Jackpot!
It's always great getting new gear, but it really sucks spending a ton of money. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for these days. I spend a healthy chunk of change every year between REI, Mountain Chalet, and Sportsman's Warehouse. If you didn't catch on from a couple posts ago I just got my REI dividends back. This year it's just under a $100. That means I spent around $1,000 there on just dividendable sales (yeah there was another couple hundred dropped on non-dividendable sales). It never feels like I've spent that much money there, but it adds up. Just the other month Cody, Yeti, and I where in there and I bought a new pair of Burton Mittens, around $80. Not that I want to pull you out of REI and away from that sweet return they give you, or have you miss the opportunity to run into Mountain Chalet (one of the coolest stores in town), but over the last couple years I found some awesome places to pick up gear used and new that won't dent your pocket (as bad). REI has the greatest return policy ever! So what happens to all that returned gear? If you're a member you already know. If you're not a member, become one! All the gear that gets returned with the exception of completely trashed gear, climbing gear (ropes, and beaners, harnesses, etc.), and anything else that would bring up a safety flag, is at your mercy. At the beginning of every month they have a yard sale for members only. You got to get there pretty early, or most of it is picked through. You also need to come equipped with the patience to stand through a Wal-Mart style line, and shopping experience (no F@$%ing way for me). If you endure these obstacles you'll walk away with bargain prices on new and used gear. As far as REI is concerned it doesn't stop there. They also have a great outlet online. Online purchasing, brings me to my next suspect. Steep&cheap.com is a great one at a time, products up to 80% off, treasure chest! Their motto is, "one killer gear deal, one item at a time until it's gone" and they go quick. Nature calls, be right back… They are owned by backcountry.com , and have some sweet sister sites more specific to your needs, Chainlove, Whiskeymilitia, and Brociety. The companies are based out of Utah, and in my experience, the products usually arrive within three days. The only downside I've had with these sites, is sizing. They have great charts to help you out, but sometimes some things just don't fit, just like anywhere else. I wear a 10.5 in Nike shoes, and an 11.5 DC shoes. Have an idea of what's going to work for you. If not they fully refund items, but I find they make sweet gifts for my fellow gear junkies. Next on my list is used gear, and abused gear. Not just an awesome place to pick up a date or contract an STD, Craigslist. Yeah that's right. Plain and simple, if someone has something to get rid of, it's gonna be on there. You just have to find it. Check your local area, as well as the surrounding areas. Don't forget that there is also a free section. On the same style of internet shopping you also have the almighty Ebay. If you don't mind bidding and waiting on product, you'll catch some steals. Many people get new gear and pack rat their old stuff. However lots of folks dump it. Goodwill in Boulder is a mecca of barely used gear! The problem here is you have to find it, and hope someone else hasn't beat you to it. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Surplus stores etc., half the time don't even know what they have or it's real value. You might have to deal with some interesting individuals, and spend a little time looking, but that's half the fun. So gear junkies, new folks looking to outfit themselves without breaking the bank, and bargain hunters, check out some of these options next time you are shopping around. I've personally done really well with all of them. Remember some things are to good to be true. Do your homework, talk to sales reps, or take someone with you who knows what's going on. Have fun and as always be safe!
Menikmati,
Bunny
