Looking to go camping for as little as possible?
Then you have come to the right place.
In this article I’m going to be writing down the bare minimum ESSENTIALS that you will need to take for a camping trip, while some of the items I mention are optional.
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Items and The Prices
| Item Type | Product Name | Essential | Value ?/5 | Price Range |
| 1. Sleeping bag | Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag | Yes | 4.5 | $25-35 |
| 2. Tent | Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent | Yes | 4 | $45-$55 |
| 3. Sleeping Pad | Coleman Adult Accordion Vertical Camp Pad | Yes | 3.8 | $20-$35 |
| 4. Flashlight | J5 Tactical Flashlight | Optional | 4.7 | $10-$15 |
| 5. Knife | Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade | Optional | 5 | $10-$15 |
| Total Price | $90-$155 |
Keep in mind: The sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad WILL be less than $100 – no doubt about it.
But if you want the optional flashlight and knife, the overall price will come slightly over $100.
Since prices change often, the total cost (if you want to purchase all the items listed above) can range anywhere from $115 all the way up to $155.
So Why This Build?
You have to go camping with at least some money, there’s no two ways about it.
And because $100 isn’t overly expensive, that amount of money still allows you to go on a successful camping trip.
That is why I’ve put together this budget list, so people that don’t have a lot of money can still have a great vacation 🙂
1. The Sleeping Bag
The Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag is the best “bang for your buck” sleeping bag that I have found to work successfully and flawlessly.
It’s not the highest quality bag on the market (so don’t expect it to last for many years), but at least it gets the job done, and incredibly well, too.
The only time it will keep its cushioning and insulating effect is if you only camp a few times a year.
But if you choose to camp all the time, it WILL start to lose its quality a lot faster.
Name: Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag
Price Range: $25-35
Check Price & Availablity
2. The Tent
The Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent is one of those tents that can withstand the rain and heavy winds.
However, don’t expect it to last many years either.
It’s on the cheaper side of tents, so it definitely does have its flaws.
For example: There is no vestibule room, it’s known to get a small amount of condensation buildup, while you might want to seam seal it too, just to be on the absolute safe side of course 🙂
Name: Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent
Price Range: $45-$55
Check Price & Availablity
3. Sleeping Pad
Again, the Coleman Adult Accordion Vertical Camp Pad isn’t the most expensive sleeping pad on the market, but it does get the job done very well.
What I typically like about this sleeping pad is that it can be self-inflated and deflated in a cinch, which is all done without a pump!
Name: Coleman Adult Accordion Vertical Camp Pad
Price Range: $20-$35
Check Price & Availablity
4. Flashlight
The J5 Tactical Flashlight is a great “value for money” light, one that’s been around for many years and still sells like hot cakes until this day.
The price of it fluctuates between $10-$15, but mostly sits at $13.
The online reviews are remarkable, ESPECIALLY for an item of this price, which is why this flashlight has made it onto my “$100 budget” list.
You will find that this product has many features and a high-powered light to help you see in the distance – up to 600 feet in fact.
Name: J5 Tactical Flashlight
Price Range: $10-$15
Check Price & Availablity
5. Knife
Okay, so I have personally used the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade many times and can’t recommend it enough.
The online reviews for this blade blows the competition out of the water, while it’s not everyday you see a knife in this price range that has such high ratings.
Furthermore, it contains a hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with a length of 4.1 inches and a weight of 4.1 oz, and that’s WITH the sheath.
Plus many more great features!
Name: Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade
Price Range: $10-$15
Check Price & Availablity
Total Price
$90-$155!
If you decide to purchase all the items listen above, you’ll be looking to pay $over 100.
However, if you just want to get the basic necessities, you can do so for just under $100.
The “optional” items aren’t actually needed if you have your own [flashlight and knife], so you can completely skip those items if you want to.
Thanks for reading and I hope you found exactly what you were looking for 🙂
If you did, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave a nice comment below and I’ll get back to you asap.
1. Did you find what you were looking for?
2. Do you have any questions regarding the items mentioned in this article?
Cheers!
-Brandon
Camping Mastery
Well I love camping and we try and go as ultra light as possible. So this is fantastic information. Well presented and layer out also. I love it. I book marked and will be back .
Camping can most definitely be done when you’re on a budget, and that also means BACKPACKING, too. Glad you liked it 🙂
Oh NO! You just bring back the memories! Those bachelor days camping to various spots available and also deep into the forest with terrific waterfall by walking distance takes 2-4 hours arrive. How those days the freedom doing boys things while enjoying the camping trip together.
Your camping list above as complete as it gets. But I prefer for the basic necessities only. If we are too accomplished with all the tools, the trip not as thrill as we hoped for. But it is only the way I am with the group before. Different people have their different preference. I am cool about it. Thanks!
Well these ARE the basic necessities. Well not all of them, but these are the essentials anyway – all under $100 🙂
I agree with you. If you don’t need extra tools, simply leave them at home, as they will only get in the way when you’re out camping.
I’ve been wanting to go camping for a long time, but I can’t seem to get anyone to brave it out with me. This is a great list because it shows me the basics of what I need and give me an small budget in case money is tight.
Hello Whitney,
Thanks for your wonderful comment.
And yes, the list above gives you a basic outline of what can be purchased with a measly $100 bill, so I’m happy that you found it helpful.
I have always thought it will be really expensive taking the kids camping… reading this blog post gives me a more realistic vision. This is one list I will tick off my bucket list soon. Thanks for sharing your insight on this. Great outline.
I know right. Often times it can be, but if you do a little digging around (researching), you can find yourself a BARGAIN. These products work incredibly well for the price and you won’t go wrong if you decide to purchase them 🙂