Everyone is being cheap these days, it's pretty much the new way of life. People trying to get bottom dollar on everything from camping gear to selling their own children, well ok, maybe not that far, but close to it. So, who isn't looking for three easy ways to save money on that next big outdoor adventure?

Why does it seem like all the cool stuff always cost a bunch of money? Have you ever noticed that? Thumbing through those REI and Mountain Hardware magazines can leave a serious dent in a persons' wallet.

Seems like the cost of gear, gas, lodging, and heck even firewood keeps going up and up and up. We all are always dreaming of those long weekend excursions to Colorado to climb some 14ers, but once you start adding it all up, the cash can stop us in our tracks.

There must be some way we can realize our dreams and have a few more outdoor adventures that don't kill the budget. Here are three easy ways to save some money on that outdoor adventure you have been planning.

1. Double Up.
What, you mean go for twice as long or twice as often? Well, that is not a bad idea that is not what I had in mind. When I say double up what I'm really telling you to do is come out from underneath that rock and find someone to go with you.

Just think, when splitting the cost of gas or food for that trip it makes everything seem a little more manageable. It's just like getting a 50% off coupon, unless that other person is that couch potato who hasn't worked since high school.

Taking a friend on your next outdoor adventure is going to save you money, and you don't have to talk to yourself anymore! Next time you're heading out into the great white north, call up that friend, you will have a good time and your wallet will stay a little fatter.

2. Cook It.
Yes, what a novel idea. I think we could learn a little something from a caveman here. Think back to the last time your took a multi-day or even day long outdoor adventure trip. Got it? Now, how many times did you stop at a restaurant or gas station to feed that hunger? Hungry get what Hungry want.

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that most of you own some sort of small propane cooker right? Well, shake off that dust and fire that baby up!

If there is one thing we have all learned in this new frugal world we live in, it is that food always kills the budget. Eating out and buying gas station snacks is expensive!

This time actually pack a cooler with some noodles, soup, hot dogs, maybe a burger or two and next time you get the craving on the road, pull over and fire up the stove. Five minutes and $1.50 later you will be happily on your way.

For those of you without a portable stove, get one or learn how to make a sandwich!

3. Crowd Sourcing
While this does spare a striking resemblance to Doubling Up, let's call this one crowd sourcing. I don't know about you, but last time I went on a sizeable outdoor adventure there were a few items I needed. A rope, helmet, bear spray, and the list always goes on.

Instead of running out to REI or to Amazon.com , great though they are, why don't you pick up the phone and call the people you know that have what you need?

Need some climbing gear? Call a friend. Need a nice warm sleeping bag? Call a friend. Need a big backpack? Call a friend. Don't have any friends? Hmm...good luck.

So what about crowd sourcing when you can't get what you need and you think you have to buy? Crowd source again. I can tell you on my last trip to Colorado and to the REI store to get some rope and other misc items, my friend and I went in together and split it 50/50. I saved a ton of money!

Many items you really only need one of, and if you always going with your friend, why not just buy it together? Sure, there may be a few times one person has the stuff for their own adventure, but this is a great way to save money by crowd sourcing your gear.

So, next time you are all depressed about getting out of that cubicle because it costs to much, do three things. Call your friend up, pack that brown bag, and split the cost of gear. You will be happily on your way to forgetting about your job for a few days! Woohoo!