By Rachel Wendling / Washington Trails Association
“When I first started hiking and backpacking, I felt really intimidated by all the expensive gear that other people had and swore by. The gear doesn’t get you outside — you get you outside,” said Britt Lê, Washington Trail Association’s volunteer program manager who joined WTA after three terms as an Americorps volunteer.
For young professionals like Britt, with the world of midterms and thesis meetings in the past, graduation opens up a world full of free time and new opportunities. After years of saving hikes in My Backpack and pinning adventure photos on Pinterest, it’s time to turn that inspiration into reality.
Although hiking and camping are often considered low-cost hobbies, the price of gear, permits and passes can be a huge barrier to those fresh out of school and itching to explore. Dropping hundreds on an outdoor recreation starter pack may not be feasible when you’re living on a recent grad’s salary. Instead of letting these obstacles discourage you from hitting the trail, look into ways to minimize cost while maximizing adventure.
We asked young professionals how they managed to keep recreation a priority, even when resources may be limited. Here are some of their tips:
Volunteer your way to a free parks pass
As a thank-you for your service, Washington State Parks will award a complimentary Discover Pass to anyone who accrues 24 hours of volunteer service on their land. That amounts to only three WTA work parties a year. National forests offer a similar deal, requiring only two days of trail work to get your free Northwest Forest Pass.
Embrace the hiking community
No car? Limited resources? Joining a hiking community may help break down those barriers. Chances are, there are plenty of folks in your area looking for a hiking buddy. If you’re struggling with the thought of even getting to the trailhead, it may be worth looking into local hiking groups and Meetups. For some trails, catching the bus is also an option.
“It’s really remarkable how far away from Seattle you can get just by using public transit. It takes more time than if you were driving yourself, but it feels great to be able to get outside on your own without relying on a car,” said Emma Cassidy, WTA photography intern.
Take advantage of dispersed camping
Planning a multi-night camping trip at an established campground can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, national forests and some other public lands offer dispersed camping that is always free. Next time the camping itch hits, head off the beaten path and find a patch of solitude in the middle of the forest. If you’re comfortable giving up the convenience of running water and a picnic table, dispersed camping may soon become your best friend.
Prep meals before you head out
Prepackaged camp food can be a welcome convenience after a long day on trail, but those single-serving packets of dehydrated goodness can get spendy. A cheap dehydrator will run you just under $40 (even less secondhand) and will go a long way when it comes to savings. Block out some time before your trip to prep homemade granola bars, dehydrate chili and mix up oatmeal to see some serious savings.
“The possibilities with a dehydrator are endless. You can make apple chips, dehydrated spaghetti sauce, curry or beef jerky. There’s tons of free information online about how to make home dehydrated camping meals and snacks for the frugal and crafty camper to enjoy,” said Steven Moore, WTA volunteer associate.
Check the warranty before you buy
More and more, outdoor retailers are trying to put an end to unnecessary waste by offering free repairs for your busted-up gear. Some companies, like Patagonia, Osprey and Outdoor Research, offer lifetime warranties and will do their best to repair, replace or refund your failing gear. Although the initial gear investment may be high, choosing a brand with a good warranty can save you tons in the long run.
Washington Trails Association is the nation’s largest state-based hiking advocacy nonprofit. WTA promotes hiking as a way to inspire a people to protect Washington’s natural places through collaboration, education, advocacy and volunteer trail maintenance. Learn more at www.wta.org.
Trails and outreach
Rachel Wendling joined the Washington Trails Association from the Washington Conservation Corps to serve as the association’s first trails and outreach specialist. She is an avid fan of road trips and hikes that involve thick fog, dense forests and glassy lakes. Contact her at rachel@wta.org.
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