To add to the topic. It's funny you came along as I've been thinking of Sgt. Rock's 300 challenge..

Rather than making it philosophical, I was going to add the requirement to spend 3 weekends out with it.

I'm usually one to recommend spending the money to buy intermediate gear or maybe stick to hiking instead. But now I'm not so sure.

The one thing I did decide is experience can make up for cheap gear. Yes, sometimes it may get uncomfortable, but long night's end. And it's hard to be cold while hiking except in extreme conditions. This means a new person will benefit from trying their gear out in their backyard or car camping. It's essential to get some rainy days.

It's likely you have most of the clothes you need around the house. Any pair of synthetic athletic pants will work. A lot of people hike in shorts. Any synthetic shirt will work.

To help prevent blisters, I'd suggest wool socks from Smartwool. But if you aren't prone to blisters a thin synthetic sock MIGHT work. You'd have to test it.

If I were going super cheap I wouldn't use a stove. Some will recommend a homemade alcohol stove. I've never been able to get one to work.

Hiking shoes are preferable to running shoes as they don't slip on the hills as much. If you can find a cheap pair on sale, they will work for a 10 day trip. Just be sure they are comfortable.

I'd stay away from cheap ponchos. But a military poncho will work. It's not the best, but many like them.

You will need some kind of jacket. Try ones you may have around the house. Also some long john tops.

I backpacked for 2 years without a pack. Google Yukon packs and you will find some designs you can make using your tarp for the bag.

For a tent, you can use an 8 x 10 tarp and a lightweight ground cloth. But you will need some experience in the rain to see what setup actually works. You COULD use a blue tarp, it's a bit heavy and you will get condensation if there isn't enough ventilation. But it's what I used on some trips as a kid.