Where to buy cheap mountain gear (and what not to skimp on)
The mountains do not have to be expensive. We go through the options for kitting yourself out on a budget —big sports chains, online shops, sales, second-hand and rental— and the items where saving money can cost you dearly.
Many people put off their first hike thinking they need to spend hundreds on gear. They do not. With good judgement and a little patience you can kit yourself out for day hiking on a budget, and save the money for the two or three items that truly deserve it.
Transparency: we link to NMshop, the outdoor gear store run by Altavia’s publisher, and to Amazon searches with an affiliate link. Other shops are mentioned without any commercial agreement.
1. Big sports chains and their own brands
Sports chains with their own mountain brands (for example Decathlon’s: Quechua for hiking, Forclaz for trekking or Simond for climbing) are the most common entry point. Advantages:
- Reasonable prices and ranges by level.
- You can try on footwear and clothing.
- Easy exchanges and returns.
They are a good option for base layers, fleeces, trousers and day packs.
2. Supermarkets with seasonal offers
Some supermarket chains periodically launch outdoor clothing and gear collections at very low prices (technical T-shirts, thermal leggings, socks, poles). Quality varies, but for technical underwear or accessories they can be a bargain. They come in seasonal waves: keep an eye on their leaflets.
3. Online outdoor shops
Specialist online shops usually have permanent offers and huge catalogues. Some options:
- NMshop, our store: mountain footwear, jackets, trousers, backpacks, camping and climbing gear, with worldwide shipping. Take a look at the new arrivals, the footwear and the camping section.
- Amazon: useful for accessories and basics, comparing reviews and specifications. For example, headlamps, trekking poles or merino hiking socks. Always check who is selling and the return policy.
- Big European online outdoor retailers, with good sales on well-known brands.
4. Sales and end of season
Timing matters:
| When | What usually drops in price |
|---|---|
| Winter sales (January–February) | Jackets, down, thermal clothing, winter boots |
| Summer sales (July–August) | Lightweight footwear, summer clothing, tents |
| Black Friday | Electronics (GPS watches, headlamps) and backpacks |
| New collections | Last year’s models, almost identical to the new ones |
Buying last year’s model of a jacket or boots is one of the best tricks: the differences are usually just the colour.
5. Second-hand
Buy-and-sell apps (Vinted, eBay, Wallapop…), mountain club groups and gear swaps are perfect for:
- Poles, backpacks, tents and sleeping bags (check zips, seams and smells).
- Snowshoes and occasional-use gear.
- Clothing in good condition.
Do not buy second-hand safety gear whose history you do not know: helmets, harnesses, ropes or carabiners can have invisible damage.
6. Rental
For activities you do once or twice a year (snowshoes, crampons, ice axe, via ferrata kit), renting from mountain shops, clubs or guiding companies is much cheaper than buying, and lets you try before you decide.
What NOT to skimp on
- Footwear that fits you well. A good fit is worth more than the brand. Read how to choose mountain boots.
- A reliable waterproof jacket, if you go out in changeable weather.
- A headlamp with enough battery: a hike that runs into the night without light is a serious problem.
- Certified safety gear (helmet, harness, rope), always new and certified.
- A basic first-aid kit.
What you CAN save on
- Entry-level technical T-shirts, fleeces and trousers.
- A simple day pack.
- Caps, thin gloves, neck gaiters.
- Basic aluminium poles.
A plan to get started
- Buy footwear and a waterproof jacket.
- Use the cotton-free sportswear you already own.
- Add layers and accessories bit by bit, taking advantage of sales.
- If you get hooked, invest in what you use most.
Want a concrete list? You will find it in basic mountain gear for every budget. And if you are looking for ideas on what to wear together, see our mountain outfits.
