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Modern camping equipment has come a long way, but the prices have kept pace. Can you buy today’s technology at yesterday’s price? More than you might think. The key is where to look and how to obtain it without sacrificing quality.
First, know exactly what you want, then go out and find it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lot of things you don’t need that nobody else wants either. Make a list and check it twice. Simplify. A hatchet can double as a hammer, so don’t buy both. Then again, a good Swiss Army knife might work at the dinner table, but don’t expect to use it for filleting fish.
For most of us, we don’t need five-star sleeping bags to last out a storm on Mt. Everest. However, we do want to stay warm and get a good night’s sleep. Excellent sources for heavy-duty equipment including sleeping bags, thick socks and cast-iron cookware are military surplus stores. Some of their equipment is used, much of it isn’t, but the prices are generally lower than what you’d pay somewhere else.
Where else can you find bargains? Check the papers. Some families are not meant to go camping, and so after one trip are ready to sell the big tent and top of the line portable stove at give-away prices. Garage and estate sells may net you that must-have item on your list. If you don’t see what you want listed in the paper, consider running your own ad. People may have only one item to sell which wouldn’t be worth their effort to advertise, but that one item is the sleeping bag liner you need. If you place a wanted ad for several items, you may get the liner plus whatever else on your list.
When checking the classifieds, don’t forget the Internet. Many sites are dedicated to local listings or events. You won’t have to drive far to pick up your purchase. Online retailers can also be a good source for discount camping equipment. Because many don’t have store space, their overhead is lower, so their product is cheaper for the consumer. When considering shipping charges, weigh them against the price of an item at a local retailer. Make sure that bargain is still a bargain. If you’re using an online auction site, don’t get so caught up in the bidding wars that you no longer have a bargain.
Gear swaps are another great place to find what’s on your list. Spring is a common time for people to do an inventory of their skiing and camping gear, finding an excess of one and a lack of the other. Flea/swap markets are good, too. What you save on the gear can be worth the price of admission.
Thrift stores, discount camping stores, wholesalers that will sell to public are other avenues to consider. To save yourself some gas money, call around first. Generally, you’ll have go in person to thrift stores because their stock changes daily, or even hourly, but make it a thrift store day and hit them all.
One word of caution; whatever you purchase, don’t field-test it. Take the time to try it out at home, preferably in the backyard with lots of space. (Never use an outside stove indoors—brand new or otherwise. Carbon monoxide emissions can be deadly.) By trying out your new purchases at home, you won’t be left in the rain with the tarp that ripped when you set it up.
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