How to Avoid Some Common Pitfalls When Buying Cheap Camping Gear

camping image by Colin Buckland from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Camping season kicks off in early spring and lasts until early fall. Campers who begin shopping for last-minute camping gear will find very few deals. The best time to shop for camping gear is during the off-season when retailers roll out more deals and discounts to lure potential customers. While purchasing the first piece of cheap camping equipment that is on sale or heavily discounted is appealing, it is best to shop around. Shopping around will help you to avoid common pitfalls shoppers experience when buying cheap camping equipment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Decide which type of camping you will be doing and choose camping equipment that is rated accordingly. For example, purchase equipment manufactured with metals and heavy plastics if you will be back-country camping. If your equipment breaks in a remote location, you have a greater distance to travel before you can purchase a replacement at a local shop. Avoid lightweight plastic equipment that can easily break.

Step 2

Purchase camping equipment that is manufactured for the environs in which you will be camping. For example, make sure the tent you purchase is weatherproof and treated with UV protection. Some cheap tents do not feature mildew, weather and waterproofing treatments.

Step 3

Check the quality of the equipment. Retailers commonly discount camping equipment that is defective or proceeded by a more advanced model. Check all equipment for visible tears, defects and poor construction. Examine the seams, zippers and pockets for proper construction.

Step 4

Ask about the warranty. Some retailers offer deep discounts because there is no warranty in place to protect the camping equipment against wear and tear. If the retailer only offers a limited warranty, such as a 30- to 90-day period, check if an extended warranty is available for purchase. Extended warranties are especially useful for campers who incorporate activities such as hiking into their camp trip. You want cheap camping equipment that can withstand multiple setups per week.

Step 5

Go online and check your local newspaper. Don’t make the mistake of relying on retailers for the best discounts. Online retailers also offer discounted camping equipment. Purchase more than one piece of equipment and save on shipping costs. Look for brand names such as Black Diamond, North Face and Brunton.

Step 6

Check product performance reviews online or contact the manufacturer. Go the manufacturer’s website or visit ConsumerReports.com for detailed ratings and reviews on cheap camping equipment. Consumer reviews are also available, which allow you to follow up on the experiences other campers had with a particular piece of cheap camping equipment. Common camping gear review websites include BestCampingGearReviews.com, ViewPoints.com and CampingTentReviews.US.

Tips & Warnings

Shop around and compare prices for the best deal.

Not all cheap camping equipment will hold up over time. Test for durability before purchasing.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...