Cheap Stuff that Works

[nm.otter]

anything from harbor freight

Mostly true 30 years ago. Quite a bit more nuanced of late.

 

[CMcCormick1805]

I just got some of the wrangler cargo pants from Costco. I got 2 pairs and have worn them about 5 different days so far and I am impressed. Very comfortable. I could definitely hike in them. I have used them while I was building some shelving and doing basic yard work. Can’t speak on longevity but I like the pants

I have been running the wrangler outdoor pants for years now. I’ve used both the Costco/Walmart versions and the more expensive farm store edition that really only has a different waistband color. I have tried some various other pants like the Eddie Bauer Rainier and the wildly expensive for what they are First Lite Courrigate pants. I keep landing on the Wranglers though.

They make a great early archery season and summer scouting pant.

The pants usually last me 2-3 years. I wear them hunting and during the day. I had a few years of manual labor in them and found them to be pretty tough for the low price point.

I often call them the best hunting pants that aren’t made for hunting. When they reach the end of their life it’s usually from major tears and the pocket seems wearing out.

Also for cheap gear that works I use a Dewalt Drywall saw that takes replacement Sawzall blades. It was 14 bucks at my local Ace and has been used for anything small firewood cutting in the back country to sawing a rib cage on an elk or two. I don’t go in the mountains without it. I will say that there is an issue with the screw that holds the blade in. I think a 50 cent set screw may do the trick.

 

[BustedRagHorn]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned but Showa 282-02 gloves cannot be beat. I have Give'r gloves (don't waste your money) and I reach for the Showa's most every time.

 

[one66stang]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned but Showa 282-02 gloves cannot be beat. I have Give'r gloves (don't waste your money) and I reach for the Showa's most every time.

Do they make a version of this glove without the long cuff?

 

[UnckleBob]

These see through Mesh Zip Pouches are lightweight, cheap and work well for organizing materials kept in larger bags. I primarily use them for business travel, but switched my backpack med kit into one.

They certainly aren't indestructible, but they are strong than ziploc bags.

Amazon.com

 

[grfox92]

These see through Mesh Zip Pouches are lightweight, cheap and work well for organizing materials kept in larger bags. I primarily using the for business travel, but switched my backpack med kit into one.

They certainly aren't indestructible, but they are strong than ziploc bags.

Amazon.com

I tried these and found the zippers broke so fast I went back to the zipper lock zip lock bags. Walmart brand are best.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[Ckat]

I tried these and found the zippers broke so fast I went back to the zipper lock zip lock bags. Walmart brand are best.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

Agree on the Great Value bags (specifically the freezer bags). They are better than any other brand I’ve tried and reasonably priced.

 

[grfox92]

Agree on the Great Value bags (specifically the freezer bags). They are better than any other brand I’ve tried and reasonably priced.

They blow the ziplock brand away. I sometimes get 2 seasons out of 1 bag lol

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[Jack321]

Anyone ever try some of these Amazon ultra-lite Tents?

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[Mosby]

Kinco Frost Breaker gloves. $8.49.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Kinco Frost Breaker gloves. $8.49.

I use a similar one called a Polar Penguin. I bought a 12 pack for a little over $40 not long ago.

 

[2ski]

Funny, I do the same. On a MT trip a few years ago, I somehow neglected to bring a belt for my pants. I had a small stash of these buckle straps with me and I repurposed one into a belt. It worked great and is now an integral piece of my hunting gear.

I bought somebcheap nylon webbing and buckles and made myself a belt for some pants that wouldnt take a 2 inch belt. I left the ends of the nylon long to both ends od the buckle since I didn't have access to a sewing machine to close our one end. I actually can get them tighter than any other belt since I can pull on both ends. The only issues is the nylon I bought will roll so its not flat, after a while.

 

[txtransplant]

Anyone ever try some of these Amazon ultra-lite Tents?

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

I’ve got the Lanshan 2 tent. It’s remarkably high quality for what it is. It’s not “ultralite” by premium tent standards, but it’s less weight than the Kelty I backpacked with when I was a kid. The seams and stitching are solid, but you have to seam seal yourself. I have not camped in a downpour in it, so I can’t attest to that. And it’s not a true 4 season tent. Despite the sharp angles, I wouldn’t trust it to withstand inches of snow load.

Edit to add: I paid $135 total for the tent and footprint in October 2025. I wouldn’t pay $200 for this tent, there are probably other options in that range that are as good or better. Not sure how tariffs may have affected all of this, too.