I believe outdoor recreation is very beneficial and I want to encourage people to get involved. I am trying to help by providing information, answering questions, and providing encouragement. I also sometimes allow friends to borrow my gear, to encourage them to get outdoors. I can always use more friends.
Often, people who are new to outdoor recreation have interests that outpace their budgets and not having appropriate gear can become a major obstacle. Going camping without a good sleeping bag, for example, can result in an unpleasant. Trying to use a summer-weight bag during a late fall trip may result in discomfort and can potentially be dangerous. A couple experiences like that and a person may give up on the outdoors.
You can sometimes find good equipment at garage sales, but you need to be careful and educate yourself somewhat to know what to look for. Some community centers and collage outdoor programs provide gear rentals. REI has an excellent rental program and also sells good quality used gear at discount prices.
Here are some of my recent gear purchases that are working out well.
Fishing Kayak
This is a fun kayak that can be rigged for play or serious fishing. It is a Lifetime Manta sit-on-top kayak that will accommodate up to three people and can support 500 lbs. It is very stable.
It is registered and I can outfit it will an electric trolling motor and fish finder. It also has rod holders. We of course use life jackets as needed. It is easy to transport tied on the top of an SUV or crossover.
It is a fun boat great for use on ponds and small lakes, or even in the bays at Strawberry.
Kodiak Canvas Tent
This is a nice, comfortable family tent, 9 x 8 ft. It is rated for three-season use. It can withstand heavy rain and snow without leaking and holds up to serious wind.
The heavy canvas makes it hold in heat when you need it to. Doors and windows have no-see-um mesh, so they can be opened for air circulation, making it comfortable even during the heat of summer.
It is heavy and bulky, but easy to set up.
It can accommodate a queen-sized air mattress or four sleeping pads. It will fit three camping cots and still have space to move around.
Camp Chef Two-Burner Stove With Griddle
i have a two-burner propane stove that makes it easy to cook outdoors. It is older but works well. It comes with a large griddle for pancakes and a large cast-iron fry pan. I often use it with a large griddle or one or more Dutch ovens.
Fire Pit
I also offer a propane fire pit that allows you to have an instant campfire without scrambling for firewood. It is quite nice and is not smoky/smelly.