The Top 5 Websites to save money on gear

There is no shortage of opinions or articles on which gear to buy.  I’m guilty of it too because I am a gear fanatic!  I can go on for days and days about what pieces  gear I have in my arsenal.  I can tell you how many ounces each piece weighs and how much I paid for it.  As well as what it should have cost me but didn’t.  In contrast I have seen very few articles on how to save money to get that same gear.

Why pay less, when you can pay more?  My family swears that must be our motto sometimes.  Not because we are wealthy by any stretch of the imagination.  But because we always seem to show up the day after a sale ends.  Everyone I know is looking for a deal on gear.  Myself included.  Who doesn’t like a get deal on a new or used tent or backpack?  The one they’ve been putting off buying because of the hefty price tag.  Anytime I am looking to score a deal on ear these are my go to websites in no particular order.

REI Outlet

  • 20%-60% off all items

Moosejaw Outlet

  • 30%-80% off all items

Backcountry Gear

  • 20%-70% off all items

EMS Clearance

  • Up to 40% off all items

Campmor Deals

  • 20%-75% off all items

 Campsaver Outlet

  • Up to 60% off all items

I know I said only 5 site for deals but they were buy 5 get one free.  There are a TON of sites to help you save money on gear.  With the access to information the internet there is no reason anyone should be paying full price for anything.  Big stores are always heavily competing for our business.  Their competition with each other gives us consumer the advantage.  Big sales are now happening year round instead of just the holidays.  These places might not have the exact item or color you want but they will give you a deal on price.  Close out sales and last years models work just as great as the current years.  Just ask the people who paid full price a year ago how they like them.  Or better yet read the reviews and see if it’s worth the money or not before you buy.

I recommend you sign up for email coupon lists on all the gear websites you can find.  I also absolutely recommend starting a new free email account for subscriptions if only to help reduce your inbox clutter.  Before you know it your inbox will be full of 20% off coupons, especially during the holidays.  REI and EMS are notorious for 20%+ off any item sales.

I am patiently waiting for a coupon for 20% off a major purchase for me.  Last year the manufacturer put out a 20% off coupon for cyber Monday.  I found that out on Twitter in 2 minutes.  By waiting it out I will save $70!  I got $100 off my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 by simply timing my purchase right.  Impulse buys are detrimental to saving money on gear.  When it comes to buying gear I refuse to pay full price and you should too.

Let’s help each other save some money!  What are your go to websites for saving money on gear?  Leave your comments below!

 

Photo credit BlackwoodsPress.com

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Comments 3

  • KTMitch : Jul 24th

    Disappointed that Sierra Trading Post didn’t make this list. Perhaps I’m a bit biased living within an hour of their HQ, but it’s my prime source for gear deals!

    Reply
  • Paws : Jul 24th

    At 63 I’m still hitting the trail but these days with a much better understanding of the gear available. I’m a 3 season backpacker have not got into mid winter trips yet and probably never will. So two years ago after a spring AT section hike (200 miles). I decided to hang as in a hammock vs the my tent. Reasoning for that move, I’m not as fast as those younger hiker so I would end up getting to camp latter in the day and after all the best spots have been taken. So now I hang and have the best views and the best spots of any tent’er not to mention the great nights of sleep the hammock gives you. Last year I made another move from my 0 dawn mommy bag at 3.3 lbs to a 0 dawn top quilt at 1.10 lbs. This summer I just received my 30 dawn top quilt at 1 lb. Went with the quilts do to the lightness and ease of the use getting in and out or just moving around. I’m a side sleeper so it makes sleeping in the hammock very comfortable. Durring the summer I use the thermarest neo air xlite in the hammock to keep the underside warm other wise you’ll get a chill coming up through the hammock and if I go into a shelter I have the air mattress to sleep on. Now durring the early spring and late fall when temperatures can get down I use a 0 dawn under quilt at 2 lbs to keep my underside nice and warm. With the top quilt it’s easy to vent off heat just by lifting up one edge. I truly love this setup, it works for me. The hammock is by hennessey my rain fly and under/top quilts are from UGQ. I shopped and read many reviews and decided that hennessey made the best hammocks as well a had great service. I went with Under Ground Quilt for the same reason great service great product and a very competitive price. You can see my setup on my facebook page “Paws On The Trail”

    Reply
  • Monica : Aug 4th

    Great list and post!
    I really like to buy from Massdrop.com. They buy in bulk and sell to masses, often 30-40% below MSRP. You have to make an account to see what they’re offering, but they have TONS of ultra-lite/camping/backpacking gear and equipment. You can even vote for the next items you would like to see be offered.
    I have gotten my tent, (Kelty Salida 2) and my backpack (Kelty PK50W) and my sleeping pad (Klymit Inertia Ozone Sleeping Pad) all from there–I have saved over $200 by purchasing my gear from them. Plus they are great people. =) Check them out if you want.

    Reply

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