Alternatives to REI

[XC700116]

Are there any other sources for all those nifty light/compact things that REI carries that doesn't give money away to those that would have our sport eliminated? More or less looking for some of those little things that take up little to no space/weight for the bad occasion that I should get stuck out overnight. like that miniature stove with the tablets for fuel and stuff like that.

 

[pfulton]

Do you have Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops near you?

 

[Rob1334]

Sportsman Warehouse, Save my money for the 200 mile trip when I visit my sister who is in the same town as the closest store and come home with a few bags of stuff I "need" everytime.

 

[Ex-Member]

Army-Navy Surplus carries a ton of camping equipment and the like, they have some interesting stuff there too. I've bought a lot of stuff from there that lives in my sled/pack now.

 

[XC700116]

Lots of Bass pro and Cabela's stores throughout my travels. I guess I just never really looked too close at those cause every time I'm in there I always wind up at the gun counter.

I'll have to check out the army navy surplus places.

Found this one that I used to frequent when I lived in MN. I just normally didn't gear up for nights out in the Mtns as I've only rode a week at at time in the past and since we were relatively new to it we didn't go up high if it even looked like the possibility of getting bad. Now that I'll be riding the high country a lot more often, it both increases the possibility of getting caught out there, and justifies the expense.

 

[R J]

Do you have Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops near you?

Exactly, or Gander Mountain, even the back country places on the internet carry all that stuff. True Adventure Gear has some neat compact things as well and they are sled heads through and through.

 

[milehighassassin]

So do we all know that Gander Mountain, Cabellas, Bass Pro, Sportsman's, etc are there to support our sport?

 

[Ex-Member]

They may not support it directly, but they don't actively support those that fight to take it away.

Lesser of two evils, etc.

 

[student driver]

Joes is also a good one.
I've not researched them in particular,
but I do know that they have always had motorsports goods and seem to not be into the greenie BS so much

 

[V-Man]

disclaimer: My wife (who snowmobiles too) works at REI.

In my opinion, buying a stove or some back country gear from REI isn't going to jeopardize our riding areas. Boycott them if it makes you feel good, but I doubt you'll effect thier bottom line and send a message. So many companies support environmental causes and much of what REI does is good. My wife is an Outreach Specialist and is responsible for organizing community and volunteer projects on local parks and trails as well as education for people new to outdoor recreation. REI has been sucessful in the outdoor industry, but they aren't an "evil corporate empire". Yes there are lots of "greenies" there, but the same can be said about any outdoor retailer.

I wouldn't be caught dead giving money to the Sierra Club, but I'll still buy from REI (even if my wife didn't work there). They carry high quality gear and stand behind it. You can take anything back for any reason, no questions asked. If they refuse to take something back, ask for their manager. They'll be fired. It is extremely rare to find any outdoor company that is this commited to customer statisfaction. Some people abuse these policies, but it is a culture that creates loyal customers.