Finding equipment for camping and hiking is easy now that most big box stores and online businesses carry a vast array of brands and styles for these activities. However, this type of specialized equipment can be difficult to find if you are wanting quality products at reasonable prices. Let’s look at some ways to find well made camping products without breaking your budget.
My favorite place to find bargains on camping gear is definitely the clearance aisle at many big box stores. These stores tend to discount and mark clearance items at least once a week, and something from the camping section of the store is almost always included. Try searching the end caps for these great bargains; you will be surprised at what you may find!
Another excellent place to find bargains on camping gear is on various internet auction sites. This is usually the best place to find high quality, name brand camping supplies at a discount. In fact, we recently were able to buy a $700 tent for only $150. It was listed as in gently used condition, but the tent was actually like new and had only been used once. What a find! Just be sure you understand the specifics of the item you are bidding on and that you research the seller to make sure they are legitimate.
Many people are surprised when I recommend dollar stores as a way to acquire the smaller, less expensive, or disposable camping supplies. Cooking utensils, tent accessories, pocket knives, and many other necessities can all be found at dollar stores. I have been shocked at the array of items these stores offer, and they generally only cost pennies on the dollar.
If you enjoy estate sales or yard sales, you may also be able to find high quality camping gear at a discount. In most cases, the items you find at such sales will be items that are usually expensive, like tents, stoves, lanterns, or hammocks. I have found such sales to be invaluable resources for finding gently used camping and hiking equipment.
In general, the best time to find the best deals on camping supplies, such as knives, is at the end of summer season sales. This is when the vast majority of stores are trying to clear over stocked merchandise to make way for new gear for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
As anyone who enjoys outdoor activities like camping knows, the gear required for such excursions is often quite expensive. However, you really do not have to spend a fortune to acquire the supplies you need. Try these tips and you will be surprised at how much money you save!
