I hike, fish and camp all year-round — these outdoor gear deals are actually worth grabbing

I've fallen for the expensive tent trap time and time again, buying a tent from the "cool" company rather than picking up a Coleman, which is what your parents camped in and probably their parents before them. This two-person tent, which is really a one-person plus their gear tent, is hard to beat when it comes to both price and keeping the elements out, so if your goal is to get outside asap without spending unnecessary dollar, here it is. If you have more than just a backpack to bring along (i.e. spouse, kids, dog) look below for something a bit roomier.

$91 at Amazon

This tent's called the Montana because it feels like it could hold the entire population of the state. Okay, not really — but when you've got kids, pets and a pile of gear, bigger is definitely better. Otherwise you're in for a long night of "Mom, he's touching me!" arguments. And with the rainfly, when the weather turns and you're all stuck inside, you can play cards (I learned euchre during a family trip to Yellowstone) or read, all while staying dry — and sane.

$160 at Amazon

Just because I'm camping, doesn't mean I'm going without life's little pleasures like a good cup of coffee. In fact, since I don't have to get up early and rush to work or get the kiddo off to school, that means I can take my time and make a solid cup of joe in a french press, something I rarely have time for anymore. This one from Yeti is much more durable than the glass one you probably have at home, and will keep your coffee hot for hours after plunging.

$88 at Amazon

A good pair of hiking shorts can last you forever, and Arc'teryx doesn't make bad gear. In fact, I couldn't tell you the last time I saw anything from Arc'teryx marked down 50% and I look quite often. These Gamma shorts are lightweight yet durable, incredibly breathable for those hot days in the sun and resist abrasion. 

$60 at Amazon

When I'm not wearing shorts out hiking, I've got Fjallraven Kebs on. I'm worn them while fishing, hunting, hiking, even sliding down a mountain in the snow. They're stretchy in all the right places, abrasion resistant in the others and dry quickly if they get soaked. 

$141 at Amazon

While bending over and drinking from a snowmelt-fed stream or glacial lake might look good in an ad in Outside Magazine, it really isn't all that practical when you're hiking, which is where a LifeStraw bottle like this comes in handy. Fill it from a lake, stream, waterfall, wherever you find water and it'll filter the water for you.

$35 at Amazon

Garmin watches run the gambit price-wise, but the one that has been on my wrist for every run, bike, hike and white water rafting trip for the past 5 years has been the Vivoactive. I have the 3, but the 5 has updated battery life and features that make me envious. Still, no need to replace something that works, so I'm leaving this deal for you to find.

$190 at Amazon

When it comes to the hiking sandal game, I'm a huge Teva fan (sorry Chaco, you gave my feet too many blisters). Luckily no matter which outdoorsy sandal you choose, they're on sale (check out the Chacos down below). My wife has two pairs of these exact ones and they've lasted her years.

$52 at Amazon

Name the outdoorsiest state you can think of. Got it? There's like a 1 in 3 chance you were thinking of Colorado, which is where I call home. When out hiking around, most of the hiking boots I see are Merrell Moabs. Why? They just work, in pretty much all conditions, and they last. Those two things usually mean a hefty price tag, but right now you can snag yourself a pair for just $90. Why not buy yourself two and be set for the next few decades?

$90 at Amazon