Outdoor Blog
The Best Time to Buy Camping Gear

Just as there are advantages and disadvantages to camping in different seasons, so are their strategic times to buy all the outdoor equipment campers will need on their camping trip in the backcountry. Whether you’re an ultralight camper who carries as little camping gear as possible to a primitive camping campsite or a glamping enthusiast who’s always outfitted with brand new sleeping bags, backpacks, cookware, hiking boots, sleeping pads, hammocks, and headlamps from top brands like The North Face and Big Agnes, you’ll surely begin wondering when the best time of year to buy new camping gear is. Avid campers know to keep an eye out for outdoor gear sales at retail stores and on Amazon year-round to avoid paying the full price to get a crucial piece of camping gear last-minute before a camping trip.
That’s a good rule of thumb, but the savviest outdoor gear shoppers should also have some idea of the seasonal change in prices that, depending on the type of equipment, fluctuates throughout the year. Cookware, for example, doesn’t tend to change the price on a reliable, seasonal basis, since it’s useful all year round. Other camping gear, like sandals, are primarily useful to campers during the warm months, and therefore may drop in price at the end of the season or in the off-season. Major holiday seasons run parallel to the natural ones and affect the availability and price of camping gear. The periods following Christmas and Father’s Day often have retail stores eager to get rid of the surplus they ordered and may not have managed to move during the holidays.
There are a few different scales you can use to determine the best time of year to buy camping gear. To stay prepared and ready for any last-minute camping trip that may present itself, read through this guide and stay mindful of the season and the condition of your current gear. Don’t wait until the night before you head out for the campsite to replace the first aid kit or the second-hand hiking gear you bought last year. The best time of year to buy your camping gear is out-of-season before you need it. Shop then and you’ll be happier and better prepared.

Buying your camping gear at the best time of year may allow you to buy higher-quality items without paying full price.
In-season, post-season, and off-season
To imagine what time of year is in-season, imagine the time of year we typically associate with camping trips, fishing, backpacking, and hiking. When the weather is warm and the forest is filled with lush greenery, and the weather is fine for outdoor grilling and campsites are filling up, then you know it’s the right season for a camping trip.
Beware about shopping during the in-season because campers who failed to adequately prepare for their camping trips will be rushing into big-name retail stores like Walmart to pay full price for some last-minute outdoor gear. When the retailers have such clientele to rely on, it’s pretty rare that they will bother with a sale. That being said, campers might consider buying equipment for the off-season, such as hiking boots or winter-treated sleeping bags, during the spring and summer when everyone else is grabbing hammocks and sandals off the shelves.
Online retailers like Amazon tend to follow the same natural seasons as traditional retail stores do. So you can expect Amazon to have some sales just before the season and immediately following it when people have returned from summer camping trips and rolled up their sleeping bags for storage in the off-season. That period is referred to as the post-season, when campsites are starting to empty and autumn is just on the horizon sees the majority of campers heading back to civilization, although some more daring campers will still be out in the backcountry, perhaps having changed to car camping.
In the post-season, many retail stores find that, in trying to keep their shelves well-stocked with outdoor gear during the season, they have over-purchased seasonal camping gear such as sleeping bags, tents, hiking boots, sleeping pads, hammocks, and first aid kits. Sleeping bags and sleeping mats come in different materials and with different design features to be most convenient in either warm weather or cold weather, so when the retail stores want to shift seasonal gear, you may find a good price on camping gear for the season that has just finished. Campers who are enthusiastic enough may want to keep this law of opposites in mind generally, looking for winter gear in summer and vice versa.

