While camping still remains one of the most inexpensive forms of vacationing, the initial cost of purchasing basic camping supplies can be cost prohibitive to some families. To help ease this burden, I have assembled the following list of 25 tips and tricks to keeping your equipment costs down.
Buy used gear! Craigslist and eBay are excellent sources for used camping equipment. Tents, camp stoves, tarps, cook ware, etc. can be purchased at steep discounts on these sites. The one thing I would avoid buying used is sleeping bags (bed begs, dust mites, etc.). Just make sure you thoroughly inspect it before buying. If buying through eBay, make sure the seller has a high feedback.
Tents, Tarps, Sleeping Bags, and other camping equipment are best stored together. Use an extra large duffle bag, or ski bag to keep your essential camping gear together. This will also save time when you begin packing for your next trip.
Large garbage bags can make an excellent poncho when slit at the bottom and worn over your head.
Make a temporary shower by placing a black garbage bag filled with water in direct sunlight. When the water is warm, hang the bag from a tree limb and poke a hole in it, enjoy!!
You never know when Duct Tape can get you out of a bind. Wrap duct tape around your water bottle for safe keeping and easy access. The duct tape will also help insulate your water or beverage.
Block your propane grill from the wind by using tin foil. This will allow the heat to more efficiently warm your food and save fuel!
Baby wipes work well for adults too! They are particularly handy for “freshening up” after a trip to the outhouse (in case you didn’t know this already!).
Use a large Ziploc bag filled with air as a pillow, this will also save room in your gear bag!
Keep a change of clothes in a large plastic bag for emergencies.
Canning rings can be used to cook perfect eggs for egg sandwiches. Break an egg inside the ring and will come out just like McDonald’s!
Used plastic food containers (Cool Whip, Coffee, Butter, etc.) make excellent storage containers for packing food and camping kitchen supplies.
Old exercise pads are a decent substitution for the more popular Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Mattresses
Plastic soda bottles can be used as water bottles or canteens. Make sure the lid does not leak
before using in a backpack.
Old shower curtains make great tarps to place under smaller tents.
Bring an old metal coat hanger along to hang your propane lantern from a tree limb.
Old prescription bottles are excellent for storing small camping items like matches, batteries, etc.
Combat flimsy paper plates by using them as liners inside a Frisbee, or similar sized item.
Keep wet logs near the fire so help them dry out before placing them on the fire.
Use baking soda instead of soap to wash away sticky tree sap .
Remove batteries from your flashlight until you need them, this will prevent the batteries from running down.
Keep your toilet paper roll dry by packing it in a coffee can, or other container with a snap-on lid.
Studies have shown that mosquitoes and black flies are attracted to dark clothing, and perfume. Protect yourself by using fragrance free toiletries and wearing lighter colored clothing.
Use a piece of old garden hose cut lengthwise to use as a “sheath” for your saw or axe.
A 9-Volt battery and steel wool make an excellent fire starter. Simply touch both terminals of the battery to the steel wool to create a flame. Make sure that you pack them separately so you don’t start a fire in your back pack!
Before you throw out your old BBQ grill, remove the actual grills and keep them to use on open fire pits on your next camping trip.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips, especially about buying used gear and storing duct tape around water bottles! I have found a lot of good buys at REI used gear sales and online outlet stores.
Hiking Lady!
Thanks for stopping by!
Also, don’t forget about the next upcoming camping and outdoor adventure blog carnival! Submissions are due buy August 1st!
quite right, as going for camping with cheap rates is the wish of every family and everyone wants to pay less and spend less at gears, rather would like to pay more at food and good offered campgrounds.
Look for sales - we got a compact pan set from REI that retailed for $50 for $15! Just have to keep an eye on the sales.
Who says that camping is so expensive and unaffordable? Thank you for sharing this blog. Your tips to inexpensive camping equipments will surely help those who have limited resources just like me.
You’re tips are so convincing. I always thought that camping is so expensive for average families like mine but you just gave me the spirit after reading your blog. Inexpensive camping is good news for all.