Your Guide to Affordable Camping and Hiking Gear at Decathlon

For some, it can be tortuous – carrying a heavy load uphill, with limited water and dry, non-perishable foodstuffs, wearing several layers of clothing and heavy trekking boots to keep warm. But we still do it for fun. Why? When the fresh air hits our nostrils, when we finally reach the peak and take in the beauty of the surrounding nature, far away from and far quieter than the streets of Beijing, we experience an all-new form of intoxication, far different from that which many of us partake in, weekend after weekend.

Decathlon is always our go-to one-stop shop to buy all the necessary equipment for an excursion beyond the Ring Roads. Its affordable, high-quality products, paired with some high-end, state-of-the-art outdoorsman gear – such as Patagonia, Marmot, Osprey, Arc'Teryx, The North Face, and Keen – can help prepare you for the cold or heat, rain or shine, dark or painfully bright.

Backpack
First thing's first: you need a backpack to fit your needs, and trust us, it's worth its weight in ... well, whatever you stuff into it. The options can be limitless, and it’s not something that you should buy carelessly on Taobao (no offense, we still love you Taobao) without the chance to try them on and examine its features. A backpack suited to the wrong torso length or with shoulder straps that dig into your armpits can make our break your trek. Pick the right capacity for the length of your trip: will your journey be overnight (30-50 liters) or more than three nights (50-80 liters)? If you can’t afford the Osprey or Deuter, don’t worry, we found this Quechua Escape 50-Liter Lockable Trekking Backpack (RMB 499) for its medium-large capacity to suit most of your trips (1-5 days), the shoulder and belt straps are padded and supportive.

Tent
The best way to enjoy the serenity and quiet away from noisy urban life is probably in a tent. After an exhausting mountainside climb has turned your legs to jello, set up camp quickly with new, super convenient tent technology before the rain rolls in (don’t forget to put a ground-cover sheet under the tent). If you decide to cook, then you'll also need to bring a stove, pots, pans, fire-starters, plates, and kitchen tools. This Quechua Quick Hiker Bivouac/Trekking/Hiking Tent for two (RMB 499) is light-weighted at 2.7kg, free-standing, waterproof, and easy to put up and pack.

Boots
Hiking boots are crucial – they are designed to provide stability on rugged and unforgiving terrain. People who try to cut corners often pay the price; In my short hiking career, I’ve seen two people end up with their shoes falling apart, forcing them to march along with no protection like a weary soldier. There’s a saying that “one pound on the foot equals five on the back”, so choose lightweight options over heavier ones (but not light training shoes, which likely can't handle the strain). Waterproofing is a must, and ankle support is preferred. Find a late afternoon to shop, test the boots with your thick hiking socks and walk around. The Quechua Trekking 500 Shoes (RMB 699) are waterproof and lightweight, with durable high-performance PU midsoles.

Clothing
"Always dress in layers" is a good rule whether you're inside or outside the city limits. A waterproof jacket is always handy, especially in the surrounding mountains. No matter how warm the city center is, it can be cold at higher altitudes. Leave your skin-tight jeans at home, no matter how good they look – they offer little protection and can quickly transform into a chafing nightmare when wet. Avoid cotton fabrics, and instead bring fast-dry T-shirts. This Quechua Rainwarm 500 3-in-1 Hiking Jacket (RMB 599) is waterproof, breathable and ventilated, and can be used in all seasons.

Flashlight
Whether you go camping or hiking, a flashlight's usefulness in the wild can literally be the difference between life and death. Don't get stuck in the dark in the wilderness. Choose your flashlight according to size, weight, battery type, light output (in lumens), water resistance and beam distance. The Geonaute Onbright 800 Metal Torch (RMB 99) is designed for running and fast movement, with a high-power mode for distant lighting, eco-mode, and a flash mode for signaling. It’s petite and handy with a strength of 200 lumens.

One last tip: always bring more water than you think you need to keep yourself hydrated – you'll need it after pouring swear all the way up a mountain with a pack on your back. Bring plenty of food, grab the first aid kit, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos:  Decathlon, Thomas Tucker