Merchant Resources: Where We Got Our Stuff

Hiking/Camping

• REI: Good selection of nearly everything. Fairly good prices. Good quality REI-brand name at less expensive prices. Better prices if you are a co-op member because of refund check
• REI Outlet: Great prices on overstocks, closeouts, etc. If you're just looking for a good deal on something, this is a good place to go, if you're looking for something in particular, don't get your hopes up.
• Sierra Trading Post: Awesome prices and fairly good selection. Much of their selection is "2nds", which means not first-run quality, but I haven't noticed a difference on most things.
• Campmor: Usually better prices than REI, but not always - also good discounts on "last year's" equipment
• Overstock.com: We've got great deals on gear here. There isn't always the best selection, but we can usually find something we need at a big discount. They have both "big-name" and off brands. Julie got her Vasque day-hiking boots for 50% off here. When we ordered shipping was free (it might be always) and very fast.
• Planet Outdoors: Haven't found too many killer deals here, but on occasion we'll pick something up here - they do have some kind of a rebate/reward system, but I haven't bought enough here to make it worth my while. - update 2/2001. This company has since been taken over by MVP.com, and now sportsline.com. I cannot recommend sportsline.com, as I've never made a purchase from them.
• Altrec.com: Good prices in their clearance sale areas. Otherwise, haven't been too impressed with regular prices, but they do seem to have a very good selection.
• UDAP Industries: Great place to buy top of the line pepper sprays for bear protection and self defense. We purchased two of the big cans of spray with the hip holsters - hopefully we won't have to use them.

Vehicle Preparation

• Atlantic British: Seems to be the one place to go to get just about any part or accessory for a Land Rover. The stuff I have received from them has arrived suprisingly fast (via UPS), and met or exceeded my expectations as far as quality and performance.