Throughout this country, millions of people spend time camping almost year around. It could be a young family sharing the joys of the outdoors with their children for the first time or a group of seasoned back packers looking to lose themselves in the high country.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert you will be surprised at the amount of camping gear you can find at your local second hand stores.

A short time ago my brother bought a motor home, and suddenly realized he had to come up with all the usual items to fill the closets and drawers. I mentioned he should try his local second hand store first to see how much money he could be saving over the big box retail stores.

He was able to purchase plates, cups, silverware and enough pots and pans to outfit his new vacation machine. He also found a perfectly sized door mat and small, easily stored folding table and camping chairs to put out under his awning. He later called me to thank me for suggesting the second hand store idea.

Camping Stoves

Sometimes you’ll find an item that you want but it requires a little skill in figuring out if it’s safe to operate. Take a propane or LPG (liquid propane gas) stove or heater. If it has a connector to attach to a propane tank, it usually has a rubber looking gasket inside it to seal the tank. Make sure this looks and feels soft to the touch and has no cracks in it.

If it’s an old fashioned Coleman type stove make sure to check the fill cap for seal to the tank, also test the hand pump plunger to make sure it still pressurizes the tank. If these things look all right, make sure to use fresh kerosene or white gas when you try to light it.

There’s not a lot that can go wrong with those types of stoves as long as you take good care of them. Any replacement parts are generally found in most sporting goods stores.

Tents

When it comes to tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, you’ll usually find a selection of them at your local second hand stores. If it’s a tent you’re looking at, and it’s still in the original box, that’s a good sign. Try to find the instruction sheet also, it’s usually still in the box. These instruction sheets will give you a total count of the poles needed to put up the tent. If you have them all, the only other factor would be if the tent has any tears or has been put away wet and mildewed.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are easier to buy. The inside tags usually tell you the temperature range of comfort. If they look clean and the zipper works all right, you’re in business.

Clothing and Shoes

Now that you have all your equipment, let’s talk about all the great apparel and shoes you’ll find at your local second hand stores. No matter what camping season you find yourself getting ready for, you’ll find a great selection of both warm and cold weather gear and shoes. If you shop it right you can find great clearance sales on these items.

If it’s cold weather shoes you’re looking for, remember that most people like yourself don’t wear these too often and they’re usually in very nice condition. You’ll find light hiking boots and super warm snow boots with woolen inserts to wick away moisture.

Warm jackets or even down snow wear for skiing or snow shoeing are usually available. Shopping out of season will save you even more. Buy the winter camping gear during the summer and buy the summer camping gear in the fall, after campers donate to the second hand stores.

To sum it up, if you’re looking to go camping any time soon, don’t miss out on all the fine bargains to be found at your local second hand store. Good Luck and remember if you pack it in, pack it out!