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When we first dip our toes into the world of outdoor recreation, it’s more than okay to make do with what you have. 

As time in the backcountry grows longer and the endeavors become more involved, the gear eventually needs to match the intensity of the activity.

I went on my first backpacking trip in the winter of 2017, in a borrowed backpack, snowshoes, and a very worn sleeping bag no longer rated for 0°F. As an avid all-season runner, I pieced together every bit of synthetic clothing I had: three layers of leggings, a short sleeved shirt over two long sleeves, no hat. I covered it all in a slightly water-resistant windbreaker with my university logo on it - with a cotton lining.

It was a fine first trip, but I struggled hard to keep up with the group. I was cold all night, swimming in a massive sleeping bag that should have been retired or reserved for warmer nights. I was frustrated with how well my hiking partners were able to regulate their temperature while I was alternating rapidly between overly sweaty and completely frigid on our hike up to the summit.

Normally, this practice of “making do” is safe and highly encouraged. When going camping for the first time, sleeping in a tent with blankets on a warm summer night and hiking short trails in the already-owned gym clothes and tennis shoes are all great ways to use what you already have to try something new. When we begin to add elements like cold, water, elevation changes, and increasing our distance away from readily available emergency care, we need to upgrade to gear intended for our activities.

Shop Alpinistas top camping gear.

Climbing in a gym is a great way to begin and train for a new sport. Rentals can give you a good idea of what shoe to buy, you can decide whether you like bouldering or roped climbing, and what styles of routes you find fun. Getting outside requires a bit more gear, in addition to some outside specific knowledge. Crash pads are necessary for bouldering outside, since we no longer have those squishy gym mats to cushion our falls. If we choose to rope up outside, we need to both invest in (or find a friend with!) quick draws/protection, a rope, and the ability and knowledge to lead climb, place protection, create anchors, and make sense of a guide book.

Shop Alpinistas top climbing picks.

Day hikes in late spring, summer, and early fall can be a great way to spend a clear, sunny day, or even a rainy one! At lower elevations, on shorter trails, and with warmer weather, we can head out with our 10 essentials and enjoy the great outdoors. As we dive into the world of backpacking, anywhere from single overnights to months-long thruhikes, we need to build up our equipment to support our bodies and minds. Tents need to be water-proofed, we need sleeping pads to prevent losing all our body heat to the colder ground, backpacks need to be comfortable enough for our bodies to sustain 6-12+ hours of average daily wear. The gear just needs to fit well, provide wearable shelter, and last for many years and adventures. Backpacking in the northeast or pacific northwest, and other commonly rainy locations, requires us to have a good rain jacket and pants. It is considered to solely be a winter health concern, but we can be at risk of hypothermia at any temperature, especially if clothes are wet!

It’s important to have a sleeping bag rated for colder weather than you anticipate. Most sleeping bags ratings include one for comfort and one for the lowest temperature at which you’ll survive - know the difference and know your body! Some bodies tend to sleep colder or need different sizes, as with everything, one size does not fit all. If you have the financial ability and time flexibility, explore your options, try different gear. You can always rent gear, buy gently used, or borrow from a friend.

Shop women's sleeping bags.

Shredding on those craigslist skis will serve you well at the resort on groomed runs, and can be translated well to tree runs and other varied terrain within resort limits with some applied technique. When we decide to venture into the backcountry, either just beyond resort limits or on a ski tour, we need to bring at least one buddy, a beacon, probe, shovel, and knowledge of safe protocol on avalanche terrain. Bringing lots of layers and knowing when to take them off and on is an underrated skill and the important difference between cold hypothermia sweat and staying dry and comfy on a rad cruise with friends!

These are just a few examples of how starting a new outdoor sport can be done on borrowed, thrifted, or already owned gear, and as we grow in our chosen activities, we need to invest, both in our equipment and our knowledge. There is a huge push for us to have the nicest, newest versions of whatever we’re buying, the outdoor industry included, and while there is a perfectly reasonable call for appropriate equipment for extended outdoor adventures, the gear can come from anywhere or anyone, as long as it works for you!

I wouldn’t change anything about going on that first backpack because it catapulted me into the life I’m in now, but I might have told 2017 me to borrow a hard shell jacket from a friend.

Additional Resources:

Finding gently used gear can be easy! Some of my favourites include GearTrade, Re-Cover by Alpinistas, Isella Outdoor Consignment, Requipper, and your local thrift store!