The transition from winter to fall is often the best time to shop for warm-weather camping gear.
Focus on your camping gear
This rule should apply not only when you decide to replace your outdoor gear but all the time, meaning you should pay close attention to your camping gear and how often you are replacing certain items so that you aren’t buying brand new equipment when the old ones are still in good condition. It’s always good to keep an eye out for garage sales, online sales at Amazon, and gear swaps at retail stores like REI.
But it’s equally important to know when you need new outdoor gear and when the camping gear you already own is working just fine. Also, plan your camping trips ahead of time so you know what kind of camping gear you’ll need to bring with you. Don’t feel like a control freak just for planning a camping trip months in advance!
As we’ve discussed already, sales on camping gear tend to follow the natural seasons because campers also do. If you can manage it, planning on purchasing more durable winter equipment like hiking boots in the summertime will net you some savings, or perhaps you’ll find higher-quality equipment that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.
Bear in mind that hiking boots from last year are almost certainly still good this year, as most major brands like The North Face and Big Agnes design their hiking boots to be long-lasting, and occasionally even include a lifetime warranty. It would certainly be a shame to buy new hiking boots rather than cashing in on an included warranty you paid for already, so make sure you keep a note somewhere when a warranty is included on any piece of your camping gear.
It goes without saying that campers should practice proper maintenance of their outdoor gear during use and afterward, making sure to clean everything thoroughly and dry it completely before storing it long-term. Other things to consider are the construction of the equipment itself. Stainless steel cookware can generally take quite a beating and shouldn’t rust for a long time as long as they are reliably dried off before storage. Backpacking first aid kits are especially important, as some ointments will expire after some time has passed. Last year’s first aid kit may not suffice anymore, and campers should really check and double-check their first-aid kit before they reach the campsite. Finding the first aid kit lacking in the middle of a possible emergency situation can be a hazardous nightmare.

Some camping gear, like hiking boots, won’t need to be replaced for quite a long time if cared for properly.
Retail store and online shopping
The logic of outdoor gear companies, whether you shop in the retail store or on Amazon, is fairly consistent. As we know, they tend to overstock in the pre-season to ensure they have enough camping gear for campers who shop last-minute in-season and then have sales to move stock in the post-season. There are also other seasons for retailers that campers should pay attention to.
Major holidays factor into stores’ decision to have sales or not. Consider each major holiday as a mini-season. Before Christmas, Father’s Day, and Labor Day, retail stores might try to overstock so they can make big sales on and around the holiday. Similarly, after the holidays the retail stores may have extra stock to move to hold a sale. Labor Day sales are fairly well-known in the camping gear market.
A quick google search is usually enough to inform shopping campers when Amazon is having a sale. Traditional retail stores are sometimes unintentionally opaque on their websites when a sale is going on, but bet that that major stores will almost surely have some sort of sale on during holidays. For the camping gear that doesn’t see much price difference in or out of natural seasons, like cookware, the man-made holidays are the best time of year to get discounts. Sharp campers may be able to combine both, reasoning that after Christmas there will probably be sales on winter outdoor gear but any remaining summer hiking gear should be especially cheap at that time.
Alternatives to brand new camping gear
Every camper loves to have a brand new sleeping bag or ultralight sleeping pad. Sometimes it makes more sense to look elsewhere than Amazon or retail stores for replacement camping gear. Gear swaps are quite common in communities with lots of campers and backpacking enthusiasts in their midst. REI is one retail store that is well known for hosting such events. Garage sales are also occasionally very beneficial to those searching amount the table and piles of used outdoor gear and household items to find like-new camping gear without having to worry about swapping back as they would have to if they had participated in a gear swap.
Garage sales may not necessarily be ideal for some hiking gear like hiking boots, depending on how many times they were worn. Campers wouldn’t be judged for thinking of hiking boots as a piece of outdoor gear that shouldn’t be sold secondhand due to the amount of action they see and how much sweat can collect within them. For almost everything else, from cookware to hammocks, garage sales sometimes have exactly what you need. Another advantage of a garage sale is you may be able to ask the previous user directly how the particular piece of camping gear worked in the backcountry.

