Acquiring high-quality camping gear can be costly. When considering costs vs. needs and budget considerations, it is essential that you carefully assess all options available.
REI is a cooperative that provides outdoor gear at reasonable prices, as well as equipment rentals at a small daily fee. Their website features “Outlet” and “Shed” sections featuring open-box, vendor sample and demo products at significant discounts.
The convenience of shopping from home
What you’ll need for camping depends on a number of variables, including seasonality and camping style (backpacking vs car or RV camping). Clothing, shelter, and equipment needed depend on these considerations as well as cooking gear such as camp stoves and cookware ranging from minimalist, collapsible options suitable for space saving to high end gourmet offerings; additionally additional comfort items like sleeping bags are indispensable for comfortable camping adventures.
Car and RV camping, unlike backpacking, offers more room for experimentation with gear selection. A rooftop tent can easily fit on the back of a vehicle and many models feature luxurious amenities to provide an enjoyable camping experience. Additional accessories such as rain tarps and camp chairs may also be purchased separately.
Lower startup costs
Camping gear purchased online can save money. Websites like GearTrade and Steep and Cheap offer discounted equipment at discounted rates, while local outdoor gear stores may have garage sales of their gear as well. Similarly, signing up for AAA membership gives you access to cheaper camping rates as well as roadside assistance services – an added perk!
As a beginner, renting may be more suitable than purchasing when starting out in photography. Renting is cost-effective and gives you an opportunity to test equipment prior to making any commitments about buying it; renting is also environmentally friendly! Many rental companies have taken note of this trend and implemented buyback programs so customers can repurchase their rental equipment after use.
Other alternatives are purchasing used gear or purchasing refurbished items from companies like Patagonia, Arc’teryx and The North Face that accept preloved gear for exchange and store credit exchange programs. Once these stores inspect and refurbish it before reselling at affordable prices.
Wider selection
No matter your level of camping experience or knowledge, it’s never too early to prepare yourself. By organizing your gear early on, it will allow for less time spent shopping and more time outdoors – as well as making sure your journey is as pleasurable as possible!
REI can assist in your search for specific items online retailers like REI. Throughout the year they host outdoor gear sales with name-brand equipment at reduced prices as well as providing tailored content such as how-to guides and fitting advice.
CampSaver.com is an online retailer dedicated to discount camping gear. When you open their site, it’s like walking into a clearance outlet: hundreds of items at deeply discounted prices await you here! Additionally, their Shed section contains open-box samples, vendor samples and demo products that are just as good as new, offering savings up to 50%.
Easy access to information
If you need help selecting camping gear or simply getting an idea of what equipment will meet your needs, there are various resources online and off that are designed specifically to assist. Some may even work without 4G connectivity allowing easier use in remote locations without reliable 4G signal coverage.
Once you’ve stocked up on big-ticket items like tents, sleeping bags and camp showers, consider investing in additional gear to improve cooking, entertaining and hygiene. A pocket knife or multi tool may prove handy during campfire prep while waterproof speakers add an additional level of relaxation around the fire pit. A first aid kit should also be considered an essential addition that should be replenished after every trip.
Some online retailers specialize in outdoor and camping gear, offering top brands at discounted prices. This makes them great resources for beginners or weekend campers looking to spend less while getting better quality gear; many also host sales events to reduce costs further for avid campers and outdoor enthusiasts.