I want to buy all the essentials of camping like a tent,good insulated sleeping bag, back pack, boots, clothes, mini gas stove etc. to go on a good camping trip. How much will this cost? Are there any stores/ things to get recommendations? Any tips on buying? Anything that is not really needed but good to have?
you could easily spend upwards of a thousand bucks . . . . but you could get by cheaper. looking at your short list i’d say you could spend 300-400 bucks. look at the link below and check off what you think you need, and then go internet shopping at nextag.com. nextag comparison shops for you.
You seem to be well versed in the party line, if you were planning an Himalayan Expedition. But for your average, every day, backpacking trip in North America, modern gear and techniques have advanced so far, that the days of lugging 50 lbs of extra gear in 10 lb backpacks that could survive being dragged behind you, while wearing 10 lb boots that could stop bullets, has long passed. Today is the day of ultralight backpacking, where a one pound frameless backpack made with the lightest materials, if cared for reasonably, will last for thousands of trail miles, where one can carry a 1 lb tarp instead of a 6 lb tent and have more room, fresher air, and stay drier, where one can wear running shoes, practically skip along the trail, and never again worry about blisters. It behooves you to check out the latest ultralight gear and techniques before making any purchases based on archaic notions of what backpacking is all about, because that REI stuff, that expensive stuff, that heavy stuff, is 90% hype and five miles down the trail, when you still have five miles to go today, the only lightness you’ll feel will be in your wallet.
you can spend as little or as much as you want to
you can go to Walmart and get cheap tent or tarp, sleeping bag, pad, and stove for well under $100. Back pack will run a little more – recommend inexpensive external frame for first pack. Clothes (and even shoes / boots ) – probably can wear what you already have.
Pick an easy trail in mild weather for your first trips.
The ultra-lightweight stuff mentioned by others is the direction to go but not starting out. You need to have some idea of what works for you before you start sinking that kind of money into backpacking – they will say you can make it yourself for pennies but most folks can’t or won’t
example of cost difference – Walmart sleeping bag on sale (summer weight)~ $20 vs 750 or 850 fill down bag for $500+
one luxury I love is self-inflating sleeping pad with chair kit
try reading Ray Jardine for ultra-light backpacking
read Colin Fletcher – Complete Walker for more comfort
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_
If you need to get all the gear at once, then cost may be a factor for you. If you can wait it out, and make your purchases over time (let’s say, start buying now for a camping trip next Spring), you can get some very good quality gear for decent prices.
Sleeping Bags: Great deals to be found on SierraTradingpost.com, Campmor.com, SportsmansGuide.com, and BargainOutfitters.com, just to name a few. I use a Big Agnes sleep system, and can’t say enough good things about it – if you’ll be camping in cold weather. With my Big Agnes system, and a cheap plastic tarp, I don’t really need a tent.
However, I do own several tents, all of which were purchased on clearance or Ebay, and they’ve all held up quite well with moderate to heavy use. Get a brand of tent that is well known, that has a full coverage fly, and you should be fine. Seam sealer is a must.
Stoves: I’ve had a Markill Devil stove for 7 years now, and it’s held up very well…
http://gearx.com/product_info.php?products_id=22568?ref=base
Small, compact, and easy to set up. However, I have friends who swear by alcohol stoves, and you can build your own.
http://zenstoves.net/Stoves.htm
Backpacks – if you’ll be hefting all your gear with you, you should get properly fitted for a pack. Depending on where you live, that can be a struggle. In my area, Adventure 16 is probably the best place, or perhaps REI. Find out what size of pack fits your torso; having a poorly fitted pack can ruin your fun!
Boots – hiking boots have come a long way, and they can be VERY pricey. Depending on the trail you plan to hit, you may or may not even need them. A good pair of trail shoes can work just fine, and they’re lighter / smaller. Try SierraTradingPost.com for great deals on shoes.
Clothing – you likely have everything you need. Fabric choice is the key, and depends on the weather you’ll be in. If it’s cooler weather (say, 60 or lower), then stay away from cotton and instead go to fleece, wool (Merino wool is excellent), or polypropylene. Hypothermia kills people who are improperly dressed and on dry land at 55 degrees.
Lots of links below…check them out for some great resources.
And! One of my favorite tips for food:
http://www.freezerbagcooking.com
tent, sleeping bags, air mattress and pump, coleman camp stove, flash light, first aid kit, cooler, water proof matches / lighter, hatchet, sometimes if your camping for a long period of time an ipod with external speakers is nice to enjoy your favorite music.