I think with all the time spent scrounging inexpensive gear, I'd rather wheel my lawnmower around the neighborhood for a month cutting a couple lawns a day.
Paul, it's just that the costs of thrift store (etc.) stuff were left out of the $300, which, with some lucky finds, could make the total a lot lower.
Understood. But the idea was to make a list that was consistent. If I only added lucky finds, it could be a $50 gear challenge..and not as useful IMO for the real world. I once found a Patagonia fleece for $5. OTOH, I can always find an army liner jacket for $10 or so.
Hope that makes sense.
re: scrounging
Actually, all of those items can and have been found online or directly in the store consistently. Scrounging., of course, would be way to find the "lucky finds" mentioned earlier. My friend's wife is ALWAYS finding great stuff in the thrift store. Of course she does not work and has the time.
I just want to second bluefish. I started with an old shower curtain and a blanket, plus an old pot and an old spoon. My mom sewed a cover for a bottle for water. I had matches and a small pocket knife in my pocket and I found a small flashlight a bit later. I wrapped my stuff in the blanket, tied off the ends and slung it over my shoulder.
Like bluefish I won't pretend I was always comfortable, but I sure did enjoy it!!!
The best advice I can give you is get out and enjoy. When you're ready to stay out overnight, see what you can scrounge up and go. Remember, today you don't even need to cook (think Cliff bars, etc.). best, jcp
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
The famous Grandma Gatewood started out with shower curtain, blanket, a homemade denim drawstring bag, and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 1955. She did do a lot of scrounging (make that begging) along the way, but she made it and completed the trail twice more, the last time in sections. Ben Montgomery's Grandma Gatewood's Walk is a good read about this intrepid lady.
I would suggest starting out with shorter trips closer to home and, especially, not waiting until you are age 67!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!