In my experience, the first thing most hikers and campers do when they get into either is go crazy over buying all sorts of hiking gear..
Now, you would think that would be the right thing to do. However, in my opinion, it’s not.
If you are a first-time hiker or camper, my advice to you is to either buy bits of gear at a time or borrow from friends or family.
While it might not be the greatest hiking gear or perform as well as some of the top-line items, it will give you an idea of what you like and what you don’t like.
I remember my first overnight hike in Warburton and all the things I bought and took with me. Not only did I have too much stuff but I spent money I really didn’t need to spend.
Needless to say, hiking gear and equipment are expensive and can burn a hole through your back pocket fairly quickly the more you get into it.
There would be nothing worse than going out and blowing $1,000 on a backpack, clothes and other assorted hiking gear only to find that it doesn’t suit your needs.
Aside from borrowing from family and friends, you could always scout around for cheap items. The obvious place to start would be at a sale at one of the chain stores or their respective clearance stores.
However, some other great places to look are the Market Square section of Bushwalk.com, Gumtree (search for hiking gear in Melbourne), and, of course, Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
Furthermore, if you happen to join a bushwalking club, they can rent you gear to use as well.
I’ve managed to pick up some awesome bargains on both Bushwalk.com and Gumtree.
And while you are doing this, you can research other items for future purchases and see what others are saying about them as well.
The point of this article is to ensure that you don’t go out and make the same mistakes that I know countless others have made, as well as myself when they first entered the outdoor world.
