I like spending time outdoors, however I don’t love spending a ton of cash as a way to do it. That’s why I’m at all times on the lookout for the perfect low cost mountaineering gear that’ll make my outings extra pleasurable with out placing an enormous dent in my pockets.

In fact, some gear (learn: something that retains you secure and cozy on the path) is value investing in, like a heat sleeping bag, a dependable rain jacket, or a troublesome pair of mountaineering boots. However in the case of smaller gear, like energy banks, hats, and water bottles, you won’t have to splurge on the priciest mannequin. Fortunately, fairly a number of SELF staffers agree: Beneath, they’ve shared their favourite budget-friendly outdoorsy gadgets that clock in beneath $50.

However first, let’s go over the perfect locations to buy much less expensive gear (as a result of learners and seasoned hikers alike deserve to avoid wasting their money the place they’ll).

The place to buy good-quality (however low cost) mountaineering gear

If you wish to save on model new gear, head to the outlet manufacturers of mainstream outside retailers, like Backcountry’s Steep & Low cost and REI Outlet, or websites that supply past-season, discontinued, and overstock gear at a reduction, like Sierra, Campsaver, and Out of doors Gear Alternate. For optimum comfort, there’s at all times Amazon, which sells trusted manufacturers like Merrell, Black Diamond, and Eager—simply be sure you’re ordering from a legit vendor (and join a Prime membership to get even quicker transport).

You can too store for used gear, supplied it’s been evaluated by consultants earlier than going again available on the market. REI Re/Provide, Patagonia Worn Put on, and Geartrade (to call a number of) examine every little thing they obtain to ensure the gear they’re promoting is as much as trade requirements, which means it doesn’t present indicators of heavy put on or injury; isn’t lacking any elements; and continues to be purposeful. There’s additionally Arc’Teryx ReGear, which not solely resells gently used gadgets but in addition refurbishes them.

And don’t neglect to maintain your eyes peeled for reductions—each Backcountry and REI run a number of main gross sales yearly, and the markdowns will be large (I’ll always remember the time I snagged a pair of my favourite climbing footwear for $100 off).

Store SELF editor’s favourite inexpensive outside gear

Julia Sullivan, affiliate well being circumstances director

When Sullivan hits the paths round her residence in Arizona, she is aware of the way to keep comfortable from head to toe (actually). She says Darn Powerful’s Merino wool socks defend her ft from blisters, and she or he calls the Extremely Journey Hat from Sunday Afternoons her “every little thing”: “I’ve worn mine to loss of life.” Each are designed to wick moisture and aid you keep cool (Merino wool is of course breathable), so you may put on them out on sunny days with out winding up in a pool of your personal sweat.

On snowy days, Sullivan makes use of a easy set of crampons from Amazon so as to add traction to her footwear. “These are so low cost and work so properly,” she says. With a stretchy rubber strap that wraps round your shoe and 19 spikes per foot, Cimkiz’s crampons are a straightforward improve that’ll make mountaineering extra pleasurable (and shoveling the driveway much less of a slog).

Westry Inexperienced, director of editorial operations

Climbing together with your canine means packing hydration for 2, however Kong’s chrome steel water bottle and bowl hybrid makes it lots simpler for Inexperienced. “It is meant to be only for canine, nevertheless it doubles as [a bottle] for me,” he says. “It is a beneficiant dimension, it is chrome steel so the water stays chilly, and the lid is a consuming bowl.” Simply unscrew the highest and pour H2O within the lid—your pup has an prompt water bowl, and also you don’t have to fret about leaving an unlimited puddle behind. We love that it is available in a number of colours and that it’s additionally out there in a 9.5-ounce dimension for smaller canine (or shorter outings).