Todays commercially available camping and trekking gear is light years ahead of what I essentially started out with, and I certainly didn't have any problems. In fact using retro gear is actually quite fun to use, with the kit being mostly old ex military surplus.

Here is basically what I started out with back in the early 1980s.



58 Pattern Down and Feather Sleeping bag - currently around £40 for a unissued one. - Still competitive with its build in waterproof groundsheet



British GS Bergen. - around £20 on ebay.



British Army Pup tent - around £20 - Rubbish tent, look elsewhere. i.e. A British issue Basha tarp - around £30.



24Hr Operational Ration Packs - £10-15.



Hexamine Stove and Fuel - £3. British Army Mess Tins - £5. (I would go for a Swedish Army Trangia Cookset £12 instead)



Oh and a enameled tin cup - £3 and Stainless steel cutlery from the kitchen and a 58 Pattern Water Bottle £10.

So the total cost would be around £110-£120 or about $160.

This kit was also quite robust if a little heavy.