I’d like to take my family of six camping this summer but we have no equipment whatsoever, does anyone know where I could find some reasonably priced, even used camping equipment online or in the detroit metro area?
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
10 Comments
Wal Mart
Thank you, thank you very much!
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26th July 2010, 08:59
I would try Ebay, there is a lot of good stuff in there mixed in amongst all hat other crazy stuff. If the seller has 100% positive feed back you can buy with confidence
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26th July 2010, 09:47
try "craigslist.com" they are a free site for people to post adds on and have just about anything you could want or need !
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Been there and bought stuff off if it
26th July 2010, 09:54
On line search engine. Search for Military surplus or camping gear surplus. Seems to me Coleman HQ is near detroit
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26th July 2010, 10:04
Walmart is a great store to get started. Get your sleeping bags new not used. Then get your newspapers out and go to flea markets, garage and yard sales, etc. They are lots of fun and you can find things that stores don't have. Also buy a stove new, Costco has a 3 burner stove on sale for about $100.00 its big and is pretty heavy duty but, works great for emergencies and parties too. If you want a smaller stove, pick one up at Walmart for about $40.00. A good ice chest is a must for keeping food good and cold. You don't have to have a tent but its nice. I sleep on a tarp with my family even though we bring tents with us. Many times the tent ends up being a small storage place. It's a lot of fun laying under the stars and watching the skies over head. Sportsmans Warehouse is a very good sporting good store to pick up anything you'll ever need. Use old plastic dishes and mismatched silver ware purchased from second hand stores or from your own kitchen.
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http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
26th July 2010, 10:42
Wal-Mart is probably the best way to go when getting started. DO NOT buy used sleeping bags
A 6 person tent is barely big enough to hold 4. For a family of 6, you would need a 10 person tent for the 6 people & their stuff.
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26th July 2010, 11:13
check out sportsmansguide.com
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26th July 2010, 11:30
Garage sales are your best bet. You will be able to get used gear that you can inspect before buying, but that still will be cheap or negotiable down to cheap.
You won't want to pay shipping to get outfitted for 6 people.
A garage sale is going to be cheaper than Wal-Mart, and the chances are that you could find better quality used equipment than the shoddy new stuff that would be on sale at Wal-Mart.
If you think you will go camping more than once a year, stay away from Wal-Mart.
Shop garage sales for:
A family sized tent or a couple of smaller dome tents.
A Coleman stove (propane, not white gas)
Sleeping bags
Camp chairs
A large cooler
Camp cookware
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26th July 2010, 11:38
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
References :
Personal experience and knowledge
http://www.rei.com
26th July 2010, 11:59
Walmart is a great place to start. Military surplus stores are also great. One thing to keep in mind though when buying a tent is don't go buy how many people the box says the tent will sleep. They are never even close. Right now, at least where I live, Costco has a great deal on a very large tent. It should easily sleep 6 w/ room for luggage. It's only $100.
Hope that helps.
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26th July 2010, 12:24
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