Help with backpacking gear

[theloo]

I am thinking about doing some backpacking and need gear (only have the heavy camping gear that wont cut it for backpacking). Pretty much need everything from tent to backpack to sleeping bags. Where's the best place to go for cheap and/or used gear? I've looked at REI, but it still looks pretty expensive. TIA!

[cata5]

Planetoutdoors had some nice stuff- not sure about prices but now they are part of MVP which is having 25% off the lowest price.Can't hurt to look...

[jandesmom]

Try the link from REI to their outlet shop. We have bought LOTS of outdoor gear there at significantly reduced prices. Also, if you are a memeber you earn dividends on many of your purchase which can be applied towards more stuff.

Campmor is also an excellent source, try there web site, and i think you can also request a catalog there. I will try to link it for you.

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Bear in mind you get what you pay for when it comes to outdoor gear. We made a mistake, we had outgrown our tent, and opted for a cheap one from Sams instead of the good one we had looked at previously. It seemed fine until we took it to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and kayaked out into the middle of nowhere.....we set up camp in a torrential rain only to find the seams linking......let me add it was me, my dh, dd, and [barely] 2 year old son...[lol] I will NEVER skimp on outdoor gear again>>>>>>>>

By the way REI has a lightweight oven called the Outback which is worth its weight in gold...we have made pizza, cake muffins, biscuts, ect out in the middle of nowhere with it and it is well worth the price....imagine triple chocolate brownies hot with cocoa out in the wilderness....yummm

[dcumba99p]

You can get some great buys at E-bay, though I would not recommend this for boots. I would try the following:

Boots: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] (only if you are certain of the size.)
Packs: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] (great customer service)
Sleeping Bags: I purchased a $159 Marmot Wizard for $84 at [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]
Freeze-dried food: Mountain House sells to the general public at [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] These are very good meals.
Other "stuff": Try the "great buys" section at REI, as well as REI-Outlet. Also, [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] have good deals and you can sometimes find coupon codes.

I do not recommend MVP.com because of their poor customer service and order fulfillment. Some people have had good experiences, but four of my Christmas orders were delayed, cancelled or had incorrect items shipped. They may have good prices, but you may never get what you order.

DO skimp on prices when possible, but DO NOT skimp on quality!!! Also, caveat emptor. Be sure the gear you purchase (even name brand) has been favorably reviewed by other hikers. I like to browse [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] for reviews on all kinds of outoor gear.

Hope this helps!

[rsimon]

I found this site to be very useful.

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This page lists online sporting merchants offering discounts and coupons.

Hope this helps!