I’m going to take a break from my gear evaluations to discuss something equally important: where to get this stuff.
Buy It New
If you are buying new stuff, it’s hard to do better than Recreational Equipment, Inc., better known as REI. Their stores are large, well stocked, and staffed with folks who are better than average when it comes to hiking knowledge.
As good as their stores are, the online experience is even better. I can’t imagine a more comprehensive array of hiking products, including close-outs and “outlet” type merchandise. They also have some pretty amazing on-line sales events. Thinking about purchasing that pricey down sleeping bag? Why not wait until you get one of their “30%” coupons in your email?
Two more reasons why I’m high on REI: the return policy and your member refund.
If you are not satisfied with an item for any reason (fit, function, etc.), you can return it for a full refund within one year of purchase, pretty much no questions asked. As amazing as that is, it’s actually less lenient than the lifetime return policy they had in place until recently. (You can still return the item for a refund, at any time, if it has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship).
Top all of that off with a nearly 10% refund each year, which can be spent at REI for even more great stuff.
Buy It Used
I hate to repeat myself, but if you have an REI in your neighborhood, this is a great choice. Call ahead to find out how often they have used gear sales, then drop by and be prepared to be surprised; much of the “used” gear are customer returns that are barely scuffed.
Another terrific resource is at www.lwhiker.com. This website compiles list of items for sale from Backpackinglight, Trailspace, Hammock Forums, Whiteblaze, Cascade Climbers, Mountain Project and Summit Post.
Backpacker magazine has a list of top-rated used gear stores, although there isn’t one every city.
Beyond that there is always Craigslist and Ebay, although I would be cautious with either.
Make It Yourself
With the widespread acceptance of the ultralight approach to backpacking, and the advent of the internet, the make-your-own-gear (MYOG) community is thriving. Done right, it’s a great way to carry high-quality gear that is custom made for your body and hiking style. Plus, instead of discarding something if it is damaged, chances are that if you made it, you can fix it.
The two best places to get started are the MYOG forum within BackpackingLight.com and at www.backpacking.net/makegear.html.
Good hiking, Ray
While there are some things I buy at REI it is not a place I would recommend if you’re interested in lightweight gear, particularly the big three (tent, pack, sleeping bag). There are many small gear makers that sell only online that specialize in light/ultralight. Section hiker has a fairly complete list of various “cottage” manufacturers http://sectionhiker.com/backpacking-gear-directory-2/
Many of these companies will make/customize their gear to your specification. As for cost, you might find it light gear is often cheaper than what you will find at stores like REI. My 15oz $130 Borah Gear pack I used this year on a JMT thru couldn’t be matched by anything found in REI.
Don, that’s an excellent point that I wish I would have made. For what I would think is obvious reasons, I’m 100% behind the idea of supporting “little guys” who are trying to do something that reflects quality and excellence, possibly on the side. Terrific comment!
I’m not exactly thinking about supporting the “little guys” though it’s a worthy idea. I’m thinking more on the lines of finding gear that fits my needs. I’ve found that the more mainstream companies add far more features with a resulting weight penalty than I don’t want or need. Determining what I really need and therefore what I want is another subject altogether that you may be planning on discussing in later blog posts.
If you are leaning towards a major purchase at REI, consider signing up for their credit card first. You will get an additional 5% back on your purchase and they will send you a gift card ($75, I think) upon making your first purchase.
Great idea! Thanks.
I’ll second Don’s statement on researching the many smaller companies to fill your lightweight hiking needs. I do use REI for generic resupply type stuff such as dehydrated meals ect., but they market more torwards heavier, traditional gear for the most part. Companies I will recommend are: Z-Packs, Zimmerbuilt, and Six Moons Designs. There are many others, but these I know first hand. REI also doesn’t carry the top notch rated quilts and bags that are out there as well such as Western Mountaineering, Nanatuck, ect. I will say that REI has gotten a little more geared torwards lighter gear in the last few years, but still has a ways to go. My biggest pet peeve witjh REI is the way they still push everyone to Gortex and other so-called waterproof, breathable shoes and boots. I don’t know if their sales personnel have stake in selling that style of shoe, but every one of them will try and sell me that style shoe or boot, when I’m very specific in telling them I don’t want it.
Thanks for the comment, Robert. I don’t know (for sure) either, but I would be extremely surprised if REI employees are compensated for pushing GoreTex.