Starting Out with Budget Camping Gear

If you’re new to camping and don’t have any gear yet, chances are you’ll need to start somewhere. During camping season, many major supermarkets and high-street stores stock camping essentials—tents, sleeping bags, tent pegs, cooking gear, stoves, lanterns, and even paracord. You can pretty much kit yourself out for a family camp without breaking the bank.

But the big question is: Is supermarket camping gear any good?

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice?

There’s an old saying: “Buy cheap, buy twice.” And in many cases, that’s absolutely true. However, if you’re a first-time camper, it makes no sense to splash out £200 on a top-of-the-range tent only to discover you hate camping and will never use it again.

A £30 supermarket tent? Now that makes more sense!

When I first got into camping nearly ten years ago, I bought a simple two-man tent from Asda. It was exactly what I needed and lasted through plenty of camping trips. The only reason I retired it was down to my own mistake—ripping the porch door. Otherwise, it did the job just fine!

What to Avoid: The Weakest Link in Budget Camping Gear

While supermarket gear can be great for beginners, there are definitely some items I wouldn’t recommend:

  • Tent Pegs – The ones that come with budget tents are nearly always cheap and flimsy. They bend at the slightest pressure, especially on rocky ground. If you’re serious about camping, I strongly recommend upgrading to stronger, heavy-duty tent pegs.
  • Head Torches – I’ve bought a few budget ones over the years. They work… but they’re not the brightest. If you’re only using them occasionally, they’re fine. But for regular camping or Scout camps, invest in something a bit better.

Surprising Wins: What’s Worth Buying?

Not all budget camping gear is bad. Some of it is surprisingly decent:

  • Sleeping Bags – My very first sleeping bags were from a supermarket, a 2-for-£20 deal. They’re still going strong after all these years! While they aren’t the lightest or most compact, they’re great for car camping or casual use.
  • Cooking Gear & Lanterns – Some of the budget-friendly stoves, utensils, and lanterns work just fine. If you’re just starting out, they can be a good way to test the waters before investing in premium gear.

A Better Alternative: Second-Hand Military Gear

If you’re willing to go second-hand, ex-military gear is an amazing alternative to supermarket camping equipment. Military gear is designed for durability, reliability, and tough conditions—and it’s often cheaper than new budget gear!

Here are some great military surplus items to look for:
✅ Camping jackets – Built to last and weatherproof.
✅ Boots – Designed for rugged terrain.
✅ Backpacks – Sturdy and comfortable for carrying gear.
✅ Cooking pots – Heavy-duty and reliable.
✅ Seal socks – Waterproof and durable.

If you want to explore military surplus, check out Military Mart or Military 1st—two great online stores for ex-military gear.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Supermarket Camping Gear?

YES! If you’re a beginner or only camp occasionally, supermarket camping gear is a great, affordable way to get started. Just be aware that some items (like tent pegs) might need an upgrade.

That being said, if you want high-quality gear at a great price, second-hand military equipment is definitely worth looking into. It’s tough, reliable, and built to last—without the ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ issue.

Happy Camping!

Where do you buy your camping gear? Have you tried supermarket or military surplus gear? Let me know in the comments!