Pros and Cons of Cheap Camping Gear

Camping for the first time can be a wonderful experience, or it can become a nightmare. Your success can depend on your camping gear. Using cheap camping gear can have benefits but there are some downfalls you should be aware of.

If it is your first time camping you may not want to purchase new equipment because the cost can add up quickly. You can try asking friends and relatives to use their camping equipment, and if they agree it could be a cheaper option. However, if they have nice camping equipment they may be reluctant to lend it to you, or they may not let you borrow it at all. Then again, you might feel reluctant to borrow it if they have expensive equipment because you don’t want to run the risk of damaging their tent or burning their stove. Therefore, purchasing cheap camping gear to start out with might be a better option.

Most first time campers purchase cheap camping gear at some of the bigger department stores like K-Mart or Wal-Mart, where you can purchase all the basic equipment and stay within your budget. Once you gain more experience in the outdoors and have decided that you really do enjoy camping, you can then start to invest in more expensive items that are more durable.

Cheap camping gear has the benefit of being cheap, but not much else. Typically cheap camping gear usually falls apart quicker and is much less dependable. It is not worth going out and buying cheap camping equipment more than once. It is often best that you invest in the more expensive, durable equipment that you know will last longer -- it will cost you less in the long run.

If you are using cheap camping gear on your first camping trip, try not to let faulty equipment keep you from enjoying your camping experience. Keep in mind that there is better equipment available, and purchasing the right camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bag, stove, or cookware, will make all the difference in the world the next time.

Cost of equipment aside, here are some areas where you might not want to skimp on cost:

• Find a camping tent that is waterproof, lightweight and easy to assemble is very important. No one wants to assemble a tent that will take all day to put up, and definitely no one wants to sleep in a leaky tent. Be sure any tent you purchase is waterproof and easy to assemble.

• Your sleeping bag is extremely important. Purchase a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable and is easy to pack away.

• A good stove is important, especially in campsites where open fires are not allowed. Be sure to purchase a camping stove you know will last through many camping trips.

• Your camping cookware is also important. Buying the cheapest cookware may seem like a good idea, but not at the risk of finding that it melts or you find little flakes of metal in your food.

Although you can purchase some relatively cheap items from the bigger stores, make sure to spend your hard earned cash on products that are actually designed for the wilderness. You won't find them at the K-Marts or the Wal-Marts.