Recently I have had to veer away from this philosophy in order to fulfill some specific needs, but mostly my gear mantra for this trip is NO NEW STUFF!  This serves two purposes:  keeping both costs and consumerism down.  But how to effect this goal?

Free stuff
          The best sources for free stuff are usually sitting right next to you - friends and family!  Tell them about your upcoming adventure (or just your plain old everyday needs) and they will likely have something to offer that will be useful.  If you have baby boomer parents, like mine, you are especially in luck.  Baby boomers are downsizing and moving into condos faster than a hurricane.  Just walk behind the whirlwind and scoop up the booty.   Don't forget your parents have friends too! 

          Craigslist.org - this is especially useful if you live in a metropolitan area, as there are frequent listings.  Be warned that this takes time and flexibility to manage - you need to be able to jump on the free stuff very quickly and be willing to pick it up almost immediately.

          Freecycle.org - A yahoo based local group site - I found it to be useful in Illinois, but here in Seattle people seem to use craigslist more.

          Estate and garage sales - The key to scoring free stuff at these is to go at the end when the sellers are trying to get rid of things so they don't have to take them to Goodwill or the dump. 

          Garbage day - Especially lucrative in nicer neighborhoods, but not necessarily cost-effective with the current gas prices.

Bargains
          This list also includes craigslist and garage sales, but adds thrift stores, online outlets and ebay.  Plus countless other sources if you keep your eyes and mind open.  Be willing to ask, bargain, barter and give out your phone number for later callbacks when they change their mind and want to sell at your price!


So far, we have acquired a free Ikea foam mattress, percolator, water jug, kitchen utensils, lunch cooler, blankets, rope, tupperware, tools and many other various things.   Add in some bargains from craigslist and thrift stores and we are nearly ready to go....