5 Gear Tips for Camping on the Cheap

Sometimes gearing up for a big adventure can be overwhelming because of the sheer cost. Knowing where and when to buy can help you find the most affordable gear.

“You don’t need the fanciest, shiniest, most expensive stuff to have a good time,” says Mike Donohue, Eagle Scout and co-owner of Outdoor Gear Exchange, a store in Burlington, Vermont, that specializes in outdoor sports gear. “Start with the best kit you can assemble, and upgrade from there when you find good deals and have the budget.”

There are plenty of times when you get what you pay for. But some companies, like Kelty, Sierra Designs, Columbia, Alps Mountaineering and Near Zero, have a reputation for making high-quality gear at affordable prices.

Follow these tips to find what you need for your adventures at a price you can afford.

1. SHOP AROUND 🛒

Buying from a big discount retailer can seem like a money saver. And while they are perfect places to buy stuff for base camping, you likely won’t find what you need for backcountry outings.

“You’ll be a lot more comfortable with high-performance, lighter-weight gear for a multiday hiking trip,” Donohue says.

You can find gear for both base camping and backcountry trips at the Scout Shop, which carries quality brands, and you can frequently find some great items on clearance.

Brands that have their own stores often sell leftover sizes and past seasons’ colors and models of everything from clothing to backpacks. If you have your heart set on a particular North Face tent, for example, look for it on the company’s website or in a North Face store.

2. GET IT USED 🤑⛺️

Check with fellow Scouts to see if they have old gear or clothes they’ve outgrown. You can also ask local outdoor groups or hiking clubs.

“Save money on the things you might outgrow, like clothing and footwear, and invest in a quality tent, sleeping bag and stove, all of which can last a lifetime if you take care of them,” Donohue says.

Your next stop can be a used gear or consignment shop. Consignment shops are good places to buy affordable name-brand gear that has seen some miles yet is still in great shape. (Note: Never buy used helmets.) You might also find sports equipment, like skis or bicycles.

“At a consignment shop, you can buy low-cost equipment needed to try something new,” Donohue says. “If you like the sport, you can upgrade as needed.”

Keep in mind that company warranties don’t always transfer to used products. A warranty lets you return your product if it’s defective and get a replacement, usually within a certain time frame, though some companies offer warranties for the lifetime of the product. So weigh the pros and cons of buying used versus holding out for something new and discounted. Many shops sell their ski and bike rental fleets at the end of the season, and sometimes those demos come with warranties.

3. CHECK ONLINE 👍

In addition to selling used gear in all of its stores, REI Co-op has an online shop for used gear. Independent retailers like Outdoor Gear Exchange also offer both in-store and online options. Patagonia has an online used gear shop as well. Sierra is a huge closeout store for active sports equipment, and you can find great deals both online and in their physical stores. Steep & Cheap, a showroom for the online store Backcountry, is an impressive clearinghouse of closeouts. Check out their “Current Steal$” page on their website for the biggest discounts.

Additionally, Campmor and Backcountry both carry many brands and offer frequent discounts. For ultralight camping gear, visit Garage Grown Gear’s website. They carry a lot of specialized brands for on-the-trail adventures.

Be sure to check if safety gear has been part of a recall before purchasing or using. Get your parent or guardian’s permission before beginning any online searches.

4. TIMING IS EVERYTHING 📆

The timing of when you buy gear can also determine how good of a deal you get. Don’t buy a backpacking tent or other summer gear in late spring or early summer if you can help it. Get your tent in August, September or later when stores and brands are clearing out summer inventory to make room for winter gear.

Make a list and do your shopping on sale holidays, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Companies often put gear on sale during Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day too.

Almost every brand website offers some discount on your first purchase if you enter your contact information. Sometimes it takes a minute of clicking through the website to trigger the pop-up, but those offers can save you money. Again, check with your parent or guardian before sharing any personal information online.

“Don’t get overwhelmed when it’s time to buy gear,” Donohue says. “Being outside in nature is the goal. The gear is what helps you be safe and comfortable once you’re there.”

5. FIX IT 🪡🧵

If what you have breaks, try to repair it before throwing it away. For repair tips from fabric rips to dirty pocketknives, visit the Scout Life website and find the “Ask the Gear Guy” tab in the “Outdoors & Gear” drop-down menu. Some companies provide the repair tools and materials you’ll need. For example, Ripstop By the Roll sells fabric for hammocks, tents, backpacks and blankets as well as zippers, cords and thread.

If your gear isn’t covered by a brand warranty, you can reach out to one of the many gear repair shops, like Rugged Thread or Rainy Pass Repair, for a price quote. Do not try to fix safety equipment, like helmets or climbing gear, that has been damaged or that is old according to manufacturer guidelines. You should replace it.

Camping gear is a tool, not a jewel. Use it, love it and care for it, but just because you have all the gear you can imagine ever needing, be sure to save up for the next time something breaks or wears out.