Camping gear can be purchased online in various ways, from traditional retailers like REI and Backcountry to crowd-sourced marketplaces such as GearTrade. Some offer returns within certain time frames such as REI’s Re/Supply program.

Garage Grown Gear specializes in cottage gear makers – typically individuals or very small companies – who create products like tents and sleeping bags, as well as their distribution to campers in time for their next camping adventure. Their warehouse inventory allows fast shipping directly to campers.

Buy New

As an experienced camper searching for new equipment or an inexperienced camping novice planning your first camping trip, selecting gear can be daunting. Selecting items depends on many factors including understanding your camping style and understanding what makes certain equipment types unique – for instance if hiking or backpacking are on your agenda then lightweight gear will be easier to carry and store than heavier sets.

Budgeting is also essential when purchasing camping gear, as the costs can quickly add up. Prioritize big ticket items like tents and sleeping bags when setting your budget; allocate funds towards less costly camping necessities like cooking tools and first aid kits to avoid overspending and have enough left over to cover unexpected camping expenses. In addition to setting a budget, take time reading reviews of camping equipment before purchasing to ensure quality equipment that will serve well during outdoor adventures.

Buy Used

If you have a limited budget, shopping for used camping gear could save you up to 50%. Just remember that used items may show signs of wear and tear and that any purchase could lead to disappointment.

Consider visiting thrift or consignment stores that specialize in outdoor gear in your area, or using social media marketplaces such as Kijiji, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace where anyone can post gear for sale. However, finding high-quality pieces takes time and patience; when finding what you’re after on these sites you will need to contact the seller directly in order to arrange pickup.

Another option for outdoor enthusiasts is browsing online marketplaces dedicated to the sports enthusiast like Gear Trade or Isella Outdoor. These marketplaces usually provide a vetted shopping experience and allow users to search by brand like Patagonia. Finally, why not join or organise your own community gear swap – an effective way of outfitting the group without incurring the financial strain of buying equipment that only gets used a couple times each year?

Rent

Renting camping gear can be an ideal way for beginners to experience outdoor activities without incurring a large financial commitment. Many in-person camping stores provide rental options like tents, sleeping bags and backpacks; others may even provide complete “camping kits” complete with tent, headlamp, insulated sleeping bag pad, camp stove as well as headlamp.

Online equipment rentals offer another viable solution, providing access to a wider selection of camping gear at more convenient times than visiting physical stores. Websites like KitLender, Lower Gear and Arrive Outdoors provide camping packages which can be delivered right to you or directly to the campsite.

Be mindful when renting equipment; gear often requires to be cleaned and disinfected between rentals; it may have also been misused by previous renters who weren’t as kind with it as needed.

Sell

If you want to sell some of your gear online, there are various platforms available. One such is Facebook’s Backpacking Gear Flea Market group where members can list equipment.

Rerouted, a website dedicated to finding used adventure gear new homes, provides a user-friendly listing process and allows sellers to set a price range for their equipment, according to co-founder Kevin Callahan.

Rerouted’s pricing model is considered fair; they offer between 25-75% of the original retail price for used gear depending on age, wear, and damage. Finally, Geartrade–offering both DIY posting and full service consignment–is another good choice that provides easy use while helping reduce waste through reused gear reusing; their commitment to reduce waste through reuse makes Geartrade an excellent solution; however it takes up to six weeks before your gear gets listed on their platform once submitted for listing.