The first thing you should determine when shopping for discount hiking gear is that some things should not be purchased at a discount while other things can be. You should be honest with yourself and decide on what level of a hiker you are; if you’re just a weekend walker or a hiker who just walks around on flat surface and sticks to the paths, or are a serious hiker that is gone for weeks at a time and is not afraid to venture off the beaten path. Once you have established what type of hiker you are, you can decide what type of hiking gear you will require.
Initial Cost
For those of you are just starting, you should watch out for the ostentation of what most of the outdoor specialty stores are offering. A good idea if you are not sure is to talk to someone who is an experienced hiker or if you know someone, you can have them go with you. You can never put a price tag on informed help, so having that seasoned hiker with you to help select your gear can save you a lot of time and money.
There are, of course, other places to obtain discount hiking gear such as a flea market which would have excellent prices and some quality equipment. At most flea markets, you will also find people that are willing to bargain. Look for sales when the season is just starting or ending and try not to shop during the peak times, because most specialty stores are looking to move in the new products and will have a discount hiking gear sale.
Create Your Own Gear
Another step to save on discount hiking gear is to fashion your own set of hiking gear. You can really save a fortune. One example of this is that usually walking sticks sell anywhere from $25 to over $100 dollars apiece. There are numerous other ways to convert household items and other miscellaneous items into useful hiking gear that can assist you in the woods and possibly even save your life. Do not hesitate to look around your home for the possibilities today!
Lastly, make sure that you have assembled your hiking gear that it is comfortable to you. Make sure that you know all of the ins and outs of how to use your gear and try it out in smaller situations. It is better to find out that the communication device you prepared with a few empty soda cans doesn’t work in your own backyard than it is to make that discovery in the middle of the woods.
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Filed under: Hiking Gear