Camping gear and resources can be quite expensive. However, you don’t need to spend a ton of money just to get yourself a great new kit. But camping on a budget is possible, that’s why I have gathered the top 5 tips to save money on camping gear while camping. With the help of the following tips, you can get all the camping essentials that you need for your next outdoor adventure:
Tips To Save On Camping Gear And Resources
- Do Your Research & Prepare A Budget
Camping requires you to take some time to do research, even more so if you’re planning to do it on a budget. But, the time you’re going to spend on research will be worth it in the end, especially when it comes to finalizing your camping checklist so you won’t forget any of your essentials.
It helps to have a plan and a budget before going on a camping trip. This way, you can prevent spending more than you have. Aside from that, it allows you to work on a goal as you proceed with your plan.
Having a budget in advance can also help you feel better when buying new equipment. If you have a budget laid out already, you’ll easily know whether you can afford to purchase new gear or not.
- Buy Used Or Recycled
There’s no shame in buying used or recycled camping gear. Campers tend to take outstanding care of their equipment. You can ensure that when they sell their camping kit, you can still get plenty of use from it.
You can save a lot of money when you opt for used or recycled equipment. Recycled mats for camping, for instance, only cost a fraction of their original price. It’s safe to say that you can find them basically anywhere. eBay is a good place to find used camping gear made by leading brands.
Don’t forget about your friends who love to camp as well! They might have some equipment that they no longer use. Offer to borrow it or buy their old gear when they buy a new one.
- Get Older Models
Camping gear manufacturers launch dozens of new models every year. They come in more stunning designs and with extra features. But, they’re not that completely different from the products that were introduced last year.
So, instead of getting the newest offerings, you might consider opting instead for older models, which are often sold at a much lower price. You might also want to find some shops that are selling previously-used display models if you want to get some good deals and save some bucks.
However, you need to be wary when purchasing camping gear being displayed outdoors. Tents, for example, that have been used as display models outside the store may have suffered UV damage, so you need to check them carefully before buying.
- Keep Food Simple
Camping on a budget calls for simpler meals. Whether you’re going to simply pitch a tent at a nearby local campsite or go RV camping, you should choose food items that are easy to cook and satisfying.
Eggs are a staple in every campsite breakfast. You can even have oatmeal to go along with dried fruits. Hotdogs and canned foods are also good options.
The same goes for the tools and equipment you’re going to use to cook your food at a campsite. Instead of buying utensils, cups, pots, and pans, just bring the ones that you’re using from your kitchen. Take whatever you need, but make sure that they can handle a little bit of wear and tear. This way, you won’t have to spend money on buying cookware wherever you go camping.
- Borrow Or Rent Some Gear
This is especially true if you’re just new to camping or don’t plan on going often. Borrowing or renting a couple of pieces of equipment can help you save a ton of money.
There’s no need for you to splurge on new equipment, especially if you’re on a budget. Try borrowing them from your friends or family relatives. You can also rent them out from a local outdoor store.
If you don’t know anyone who has the equipment you need, give it a shoutout on social media. You’ll be surprised to see how many people will let you rent camping essentials.
Bottomline
There’s absolutely no reason for you to spend big on your next camping trip. With a little bit of research, preparation, and being resourceful can go a long way in helping you make camping on a budget fun and successful. Once you hit the road to your camping destination and pitch your tents for the night, you can take a big smile knowing that you were able to pull it off with a limited budget.
