Perhaps we’ve got it all wrong when we head off to the outdoor store to spend big bucks getting reading for a camping trip. Suppose you need a two-person tent, two sturdy packs, two sleeping bags, and a stove. Basic list, yes? According to the store catalogue I browsed through tonight, you’ll probably spend over $1,000.00 on those items.

The alternative, of course, is to make your own stuff. Backpacking.net’s homemade outdoor gear pages might be all you need for inspiration; they’ve got patterns, photos, and suggestions. I’m quite taken with the Ron and Don Cat Food Can Alcohol Stove, though I haven’t yet seen the other 25 stove designs on the site.

This DIY site includes directions and patterns for back packs, sleeping bags, hammocks, shelters, stoves, and other stuff.