As the weather warms up, it is time to think about heading outside and getting all of your gear together for recreational activities. Spring and summer weather provide the perfect opportunities for all kinds of outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, and much more. However, let’s face it. Purchasing gear for outdoor activities can become expensive quickly! This is especially true when you are new to an activity and just learning about what kinds of equipment you’ll need.
For people on a budget, this can be pretty disheartening. Your local sporting goods stores most likely charge a pretty penny for everything you need. However, there are many other places to look for gear, and it never hurts to search for gently used gear that is still in decent shape. Here are some other ideas of spots to look for affordable gear:
Thrift Stores – Many thrift stores carry used sporting goods and clothing for outdoor recreation. Shopping at these places can be somewhat tricky, though. They might not have exactly what you want, and the items they carry may not be in good condition. However, if you are willing to look at several different thrift stores in your local area and visit multiple times, you just might find a bargain that is too hard to pass up.
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Gear Consignment Shops – Depending on where you live, gear consignment shops might be an option. These specialty stores resell used equipment, and they are great places to begin your search for gently used gear for many different types of sports and outdoor recreation. These are also excellent places to sell your own gently used items that you don’t need any more, using that money to save up for new gear!
Online Retailers – There are a multitude of online retailers that offer outdoor gear at incredible prices. Some examples include Steep & Cheap, Campmor, Backcountry Outlet, and Sierra Trading Post. A few online retailers even offer the options of exchanging gear and listing your own items for sell. The disadvantage of buying with online retailers is that, in many cases, you never know what you might be getting. You cannot physically try on clothes or examine an item firsthand to determine it is what you want.
Online Classifieds – Craigslist and eBay are popular places to hunt for and buy used outdoor gear. Again, the problem is that you might not know what you are getting. With Craigslist, you can find items in your local area, contact the seller, and then arrange a meeting so that you can examine an item. However, Craigslist is also a hotbed for scammers. Look for listings that include pictures and always inspect an item in person before buying.
Of course, you always have to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of buying new versus going with used items. With new items, you will pay more, and with used items, the quality might not be as good as you want or need. Just remember that with some hunting around, you can always find outdoor gear at more reasonable prices.