💸 Planning a Budget-Friendly Adventure Ride Without Sacrificing the Experience

When people think of saving money on an adventure ride, most picture a freeze-dried meal and a campfire. And sure, that’s part of it. But if you're really trying to stretch your dollars without cutting corners on the experience, there's a better way — and it starts with building smarter habits before you even leave home.

Take food, for example. I don’t just buy a $12 bag of “chili mac” and call it a day. I build my own meal kits: Knorr rice or pasta sides, protein pouches (like seasoned chicken or pulled pork), oatmeal packets, even a big container of breakfast skillet that I portion into daily ziplocks. It’s cheaper, more filling, and honestly tastes better than most “adventure” meals anyway.

Same goes for gear. You don’t need the lightest tent, the fanciest stove, or a titanium spork set to enjoy yourself. Use what you have. Upgrade slowly. The truth is: the lighter and more compact something is, the more expensive it’s going to be. That doesn’t mean it’s better — just more convenient.

That being said, some gear is worth the investment. DMD2, for example. It’s not the cheapest upfront, but once you buy it, that’s it — no monthly subscription, no “map packs,” no hidden fees. You get a lifetime license, a rugged off-road tablet, and full access to the best GPS app out there. I’ve used it through mud, rain, and blazing sun, and it’s never let me down. Sometimes the smart money move is spending a little more once so you don’t keep spending over and over.

And finally, let’s not pretend a cheap motel doesn’t hit different after a week of bug spray and creek water. Budget rides don’t have to mean no comfort — they just mean picking your moments. Splurge when it matters. Save when you can.

In the end, it’s not about how much you spend — it’s about how much you experience. You’ll remember the view from the ridge, not the receipt for your freeze-dried stroganoff.