Compulsive gear buying: There comes a time that you have to admit you have a problem.

[Pringles]

So I wanted to get a map of the next section I was going to hike. I went to the web site and found my map. The map was only about $4, and the postage on a map would be $1. While I was looking, I found they (Antigravity Gear) were offering a deal where you got free shipping if you bought something like $50 worth of stuff. But they had TENT PORN right there on the front page. A Six Moons Design something or other. It was all decked out and pretty looking. TENT PORN, I'm telling you. If I bought the Scout version, I'd get free Tyvek and free Titanium stakes, and the tent would bump me to free shipping. And now I have 25 tents in my 965 square foot home. They keep the stoves and kayaks and paddles and sleeping bags and cooking pots and kits company.

I'm Beth, and I have a problem. :-)

[rocketsocks]

So I wanted to get a map of the next section I was going to hike. I went to the web site and found my map. The map was only about $4, and the postage on a map would be $1. While I was looking, I found they (Antigravity Gear) were offering a deal where you got free shipping if you bought something like $50 worth of stuff. But they had TENT PORN right there on the front page. A Six Moons Design something or other. It was all decked out and pretty looking. TENT PORN, I'm telling you. If I bought the Scout version, I'd get free Tyvek and free Titanium stakes, and the tent would bump me to free shipping. And now I have 25 tents in my 965 square foot home. They keep the stoves and kayaks and paddles and sleeping bags and cooking pots and kits company.

I'm Beth, and I have a problem. :-)

Hi Beth!!!

[theinfamousj]

Could I RESIST if I lived near three REI stores?

What I've learned is that the REIs have different stock based on where they are located. The Durham, NC, REI is what I call the "camping REI" because it has the largest selection of camping things. The (North) Raleigh, NC, REI is the "bicycle REI" because it has the largest selection of bicycles and bicycle related things, though it also has the most camping clothing of the three REIs. The Cary, NC, REI is the "water sports REI" because it has the boats up front and in your face, and more boats out for the touching and feeling than the other REIs.

But yet, I prefer the local, independent outfitters because they get things in stock that REI just doesn't carry. Snowpeak 700 mug pot thing. Eeensy bottles of Dr. Bronners. Strange reusable booties that go over your shoes for those quick in-and-out-of-the-tent trips to keep the tent relatively clean. 550 cord. Etc.

It is a wonder that I haven't spent more money than I have.

[Connie]

...I live near three different REIs who conveniently hold garage sales on different weekends.

REI GARAGE SALES...

I have been to one REI garage sale, in Tualatin, OR. I couldn't believe all the new stuff returns.

In the old days REI Pike Street store had a flood sale. I asked about that. I was shown the sprinkler they used. Needless to say, I was grateful for their "flood sales".

I also got the only pair of used boots I ever purchased off the REI rental rack. They looked brand new. $5 maybe $2.

I have a lot of reasons to like REI even with all the changes.

But, of course, I also shop online and I like cottage industry best of all. White Blaze has a list for cottage industry.

[lvnv1212]

I'm done! Have everything I need for my 2013 PCT hike. So, why do I look at sales...and stuff...every day?

[dornstar]

I'm done! Have everything I need for my 2013 PCT hike. So, why do I look at sales...and stuff...every day?

LOL.

And why are we on a gear forum?

[Biggie Master]

I love to look at all the new gear (it borders on lust in most cases), but rarely do I buy a "duplicate" item. I just have a hard time giving up my old reliable gear. I have one pack (Osprey), one sleeping bag (Mt Hardware), one tent (Kelty), one hammock (Hennessy), one sleep pad (Thermorest), one stove (MSR), etc. All rock solid, but every piece is about 15 yrs old (except the HH). I think I am probably on the verge of replacing a few items over the next year or so. TT Notch and ULA Circuit are probably at the top of my wish list, but the longer I wait the more possibility for something "new and improved".

[LilRedTX]

P.S. Golite is having a 50% off everything spring sale(they are out of a bunch of stuff but just sayin...)

It's always exciting to get new gear, but it's an even bigger thrill when one gets it on sale! Thanks for the tip, though I've spent my monthly quota and then some this month, I can not NOT look and see if there's just something I HAVE to have at an unbelievable price!

And yes, I too am a card carrying member of GBA (Gear Buyers Anonymous)

[hikerboy57]

Ive saved so much money buyinv gear on sale that im broke.

[rocketsocks]

Ive saved so much money buyinv gear on sale that im broke.

..........