Savvy bargain hunters can tell you that smart shopping can save you lots of money on most anything you want or need. Camping supplies are no exception. Closeout camping gear offers you an excellent way to get the items you need at a very attractive price. Some people think that closeout merchandise is defective or undesirable in some way. This is rarely the case. Most of the time, the merchandise is marked down because there are too many pieces in stock and the store must make room for new things. The time of the year has a lot to do with clearance sales, also. Camping season is defined as the period between approximately mid-spring to mid-fall. If you shop for gear during the winter, it's likely to be offered at a reduced price.

Outlet stores are another great way to find fantastic deals on the outdoor supplies you need. Outlet stores are simply stores that sell overstock from the manufacturers or overflow from retail locations at an attractive, close-to-wholesale price. Occasionally, you may find scratch and dent and returned merchandise on sale at an outlet store but most of the time the items found there are in new condition. Check your area to see if there are any outdoor gear outlet stores near you. If not, you may want to check online.

Online shopping is a great way to find great bargains on most everything, and camping equipment is no exception. There are online outlet stores, discount and bargain stores, and retail stores that sell everything you'll need for your next outdoor adventure and then some. Shopping online these days is easy, fun and safe as long as you choose a trusted merchant with a secure checkout. Another method of locating cheap camping gear is to buy it via online auction. On sites like eBay, Amazon, Yahoo and Overstock you can search and browse millions of auctions. Before buying an auction item, make sure the seller has a good history of positive feedback.

Some of the closeout camping gear you can find for sale include things like tents, sleeping bags, cots, clothing, cooking supplies, first aid kits, directional devices, fishing poles, lures, bait, and more. Whether you need only a few supplies or want to be fully loaded with everything you might need, there are lots of places that offer money-saving deals and sales. By locating the cheapest suppliers, shopping at the right time of year, trying outlet stores and using the Internet to your advantage, you can save a substantial amount of green on your wilderness gear!