Top-Notch Online Retailers for Outdoor Equipment Shopping

Top-Notch Online Retailers for Outdoor Equipment Shopping

In the world of outdoor enthusiasts, finding the right gear at the right price is essential. Here's a roundup of some of the best websites for buying outdoor gear in 2024, catering to various budgets, preferences, and needs.

CampSaver.com

CampSaver.com stands out for its transparency, showing the exact number of items available in a particular size and colour right on the page. While the site might feel cluttered if you're unsure of the exact product you're looking for, it offers a wide range of outdoor gear, including camping equipment, outdoor clothing, and gear for running and snow sports like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

Sierra.com

Sierra.com specialises in discounts, closeouts, and overstocks on the full spectrum of outdoor gear and clothing. The site offers detailed specs and information for each product, making it easier to make informed decisions. However, it's worth noting that Sierra.com is less performance-oriented compared to other sites for technical climbing, skiing, or backpacking gear.

Steep & Cheap

Steep & Cheap, owned by Backcountry.com, is another popular choice. The website is easy to navigate with an intuitive site layout and the ability to filter by brand, price, and even colour. Steep & Cheap offers discounts on past-season items or colours and sizes that weren't selling well, with savings around 30 to 60% off most products.

Backcountry.com

Backcountry.com carries a wide range of clothing and equipment from most major brands. Their customer service chat tool is helpful, and they have a loyalty program called Expedition Perks. Backcountry.com offers free standard shipping on orders over $50 and carries a wide range of outdoor gear, including backpacking tents, hiking boots, and mountain bikes.

REI Co-op

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI Co-op) is a well-known name in the outdoor gear market. They offer free standard shipping for member purchases over $60, and at $60+ for non-members. Their return policy is 1 year for members and 90 days for non-members. REI Co-op carries a wide range of outdoor gear, including backpacking tents, hiking boots, and mountain bikes. They have over 180 brick-and-mortar stores in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

REI Outlet

For those seeking discounted and closeout products, REI Outlet is worth a look. It offers a one-year return policy for members and a 90-day return policy for non-members, with limited size and colour options available.

Price Match Guarantee

CampSaver.com, Sierra.com, and Steep & Cheap will match the price on any new product if you can find it cheaper (same size, colour, and year) on a competitor's website.

Buying Used Outdoor Gear

For those on a tighter budget, there are options for buying used outdoor gear. Some of the best websites for buying used outdoor gear in 2024 include REI Re/Supply, Patagonia Worn Wear, Arc’teryx Used Gear Program, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp, Durango Outdoor Exchange, MER (Merecyclers), and C&S Sporting Goods. These options range from specialized brand resale programs to general marketplaces and local brick-and-mortar stores, allowing you to balance price, gear condition, and trustworthiness.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com offers a wide selection of outdoor gear, but for high-end outdoor gear, it's often better to look elsewhere. Their return policy is 30 days for new, unopened items, and international shipping is available.

Evo.com

Evo.com specialises in snow sports and mountain biking gear. They offer free standard shipping on orders over $50. Their return policy is 366 days for new, unused items. International shipping is available.

Public Lands

Public Lands offers free shipping on orders over $49 and free one-hour curbside or in-store pickup for those close to a brick-and-mortar store. They are a member of 1% for the Planet and have a focus on recycled and sustainable materials.

Sierra.com's Shipping Rates

Sierra.com's shipping rates are based on the price of your order and not the weight, with the standard rate maxing out at $14.99 on orders $89 and up. Steep & Cheap charges an additional $7 for a return label, while Backcountry.com offers free standard shipping on orders over $50.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for new or used outdoor gear, there's a wide variety of options available online. By considering factors such as price, gear condition, and trustworthiness, you can find the perfect gear for your next outdoor adventure.

1. For campers, CampSaver.com offers a wide range of camping equipment, clothing, and gear for running and snow sports like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
2. Sierra.com is ideal for those seeking discounts on the full spectrum of outdoor gear and clothing, though it's less performance-oriented compared to other sites for technical climbing, skiing, or backpacking gear.
3. Steep & Cheap, owned by Backcountry.com, provides discounts on past-season items or colours and sizes that weren't selling well, with savings around 30 to 60% off most products.
4. Backcountry.com carries a wide range of clothing and equipment from most major brands and offers free standard shipping on orders over $50.
5. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI Co-op) is known for its wide range of outdoor gear, including backpacking tents, hiking boots, and mountain bikes, and provides free standard shipping for member purchases over $60.
6. For those seeking discounted and closeout products, REI Outlet offers a one-year return policy for members and a 90-day return policy for non-members.
7. In the arena of online shopping, Amazon.com offers a wide selection of outdoor gear but is often not the best choice for high-end outdoor gear.

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