Best Camping Gear Under $50
The best gear doesn't require the highest budget. These 10 items represent the highest value-per-dollar in the camping category. Grant evaluated each on performance-relative-to-price, not absolute performance. The Sawyer Squeeze at $35 outperforms filters costing four times more.
Updated June 2026 · 10 products ranked
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01
Sawyer Squeeze Water FilterBudget
The best single purchase any backpacker can make under $50. 100,000 gallons lifespan. Grant considers this objectively non-negotiable.
9.5/10
02
ENO SingleNest HammockBudget
A complete hammock shelter for $40. The entry point with no meaningful quality compromise. Correct first hammock for anyone.
9.2/10
03
Petzl Tikkina HeadlampBudget
$20, 60 hours runtime, 2.6 oz. The backup headlamp every pack should have. Also the correct primary headlamp for budgets that need allocation elsewhere.
8.8/10
04
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteelBudget
12,000 strikes and works when wet. The fire-starting tool that functions when a lighter doesn't. Grant keeps one attached to every pack permanently.
9.0/10
05
Buff Original Multifunctional NeckwearBudget
One item that functions as hat, neck gaiter, face cover, headband, and balaclava. The highest utility-per-ounce item on this list.
8.9/10
06
Sea to Summit Pocket TrowelBudget
The leave-no-trace requirement that most hikers forget. 1.1 oz. Legally required in many wilderness areas. Grant notes the enforcement data.
9.1/10
07
Coghlans Emergency Tube TentBudget
$10 emergency shelter that fits in a shirt pocket. Not for planned use. Correct for emergency kits, day hikes, and all packs regardless of experience level.
8.7/10
08
Nalgene Wide-Mouth 32oz Water BottleBudget
The indestructible water bottle benchmark. 32 oz BPA-free with a lifetime guarantee. Grant has owned the same one for seven years.
9.2/10
09
Sawyer Permethrin Insect RepellentBudget
42-day tick and mosquito protection on clothing. Odorless when dry. The correct tick prevention tool — DEET on skin, Permethrin on clothing.
9.0/10
10
Mountain House Freeze-Dried MealBudget
Just-add-water dinner with a 25-year shelf life. One meal per pack as emergency food is non-negotiable. The correct emergency ration for every backpack.
8.8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear should I buy first for backpacking?
Sawyer Squeeze ($35) and a headlamp ($20) are the two items Grant recommends above all others for new backpackers. Everything else — tent, sleeping bag, pack — can be borrowed or rented for the first trip.
Is cheap camping gear worth buying?
Gear under $50 is worth buying for consumables, accessories, and backups. Not worth it for structural items (tent, sleeping bag, pack) where failure has consequences. The Sawyer Squeeze is the exception that breaks this rule.
Can I build a complete camping kit for under $300?
Yes. Tent ($80 ALPS Lynx), sleeping bag ($65 Teton Tracker), pack ($100 Black Diamond), headlamp ($20), water filter ($35), and fire starter ($15) = $315. Functional for 3-season car camping.
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