It’s hard to say no to $6 bags of ice and $50 nesting cookingware. Plus, there are other clever hacks that can be used to save money on everything from propane to hiking boots.
Perhaps it was the advertisement for a $150 camping coffee machine that was the last straw. Maybe it was the $30 parka or the $10 disposable propane canister. Relaxing outdoors should be all about enjoying life, not worrying about the cost.
As more people go outdoors, the prices of essentials are on the rise and companies are trying to lure them with new gadgets. Family Handyman has noticed how costly outdoor gear has become. While some of this gear is quite nice, we must admit that it’s not all that expensive. Here are some alternatives to make your outdoor gear as comfortable as possible without spending a lot of money.
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Wooden and Fire Rings
Our DIY-ed ceramic pot is used even in campsites with firepits. This ceramic pot burns wood much more efficiently and saves us money. It can be placed out of wind and away from trees and grasses that could create wildfire hazards. Once it’s ready to go, you can cover it with the lid. To increase the air supply, drill 1/2-holes at the bottom. Then lift it up with bricks or cinderblocks.
Coolers and Ice
A cooler with thicker insulation is a better choice if you need to keep your ice in place for longer than one day. A knockoff brand should work fine unless you are fishing offshore overnight. This 32-quart RTIC cooler is 40% cheaper than its Yeti counterpart. A bag of ice can now cost upwards of $6 in certain places. You can freeze the ice in a plastic juice bottle filled with water. You can also use ice blocks instead of cubes if you don’t have a freezer nearby. They will last much longer.
Mending and used gear
You can find a lot of great used outdoor gear online, such as Geartrade. There are also retailers like Patagonia and REI that have used product sections. You won’t find better hiking boots or other gear than I have.
Tech-clothing repairs are also easy and fashionable with patches like the Noso ones. You can also resole some boots.
Camp Lighting
A camp can be cheered up with rope, string, and accent lighting. These wire fairy lights, which flicker like candles are our favorite LED lights, are very affordable. You can wrap them around an umbrella or place them in Mason Jars. A gallon jug can be used as a headlamp. It is a smart and inexpensive way to hang your headlamp.
Rechargeable Batteries
All the batteries required for fairy lights and headlamps is their downfall. These rechargeable batteries are available in three sizes: AAA, AA, and D. They can also charge via small USB ports. Although they are a little more expensive than others, you will only need to purchase them once.
Cast Iron Pans
Camp cookware can be lightened to make it easy to carry with you on backpacking trips. Cast iron pans can withstand any abuse and will last generations. Lodge is made in the U.S. and this small skillet will cost you less than $20.
Propane
The cost and waste of disposable green propane canisters to use for the Buddy Heater and camp stove are increasing. A five-pound, refillable propane growler can be purchased for $50. It can be filled up at a fraction of the cost of a pair. These are smaller than a full-size BBQ grill container, but they can still be transported efficiently.
Food
Vacuum sealing is a great way to save money on camping and road trips. You can cook your meats and vegetables in bulk, then seal them, freeze them, and then put them in the cooler. It doesn’t spoil or spill quickly and can save you a lot of money when going on outdoor adventures. You can also save money by drying your own food, from peas to beef, as freeze-dried camping meals are now in the $14 range.
Extra Stuff
Avoiding outdoor gear shops is one of the best ways to save money. It’s hard to resist all the cool gadgets. Who doesn’t want a customized hot-dog roasting sticks or a camp chair with a reclining back that allows for stargazing better? To have fun outdoors, you don’t necessarily need fancy towels or silverware that can be folded into a small canvas bag. The $50 titanium coffee mug will just as easily work in a $.50 mug.
Know when to say yes
Some gear is worth the cost. It’s a smart decision to invest in quality gear that will last a lifetime, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. My Marmot mummy bag has lasted me 30 years. That’s about $10 per year for warmth, even in the coldest temperatures. It’s definitely a bargain.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://tophouseimprovement.com/how-to/what-does-a-red-colored-or-yellow-spot-on-your-tires-mean/