Planning an outdoor trip in the coming year? Now is a smart moment to consider upgrading your kit and to figure out how to score it for less.
Outdoor gear can be expensive, but purchasing at the appropriate times throughout the year can land you the equipment you want for a fraction of the cost. Those savings mean more money left over for experiences on your adventures.
We’ve highlighted national retailers as reliable places to shop, though you may uncover better bargains on Facebook’s Marketplace or Nextdoor for pre-owned items. At Gear Trade you can find both new and used gear.
So get ready to head outdoors.
Guide to Buying Outdoor Gear at the Optimal Time
Ski Equipment
Best time to buy: Fall and March
Details: When ski shops close for the season they often need to clear inventory. Many of those stores remain in the outdoor goods business year-round, shifting to bikes or camping wares in the warmer months. That leaves a surplus of skis and snowboards that retailers typically move at steep discounts. You might not find the fullest selection after peak season, but you’ll find lower prices. Another route is purchasing pre-owned ski gear on GearTrade.com, where unsold items often get progressively marked down, so you can track items until they hit a price you like (if someone else doesn’t buy them first).
You’ll save: 50–60 percent
Where to buy:Backcountry; REI; Gear Trade
Camping Equipment (Tents, Sleeping Gear)
Best time to buy: September
Details: In September, demand for camping gear typically falls as temperatures drop in many regions, and retailers are motivated to move stock, says Andrew Priobrazhenskiy. November through January can also offer good deals as people shop for holiday presents. If you need gear at the last minute, late August often has markdowns too, according to Priobrazhenskiy, CEO of DiscountReactor, an e-commerce company.
You’ll save: About 50 percent
Where to buy:REI; Dick’s Sporting Goods
Seasonal Sports Apparel (Ski Jackets, Swimwear, Hiking Clothes)
Best time to buy: May
Details: If you wait until July or August you can also find strong sales and clearance reductions, Priobrazhenskiy notes.
You’ll save: Around 50 percent
Where to buy:REI; Patagonia; Moosejaw
Outdoor Cooking Equipment
Best time to buy: February, June and August
Details: Camp stoves, cook sets and utensils frequently go on sale during these months as retailers aim to attract campers and outdoor cooks planning trips, says Priobrazhenskiy.
You’ll save: Up to 60 percent
Where to buy:Dick’s Sporting Goods
Stand-Up Paddleboards, Surfboards, Kiteboards, Windsurfers
Best time to buy: August
Details: Buying water-sport gear at the end of summer is wise because many shops run end-of-season clearance promotions, says Holly Appleby, a marine conservation researcher and surf instructor behind Ocean Today, a project focused on ocean literacy. If you buy late in the season, be sure you have suitable storage: boards should stay out of direct sun in a cool, dry area, Appleby advises. While secondhand purchases might deliver year-round bargains, she warns there’s a risk the safety or integrity of used watercraft has been compromised.
You’ll save: Around 40 percent
Where to buy:Dick’s Sporting Goods; REI
Kayaks and Canoes
Best time to buy: End of August
Details: August is peak paddling season in many parts of the U.S., so buying near the end of the month can yield discounted kayaks, canoes and related gear. If you don’t want to store a boat for months, Memorial Day and the holiday season also bring solid sales. Avoid spring when new inventory hits stores because prices are usually higher then. Used paddling craft often surface on Craigslist or local Facebook groups at about half price during spring and fall.
You’ll save: 40–50 percent
Hiking Gear
Best time to buy: March and April
Details: Most sporting goods retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops and Camping World run spring closeouts to clear space for new hiking items — boots, packs, navigation devices and trekking poles — says Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer-savings expert at Smarty and Smarty Plus. “Make use of trending coupons and reward programs like cash-back offers to secure the lowest price, no matter which store you shop,” Porwal recommends.
You’ll save: 10–40 percent
Where to buy:Dick’s Sporting Goods; Bass Pro Shops; Camping World
Bicycles and Helmets
Best time to buy: Fall
Details: Autumn is when shops clear out last season’s bikes to make room for new models. You can also find bargains on Black Friday and during the holiday season. Specialty bikes like mountain or road bikes often go on sale outside racing season (typically winter). For extra savings, ask about demo bikes — these are well-kept models shops lend for test rides and are akin to open-box electronics.
You’ll save: 20–35 percent
Where to buy: Purchase bicycles from a local shop to ensure a proper fit.
Fishing Gear
Best time to buy: February
Details: A couple of months after the December holidays is a sweet spot: it’s too early for much fishing across the country except for hardy ice anglers, and stores are motivated to offload older stock. Don’t forget to check used gear sections for even better deals.
You’ll save: 25–40 percent
Where to buy:Cabela’s; Bass Pro Shops
Car Racks to Haul Your Gear
Best time to buy: November
Details: Black Friday is a prime time to find racks for bikes, boats, skis, snowboards and more, though discounts typically top out near 20 percent. Want steeper savings? Search eBay, Craigslist or local Facebook Marketplace listings. These items are usually durable, and sellers often part with them after only a few trips.
You’ll save: About 20 percent
Where to buy:REI; Backcountry
Also, if you’re planning ways to cut costs on your next outdoor excursion, check out camping on a budget how to save money on your next trip for practical tips.
Jordan Ellis is a freelance writer for Savinly.
