Outdoor Gear Junkie

Blue Leader · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2007, 02:03 PM

My wife and I love the outdoors. We kayak, climb mountains, snowshoe, and hike just about as often as we can. However, if you have ever walked into an oudoor gear store, you know the neccessary equipment isn't close to cheap.

Yesterday, the wife and I found out how to get cheap, albiet slightly used gear. We went to an REI garage sale. (rei.com) Not only did we score much needed gear (new snowshoes, winter coat, gloves, trail runners) we saved about $700 off of list price. All we had to do was stand in line for a couple hours in 20 degree weather...

Granted all the stuff was technically used..it was all returned for trivial reasons (i.e. "didn't like color" one of the tags said)

I'm sure some of you might be aware of these sales, but for those of you who enjoy the outdoors as well as outdoor gear, you may want to look into this. It's a good way to save some dough AND score some quality gear.

Taribor · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2007, 10:26 PM

We attend REI tent sales every three months. Was yours in Sacramento by chance? Ours yesterday as well. I got a pair of essentially new $200 hiking boots and a nice winter jacket ($300) for $45. Their returned tents, bags, etc. are simply insanely good deals, not to mention $10 new shirts/trousers/etc. If anyone has a chance to hit one, I promise you will be shocked at the deals.

Fern · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 11:19 AM

That's a good tip, i will check it out.

For some time i've wanted to buy a kayak deck bag which goes for about $75 but have balked at paying that much.

Fern · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 11:23 AM

i went to the site and while i saw stuff on sale and the rei outlet, didn't see anything that said rei garage sale. is there a special tab for this?

Blue Leader · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 03:35 PM

The garage sales aren't really advertised. If you go to the find a store link on the website and click on your store, they will have the garage sale on the calender of events, but you will never see a banner for it or anything. I'd just call your local REI (if you have one) and see when their next one is.

Taribor nice finds! We are in Colorado Springs. I think they are the same day everywhere.