Growing up in Southern Alberta meant I was only a quick hour-and-a-half drive from some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. While I was privileged enough to be able to experience the wonder of the mountains year-round, my family preferred glamping in Kananaskis than backcountry camping off the grid. I was raised doing more fishing than backpacking and spent my childhood summers road tripping through the Rockies rather than hiking. While I am clearly incredibly lucky to have had those experiences at all, I have grown more and more eager to build upon my past adventures.
As I get older and become more independent, I am provided with opportunities to engage with the world of outdoor exploration and education in ways I had not previously considered interesting. Summer days have been spent hiking and camping against magazine-worthy backdrops, and last winter I decided to pick up skiing again. Through my ventures into the mountains I have learned how to identify certain native species and have gained a greater appreciation for environmental conservation and justice. I have had the chance to make lifelong memories with people I love in places that feel as though they are straight out of a film.
However, there has been one significant and unavoidable struggle in immersing myself in my new hobby: affordability. Obviously, collecting outdoor gear is expensive, but the costs become a lot more serious when they start to appear in your purchase history. It can feel as though the enjoyment of trekking through the wilderness could be maximized in a slick yet overpriced Arc’teryx coat. Plus, it can be difficult to know what you actually need, and whether it is really worth spending hundreds of dollars on items you are not sure you will use to their full potential.
Fortunately, there are ways to make memories and try new activities without having to drain your bank account. First of all, most of the clothes that you likely own now will suffice just fine for a three hour afternoon hike or camping trip. A pair of running shoes and track pants get the job done just as well as any high-end outdoor clothing supplier. When it comes to tracking down equipment, there are organizations both on and off campus that rent gear that you may not want to blow your student loans on. The Varsity Outdoors Club Okanagan (VOCO) is a great resource for all-access, all-season gear rentals once you have paid the $35 membership fee. Alternatively, Kelowna’s Mountain Equipment Company location rents out bicycles, paddleboards, and kayaks. Both Big White and Silverstar ski resorts in Kelowna and Vernon rent out skis, snowboards, boots and poles for those who are new to the sport or do not want to drop $700 on a set of skis.
In spite of all this, some items are just worth investing in. If you find you are really committed to future adventures, purchases such as a sleeping bag, hiking bag, and tent can be worth the investment. However, it is worthwhile to consider buying secondhand first. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent source for used equipment, and it also never hurts to swing by thrift stores for items such as boots and weatherproof clothes. Furthermore, gear swaps are a great way to interact with the community and find good quality used equipment for less. A great event to check out is the annual Big White Ski Club gear swap, which takes place this year on October 25-26 at Trinity Church.
Owning fancy, top-notch gear and clothes from high-end companies is not guaranteed to increase your enjoyment of the outdoors. In fact, the nicest pair of hiking shoes that I own were scored from a sketchy small-town thrift store for two dollars, and the first backpack I ever took to the trails was a nearly 30 year old hand-me-down Mountain Equipment Co-op bag that was falling apart at the seams. Investing in quality equipment can be necessary at times, but it is also important to note that you can make do with what you have. Renting and buying second-hand can be an affordable way to test the waters of a new hobby or advance one you already have experience in.
It can be easy to give in to the temptation of overconsumption, but you do not need to own the most shiny and sophisticated outdoorsy paraphernalia to enjoy nature’s playground to the fullest. After all, the most important part of getting outside is simply being present in your surroundings. The mountains do not care what factory your supplies were made in and you should not either.
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