College student: first time backpacker - need to buy all gear for ~$600

I just recently went through the same exact process! College student on a tight budget - looking to get some good gear.

Here's what I've learned: 1) Figure out EXACTLY what you are looking for (size, brand, R-factor, weight, etc.). Check out outdoorgearlab.com for some great advice and reviews. 2) Don't settle, you have a decent period of time where you can spread out the purchases as to not take too big of a hit at a time. That way you can wait out sales and get the best possible deals. 3) Shop steepandcheap.com - seriously, the best deals I've found anywhere (even compared to the Clymb, etc.). Also: REI Garage Sales. I have gotten some great gear up to 80% off! I know you said you don't have access to and REI, but you can often get good deals online or it might even be worth making the trek for Garage Sales. Also also: Amazon Prime is totally worth it. You often get percentages off any item with free 2-day shipping. It's how I've gotten most of my gear because they route through a lot of wholesalers (even Backcountry).

Here's what I personally have scraped together:

Bag: Kelty Cosmic Down 20 (~$80). Christmas present. This bag strikes a good balance, compressible, warm, and in my case, they have a model specifically rated for women.

Pad: Therm-a-rest NeoAir X-lite (~$100). Amazon sale. I splurged on my pad because otherwise you can be in a world of hurt. Very light, very small, extremely comfortable. A little crinkly at times.

Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 (~$300). REI Garage Sale, close to 50% off original prize. Arguably one of the best UL tents on the market. I did settle on the 3 instead of the 2 - and I wish I hadn't.

Pack: Osprey Aura 65 (~$180). Super sale on Steep and Cheap, ~50% off. I waited until Osprey released their 2015 models and they would try and get rid of all there backlogged 2014 packs. Killer deal! Dream pack. I'm a huge proponent of Osprey. I also would not skimp here, your back is very important! You don't want all the pain a muscle strain that goes with a bad pack.

Filter: Sawyer Mini Squeeze. All over this thread! I also have Aquamira drops as a back up.

Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot (~$40). Amazon sale, again. Great headlamp for the price.

Shoes: Merrel Moab Waterproof (~$80). On sale now at Backcountry! I went for the lows because I have a plate and can't wear highs. I love Vibram soles of any kind!

Stove/Kitchen: MSR Pocket Rocket (~$20). REI. Cheap, to the point. Snow Peak Titanium 900 set (~$50). REI.

Layers: MHW Dri-Down (~$60). REI Garage Sale, about 50% off. Love it! Also love that it packs into itself (pretty common with down). I wear a lot of pullover layers, cheap Reebok, REI brand, etc. greatly enjoy socks with Thorlo pads in them. Really help limit blisters.

Misc: I also won a super lame trekking pole at a rock-climbing comp, but I never use it!

Good luck! Be patient, be obsessive. Get good deals on the gear that will last you a lifetime.

/r/backpacking Thread