Has it become too expensive to enjoy the great outdoors? What about folks who are new to outdoor hobbies, or kids in scouting programs? It can be intimidating to shop for outdoor gear, and encounter prices that are far beyond your budget. It’s enough to tempt you back inside to the relatively inexpensive comfort of your flat screen TV. It doesn’t have to be that way. You can enjoy activities like camping, hiking, and fishing even when you only have a bit of money to spend.
Benefits of Frugality For Outdoor Hobbyists
Lack of funds can be a major barrier to entry for people who want to get outside and enjoy nature. The less it costs folks to spend time outdoors the better. Additionally, the high cost of gear can stop people from exploring hobbies and interests. This is something that impacts kids especially. Many parents are hesitant to spend loads of money on equipment out of fear that their kid will lose interest in a few weeks.
Don’t prevent yourself or the people in your family from exploring sports or activities that get them outside and exposed to nature. Money doesn’t need to be a roadblock as long as you follow some basic strategies.
Use Programs Designed to Introduce People to The Outdoors
What organizations or agencies have outdoor programs in your area? Many of these offer free or inexpensive programs that are designed to get people excited about outdoor activities. Check in with some of these options:
- Parks and recreation department in your city or county
- Your state’s department of natural resources or conservation department
- Nature centers
- Conservation areas
- Day use or recreation areas
- State and national parks programs
Your Google savvy can help you out immensely. For example, a search for “free fishing for kids near me” might turn up a program your state offers to expose kids to this hobby. “Where can I learn to hunt” might help you find opportunities through your state’s department of natural resources to spend a weekend at a free hunting seminar.
Check Out Used or Rented Goods
Marketplace and other buy/sell platforms have an abundance of outdoor gear. Before you dismiss the idea of second hand goods, consider this. If you buy used, it’s possible to find top-rated gear for the same price you’d pay for low-end gear at the store.
Also, look into renting before you commit to buying. Some outdoor retailers have rental programs. Additionally, you may be able to rent the equipment you need at your outdoor destination. Just be sure to ask first.
Purchase Items Off-Season
It isn’t much fun to purchase a kayak in November, only to store it for the winter, but it is a great way to save money. Just like clothing goes on deep discount as the season ends, so does outdoor equipment.
Join Groups And Communities Focused on Outdoor Life
When you join up with other people who are also interested in the great outdoors you get access to community, knowledge, opportunities, and sometimes equipment. So, seek out local meetup groups, join social media groups in your community that are focused on getting back to nature, and don’t forget your kids! You may pay some money to get involved in scouting, 4H, or junior ranger, but the activities included make that worthwhile in many cases.
You can also connect with friends or prospective romantic partners through relationship apps like Hily. Meet someone who enjoys the same things you do, and potentially split some of these expenses.
Find Destinations Within Your Budget
There are so many amazing bucket list destinations for people who love nature. You can visit resorts, National Parks, and luxury campgrounds – if you can afford it. If you can’t, there are plenty of other options. Camping is free on BLM and National Forest land with a few restrictions. You can also check out state parks, conservation areas, budget campgrounds, and even land managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Be a Volunteer
Look for volunteer options that might give you opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at little or no cost. For example, you could become a camp host at a state park. In turn, you could live within the park and enjoy its amenities for free.
So many organizations involved in promoting outdoor hobbies, preserving natural areas, and protecting the environment are in need of educators, advocates, and other volunteers. Reach out to the relevant agencies in your community to learn more.
Final Thoughts: Sort The Necessities From The Luxuries
Walk into any major outdoor retailer, and you’ll see acres of impressive equipment. There’s no denying, some of these things would be amazing to own. But, you don’t need it, and not having it shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing the activities you own. Embrace minimalism, and know that you can obtain more equipment over time. Don’t allow anybody to think you need a bunch of expensive stuff to get started.
Do you like to fish? You can do that with a 20 dollar rod/reel combo, about 15 dollars in tackle, and a container of worms. What about camping? You need something to sleep on and under. You need food and drink. You need something to keep you warm if it’s cold out. You need a way to treat minor injuries. You need a source of light. It also helps to have a comfortable place to sit.
It’s okay to start small. It’s okay to buy used or borrowed items from a friend. You can take shorter trips or stay closer to home. Remember that nature is for everybody.
