Shelling out for quality camping, hiking, and backpacking gear can get expensive quick, so it’s good to save money whenever you can. This is where Amazon Prime comes in handy for outdoor enthusiasts.
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, and they have any and every product you could ever need or imagine.
As an Amazon Prime member, you’ll save money with free shipping, while also getting access to exclusive member deals.
This helps you get the most bang for your buck while shopping for outdoor gear!
(Affiliate Disclaimer- As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to support the blog.)
Why Amazon is Great for Outdoor Gear
Amazon has become one of the best places to shop for outdoor gear because they carry a much larger range of products than other stores, and they offer great deals for their customers.
Amazon is awesome because it has:
- Huge product selection
- Competitive pricing
- Regular deals and sales
- Fast (sometimes free) shipping
- An easy return process
For both beginner campers and experienced backpackers looking to save money on gear, Amazon is hard to beat.
How Does Amazon Prime Save Me Money?
Free Shipping
Shipping fees are a silent killer when online shopping, adding money to the total without you really noticing it.
By signing up for Prime, you’ll save money every time you shop, especially on your heavier camping gear.
If you’re paying $10-$20 every time you ship something, it will really add up over time.
It also just feels like wasted money that could be used better somewhere else.
Prime-Only Deals
Prime members get access to exclusive deals that non-members don’t.
This means you can get great discounts on tents, sleeping bags, backpacking stoves, etc.
If you shop Prime deals, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
Best Outdoor Gear to Buy on Amazon
It doesn’t matter if you’re dispersed camping, traditional camping, or hiking through the national parks, Amazon has anything you might need.
Here are some things I’ve purchased on Amazon in the last year:
And I still have a shopping cart full of camping gear on Amazon right now just waiting to be bought.
I’m not the kind of guy who purchases something without researching the best prices first, so believe me when I say the prices at Amazon are reasonable and in range with where they should be.
Most—if not all—of the items listed above were cheaper on Amazon than they would have been at a brick-and-mortar outdoor retailer–perfect for budget campers!
How to Use Reviews to Avoid Bad Gear
Another great thing about Amazon is their user review system.
If somebody doesn’t like something about a product, I promise you they will take the time to post a review and complain.
This is great for you because you can find out if a product is cheap and defective before you ever waste your money buying it.
Try to look for products with hundreds or thousands of reviews and ratings, and avoid companies that have low sales volume or low amounts of reviews.
If thousands of people have purchased a certain product in the last month, it’s safe to assume the product and seller are providing what they say they are.
Buying the right item the first time will save you time and money on returns.
Always Compare Prices to Other Retailers
I normally find Amazon is cheaper than places like Dick’s Sporting Goods or REI, but you should still shop around just in case.
Brick-and-mortar retailers frequently put older gear or less popular gear on clearance or steep discount. This offers you the opportunity to buy used products for cheap.
They even bundle sometimes, but be careful you don’t get suckered into a beginner gear bundle with items you’ll never need.
Final Thoughts on Amazon Prime
Amazon is king when it comes to the retail world, and there’s a reason for that.
Wide product selection, easily comparable prices, and helpful review sections make buying what you need easy and hassle-free.
By utilizing a prime membership, you can save yourself time and money when shopping for your camping, hiking, and backpacking gear!
Until next time, thanks for stopping by, and happy trails!
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