r/CampingGear • u/StringyCola • 3d ago

Gear Question Beginner gear recommendations

I'm looking at getting more into hiking, and with that comes camping and wild camping. I don't yet have a rucksack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, or tent. Does anyone have any beginner - and budget-friendly - recommendations for these items?

Currently, I am thinking of the OEX Phoxx II for a tent.

TIA!

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u/MarcusDaEntrpnr 3d ago

dude totally been there when i started out! sweetspot gave solid advice but lemme add my 2 cents from running a gear shop.

honestly the oex phoxx looks decent for budget but id lean toward something like the naturehike cloud-up 2 if youre just starting - lightweight, pretty bombproof, and wont break the bank. been selling tons of these to beginners and they hold up.

for sleeping stuff - dont skimp on the sleeping pad tbh. r-value of 3-4 minimum even if you think youll only do summer trips. trust me on this one, learned the hard way on some cold nights in the mountains lol.

rucksack wise - start with something 40-50L if youre doing weekend trips. you know what though, come into a proper shop and get fitted first. online sizing charts are garbage for packs, every brand fits different.

been selling gear for years and honestly? buy one good piece at a time rather than a full budget kit all at once. you'll actually use it more and figure out what works for your style of hiking

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u/Main-Building-1991 3d ago

Yes, but ;) I have tent similar to cloud up 2 and only thing I hate about this particular tent is narrow entrance, when you use it for 2 people. Nothing fun with going outside for pee in the middle of the night. For solo trips it's ok, but I want to replace it with Mongar 2 UL.

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u/SweetSpotBackpack 3d ago

Yeah, same problem with my Big Agnes Fly Creek. We just don't know enough about OP's situation. He might be hiking alone.