The January sales are in full swing and I’m finding it more and more difficult to ignore the lure of 30% off a shiny new rucksack or waterproof jacket. However, my Christmas credit card bill hasn’t got any smaller and my cupboards aren’t getting any bigger. So I decided it was time to have a root around and see what gear I could spruce up, re-use or sell on Ebay, and see how much I could save …

A quick rifle through my airing cupboard revealed a pair of almost new waterproof trousers that no longer fit. A search on Ebay told me I could get around £20 for these, so I’m already quids in. I’ve also given some well worn goretex trainers a new lease of life by buying a pair of £2 laces. A new pair of walking boots would have cost me about £100, that’s another £98 saved!

I’ve also had a look online on at what outdoor activities I could do for free. The Ramblers Association run free taster seassions for their group walks, or if you want to do your own thing, just get a good walking guidebook from your lcal library. Compare that with a weekly gym class which costs on average £8-10 a time and you’ve saved yourself £40 a month!

I’ve also recently discovered that one of my favourite women’s sports clothing retailers, Sweaty Betty organise free yoga, pilates and running clubs for women at their stores across the UK, so that’s another £10 saved on a weekly gym class.

So just by doing a bit of recycling, a spot of online selling, and some quick internet research, I’ve saved myself well over £100 this month, and actually made £20! At this rate I could definitely afford that new jacket in the sales…

Got thrifty tips for saving money on your outdoor hobbies? Share in the comments section, would love to hear them!

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