Stepping into the world of outdoor adventures is thrilling, but figuring out which gear to buy can be overwhelming. You need reliable equipment from trusted brands that won’t let you down on the trail or at the campsite, all while being kind to your wallet. This guide is designed to take the guesswork out of your shopping.
We have compiled a selection of top-tier outdoor gear from popular brands like Coleman, Kelty, and MSR, specifically chosen for those just starting their journey. From weatherproof tents to comfortable sleeping bags and essential cooking gear, these deals provide the perfect foundation for your next excursion without the complexity of high-end, specialized equipment.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Outdoor Gear
- Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent
- Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack
- Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent with Rainfly
- Coleman Heritage Big & Tall Flannel Sleeping Bag
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad
- MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove
- Coleman Classic 1-Burner Butane Stove
- Coleman 4-Person Sundome Dark Room Tent
- KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent
The Kelty Grand Mesa 2P is a fully-featured, reliable shelter designed as the perfect backpacking companion for new adventurers. Its 2024 model includes thoughtful updates like Kelty Quick Corners to keep poles securely in place during setup and an EZ-Zip vestibule, making the process straightforward even for your first time. A Shark Mouth carry bag further simplifies packing up, so you can spend less time wrestling with your gear and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Built with dependable materials, this three-season tent features compact, folding DAC pressfit aluminum poles for a sturdy structure. The 68D polyester tent floor and rainfly are weather-resistant and long-lasting, backed by a fully seam-taped construction to keep moisture out. With a color-coded clip and fly attachment system, you can have your shelter ready in minutes, providing an easy, affordable, and awesome start to your backpacking experiences.
Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack
For day hikes, travel, or as an extra bag, the Venture Pal 40L backpack is an incredibly versatile and lightweight option. It features an upgraded design with a dedicated waterproof wet pocket inside the main compartment, perfect for safely storing sweaty clothes or a damp towel after a swim or hike. This thoughtful addition helps you keep the rest of your gear dry and organized.
Weighing only one pound, this backpack is made from high-quality, tear and water-resistant nylon and features heavy-duty metal zippers. It can be easily folded into its own pocket for compact storage, making it incredibly convenient to stash in your luggage until you need it. With breathable, padded shoulder straps and a chest clip with a whistle buckle, it offers a comfortable and secure carry for all your daily adventures.
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent with Rainfly
The Coleman Sundome is a classic choice for car campers seeking a simple and reliable shelter. Known for its ease of use, this tent can be set up in about 10 minutes, allowing you to quickly move on to the more enjoyable parts of your trip. It’s a fantastic, no-fuss option for family camping, music festivals, or a weekend getaway with friends.
This dome tent includes a weather-resistant rainfly and an integrated WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to help keep water out. The interior offers enough space for a family of four, with good ventilation to minimize condensation. As a trusted brand, Coleman provides a durable and affordable entry point into the world of camping.
Coleman Heritage Big & Tall Flannel Sleeping Bag
For taller individuals or those who simply want more room to move, the Coleman Heritage Big & Tall sleeping bag is an excellent solution. It comfortably fits adults up to 6 feet 7 inches tall, ensuring a restful night’s sleep without feeling constricted. The soft flannel lining adds a touch of comfort and warmth, making it feel more like your bed at home.
This is a true 4-season sleeping bag, filled with 5 pounds of Holofill 808 insulation to provide reliable warmth in temperatures as low as 10°F. It incorporates smart features like a no-snag zipper for easy entry and exit, and FiberLock construction to prevent the insulation from shifting, maintaining consistent warmth throughout the bag. It’s also machine washable for simple cleanup after your trip.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is a legendary closed-cell foam sleeping pad trusted by mountaineers and backpackers for generations. Its primary appeal lies in its absolute simplicity and reliability; there are no valves to inflate or parts that can puncture. You simply unroll it, and your bed is ready, providing a dependable barrier between you and the cold ground.
The accordion-style folding design is compact and easily packable, often strapped to the outside of a backpack. The surface is designed with dimples that capture and trap heat, offering an R-Value of 1.7 for basic insulation. It’s an economical, lightweight, and virtually indestructible choice for beginners who need a no-fuss sleeping solution.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a marvel of efficiency for backpackers who need a hot meal or drink without the weight. Weighing just 2.6 ounces and folding down to a remarkably compact size, it takes up minimal space in your pack. This stove is perfect for minimalist adventures where every ounce counts.
Despite its tiny size, it delivers impressive performance, capable of boiling one liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. The flame is easily adjustable from a gentle simmer for cooking to a rolling boil for rehydrating meals or making coffee. It screws directly onto a standard isobutane-propane fuel canister, making setup and use incredibly straightforward for a beginner.
Coleman Classic 1-Burner Butane Stove
If your camping style involves car camping or tailgating, the Coleman Classic 1-Burner Butane Stove is a fantastic and portable cooking solution. It comes with a convenient carry case, making it easy to transport and store. This stove is ready to go whenever you need to cook a meal at the picnic site or campsite.
It features InstaStart ignition for matchless lighting and a single adjustable burner that provides precise temperature control with 7650 BTUs of power. The removable, porcelain-coated grate makes cleanup quick and simple. This stove is a reliable and user-friendly option for anyone who wants a dedicated cooking surface beyond a backpacking stove.
Coleman 4-Person Sundome Dark Room Tent
The Coleman Sundome Dark Room Tent takes the classic Sundome design and adds a game-changing feature for those who appreciate their sleep. Its innovative Dark Room Technology blocks 90% of sunlight, allowing you to sleep in past sunrise and keeping the interior noticeably cooler on bright, sunny mornings. This makes it ideal for families with young children or anyone who is a light sleeper.
