Camping provides food for the mind, body, and soul. The memories you get out of gathering around a campfire and spending quality time with nature and your loved ones are priceless.
But buying camping accessories can be challenging if you are don’t want to spend a fortune on specialized gear. However, when you know about the right places to shop for used camping tools and equipment; you can easily get valuable stuff without going overboard.
From tents to trekking shoes and lighting options; here are some ways to buy affordable and used camping gear under a tight budget.
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Buy it Online
A tried and tested buying strategy is to find authentic places on the internet that sell used camping gear at a reduced price. These stores also offer customized deals to let buyers purchase multiple items for a single price tag.
Look for used or returned gear on Craigslist or eBay. You are sure to find as good as new used camping equipment on these popular networks.
Here are a few tips to follow before purchasing used camping gear on Craigslist and eBay.
Craigslist
While buying camping gear, make sure the item you are interested in is backed with pictures and enough information about its history. All specifications and instructions should also be mentioned in case you need to use the item with care.
Moreover, check the price of a used item on other websites before buying it from Craigslist to know if it’s above or below the market value. Since there are no returns or reviews on Craigslist; make sure you do your homework and ask all relevant questions before making a purchase.
eBay
Much like Craigslist, you can personally get in touch with the buyer on eBay. The same set of rules applies to buy used camping stuff from eBay. However, buyers can also check out a seller’s history to assess their credibility. Again, a user can inquire about all information he requires before buying a used item.
REI Garage Sale
Explore a whole new world with a lifetime REI membership, which costs only $30. The membership also offers huge deals on used camping gear. The REI garage sale is hugely popular among avid campers who can purchase returned, slightly used camping items for prices they are less likely to find anywhere else.
Go for Rentals
Rentals are a great way to try out something before you decide to buy it. College and university students can easily rent out camping gear from their equipment rental shop to get hold of used, but good quality camping accessories.
Trade or Swap
If you are looking to replace your camping gear and want to buy some new stuff; go for swapping or trading. This includes your tents, lanterns or even trekking shoes. However, beware of scammers and stick to trading on genuine stores such as Gear Trade or Gear Swap.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, you can also find incredibly discounted deals on your local brick and mortar store on discontinued or last year’s products. But, buying used camping gear online is a convenient method to save your precious time and money for planning out an exciting camping trip.
