Mar 24 2025 166 mins 113
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by former guest, Trek writer, and certified gear nerd Alex “GPS” Brown. The focus of this one is how to save money on your backpacking kit. We break this one down category by category, sharing the best ways to cut costs, pinpointing which items aren’t worth pinching pennies on, offering specific product shoutouts, and discussing overall strategies to ensure more of your hiking budget goes toward your hike. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or just looking to save a few bucks, this episode is for you.
We wrap the show with news on a partial reversal of NPS layoffs, a debate on whether we'd prefer to be chased by a bizarrely fast turtle or lug around a backpack full of jelly, and the triple crown of foods we wish we had discovered sooner.
Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.
Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.
Purple Rain Skirts: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.
Bear Mattress: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 40% off at bearmattress.com.
[divider]
Interview with Alex “GPS” Brown
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:15 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! And sign up for the Trek’s newsletter!
00:13:30 - Introducing Alex
00:14:07 - Tell us about the Haute Route Pyrenees
00:19:00 - Disclaimers for this episode
00:31:50 - Budget backpacks
00:36:40 - Budget tents
00:44:00 - Budget sleeping bags
00:50:40 - Budget groundcloths
00:54:00 - Budget sleeping pads
01:02:20 - Budget footwear
01:20:16 - Budget socks
01:26:30 - Budget rain gear
01:38:00 - Budget clothing
01:50:05 - Budget cookware
01:55:10 - Honorable budget mentions
02:01:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Alex’s Poop Story
Trek Propaganda: Trump Administration Partially Reverses National Park Layoff Decision by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Would you rather hike 100 miles while being chased by a slightly-too-fast tortoise or while wearing a backpack full of jelly?
Triple Crown of foods you wish you knew existed sooner
Mail Bag
5 Star Review (suggest a guest!)
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
