“The outdoors is free!”
…until you go to REI.
The beauty of the outdoors shouldn’t be limited to those with the most expensive & fanciest gear. But unfortunately, if you’re a beginner hiker, it can seem super daunting looking at more experienced hikers with their fancy gear and new gadgets. That’s why I want to share my tips and tricks on getting started hiking on a budget.
When I started out hiking, I didn’t have anything but my phone and a water bottle. And look at me now! (No, seriously – check out my hiking highlights here!) If this is you, then keep reading! I’m gonna go through a few different options for how to start out hiking on a budget. Whether you’re unsure if hiking is the right fit for you or you just don’t have the funds for a full gear splurge, this is for you!
Sure, you can totally go outdoors without spending a dime, but if you want to be injury-free and safe on the trail then you’ll obviously need to pick up a few things.
Starting out Hiking?
Check out Hiking Etiquette for Beginners and 5 things to do before you take a day hike.
Clearance & Sales
This is the first and most obvious way. Always check the clearance rack at REI! I found my hiking shoes on clearance for under $60 (originally $110). I’ve had them for 2.5 years and I always get asked about them – I love them! These are the exact ones I have but they are no longer available, you can shop their newest model here.
With Black Friday coming up, it’s the perfect time to snag some gear even if you won’t be using it until spring/summer. I suggest looking for sales with REI or any of your other favorite brands.
🤫 REI always has their anniversary sales for Memorial Day Weekend in the USA and nearly everything is 30% off!
Another great time to check for sales is between seasons. Fall and winter are the best times to find hiking gear because stores are clearing out their inventory to make room for winter-related outdoor gear like ski’s, snowshoes, and insulated jackets.
Rent Outdoor Hiking Gear
I teamed up with GearGarage this summer to make the outdoors more accessible to anyone living in or visiting Washington State.
Do you live in Washington State but you’re not ready to invest in all the expensive gear but you want to start adventuring NOW?
Don’t want to pack all your gear when you visit?
By signing up for GeerGarage here you can easily rent equipment at an affordable price from fellow community members.
Do you have gear that you’re not using this weekend? You can also rent out your own outdoor gear to earn some extra cash!
No matter what activity you’re doing, you’ll find exactly what you need for kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, paddle boarding, climbing, or just going out for a day hike!
Not in Washington State? Search for local rental shops!
Don’t Buy Unnecessary Items
We’ve all seen this person in an airport, but guess what? The overpacker is not just reserved for flying, they’re on the trails and in the outdoor community as well! While you should definitely be prepared, there is such a thing as packing too much.
Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon before ever running a 5k, you’re not going to do a 3-day backpacking trip when you’ve never done 3, 5, and 8-mile day hikes. When you start out hiking, you’ll start with the essentials and build from there. This will help you decide what you actually need and are going to use.
Ask Friends/Family
There’s a strong possibility that someone you know has a few hiking essentials that you could borrow for your first few day hikes while you try it out. Why not ask? It’s also a great way to test out different brands that people you know are using to see if it’s something that you want to invest in.
Don’t forget – once you start getting more into hiking and investing in your gear, make sure you are taking care of it. When you return from a hike, wipe down/clean out/air out your gear – get your money’s worth!
Pin this for Later!
The Beginners Guide to Hiking on a Budget
