- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Should I rent or buy equipment for my first backpacking/camping trip?
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:48 pm
I'm going on a 3 day 3 night backpacking trip in about a week, and I think I'll want to make backpacking a hobby (only done it once before with borrowed items).
Should I rent or purchase equipment for this outing? Renting can be costly (about $200), but it's still cheaper than buying everything. However, REI is having their anniversary sale this weekend so I'm tempted to buy.
It would probably be more sensible to rent, huh?
Should I rent or purchase equipment for this outing? Renting can be costly (about $200), but it's still cheaper than buying everything. However, REI is having their anniversary sale this weekend so I'm tempted to buy.
It would probably be more sensible to rent, huh?
13
Posted on 5/15/14 at 1:51 pm to DosManos
Buy, and then rent your gear out if you don't use it. 
Idk. I'm a buy kinda of guy for things like this. I rent snow skis every time, but in hindsight I've probably paid more than enough for a nice pair.
It's just hard to explain yourself having snow skis in the shed living in LA.
Idk. I'm a buy kinda of guy for things like this. I rent snow skis every time, but in hindsight I've probably paid more than enough for a nice pair.
It's just hard to explain yourself having snow skis in the shed living in LA.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:05 pm to DosManos
Either buy used to save money or look at resale value and buy around what could be resold for the most. Renting would be a waste whether you decide to continue or not. Thats the only things I can think of to help you save/recoup some of your money.
Your kinda only looking at two extremes right now if cost is the issue.
Your kinda only looking at two extremes right now if cost is the issue.
This post was edited on 5/15/14 at 2:06 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:09 pm to DosManos
renting is a good way to see what you want or need before you buy...
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:14 pm to DosManos
If you're gonna stick with it, buy a couple things you know you want or need, and rent the things you're not sure of. Maybe?
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:23 pm to DosManos
I'd buy. But, I'm not the most sensible person in these instances. Actually, I DID buy, and my backpacking gear has barely been used. But, I'm still glad I have it. Wife had a baby shortly after I got my stuff. The kid is 9 now and old enough that she can start doing to packing with me.
This post was edited on 5/15/14 at 2:28 pm
Posted on 5/15/14 at 2:52 pm to DosManos
I would buy a pack and hammock. Also you can find most other necessities for pretty cheap. I do a lot of 3-5 day hikes. I use a cheap hammock and tarp for shelter, an aluminum pot from a dollar store for my stove, a $10 burner off amazon that is a Chinese knock off of a pocket rocket. You can also find a lot of containers, stuff sacks etc at dollar stores.
It's more weight using this stuff, but it gets the essentials out of the way and you can upgrade to better gear as you get into it more.
The pack is really the biggest item, make sure you get a good one that is comfortable for you.
Also if you have any DIY skills you can make a lot of equipment yourself to save money. Plenty of YouTube videos out there on them
It's more weight using this stuff, but it gets the essentials out of the way and you can upgrade to better gear as you get into it more.
The pack is really the biggest item, make sure you get a good one that is comfortable for you.
Also if you have any DIY skills you can make a lot of equipment yourself to save money. Plenty of YouTube videos out there on them
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:26 pm to DosManos
There are places to buy quality used. Look at whiteblaze.com. I bought a couple of ULA packs for about 30% saving. They were barely used.
Good down sleeping bag will cost you between $2-300. Tent and pack you can be under $200 each.
I use a $5 Imusa mug from Walmart as a cook pot. Either a handmade achohol stove or a $30 msr gas stove.
Good down sleeping bag will cost you between $2-300. Tent and pack you can be under $200 each.
I use a $5 Imusa mug from Walmart as a cook pot. Either a handmade achohol stove or a $30 msr gas stove.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:28 pm to DosManos
You will also need a pad. Or get a hammock and be comfortable. Hammocks aren't anymore expensive than a quality tent.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:37 pm to DosManos
Would I be laughed out of the camping world if I showed up with a ruck sack?
Because that's what I bought at the army surplus for $20.
This "backpacking" thing is new to me. Camping has always been a side thing to going on a multi day hunting trip.
Because that's what I bought at the army surplus for $20.
This "backpacking" thing is new to me. Camping has always been a side thing to going on a multi day hunting trip.
Posted on 5/15/14 at 3:43 pm to DosManos
Check out The Clymb for some pretty good deals on outdoor equipment. It changes everyday and when they sell out, it's gone. Join and they'll mail you deals everyday. We're talking at least 50% off name brand outdoor gear, shoes, camping, biking, gps, etc. Every deal I've seen on there, I've compared to zappos, amazon and rei and have all been at least 50% cheaper.
Posted on 5/16/14 at 10:00 am to DosManos
Rei has an amazing return policy. You can always buy what you want, and then return what you don't really need after the trip.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 12:52 am to DosManos
Do you have any "second chance" outdoor gear places nearby? There are 2-3 of them here. Always good deals on stuff that you may or may not use much.
Borrow if you don't know if you'll be using it much.
Borrow if you don't know if you'll be using it much.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News