online buyin

I remember some links given to some of the packin sites I was reffered to... can't find em now. Not that I have any $$ to spend. Just doin some lookin.

FIRST let me say that our local outfitters deserve all the patronage we can. A few dollars more to try it on, look at it, touch it, is worth it and great for them and their efforts. OOO in Hot Springs has been very good to us. All we can help them during this slow time they can use. Remember to haggle. But when they aint got it or are waaay higher on the price....

So what are some of the sites you use? Some not to use?

I like REI, often pricey but great return policy. Sierra trading post can be good but be careful. I got something there once that was mislabeled... no way it was large, but that's what the tag sed. By the time I paid return shipping it wasn't a deal no more.

Clif:
I totally agree about buying from local outfitters when possible. The biggest problem that I run into is that they tend to carry more traditional backpacking equipment, which is often way too heavy for my ultralight mode of travel. Most of what I carry, especially my packs and shelters, are made in the cottage industry side of manufacturing and are not found in regular stores.
Some of the online catalogs that I buy from are:
backcountrygear.com
prolitegear.com
campmor.com
Some of the cottage industries that I have bought from are:
ULA, Mountain Laurel Designs, Gossamer Gear, Tarptents.
Hope some of these help,
UL

I rarely buy from a dealers anymore. Because I live so far from them! I have bought some minor stuff from Gander Mt. in Texakana. My main places that I buy are:

REI
REI Outlet
Campmor
Sierra trading post

OH

Hate to do this but... well not really hahaha. DIY baby. Depending on what your looking for, if it be something that you can make.... so be it... in most times its often lighter, heavier duty and WAY cheaper, and dare I say it "Greener" lol. There are tons of sites dedicated to Make Your Own Gear (MYOG) and I fully support any site that supports that. Now having said that, I also use most of the sites that these guys have listed but no one has listed Ebay and thats where I usually start at. Keep a eye on shipping charges and seller feedbacks and I have saved litterally hundreds upon hundreds of $$$ from there. Also even if you don't want to do a DIY there are others out there that will do it for you as well. Can you be a little more specific on what your looking for. May have better luck on getting more direct "Shop Here" info.

Amanda usually makes all my gear, I just have to explain how I want it.

I have bought from:

Anti-gravity gear
Speer hammocks
Outdoor wilderness fabrics
ULA

Even if I don't buy I enjoy "window shopping" on the sites. Is that term showing my age? Peek around at what they have and get ideas on what you can make or make do. Some of the clothes I am content to buy tho. Boating and doing sweaty work in the winter has made me a fan of non-cotton. And I love talking with the folks that work in stores on online stores.... kinda like posting and asking here.