You can’t put a price on the experience of being one with nature—but you can certainly put a price on the gear you need to do it right.
Outdoor gear doesn’t come cheap. But the right backpack, tent, or sleeping bag, purchased at the right price, can make all the difference. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a weekend warrior, it’s important to reassess your camping and hiking essentials every few years; beyond replacing timeworn equipment, your needs and circumstances can change as you embrace new outdoor challenges.
“If you’re just getting started backpacking or car camping, it may sound sensible to buy the very cheapest gear you can find,” says Christine Ryan, Wirecutter’s senior editor for outdoors and travel gear. “But if that cheap sleeping pad keeps you awake all night, it’d be no surprise if you never want to go camping again. The tricky thing is straddling that line between good value and an affordable price.”
The best way to save money on camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment is to buy long-lasting gear and skip the stuff you don’t need, freeing up cash to go on more outdoor excursions or to splurge on select items. Getting a good deal can make high-quality gear more accessible, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save on the outdoor picks our experts swear by. Just follow these tips.
