Trousers' are great for around £20, camo pattern but do the job and have full length zips for ventilation, will likely last a good while and pack down to less than a litre volume, there's plenty on fleabay.

Perfect for new starters or those on a tight budget👍

Great video. I rate the alpkit numo mat as an entry level bit of gear. Needs pairing with extra insulation for three season use but plenty good enough to get you going.

Hey Paul, thank you for yout videos. During covid pandemie they help to relax. Regards.

The sleeping pad, I use a army green foam pad, bit thicker than your pad. However, like the idea you used to carry the pad rolled around the inside the rucksack, think I'll copy it and place it in my army bergen. Well presented video, cheers for showing what you got.

I've had a similar chair from aldi. Only cost me £10 about 10 years ago! They still do them but about £15 now. I love budget gear myself. Like to get my monies worth! I've had an argos Pro action hike lite tent for 13 years & it's still going strong. It only weighs 1.6kg & a steal at £15! Yes it was bright orange but I managed to pick up the previous years green version for £10 new! Also managed to get a sleeping bag bargain at a festival last year. There was a charity stall selling used camping gear & I got a snugpak kestrel 6 for just £5!!! As a cheaper alternative to the foil liner I use a car windscreen cover which costs about £2. Have you looked at naturehike tents? I now also have a mongar 2 (getting older & fancied the extra space & head room!) which weighs 2kg & only cost £65. Loads of space plus massive vestibules on either side

Bought the Trekology UL80 after I seen it on Thomas Heaton's channel, he recommended it after seeing it on your channel. Only used once but very impressed! Paid 55 as I don't buy from Amazon, but seems to be 45 on there now. Still a great pad for price and the curve works really well, especially as pitch wasn't perfectly flat.

Good stuff. Worth pointing out most ruck sacks have built in whilst on the front top buckle

Very helpful video brother, I will be buying some of that Gear my self.

I used the euro hike 65l for my dofe was it was fantastic! Highly recommend!