If you’ve ever walked into an outdoor supply store, you know that camping and backpacking gear can get awfully expensive.
Believe it or not, there are ways you can get great equipment without having to break the bank.
Smart shopping strategies will save you hundreds, without forcing you to skimp on quality.
Here are a few tricks you can try the next time you’re out shopping for gear, so you can get to the campsite as cost-effectively as possible!
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1. Buy Only What You Actually Need
One of the biggest mistakes new campers make when they start out (me included), is trying to buy all of your gear all at once.
I know you want to get all ready for your national park trip, but when you’re starting out, you want to keep the focus on your main items first:
- Tent (or hammock)
- Sleeping Pad
- Sleeping Bag
- Backpack
Your other items, the ones that fall more into a luxury category, you can build up as you go.
After taking a few trips, you will learn what items you need and which items you don’t.
Even after all these years, I still tweak my gear list from time to time.
2. Rent or Borrow Gear
If you’re on the fence about whether camping is really for you, try borrowing gear from family or friends.
Chances are, you likely have someone close to you with camping gear sitting in a closet (maybe even unused).
Ask them if you can borrow it so you can get your first trip under your belt.
If you don’t love it, you can simply return the gear and save yourself the buyer’s remorse. No harm, no foul.
Note: If you have an REI membership, they offer equipment rentals on certain equipment.
3. Buy Used (Within Reason)
Buying used gear can save you a ton of money, sometimes upwards of 75%.
You can also check out yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, or local flea markets for discounted deals.
Things like tents, backpacks, trekking poles, etc. are generally safe to purchase used, but I would recommend sticking to new purchases for things like sleeping bags or clothing.
If you do purchase used gear, make sure to inspect it before buying, and disinfect/clean it before use.
I bought my hiking boots at for $28 (down from nearly $80) by buying them from the REI Re/supply rack. They have been great to me so far. They were returned because they “weren’t waterproof enough”, but I’ve had them over a year now and have never had water reach my socks.
4. Shop End of Season Sales
Similar to how clothing stores operate, many outdoor stores will offer clearance deals for items that are going out of season.
This helps them to reduce inventory.
This also gives you an opportunity to stock up on gear at a more friendly price.
Look for discounted summer camping gear at the start of fall, winter gear in the spring, and always keep an eye out for holiday sales throughout the year.
You’ll save yourself a ton of money buying your equipment on sale.
5. Avoid “Beginner Gear Bundles”
Beginner bundles are a waste of money.
Say it with me, “beginner bundles are a waste of money.”
I need you to remember that the next time you’re scrolling Amazon.
Any amount of online shopping for camping gear will eventually bring you to the world of beginner gear bundles.
While they may seem convenient, it’s normally wise to stay away from them.
They often include items you will never need and lack in quality for the tools that you will actually use.
Buying items individually will ensure you are only spending money on necessary items, and often you will find they are of better quality anyway.
6. Buy Generic When You Can
The world of outdoor adventure is ripe with large brands and aggressive marketing. If you fall for the hype, you will waste money in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a $200 sleeping pad wont sleep better than a $40 one, but it is hard to get a good night’s sleep if you’re stressing over how expensive it was to even get to the campsite.
Take some time to research before buying gear. In most cases, you should be able to find cheaper alternatives to almost any piece of equipment you might want.
If you do decide to spend brand name money on something, do it for the important stuff like your tent and sleeping pad, not on special ergonomic camping utensils.
There’s no reason to break the bank just to impress your friend with all the fancy gear. At the end of the day, you’re both still sleeping on the ground in the woods.
7. Read Real Reviews Before Buying
If you want to know whether or not a product is truly worth buying, you need to first go to the people who have bought it.
Look for product reviews or comparison posts online to see what other customers have liked or not liked about an item.
Companies will tell you what you want to hear, but your fellow consumer will tell you what you need to hear.
If a product is shitty, someone will write about it, I promise.
Remember to look not only at a product’s rating, but also at how many people have purchased it in the past. It’s better to go with a company that has sold thousands compared to one that has only sold a handful.
8. Don’t Worry About ‘Ultralight’ Until Later
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my countless hours of researching gear, it’s that the term ‘ultralight’ tends to usually mean a higher number on the price tag.
If you are really and truly serious about keeping your backpack light, then by all means get the ultralight gear (I have some myself), but when you’re just starting out you don’t need the lightest tent on the market—you just need a tent.
Worry about buying the basics, figure out if camping/backpacking is actually something you want to pursue, and then upgrade to the ultralight gear when you need it.
It doesn’t matter how light your gear is if you never actually use it.
9. Share Gear with a Friend
You can always share a tent with one of your fellow campmates if you don’t have one of your own.
This is a great way to explore camping without making a purchase of your own.
I absolutely love having my tent to myself when I camp, but if you’re okay cozying up with a friend then go for it.
They can teach you how to set up the tent, walk you through the processes, and if you like their setup you’ll have a starting point for purchasing your own gear.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on camping and backpacking gear isn’t about buying the cheapest option, it’s about buying smart.
Shopping at the right time, exploring sales and clearance deals, and building your pack over time as you go will help keep some money in your pocket as you explore the expensive world of outdoor recreation.
Make the most of your money, so you have less sticker shock on your journey to the trail.
Thanks for Reading!
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