Easy ways to stretch the camping season...
The desert, with its expansive landscapes, towering red rock formations, and intricate slot canyons, is a backpacker's paradise. This unique environment, however, requires careful planning and the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you need for desert and canyon backpacking.
Utah’s desert regions, including famous spots like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands, offer some of the most stunning and otherworldly landscapes in the United States. The terrain varies from vast open spaces and rugged mountains to narrow, twisting canyons that beg to be explored. The isolation and beauty of these areas provide a profound sense of peace and adventure.
There are two things to keep in mind when gearing up for backpacking in the desert: 1) While the cost of the gear can be expensive up front, once you have it, backpacking is basically free; and 2) buying used gear from the Durango Outdoor Exchange can be a very smart way to get your gear.
Here is why buying used gear is so smart: High-end camping gear is not cheap, but it does depreciate quickly, meaning you can get a great tent, backpack, or stove for about what you’d pay for a department store version, only the quality is vastly better. Further, most camping gear is lightly used—even hard core backpackers may only be out a dozen nights a year, meaning that you are getting great, lightly used gear for a fraction of what you pay new.
But where to get good used gear in Durango? TheDurango Outdoor Exchange is packed to the rafters with seasonally appropriate new and used gear, including everything you need for backpacking in the desert. Stop by or call today.
Don’t let winter’s cold keep you indoors, and don’t let the expense and crowds of downhill skiing keep you out of the mountains. Cross-country skiing lets you get outside to enjoy the mountains and winter but costs very little. Whether you're new to the sport or a veteran, one of the best ways to enjoy cross-country skiing without breaking the bank is by opting forused gear. Buying used gear makes the sport affordable and accessible to a huge audience. Read on to learn more.
We all know how fun skiing is, and we all hate how expensive it can be. Good skis, boots, poles, and bindings can literally cost as much as a used Civic, and that’s before we even start talking about ski jackets, pants, and helmets. Fortunately, buying used ski equipment is a fantastic way to save money while still getting quality gear. Just like buying new, purchasing secondhand ski gear requires a bit of knowledge to ensure you’re getting a good deal on equipment that’s safe and suitable for your needs. This guide will walk you through how to buy used ski gear and what to look for when evaluating different types of equipment.
Beyond the right fit: Buy your used gravel bike with the right components
Yes, it seems like the whole world has gone gravel, with gravel bikes now common on local trails and replacing road bikes in many cases. The best gravel bikes marry the speed of a road bike with the durability of a mountain bike, enabling you to do a huge variety of things with just one bike.
But just what features are best for you? When choosing a gravel bike, it's essential to consider several features to ensure you get the best ride experience. This blog will guide you through the critical features to look for in a gravel bike, helping you make an informed decision.