The cost of gear is a real barrier to entry when it comes to outdoor activities. Here are a couple strategies to help you reduce your expenses.
Try Before You Buy
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new gear and end up spending money on unnecessary items. Say you’re interested in hunting. You’ll need camouflage, right? That’s what hunting media would lead you to believe, but it takes experience to realize that camo is only a tiny piece of the hunting puzzle. Sure, it’s helpful, but it’s not essential.
One way to determine your necessities is to try the activity you’re curious about on a smaller scale. If you’re interested in backpacking, first take some day hikes, or try car camping. Pay attention to what you need and don’t need, and keep a list in your phone. You might find that your tennis shoes work just fine for hiking, and you don’t need to spend $240 on new hiking boots after all. This concept may also apply to other items that you already have, such as clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and water bottles.
Check the Second-Hand Market
Once you’ve determined what you actually need, it’s time to explore the second-hand market. Depending on your personality, thrift shopping can be an exuberant experience (think “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis) or completely embarrassing (you’re 13, and all your friends are wearing North Face while you’re wearing Columbia). Either way, buying used gear will save you money.
Depending on where you live, websites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp may yield impressive bargains on gear. There are also many outdoor-specific sites, such as REI Good & Used, where you’ll find gently used equipment for reduced prices. Don’t forget to check your local thrift store as well.
Focus on what’s important. You’re getting outdoors and trying something new. As long as your gear functions properly and you’re having a great time, the brand name doesn’t matter.
Team Up With a Friend
Teaming up with a friend is perhaps the best way to get into a new outdoor activity. Passionate outdoorsmen will likely be enthused when you express interest and happy to lend you gear, if not outfit you completely.
The additional benefit is that a friend can teach you the ropes. Invite them to come along. If they can make it, great. If not, they can still provide valuable insight into planning and executing your adventure.
When you do borrow gear from a friend, strive to be a good neighbor. Return the gear promptly after you use it, and make sure it’s clean. If you damage something, be proactive to repair or replace it. Finally, send a photo that shows them how much you or your family is enjoying the outdoors while borrowing their equipment. This will make them feel good about sharing equipment with you and create a win-win scenario.
Rent
Many outdoor stores carry rental gear for sports such as skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking. You’ll also find shops that are location-specific, like a canoe rental enterprise near a national park.
Renting, again, allows you to “try before you buy.” You may find that you enjoy the activity occasionally, but it doesn’t inspire you enough to spend large amounts of cash. That’s great. The rental gear will always be there when you need it. On the other hand, you might fall in love. Having rented, you now have experience to draw on when you eventually choose the gear that’s right for you.
Persistence Outdoors 