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Camping equipment prices have skyrocketed right along with most other consumer items, but bargains do exist. Knowing what you are looking for and where to search can have you hitting the parks and woods with useable gear and money still in your pockets.
Depending on what style of camping you will be partaking in will weigh heavily on what gear will be required. Basic gear should include a waterproof tent, sleeping bag, backpack, first aid kit, compass, flashlight, Leatherman, rainwear, insect repellant, and food. Additionally, items such as two-way radios, cooking gear, lanterns, clothing specific to the weather or area, waterproof matches, a whistle, animal deterrent bells, heaters and more may be needed.
When shopping for camping gear, keep in mind that not all gear is produced the same. For example, sleeping bags not only vary significantly in price, their temperature rating varies extensively. One that is only rated to keep an inhabitant warm to twenty degrees above zero will be significantly cheaper than one rated to keep its occupants warm to fifty degrees below zero. Purchase gear according to need first, then price.
While a list of needed items for camping can appear long, it does not have to drain your budget. To get started, make a list of items needed. Next, check off any items that you already own such as flashlights. If you have a budget amount in mind, put a price by each needed item on your list. Prices can cover a wide range, so knowing up front what you are willing to spend can help you uncover the best deals. If you are unsure of current prices, browse through catalogs and online before making any decisions. Discount and second hand shops can often turn up much of the equipment at deep discounts. Make sure and double check the condition of any items purchased in such a manner though, as returns are not usually accepted. Also, avoid buying items such as first aid kits second hand. Items may be missing that you will not miss until you need them.
Next, check out the bargain basements and discount rooms of any sporting goods or outdoor stores. Stores such as Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, and Gander Mountain all offer discount areas within their stores. Cabelas also has a bargain cave on their website, and Bass Pro Shop’s website offers a clearance section.
Besides the stores already listed, other online outlets that offer a wide selection of camping gear have prospered in recent years as online shopping has become more popular. Ebay on any given day has an enormous selection of camping goods up for auction. Overstock.com’s inventory varies from day to day, but they can be the perfect place to find radio gear along with traditional camping supplies at rock bottom prices. Campmor.com and The Sportsman’s Guide are online venues that also offer traditional catalogs. Both offer discounted outdoor gear year round. To find camping gear at The Sportsman’s Guide site, place the word camping in their keyword search box. You will be pleasantly surprised at the wide offering of deeply discounted camping gear including tents and sleeping bags, stoves, backpacks, as well as a nice assortment of government surplus.
Government surplus itself is a perfect outlet for unearthing cheaply priced camping gear. If you do not live close to a walk in government surplus store, execute an online search by typing in –government surplus outdoor gear- in any major search engine.
It is possible to purchase useable, well-made camping gear on a budget. Research and shopping around will guarantee you the best products at great prices.
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