How the heck are people affording to backpack?

Forgive me if this is not the right kind of post for this subreddit, but I'm not sure where to find the information I'm looking for. I have never backpacked in my life, but have desperately wanted to do so for a few years now. I was online today looking at gear (as I have none) and I am really discouraged seeing how expensive backpacking gear is. Just a lightweight sleeping bag and tent and a decent backpack adds up to about $1000. This doesn't even begin to cover things like a bear canister+bear spray, cooking supplies, and all the other bits and bobs that make life easier on the trail. I feel really at a loss, because that's just not money that I don't ever see myself having. Is there a place where one can get cheaper gear that's still in relatively good condition? How are people actually able to afford doing this? Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated!! --- **Post Details:** - **Subreddit:** r/backpacking - **Author:** u/academic-coffeebean - **Score:** 111 upvotes - **Upvote Ratio:** 76.0% - **Comments:** 448 - **Posted:** 7/14/2025 - **URL:** https://reddit.com/r/backpacking/comments/1lzmw7i/how_the_heck_are_people_affording_to_backpack/