Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

[median]

I'm new to camping, and this site, and wanted to get some opinions regarding the best places online to buy good camping gear cheap. I know that might sound like an oxymoron but I'm looking to buy a backpacking tent (two man +), a sleeping bag (for someone 6'6+), and other backpacking gear, and don't want to spend over $500 for everything. Is this possible? What sites do you recommend? I live in San Diego and will likely be camping near here the most but we do have mountains and it does get down into the 20s/30s sometimes.

Thanks all and happy camping!

[laschke]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

My number one site would be Amazon! You probably won't find it much cheaper than on there. I'd say everything under 500 might be cutting it close though. When you go cheap with camping gear you have to be careful. Just make sure to read reviews and make sure it is a reliable brand.

[hwc1954]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

The number one question you have to ask before buying gear is whether you will be car camping where you can pull your car up to (or within a few hundred feet) of your campsite? Or, will you literally be carrying the tent, sleeping bag, and everything else on your back. Among the many tradeoffs, the biggie is weight versus price. The lighter you go, the more expensive. What would be best if you are carrying it on your back would not be best if you are just unloading it from the car (and vice versa).

How many people in the tent?

The best place to buy stuff depends on the individual item. A specific tent might be on sale one place, but not another. But, two places that I routinely check are Sierra Trading Post (they send 35% off coupons to email subscribers) and SunnySports.

Believe it or not, the sleeping bag will probably be the toughest. A bag that will keep you warm in the 30s will be way too hot to use even in a mild summer climate with low temps in the 60s or 70s.

[hwc1954]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

OK:

Assuming you are actually going to carry it on your back and weight will be an issue, here's a sample from Sierra Trading Post:

Tent : Marmot Aura 2P
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mar...season~p~6333r



$185 after discount

Sleeping Bag: Marmot Kenosha 20 degree 650 fill down (LONG):
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mar...colorFamily=01

$150 after discount

55 liter pack Gregory Z55
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/gre...-frame~p~2021t

$117 after discount

CamelBak 100 oz water reservoir:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/cam...colorFamily=99

$15 after discount

Sleeping pad Thermarest RidgeCrest (Large)

http://www.campmor.com/thermarest-ri...ping-pad.shtml

$40 (this can probably be found cheaper)

butane Stove:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kov...colorFamily=99

$14 after discount

------------------

That would get you started for $522 plus miscellaneous water bottles, water treatment (purification tabs are the cheapest). The tent and the sleeping bag are top-shelf stuff. I'm not familiar with the pack, but it's a respected brand and has the right features and size for a couple night backpacking trip.

So, there's a starter kit just as a sample, assuming you are actually going to be carrying this stuff on your back. If you are car camping, I'd recommend different stuff, but at least it's a starting point for discussion.

[bluestar99]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

I have bought from Sierra Trading many times with good results. It is hit or miss because merchandise changes all the time.

[terasec]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

first step would be to browse until you are familiar with items and prices
i would avoid online unless you know the prices for those items,
and indeed if they are a good discount or not,
i find good discounts at various retail outlets, they usually have a clearance section with good discounts
was at cabelas few weeks ago and man i could have really stocked up on clearance items,
$300 tents for $100 and so.
you can also browse craigslist, i bought a $500 kodiak tent never used for $300,

[hwc1954]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

I don't know. I think having access to a major outdoor store like an LLBean or Cabelas or REI or EMS or Kittery Trading Post is invaluable, but the availability is so much better online. I often go to an EMS store nearby and end up ordering it from them online because they didn't have my size or whatever.

This is going to be an issue for someone who is 6'6" tall and will need to be shopping for the large/long/tall versions of everything from sleeping bags to sleeping pads to backpacks.

[James.]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

I don't know. I think having access to a major outdoor store like an LLBean or Cabelas or REI or EMS or Kittery Trading Post is invaluable, but the availability is so much better online. I often go to an EMS store nearby and end up ordering it from them online because they didn't have my size or whatever.

This is going to be an issue for someone who is 6'6" tall and will need to be shopping for the large/long/tall versions of everything from sleeping bags to sleeping pads to backpacks.

Its not much better for 6'2" people either.

[tplife]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

Welcome Median, and fellow San Diegan...Indian Flats, La Jolla Indian Reservation Campground, Laguna, Glamis, Borrego, William Heise, Laguna Del Prado, Burnt Rancheria, Bluejay, El Carriso North, Lake ElSinore...name some you know or ask for more! Seriously, I started with big-box low-end quality gear and moved up over the years. Ebay is a godsend, we've bought, by following auctions, three tents and two sleeping bags, new with tags, at 60% off MSRP. I've looked over Sierra Trading Post, SunnySports, REI, (for you A16), but if time permits, they never match or beat the auctions - and ebay guarantees honest transactions. If you don't have the discipline to research, set price limits, and invest a little time, then yes, go with the online sites (A16 has a great parking lot sale each year too, ask them) and get camping. PS, WalMart is doing closeouts on their ThermaRest CampRest pads at 45% off right now.

[Bigdog57]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

If car camping so weight is less an issue, I would suggest a three-man tent for two people, as it gives some 'elbow room' and room for your gear.
If just beginning to camp, cheaper gear from Amazon is a good idea. See if you like the activity before shelling out more money.
I am 6'4" and heavy, so I prefer a good blanket rather than a confining bag. Works as well as a bag and fits me better.

[Gearspoke]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

Also the different seasons will allow for a decrease in pricing as well. Buy the winter gear at the end of the season and camping gear... same thing. You can get name brand products you know that will last for a really affrodable price.

[Alpha Expedition]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

Check out the Nemo Equipment Mezzo Loft 30 LUXURY. It will fit up to 6'8, and has very good reviews all over the internet.

[AllieBrown]

Re: Best place to buy discount camping gear (online)

I'll suggest you to check Amazon, Ebay etc. These are some popular and cost effective store. You'll get camping gear here at affordable price.