10 ways to make outdoor adventures more affordable

A BMC study published in 2023 revealed a direct correlation between earnings and outdoor access. The results showed that people earning a living wage are twice as likely never to visit the countryside as higher earners, who are five times more likely to visit.

To help lower those barriers even just a fraction, here are some ways to save money on general outdoor adventures relating to kit, transport, skills, accommodation and food and drink.

1. Shop second-hand clothing and kit

As tempting as it is to buy the latest version of a favourite jacket, it’s likely that a pre-loved alternative will do the trick at a fraction of the cost - it’s good for your wallet and the environment! Try Outdoor Gear Exchange or Vinted for starters.

Don’t scrimp on safety-critical equipment, though: only buy second-hand gear in decent condition from someone who can tell you the item’s history. If you’re not sure, ask an experienced friend to take a look, or pass. Stick to reputable brands and avoid budget, uncertified knock-offs.

2. Consider lasting quality over a quick bargain

Paying a bit more for a product from a quality brand when you are able to can save you more in the long-term. Cheaper clothing and equipment likely won’t last as long, potentially resulting in more purchases over time.

Look for brands that have durability and sustainability policies and practices which help you spend less, reduce your impact on the environment and feel good about both! Keep an eye out for sales, discount outlets and bargain bins!

BMC members are eligible for 15% off at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need, 40% off Grangers kit maintenance products, 20% off Lifesystems**** and discounts with other retailers.

3. Learn to care for kit and repair what you wear - or find someone who can do it for you!

Those holes in your trousers, the feather-sprouting rips in your down jacket and broken zips on your rucksack are likely not terminal. Send them to someone handy and they’ll come back brand new!

We’ve compiled a list of retailers and organisations who can help you breathe life into well-worn outdoor kit through care advice, repair, recycling and cleaning initiatives.

4. Create an equipment pool among friends

One way to make gear acquisition more achievable is to share some non-personal equipment with friends. Items such as climbing gear, guidebooks, maps, tents, walking poles and even skis can spread the cost and allow you to borrow before you buy.

A common tactic for new climbers is to split ownership of a trad climbing gear rack, for example, to be used by regular partners.

5. Explore more locally on foot, by bike, public transport or hitchhiking

It’s easy to overlook the adventures to be had closer to home in favour of expensive flights to far-flung destinations. Sharing lifts, going by bike or train to local spots can bring unexpected joy.

The BMC Liftshare scheme helps you save money, connect with new people and reduce congestion and pollution.

Of course, the age-old tradition of thumbing a lift from a stranger is an alternative—but take precautions

6. “Rough it” in a hut, camp or bivi

Hotel and AirBnB costs can be high in popular outdoor honeypots. If you’re willing to camp—whether on a dedicated site or wild, respectfully and where permitted—or bivouac, this can make adventures more economical. While a perfect forty winks is not guaranteed, you can’t beat the views!

For a more comfortable night, stay in a shared hut. BMC members get exclusive, free access to the Glen Brittle Memorial Hut on the Isle of Skye, the Don Whillans Memorial Hut at the Roaches and the Alex MacIntyre Memorial Hut in the Scottish Highlands and can benefit from other accommodation and holiday discounts, adventure travel insurance and reciprocal hut discounts abroad.

7. Join an outdoor club or social group

Pooling resources by joining a club or organised group activities can make adventures more accessible (and social!). You can benefit from free huts, lifts, partners, equipment rental and provisions.

Structured membership clubs are often run by local organisers, universities or shared-interest or affinity groups, while social collectives can be joined via social media, such as Love Her Wild, Scottish Paraclimbing Club, Muslim Hikers, Clmbxr or Black Scottish Adventurers.

You can find a list of BMC-affiliated membership clubs here.

8. Invest in skills, not gadgets

Modern technology has made our lives in the mountains easier and safer in many ways, but it’s no substitute for knowledge and experience. Learning how to read a map and use a compass, interpret weather forecasts and save someone’s life is likely worth more than the money you might spend on a nice-to-have, but unnecessary and expensive GPS device or watch.

Mountain Training compiled an extensive list of grants for outdoor education, skills and qualifications.

BMC members can also benefit from training course, guidebook and digital mapping tool discounts, while BMC Learn articles, BMC TV videos, Summit magazine and the OutdoorHer resource can both inform and keep your skills sharp.

9. Make your own food rather than buying bespoke outdoor-marketed meals and snacks

Fueling adventures comes at a price, but you don’t need to buy expensive energy bars or pre-prepared meals.

Here are some homemade meal and snack ideas that won’t break the bank and can withstand a bumpy ride in your rucksack.

10. Look for free, fully-funded, subsidised or voluntary opportunities for outdoor training, skills and experiences

With more support available to help people access the outdoors than ever, it's worth doing your research to see which opportunities you might be eligible for.

Festivals and events such as the Women’s Climbing Symposium, the YHA Festival of Walking, ClimbOut and the BMC Student Safety Seminar can offer a range of workshops and opportunities worth more than the value of a ticket price (concession options are often available). You can also join free BMC social walks in your local area.

In terms of subsidised alpine and mountaineering courses for under 30's, the Jonathan Conville Courses come highly recommended in the mountaineering world.

Keep an eye out for training organisations and individuals appealing for mock clients on social media or online forums to gain some valuable, free instruction and help out a future instructor or guide in the process. If you’re not camera shy, brands and retailers occasionally share paid opportunities for outdoor models to feature in advertising and marketing campaigns at home and abroad, often covering expenses.

Charitable organisations for introducing underprivileged young people to climbing and the outdoors include Urban Uprising and The Martin Moran Foundation.

If you have a dream adventure in mind (no matter how big or small), check out this BMC list of opportunities for trip and expedition grants.