Share money-saving tips
Think you have what it takes to Go Cheap? Take the Gear Guy Challenge!
Share some of your own money-saving tips and tricks in the comment section below. We’ve already started the conversation with some of our ideas, and we’ll print some of the best tips in a future issue of Boys’ Life.
I got a 64 liter backpack at REI for $120
Dicks Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shop usually have good coupons, but you may need to ask for them. Do so at the Customer Service counter of ask the department manager. Last year, when my sone bridged I was trying to buy his summer camp gear and Dicks gave me a whole packet of coupons specifically printed for Scouts and recreational atheletic teams! There were enough for everyone in his troop to get coupons.
Research the gear you’re looking for online by cost, brand, and rating from other people. If you just look at you local sports store, you won’t be able to see what other brands of gear are like. Plus, buying online is usually cheaper, if you know where to look.
Hey “dj11oo99”, you don’t have to buy freeze dried food, you can make your own at home! Ask your mom if she has a “Food-Saver” or something that dehydrates food. If she does, you can use that to dehydrate regular food to make it great for backpacking. If not, just buy the freeze dried stuff. It’s not that expensive!
I want to go on a backpacking trip but i don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on freeze dried food what do i do
If you have a gift card to a shop that you’re buying an expensive thing, use it.
Also, are there any recommended sleeping bags for camping out in the Georgetown area of Texas?
do not buy axes that are dull to start with. that usuly means it can not hold a sharpen
don’t use credit save up!
I agree with you
says DO your local thrift stores and goodwill–nothing like a “like new” pair of Vasque boots for $1.50 or $.50 day packs reputable brands!!
Watch for sales at retail stores, they normally have a discount aisle where you can some great stuff cheap!
Always a good idea to write in to the editorial spot in your local newspaper (where they put recipe questions) you would be amazed at how many people are paying attention to those columns and are willing to donate or get rid of things real cheap….
awasum!
Always browse discount sites like REI Outlet
if you go to a yard sale buy the cheepist camping gear then go camping and live with it.
So I can be as thrifty as possible I separate my money into three envelopes. Spend, save, and give.
Garage sales and craigs list for great deals on gear. I rescue cast Iron dutch ovens all the time.
Can you give me some?!?
The good thing about finding stuff at Garage Sales is that you can sometimes clean it up and sell it for more money than you spent. Then you can use that money for more gear.
thats the same thing i do
Along with the traditional outdoor recreational dealers like REI, the Sportsmans Guide catalog offers great prices on new and used camping and outdoor gear.
I constantly shop the online outlet stores of the major gear stores.
I have found huge deals on closeout and returned items.
I found a very good pair of German leather big name hiking boots originally $180.00 marked down to $80., a $200. on 2 person three season backpacking tent for $43.00(used once and returned, and two internal frame backpacks each originally about $200. for near $100. ea. Ask the gear stores if the have any big clearance sales.
go light by only what is needed and on occation go thrift shoping, its cheap, easy, and deffinetly affordable. I’ve found brand new hikeing bags with perfect frames for only 4.50 and tents for 3 dollars.
Army surplus gear and clothing can usually be bought at reasonable prices, and is almost always high quality and very tough. unless you are REALLY hard on clothing, it will probably outlast your scouting career.
you can just go to WalMart or Academy Sports for low-priced gear and a wide variety of tents,sleeping bags, backpacks, etc. or you can just buy used off of eBay or craig’s list. And always check the shipping cost if you buy off the internet, it might be a lot higher than you expected.
Be careful of the Walmart stuff. Some of it is really cheaply made and breaks easily. Sometimes its cheaper in the long run to buy better quality that’ll last.
I realized that my brother got a knife there and it broke easily.
if your out camping and you want to save money stay near the campsite because if you went out from there you might get hurt and then you would have to pay all those medical bills :p