Camping can be great fun, but if you didn’t grow up doing it and you don’t know anyone who is into it, it can be hard to figure out how to get started. Unlike something like running, which at most requires you to purchase a pair of shoes at the beginning, you can’t really camp without some equipment. This can feel like an insurmountable problem because if you’ve never done it, you don’t really know what you need. The tips below can help you get started without blowing your budget.
Borrow or Rent
For your first trip away, it’s not a bad idea to borrow some gear from a friend. If this isn’t an option, find out if there is an outdoor store or organization nearby that will rent equipment to you. The advantage of doing this is you don’t have to commit to purchasing gear that you end up never using again. It’s also a great opportunity to start getting an idea of what you do or don’t like. Maybe you want a different tent design, or you spend your camping weekend figuring out how to choose the best sleeping bags for backpacking after having realized that mummy-style sleeping bags are not for you. With what you learn on your first time out, you can make smarter choices when it comes to buying your own stuff.
Choose Your Quality
If you are car camping someplace with a mild climate for a couple of nights, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have the greatest sleeping bag or your stove takes forever to boil water. However, if you’re planning to camp in more challenging climates and situations, it’s a mistake to skimp on quality. This is also true if you’re trying to convince your kids or a partner that camping is fun since a miserable night or two in a leaky tent can ruin anyone’s weekend.
You can find deals on good gear, and you don’t have to buy the most expensive things available, but you should make sure that you are safe and comfortable. If camping season is beckoning, you’re short on cash and you’ve just seen a dream piece of gear, you might want to consider taking out a personal loan from a private lender. Taking advantage of small personal loans can be better than using a credit card since they often come with lower interest rates.
Know What You Need
If you’ve fallen in love with this hobby, it can be easy to get carried away with buying things you think you need. Suddenly, you’ve got survival gear, solar charging equipment for a place that’s primarily cloudy and tree-covered, and an array of pots and pans when you don’t even like to cook. There’s nothing wrong with splurging on equipment that you love even if someone else thinks it’s silly, but make sure that you really need or at least want what you are purchasing before you toss everything in sight into your cart. Take your time, and make adjustments to your gear as you go along.
