Best time to buy camping gear, tents and sleeping bags

Verdict: Wait if the trip is not soon. The end of the season and the spring reset are the usual low points. Peak summer is when demand is high.

Camping gear follows the season. When people want it, prices hold. When the season ends, stores clear stock. The best time to buy a tent or a sleeping bag is usually after the busy weeks, not during them.

Dates change each year, so treat the months below as a pattern and check the retailer for the current price.

When is camping gear usually cheaper?

In general:

• Late summer and early fall. Stores clear summer stock to make room for fall and winter items.
• Early spring. Some brands release new models. Older ones are marked down.
• Holiday weekends. Outdoor stores often run sales around major summer holiday weekends. Discounts vary.
• Fall sale season. Some outdoor gear appears in November events, though selection varies.

Ruling: If the trip is more than a few weeks away, wait for the next window.

Which items drop the most?

Tents, sleeping bags and chairs often see the most cuts because they take up space. Stoves, lanterns and small tools drop less because they are small and sell all year. Premium items tend to hold their price longer, while basic models drop more often.

Last year's color or model is often the best buy. See last year's model vs the new model for how to decide.

Ruling: Buy last year's tent if the specs match. Pay for newer only if it adds something you will use.

How do you pick a tent?

Pick size by the number of people plus one. A "4 person" tent often fits closer to three adults with gear. Check the weather rating too. A three-season tent works for spring to fall. Winter camping needs a different tent.

Weight matters if you carry it. A heavy tent is fine if you drive to the site.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A tent is $200 in June. Last October it dropped to $150. Your target is $150. If a July banner says "$180", skip it unless the trip is next week. If you buy early, check the return window and test the tent at home in the yard.

Ruling: Set a target from the last 90 days, then wait for it.

What is not worth waiting on?

Do not wait on safety items you need now, such as a headlamp or a water filter for a planned trip. Also do not wait if a trip is booked and stock is low in your size. A missed trip costs more than a small discount.

For a price check routine, use how to check price history before you buy. For other warm-weather buys, see best time to buy patio furniture and grills.

What are common mistakes?

• Buying a tent without setting it up at home first.
• Picking a sleeping bag with the wrong temperature rating.
• Paying for features you will not use.
• Skipping the return policy.
• Buying a bundle with items you do not need.

How do you compare a cheap and a pricey tent?

Price often buys lighter weight, better materials and a longer life. For a few trips a year near home, a basic tent is fine. For long trips or bad weather, spend more on the parts that matter: the rain fly, the seams and the poles. Read the maker's notes on wind and rain, and treat claims as the maker's claims.

Ruling: Match the tent to your worst weather, not the best.

How do you save on the rest of the kit?

Sleeping pads, stoves and lights make up much of the cost. Buy them in the same end-of-season window. Borrow gear from friends before a first trip. Many outdoor shops also rent gear, which is a good way to try before you buy. Policies and prices vary, so check with the shop.