The pandemic has caused many markets to boom (and some to bust). Camping equipment is understandably on the rise, and reports say this boom will continue through to 2023. Here’s what this means for campers.
By Natalie Oattes
Not only is camping fun and calming for the soul, it became one of the first activities Canadians could participate in after lockdowns.
According to a report released by ReportLinker, outdoor camping equipment is predicted to become higher in demand.
Based on the projections from the report, which forecasts the growth of the camping equipment market into 2026, “the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered increased spending on outdoor recreations across North American countries.” Leisure trips also went up by 11-16% during the recent post COVID-19 season.
The pandemic has been nothing but positive for the camping industry. However, this means more equipment will be needed for the future should its popularity continue to rise as the report predicts.
The camping equipment market might see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.68% during the next five years according to ReportLinker.
So what does this mean for Canadian campers?
There is not an immediate worry right now for any shortage of camping equipment. But if you are a new camper or want to continue for a long time, you may need to start considering what camping equipment you need and how long it will last you. Here are a few tips when considering investing in camping equipment.
Invest in Quality
If you want camping gear that lasts it may be wise to invest a little more money now so you know it will last for many camping seasons to come. Make sure to buy equipment for all-season if you’re planning to camp in wet, rainy or cold conditions.
If you’re not sure where to get the best camping gear, it may be best to start off at a store near you that specializes in outdoor camping, hiking and sporting gear as opposed to a general store that might carry a few camping items in their sports section.
If you want to go green while spending time outdoors, there are as well options for eco-friendly camping gear.
Rental Options
If you’re only looking to camp every once in a while then you should consider renting camping equipment. There are plenty of apps and websites that specialize in renting outdoor equipment, such as Rent-a-Tent Canada. Through Rent-a-Tent you can choose a package based on what type of camping you’ll be doing and it will tell you their rates and what is included in the package.
Another app called Ruckify allows you to search in your area what you would like to rent. It tells you where the seller is located in your area, what their rates are per day, per weekend and per week and whether they are willing to deliver to your home.
GearTrade is another option if you’re looking to buy quality camping gear at a lower price. Their business model is based on searching for the best camping equipment on the market and selling it at affordable prices. Some of the equipment is used if you’re looking for cheaper options.
Capitalize Off Selling
Instead of buying maybe you’re looking to make a buck and sell your camping equipment. If you have excess camping equipment or are done camping for a while then maybe this is the perfect time to sell your equipment.
There are plenty of places you can sell such as Kijiji. Or you can become a renter on Ruckify and make some money by helping someone else find gear for their camping trips.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell camping gear, now is the time to start thinking about it. For the best possible camping experience you need gear that will last and there are plenty of options out there available.