Kit buy vs hire
A guide, not advice. Check your kit maker's figures before you buy or pack.
The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, sum and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do it yourself. A guide, not advice.
Short answer
Enter the purchase price, hire price per trip and number of trips you expect to use the item. The comparison totals the hire cost and estimates how many hires equal the purchase price. It includes only the prices entered, not storage, maintenance, resale value or availability.
Worked example
| You enter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trips you expect to use it | 3 |
Enter both prices to compare buying with hiring.
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Comparison | Enter both prices to compare buying with hiring. |
Show the working
How it works
- Total hire cost = hire price per trip × planned trips
- Break-even trips = purchase price ÷ hire price per trip, rounded up
- Compare total hire cost with purchase price
This compares the prices entered only. Ownership costs, resale value, storage, maintenance, delivery and hire availability may affect the decision.
Our figures (adjustable)
These are our planning allowances and, once checked, typical figures with their sources. They aren't facts about your kit: change any of them in the calculator.
This calculator has no built-in defaults: every figure comes from you or your kit's own label.
What to buy
Shopping links will appear here once our retailer partners are confirmed. We don't rank kit by testing it: see our spec-based kit guides.
FAQs
Is buying always cheaper if I camp often?
Not necessarily. Consider storage, upkeep, replacement, resale value and whether the item suits your trips. This calculator compares purchase and hire prices only.
Should I include delivery or deposits?
Add costs that apply to your quote when comparing options. Deposits may be refundable; check the hire terms.
Guides that use it
How much does camping cost in the UK?
How camping costs break down in the UK: pitch or accommodation, travel, food, kit and extras, and how to compare trips like for like.