Online Gear Shops

[adktyler]

A general tip: When you place an order online, if there's a place to enter a promo code, or something like that, do a search on Google for the site name and the exact string they use to name the promo code, example:

amazon promotional code

You'd be surprised at what 2 minutes of searching on google can save you!

I do this everytime I order online. Often, you'll find coupons for 10-20% off with purchases of x$ or more. But if you were going to buy the items anyways, might as well save!

Fish

Awesome tip, thanks for sharing!

 

[Kevin Rooney]

A general tip: When you place an order online, if there's a place to enter a promo code, or something like that, do a search on Google for the site name and the exact string they use to name the promo code, example:

amazon promotional code

You'd be surprised at what 2 minutes of searching on google can save you!

I do this everytime I order online. Often, you'll find coupons for 10-20% off with purchases of x$ or more. But if you were going to buy the items anyways, might as well save!

Fish

This is a good point, and here's another variation - if you know exactly what item you want (assuming a national brand here) simply Google it. I did that this morning - decided if I could find a discounted Marmot DriClime shirt for the right price I'd finally treat myself to it. Sure enough - after about 10 minutes of checking out a few Google hits, I found the right size, color, etc at a site that threw in free shipping and no tax in addition to the lowest price.

 

[mookie]

This is a good point, and here's another variation - if you know exactly what item you want (assuming a national brand here) simply Google it. I did that this morning - decided if I could find a discounted Marmot DriClime shirt for the right price I'd finally treat myself to it. Sure enough - after about 10 minutes of checking out a few Google hits, I found the right size, color, etc at a site that threw in free shipping and no tax in addition to the lowest price.

i love froogle.com

 

[adktyler]

25% off sale at Moosejaw

Just so you all know, Moosejaw is having a 25% off sale for the next 3 days. There's still time for Christmas shopping (both for friends AND for you).

http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/home_10208_10000001_-1

 

[1HappyHiker]

Froogle Dumped?

i love froogle.com

I thought Froogle was dumped, and no longer available?? (see link below)

http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/19/goodbye-froogle/

 

[DougPaul]

I thought Froogle was dumped, and no longer available?? (see link below)

http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/19/goodbye-froogle/

As hinted by your reference, my old Froogle link (http://froogle.google.com) automatically transfers to http://www.google.com/products.

Doug

 

[TomD]

For used gear:
www.trailspace.com (I'm a moderator)

www.backpacking.net (The Lightweight Backpacker; also a moderator there)

www.telemarktips.com (telemark skis mostly, but sometimes AT gear, packs, clothes and misc. gear)

www.craigslist.com (download and use the Craigslist Reader to find stuff)

I've bought and sold gear off TLB and TTips. I've also bought and sold gear on Craigslist.

Yahoo Groups Backpackgearswap - not that active, but a few good things show up every now and then.

Master List of Manufacturers- http://www.expgear.com/alphalist.shtml

This site lists a couple hundred manufacturers, retailers and some misc. outdoor sites; not sure how often it is updated, so some links may be broken.

Obscure cold weather gear-
www.snowtrekker.com Winter tents
www.skipulk.com Sleds and parts for sleds
www.empirecanvasworks.com Traditional cold weather gear
www.blackriversleds.com

 

[adktyler]

For used gear:
www.trailspace. com (I'm a moderator)

www.backpacking.net (The Lightweight Backpacker; also a moderator there)

www.telemarktips.com (telemark skis mostly, but sometimes AT gear, packs, clothes and misc. gear)

www.craigslist.com (download and use the Craigslist Reader to find stuff)

I've bought and sold gear off TLB and TTips. I've also bought and sold gear on Craigslist.

Yahoo Groups Backpackgearswap - not that active, but a few good things show up every now and then.

Master List of Manufacturers- http://www.expgear.com/alphalist.shtml

This site lists a couple hundred manufacturers, retailers and some misc. outdoor sites; not sure how often it is updated, so some links may be broken.

Obscure cold weather gear-
www.snowtrekker.com Winter tents
www.skipulk.com Sleds and parts for sleds
www.empirecanvasworks.com Traditional cold weather gear
www.blackriversleds.com

Wow, awesome! Thanks so much. Just so you know, the trailspace ".com" part is off, so the link doesn't work.

Thanks for the info!

 

[1HappyHiker]

I thought Froogle was dumped, and no longer available?? (see link below)

http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/19/goodbye-froogle/

As hinted by your reference, my old Froogle link (http://froogle.google.com) automatically transfers to http://www.google.com/products.

Doug

Aha! Thanks Doug!

I knew that Mookie’s reference to Froogle must have some merit, otherwise it wouldn’t have been posted . . . was just sort of flummoxed since I knew that the Froogle brand had been dumped by the good folks at Google.

 

[TomD]

Thanks ADK, I fixed the Trailspace link.

btw, using Craigslist? Get the Craigslist Reader from here-
http://www.motiont.com/craigslistreader.aspx

The Reader is free and it works like a search engine for all the Craigslists all over the country or even the ones in other countries, depending on how you set it.

When I was looking for a pair of boots, I spent hours looking at different cities, but this does it for you.

 

[WinterWarlock]

Thanks ADK, I fixed the Trailspace link.

btw, using Craigslist? Get the Craigslist Reader from here-
http://www.motiont.com/craigslistreader.aspx

The Reader is free and it works like a search engine for all the Craigslists all over the country or even the ones in other countries, depending on how you set it.

When I was looking for a pair of boots, I spent hours looking at different cities, but this does it for you.

Tom - that's a nice CraigsList tool. I was searching around yesterday and discovered that the Boulder, Colorado CL has TONS of gear for sale...this will make it easier to find.

 

[TomD]

WW. I found my boots in Salt Lake City. Craigslist always posts a warning about buying locally to avoid scams and they are out there, but I have found with outdoor gear that people usually are willing to ship if you pay shipping and pay with PayPal. The scammers aren't usually trying to buy or sell camping or skiing gear. I think that's a bit too esoteric for them.

 

[1HappyHiker]

In my previous reply to this thread, I neglected to mention Montbell (see link below). Perhaps it's just my personal opinion, but I think they make some nice stuff, and many items are reasonably priced, considering the specialized nature of the gear they offer.
(I don’t think this link has been posted in this thread, but if I missed it, then sorry ‘bout that!)

http://www.montbell.us/

 

[TCD]

Right now, with the strong Euro and the weak Dollar, there are not many good deals at European shops. But ten years or so ago, when it was the other way around, I got many fantastic deals (50% of US retail) at Euro shops:

http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/

http://www.barrabes.com

These are a couple of examples I remember; there are many more. Keep them in mind if the currency exchange rates switch back the other way. (The folks at T-P are particularly helpful with sizing, tech info, etc.).

Tom