Cookware can often be found at garage sales or on sale after the holiday season.
Technical requirements
Everything in this guide so far has been general rules to follow, but now we need to get a little more specific to illustrate their application. The technical requirements you need in your camping gear depends on what kind of camping trip you have planned, or what kind of camping trip you prefer to take in general. For campers who like to scramble over rocks and reach high elevations on day-hikes during their camping trips, hiking gear is essential. Hiking boots and ultralight tents and sleeping bags are highly desirable for such a camping trip. That will alter when the best time of year is to buy the outdoor gear. Hiking boots are going to be on sale after Christmas and in-season but near the end of the season, since they are generally used for wintertime camping trips.
Bear in mind that there will be a change of stock at retail stores and at Amazon around the end of the season and that directly affects hiking boots. An important technical detail is whether the piece of camping gear has been “winterized,” that is, designed for use in winter conditions or not. Campers looking for hiking boots for winter should look at the end of the season in summer, and those looking for ultralight and breathable hiking boots for summertime camping trips should look after the season or after the Christmas shopping season.
Sleeping bags and sleeping pads follow the same logic. There are ultralight sleeping bags and sleeping pads that are more breathable and insulated for comfort but not for warmth in cold conditions. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads constructed for use on camping trips in the winter are designed to keep heat in and might be less ultralight but ultimately ill serve campers better on wintertime camping trips. The best time of year to buy winter sleeping bags and sleeping pads is likely to be when they are on sale in the summertime, while the best time of year to purchase summertime sleeping bags and sleeping pads is likely to be when they are on sale in the off-season and after the Christmas shopping season.

Greatly expand your camping experience with new gear if you know the best time of year to buy it.
Final Verdict:
There are many things to consider when it comes to purchasing brand new or secondhand camping gear. Firstly, since campers understandably prefer to hit the great outdoors when the weather is warm, the foliage is green, and the wildlife is out, the retail stores and online merchants like Amazon follow the general trend the campers set. There is a season the goes from spring to late summer, or perhaps into autumn depending on the climate in your region. During the season, outdoor gear is usually full price, but it may be on sale in the off-season.
Natural seasons also factor in, since they tend to dictate when campers are going into the backcountry on camping trips. There are some campers who still journey out into the backcountry in the frigid winter. A good rule of thumb is to shop in the opposite natural season, i.e. winter camping gear is on sale in the summer and summer camping gear is on sale in the winter. If you can prepare enough to combine this rule of thumb with the in-season and off-season rule, you’re much likely to find that special piece of camping gear you’re looking for without paying the full price last-minute.
The technical details of your outdoor gear also come into play when considering the best time of year to buy new stuff. Winter campers may even be looking for completely different outdoor gear, like extra blankets, which in-season campers would find fairly useless. There are some pieces of camping equipment that aren’t affected by this rule, such as cookware, but for some of the most important outdoor gear that’s used on camping trips, such as sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and hiking boots, the specifics about the particular outdoor gear are crucial.
Garage sales make a fine alternative to retail stores and Amazon from time to time, but they can’t be completely depended upon since it is really just luck determining whether the camping gear you’re looking for will be found at any particular garage sale. Gear swaps in the neighborhood or at retail stores like REI are nice and social ways to meet community members who are also interested in camping trips while exchanging some camping equipment from last year.
Overall, this whole strategy for determining the best time of year to buy new camping equipment is all about the equipment. The most useful strategy is to take good care of the outdoor gear you already have, store it properly, and keep an eye out for sales using some of the strategies outlined in this guide on the best time to buy camping gear.
Bonus tip: To maintain your outdoor gear, check out this video for tips on how to store and organize camping gear!
Outdoor Blog
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.
Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement
The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.
The psychological thrill
In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.
The benefits of embracing the edge
Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.
The balance of risk and reward
While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.
Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.
Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.
Outdoor Blog
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.
The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.
Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.
Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?
Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.
The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.
These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.
Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:
- Allows for sustainable rural development
This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.
- Test new technologies
Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.
- Improving the effect of climate change
Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.
Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.
- This leads to job creation
Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails
Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.
Embracing the Use of Green Technology
Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.
By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.
The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.
Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors
Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.
Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.
Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty
The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.
Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.
Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.
Providing Health and Wellness Benefits
Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.
Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy
These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.
This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.
Conclusion
Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.
From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.
Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.
Outdoor Blog
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.
If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.
Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool
Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.
Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.
Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks
Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.
Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.
Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions
Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.
Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.
Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight
A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.
Endnote
Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.
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