Get the best deals
Here is a list of gear sites that tend to have pretty good discounts on either current gear or last season’s picks. Some of these sites you really have to be ready to commit due to the speed at which the bargains sell. Aside from these sites don’t forget to check out Craigslist for your area or the local gear shops which often have a cork board where local folks try and unload gear cheap. Oh and when ever I check Craigslist I always look at surrounding areas. For instance Boulder, Colorado is a great place to score last years gear super cheap because not only is it a outdoor adventurers paradise but there are tons of college students that have to have the newest of everything and it is filled with trustifarians (hippies with trust funds) and this group is renowned for dumping tons of cash on gear they will never use, then selling it real cheap when they are in a pinch for a “pinch”. Good luck and score some sweet gear!!
3 comments
In addition to stumbling upon web deals some of my best bargains have come from my friends. Not to say that I pick my friends according to their employer (Yeti and I are great friends despite his total lack of employment), but it seems that I always have a buddy or two working for a gear shop or other retailer. Employee discounts from gear shops can range anywhere from 15-70%. You’ll nickel-and-dime your friend to death if you try to ride his discount for Clif bars and stove fuel, but for costly must-have-new items like shoes it doesn’t hurt to ask a friend for a favor.
Also, if you gotta buy retail, always try negotiating with your sales clerk or at the register. Most REI employees don’t seem have the ability to swing a discount, but in smaller local shops it is rare that I walk away without having received at least 10% off. Flirt with the check-out girl for a sec, then look over both shoulders and ask in a way that implies that they would be doing you a huge favor. Just don’t ask in front of other customers or they’ll have to deny you or give everyone a discount.
Nice add, thanks UTM.
[...] Now that I am more dedicated to lighter equipment I am realizing that there are still ridiculously high prices for lighter gear, fortunately if you shop around you can find great deals that will not only meet your needs but also keep some cash in the wallet. Get the best deals. [...]
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