Pairing Ebay and the Appalachian Trail, though possibly the ultimate oxymoron, has been an exciting adventure for my husband and me.  From sleeping bags to filter membranes, Capliene underwear to trekking poles, auction deals have boosted our gear inventory in an incredible way!

  The best way to gear up for an expedition is to first, know what you need.  Write out a list of types of items you are missing or want to upgrade.  Think about outdoor clothing, boots/socks, food preparation and freeze-dried foods, tents, sleeping gear, backpacks, trekking poles, guidebooks, and any other specialized gear you might need for your particular interests.  Don't forget that for longer treks, you can still buy food ahead and simply ship it to yourself along the way.

  Then take some time to research the best fit in each category.  Do you want items rated for their durability, or do you want the lightest weight?  Are you interested in saving more money, or do you need the high-end quality that comes with a price?  Begin listing specific brands and styles on your gear list, along with the retail price for each.

  Your key to finding good deals on Ebay is starting with the type of knowledgeable research we've outlined; now comes the fun part.  Search for the specific item name and manufacturer, as well as general terms.  For instance, I wanted a 15-degree Phantom sleeping bag from Mountain Hardware.  I searched for "Mountain Hardware," "Phantom sleeping bag," "women's sleeping bag," etc.  We found one for $190, no bids, and those bags retail at $340!  The other option is to browse categories such as Men's Athletic Apparel or Camping, Hiking, Backpacking: Backpacks, but you're more likely to find what you want for the price you want if you do specific searches.

  Search often.  If you don't see what you want at a decent price, wait for a while and it will probably show up eventually.  The sleeping bag I bought came up in a later search for only $160.  Be patient.

  Finally, have fun.  We've discovered that Ebay is an adventure in itself, and it just makes our outdoor adventuring twice as much fun!