As it starts to warm up, spring offers great opportunities to re-explore the outdoors. Camping and hiking are fun ways to spend time with your friends, and explore the beautiful rustic areas around you.  Camping gear, however, can seem prohibitively expensive for some.  Luckily, Goodwill’s got you covered.  From tents and backpacks to water bottles and cookware, you can find most of your gear at Goodwill for next to nothing.  Here are some tips and checklists for your next camping trip.

Some things you will need for an overnight camp:

• A good tent (or tarp if you don’t expect rain) which I have found at Goodwill.
• A sleeping bag and pillow (give them a good wash before using.
• Sleeping pad (the ground gets cold at night!).
• Long pants, good hiking shoes or sneakers, socks, and other clothing essentials (Goodwill’s got lots!).
• Several water bottles from Goodwill.
• A camp stove, utensils, a cook pot, cups and plates, a knife or pocket knife (much of which you can find at Goodwill).
• Snacks, sandwiches, and dinner fixings.
• Sunscreen, insect repellant.
• A flashlight or headlamp.
• A small first aid kit.
• A good book from Goodwill.

You may want to bring other things along with you, but this is a good start.  You will notice that most of what you need you can find at Goodwill.  Even if you don’t find everything with us, you’ll save so much on the gear you do find (for example: a $2 water bottle from Goodwill vs a $25 version at an outdoor store), that you will have more room to splurge on the remaining necessities! 

Then it’s all about having fun with your friends.  Book a campsite ahead of time, and try hiking in at sunset to enjoy the view. Or, wake up to a sunrise hike to an overlook.  Take advantage of the natural beauty around you, and go exploring (or just camp in your backyard)! 

If ever you decide you don’t need some of your gear, just donate it back to Goodwill, and support your community. Happy hiking!