Think starting outside is expensive? Building a starter outdoor kit doesn’t have to cost a fortune…
Want to spend more time outside but have no idea where to start?
You’re not alone. Never before have so many people spent time outdoors. According to one source, a record 181.1 million Americans enjoyed outdoor recreation in 2024. That’s 58.6% of the US population over age 6.
The problem is:
Walking into a sporting goods store can make you feel like you need $2,000 worth of gear before you take your first step outside. Shiny down jackets. Technical backpacks. Boots with more $$ signs than your car payment.
Luckily:
You don’t. Building a capable starter outdoor kit doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Start by focusing on what you actually need, and ignore everything else.
Here’s everything you need to know about building a budget-friendly starter outdoor kit:
- Why Less Gear is More when you start outdoors
- The Core 4: Everything you really need to start outdoors
- How to shop smart and save money on sports gear and apparel
- Where to find deals for sports gear and apparel
- Gear up the smart way
Table of Contents
Why Less Gear is More When You Start Outdoors
Here’s the mistake most beginners make…
Buying too much too soon. Camping gear? Check. Trail running shoes? Check. Hiking clothes? Check. Do you know what you’ll actually be doing outdoors? Probably not. Trying to gear up for every scenario is a quick way to blow your budget.
Instead, think basics. Start small, and learn what you really need based on your experiences outdoors.
And when you do need to buy gear? Visiting a trusted sporting goods store in Franklin, TN is a great way to talk through your needs with an expert. Plus, you can try sports gear and apparel on before you buy it. Trying on a backpack or shoe in-person is nearly always better than guessing sizes online.
The Core 4: Everything You Really Need to Start Outdoors
There are four categories to fill before worrying about anything else. Start here.
#1. Shoes or Boots
Your footwear is the most important piece of any outdoor starter kit.
Bad shoes turn a good trip bad fast. Blisters, twisted ankles, cold wet feet are no fun. Invest in a good pair of shoes or boots that fit. You’ll be thankful later.
That said, you don’t need to spend $300 on boots either. Starting outdoors isn’t crazy expensive, remember? Expect to spend somewhere in the $80–$120 range on something that’ll work just fine.
Look for shoes with:
- Grippy soles for traction on all types of terrain
- Waterproof or water-resistant tops
- Snug heel fit with plenty of room in the toe box
#2. Base Layer & Clothing
Got cotton? Toss it. Literally.
Cotton is universally accepted as the worst material for outdoor apparel. It hangs on to moisture, gets heavy, and causes you to lose body heat rapidly when wet. Even a cheap polyester or merino wool base layer will make a huge difference. Throw a fleece mid-layer on top, and you’ve got everything you need. For outer layers, get a rain jacket that packs small.
Three layers will do in most scenarios — and chances are you own at least 2 of them already. Do a quick audit of what you’ve got before shopping.
#3. Backpack
A pack doesn’t need to do much, either. Just enough to fit your gear for whatever activity you’re doing.
Pick a pack that’s not quite too big, but not too small either. 20–30L is perfect for nearly every outdoor activity a beginner will encounter — day hikes, camping trips, trail running, maybe even mountain biking. Padded shoulder straps, a hipbelt for stability, and a few easily accessible pockets are all you need.
Look for cheaper options first. You can find a perfectly serviceable backpack for $50–80 these days. Outdoor sports companies have gotten so competitive, which is a win for consumers.
#4. Know Where You’re Going & How to Get Help
This one’s unpopular, but important:
A basic safety kit should go wherever you go. At minimum, always have:
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Small first aid kit
- Whistle + firestarter
- Offline map downloaded to your phone, or basic compass
Cheap. Lightweight. Should be included in your kit no matter what.
How To Shop Smart & Save Money on Sports Gear and Apparel
The sporting goods industry grew 7% annually from 2021 to 2024, and that number is only climbing.
Thanks to crazy crowds flocking outdoors over the last decade, the outdoor recreation industry has become highly saturated. There are more brands selling outdoor gear than ever before. This spells one thing for newcomers looking to start outdoors:
Buy smart, not cheap.
Want a pack that’ll last for decades? There are options. Is it more expensive than the $50 specialty store brand? Probably. Shopping smart means buying things that’ll last.
Here’s how to shop smarter, for less:
Know where to save. Every outdoor enthusiast has that one favorite jacket they never let see the dirt. Footwear is almost always that thing. Everything else? Target the lower prices.
Wait for sales. Outdoor gear goes on sale almost every season:
- April — Ski/snow gear
- Holiday sales — Jackets and liners
Start shopping when prices are low. The savings add up fast.
Where To Find Deals On Sports Gear and Apparel
Alright — where do you start looking for gear?
It mostly comes down to how comfortable you are buying used sports gear and apparel. Here are three approaches that work:
Option 1: Buy new, but don’t break the bank
Stick to brands that don’t have cult followings. Research popular alternatives to “well-known” brands — you’ll be surprised how good some of the affordable options are these days.
Option 2: Buy used
This one is hard to beat. You’d be amazed what ends up listed on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Sports gear is built to last. Treat it right, and it’ll serve you forever. Don’t have shoes that fit quite right? Odds are someone is selling a used pair for half price.
Option 3: Rent first
Trying to decide if you’ll like an activity? Rent before you buy. Major outdoors companies like REI and others have gear rental programs that let you test before you commit.
Gear Up The Smart Way
Going outdoors is one of the best habits you can pick up in life. Don’t let gear costs stop you from getting outside.
Need more reasons?
Here’s one more: Gear isn’t forever. Things break. Trends change. What’s hot this year is ancient next year. Build a starter kit, get outside, then upgrade as you learn what you love outdoors.
It’s that simple.
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