Shopping With a Purpose

Posted on: 26 August 2020

Planning your first camping trip can be exciting, but you might be concerned when you realize all of the gear that you'll need. While you might be able to borrow some things from family members, you'll also appreciate having your own. Buying camping gear from your local sporting goods retailer can leave you with a significant bill. In an effort to cut down on your spending, you may wish to consider checking out what items your local pawn shop has available. Many pawn shops have large selections of camping gear from people who no longer camp or who have upgraded their gear. Here are some products that you'll often be able to find.

Tent

One of the biggest expenses you'll have when you start camping will be your tent. If you're on a tight budget, you might be unsatisfied with what you can get for that money at a sporting goods store. However, if you were to spend the same amount of money at a pawn shop, there's a good chance that you'll be able to get a tent that is significantly larger and has more features. The right tent will keep you and your family dry and comfortable while you camp and a product from a reputable brand will typically be quick and easy to set up and take down.

Cookware

You won't generally want to take your cookware from home when you camp, as using it over a campfire will leave it covered in soot. Check out a local pawnshop to see what camping-friendly cookware it has available. For example, you might be able to find cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum pots and pans that you can use over the campfire. Similarly, look for durable plastic plates, bowls, and cups.

Air Mattresses

While you might want to buy your sleeping bags new, you need to think about what products will help to keep you comfortable once you climb into your sleeping bag. For many camping enthusiasts, an air mattress is ideal for this job. Check your local pawn shop for air mattresses — ideally, you'll be able to find one to go beneath each family member who will be camping with you. While it's possible to inflate the air mattresses with your mouth, this makes for a time-consuming job. As you shop, look for an air pump that you can plug into one of the ports in your vehicle to inflate the mattresses in just a short amount of time.

If you want to find your gear from a pawnshop, start looking by visiting websites like https://www.mainepawn.net/.