It retains all the trusted features of the Sundome series, including the WeatherTec system with welded floors and protected seams to keep you dry, and a setup time of just 10 minutes. The snag-free, continuous pole sleeves make assembly a simple, one-person job, providing a comfortable and restful shelter for your camping trips.
KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Boots
KEEN’s Targhee 3 Mid Height boots are a top choice for hikers seeking comfort and protection on varied terrain. The built-in KEEN.DRY breathable membrane is key, as it reliably keeps water out while allowing perspiration to escape, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable through streams and muddy trails. The mid-height design provides excellent ankle support.
Constructed from durable premium leather and breathable mesh, these boots are built to last. They feature a high-traction KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs for a secure grip on both rocky and slippery surfaces. Additional protection comes from a rubber toe guard and a built-in bruise plate, making them a robust and dependable partner for your hiking adventures.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is another fantastic boot option for beginners, offering a great balance of performance and value. They are designed to handle tough trails while providing all-day comfort, making them a versatile choice for various outdoor activities. The advanced traction rubber sole provides a superior grip on slippery and uneven surfaces.
These boots feature a combination of durable leather and mesh construction, along with a seam-sealed membrane that helps keep moisture out. The cushioned midsole provides long-lasting comfort and high energy return, reducing foot fatigue during long hikes. With their supportive build and reliable traction, these boots are ready to help you confidently tackle your local trails and beyond.
How to Choose Your First Outdoor Gear
Starting out with any new hobby can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at walls of jackets, rows of boots, and a confusing array of gadgets. I remember my first time in an outdoor store; I had no idea where to begin. The key is to not get bogged down by the technical jargon or the pressure to buy the most expensive item. For your first set of outdoor gear, focus on versatility, value, and fit. You don’t need a $400 shell jacket for a weekend camping trip in fair weather. Think about the activities you’ll actually do most often. Are you a fair-weather hiker? A car camper? Your answers will dictate your gear.
First, let’s talk about the big three: footwear, clothing, and a pack. Your shoes are your foundation. A bad pair can ruin a good day instantly. Look for a reputable brand known for comfort, like Merrell or Salomon, and find a model that’s a hybrid hiking shoe or a low-cut boot. These are perfect for established trails and are often more affordable than heavy-duty backpacking boots. For clothing, forget cotton. It holds moisture and gets cold when wet. Instead, look for synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. Brands like Columbia and The North Face offer great entry-level options that use their own proprietary tech to keep you dry and comfortable without a huge price tag.
Your backpack is your mobile base camp. For day hikes, a 20-30 liter pack from Osprey or Deuter is ideal. These brands are famous for their suspension systems, which make carrying weight much more comfortable. Don’t just buy a pack online; if you can, go to a store and get it fitted. A properly fitted pack makes a world of difference. When you’re looking for the 10 best outdoor gear deals for newbies on #1 popular brands, pay close attention to end-of-season sales. That’s when last year’s colors and models get massive discounts, and the technology is still fantastic. Also, check the official brand’s “outlet” or “sale” section on their website, as well as major retailers like REI during their member sales. You can build a solid, reliable kit without emptying your wallet by being a smart shopper and focusing on these core principles.
FAQ
Is it okay to buy used outdoor gear?
Absolutely, with a few caveats. Buying used can be a fantastic way to save money on high-quality gear. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces this way. However, you need to be careful. For items like hardgoods (climbing harnesses, carabiners, helmets) or anything with critical safety features, I strongly recommend buying new. You can’t verify the history or potential damage of a used safety item. For softgoods like jackets, backpacks, and sleeping bags, used is often a great deal. Just inspect them thoroughly for rips, broken zippers, and check if the waterproof coating (DWR) is still effective.
What is the one piece of gear I shouldn’t cheap out on?
If I had to pick one, it’s your footwear. Everything you do outdoors starts and ends with your feet. A cheap, ill-fitting pair of boots will lead to blisters, pain, and a miserable experience. It’s worth investing in a well-fitting pair from a trusted brand. Go to a specialty store, get your feet measured, and try on several pairs with the socks you plan to hike in. Comfort and support here are non-negotiable for enjoying your time outside.
How do I know what size backpack I need?
Backpack size is less about your clothing size and more about your torso length. A pack that’s the wrong length for your torso will never carry comfortably. Many outdoor stores have staff who can measure your torso. For day hikes, a 20-30 liter pack is perfect. For overnight trips, you’ll likely need 50 liters or more. As a newbie, start with a daypack. It’s the most versatile and will serve you well on most of your initial adventures.
Do I really need special clothing, or are my gym clothes fine?
This depends entirely on the weather and the activity. For a short, fair-weather hike on a well-maintained trail, your gym clothes are probably fine. But the moment you introduce distance, weather changes, or sweat, cotton becomes your enemy. It soaks up moisture and loses its insulating properties, which can lead to hypothermia in cool conditions. Investing in a few key pieces of synthetic or wool clothing will make you more comfortable and safer on the trail. When searching for the 10 best outdoor gear deals for newbies on #1 popular brands, prioritize a good base layer and a weather-resistant shell.
Where are the best places to find deals on popular outdoor brands?
My go-to spots are the clearance sections on brand websites (like The North Face Renewed or Patagonia Worn Wear), major retailer sale events (like the REI Anniversary Sale), and off-price online retailers like Steep & Cheap or Backcountry. Don’t forget about local gear swap events, either! They are a goldmine for affordable, lightly-used equipment and a great way to connect with your local outdoor community.