The BLT Guidebook

I purchased my first backpacking backpack when I was 20 years old from REI. It was one of my largest purchases besides my car at that time, coming in at around 300 dollars.

It was an Osprey Women’s 65- similar to current models out there, but 11 years older. I walked into REI, told them what I was thinking of buying, was fitted for it and everything. I loved this backpack. I still own this backpack.

But did I need it? No. Not exactly. I purchased it because my friend wanted to go backpacking. I needed a backpack. I bought said backpack. I went on the trip. I didn’t make it very far due to a few factors that have nothing to do with the backpack (like my previous inability to climb trails that are filled with shale).

I never actually used this backpack for it’s intended purpose until at least 4 years later. Yes, you read that correctly. I held onto this 300 dollar backpack for years before it had it’s first real overnight outing.

Fast forward to 7 years later, and I not only have this backpack, which has graced a few mountains and has been used as my temporary luggage, but I have two more- one purchased from a local used outdoor sports store called Young’s Backpacking in Berkeley and one purchased through eBay.

My locally purchased backpack is an old Gregory, which I bought for around 100 dollars. It was an old school backpack and it instantly caught me eye. After one overnight trip it ended up being too small for my back (I blame my awkward height).

Then there’s my used eBay backpack- an older REI ultralight, purchased for around 65 dollars. I have yet to use it on its’ first trip, since I bought it over winter. The material is solid and it’s easily compared to my boyfriend’s newer ultralight backpack.

I love all three of these backpacks- they are all very “me” in a sense. I realized, though, after backpacking with the Osprey a few times that it was just too much for me. The Gregory was a good fit, but it didn’t quite fit me- literally. I am holding onto it because I have many shorter friends who have expressed interest in backpacking. My hope right now is that the REI is the right fit- but I need to try it out before I know.

Reasons Why I Don’t (Always) Need Expensive Backpacking Gear

My 300 dollar purchase was a solid option- it is a very popular backpack and you can get it almost anywhere, including Young’s Backpacking in Berkeley!

But I realized an important lesson in this process: I do not (always) need expensive gear.

Reasons Why I Don’t Need Expensive Backpacking Gear:

• Evolution of use: When I started out, I bought a backpack without any research. I also had never been backpacking before! If I were to rewind, I would have borrowed a pack or at least done more research on what I thought I would want. This would have saved me from storing it for years before it was used. My college self could have also saved some money in the process.
  
  
• Evolution of needs/wants: I thought I needed something that could carry me through multiple days then realized I just needed less stuff. Did I need to bring multiple long sleeve t-shirts and a change of clothes each day/night like I was going on vacation? No. You’re backpacking! I could also just put less stuff in my Osprey, but with all the pockets and “extra” bells and whistles, it’s a cleaner look to have less pockets, straps, and weight.
  
  This thought might even change again after I acquire all of my ultralight gear. But that’s okay!
  
  
• The material is the same- regardless of price: My 300 dollars backpack, my 100 dollar backpack, and my 65 dollar backpack are all made out of the same type of material. Now, I can’t compare them completely since age and ultralight are factors, but in most cases, you’re gear is as durable as other gear!
  
  Even if my 65 dollar backpack wasn’t ultralight, I still found it on eBay and there are many Osprey backpacks (just like mine!) that are on eBay right now just waiting to be purchased for a fraction of the cost.
  
  
• Buying local/used is more sustainable: I think it’s definitely OKAY if you buy new, depending on what you buy, but you can definitely buy new from a small cottage company or even a local sporting goods store.
  
  If you don’t go that route, try to give life to something that’s not being used. My boyfriend bought his new Gossamer Gear backpack from a guy on Craigslist because he bought it for his child for one backpacking trip they didn’t end up going on. He ended up selling a new backpack for half the price because they couldn’t take it back.
  
  I’m sure this backpack would have been bought by someone else, but this is a great example that buying something used can be a good deal for you and keep something great out of the landfill.
  

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What’s something you bought used that you absolutely love?