It’s the weekend. You can have fun AND save money.
Do you think that the only things you can do on a weekend is either stay on campus, or go on a big fancy adventure and blow a lot of money? No, there are other options.
Try backpacking. It is a cheap and awesome way to spend your time off school. There are many places you can go, such as Big Sur, or San Rafael Wilderness.
Just a FEW of the many Places to Go:
Hike all day, and camp at night. There are many beautiful places to pitch tents along these trails. Enjoy the landscapes around you, ranging from beaches, forests, rivers, mountains, and more.
As fantastic as a weekend like this sounds, it is surprising how cheap it is! If you already have gear, all you need to buy is food, and pitch for gas. If you don’t have all of the necessary backpacking materials, borrow them from a friend! If your friends don’t have gear, or they are coming along with you, don’t worry. Rent from Poly Escapes! For the full list, see their website. But here’s a quick look at some prices
Cost for Gear Rental (weekend prices, day and week are also available on the website):
- Backpack: $16
- Sleeping bag: $15
- Tent: $20
- Pad: $4
- Stove: $10
- Headlamp: $8
Max McEwan rests before sunset in San Rafael Wilderness. Photo by Anna Jacobson
Max McEwan enjoyed a recent three-day weekend backpacking in the San Rafael Wilderness. He had most of his gear, so he spent $10 on gas and about $20 on food.
“Once you have gear you really aren’t paying for much except food and transportation. It’s definitely a cheap activity.”-McEwan
Backpacking is a great activity for reasons other than its inexpensiveness. Backpacking allows one to be surrounded by the wilderness and close friends. McEwan says that backpacking makes him appreciate everything so much more. “When you go backpacking, it makes you appreciate the wilderness and when you come back home it makes you appreciate home,” he said.
Max McEwan, Tyler Davis, and Chris Hornbeak rest after a long day of hiking. Photo by Anna Jacobson
“It’s a stress-free environment.”-McEwan
So, get outside, get off-campus, and gain great experiences…all in one weekend. Backpacking is the cheap, and fun way to go!