REI v. Campmor

[R1ma]

If there were any local mom & pop shops, that's where I'd be shopping

I would say drive up to Worcester and check out New England Backpacker. But that's a hike from Warren.

I've only bought snow shoes from them, but their selection is pretty good for a tiny store - and their prices on Kayaks and nordic skis are pretty good.

[Mags]

If there were any local mom & pop shops, that's where I'd be shopping

URE Outfitters in Hope Valley.

It is where I bought some of my first backpacking equipment. A Walrus Swift and a Whisperlight!

http://www.ureoutfitters.com/backcountry.htm

(Enjoy the circa 2007 html, too. )


Now, by RI standards it is far....but it is only 50 minutes away according to Da Google. A nice drive in what is left of rural RI.



But make a trip out of it. You can go to Arcadia M.A. and do some day hikes. Stop by West's Bakery for some yummy treats before hitting the trails.

[A.T.Lt]

Campmor it is....been loyal catalog subscriber since I was 10. And being I pass it on my way home from work everyday it's very dangerous....probably pit stop in there at least twice a month.

[A.T.Lt]

REI's store seems too yuppy-ish. Ramsey Outdoor in NJ is good also...they carry some brands that Campmor doesn't have.

[daddytwosticks]

REI's store seems too yuppy-ish. Ramsey Outdoor in NJ is good also...they carry some brands that Campmor doesn't have.

Wow, yuppy-ish? Must be a local thing. The store I frequent in Asheville, NC can be described with one word: granola-ish. But then again, it's ASHEVILLE.

[Wise Old Owl]

REI's store seems too yuppy-ish. Ramsey Outdoor in NJ is good also...they carry some brands that Campmor doesn't have.

What are you talking about?

locandina.jpg

[Dogwood]

It really doesn't have to be an REI V Campmoor. Both stores can have something for nearly everyone.

If one ever has a chance to visit Campmoor in person in Mahwah NJ know this. They have a shoe variety and shoe dept. specialists that are hard to beat. Most of the tents they sell are set up in a diisplay room where you can take them down, lay down in them, and examine them set-up. Their backpacking dept is very good too. They also offer close out and discontinued discounts and specials much like Sierra Trading Post. REI GENERALLY has some excellent customer service especially on returns. And, the rebate/dividend members receive as well as the early notice and entrance into garage sales can score you BIG savings. BTW, the last time I was in Campmoor, about 1 1/2 yr ago, I was about to drop $1200 when one of the sales reps mentioned if I joined the NY/NJ Trail Conference(a GOOD CAUSE!, they help maintain and preserve trails in the two states), which was about $20, I got 10 or 15 % off my total order. Saved me BIG dollars and I supported a solid cause to boot! For those considering a large purchase certainly worth asking about the discount if you join the NY/NJ Trail Conf. Another plus about visiting Campmoor in person is that there is an EMS right next door.

[S'more]

Wow, yuppy-ish? Must be a local thing. The store I frequent in Asheville, NC can be described with one word: granola-ish. But then again, it's ASHEVILLE.

yes, that would be Asheville! That community needs to head east a bit and make over our town!

[A.T.Lt]

Well I must admit I've only been to the TWO in Manhattan....lol

[A.T.Lt]

REI...not two!!! Damn auto correct!!

[coolness]

I like Campmor but recently found 2 great deals on Sport Chalet. I bought a Kelty 20 degree down bag (long) for $104 and a Big Agnes 2.5" insulated Air Core pad for $44. I did a LOT of research and shopping before buying the Kelty. Great reviews and the price was right. I also found the right color, not the neon green. I will be using the bag next weekend - I really like the loft on this bag. It's high quality and looks great. I hadn't heard of Sport Chalet but I'll be shopping there more often.


Kelty 20.jpg

[Coosa]

Rank according to my frequency of use:

4. EMS: like REI without the garage sales, an inferior branded item, no dividend, good stores ok prices. Online content useless except coupons.

EMS has EMS Rewards ... I got 10% back and will be going to the EMS store in Annapolis MD to buy a S2S Reactor liner with mine. AND I bought my Velocity 35* PrimaLoft [I'm sensitive to the odor of down] at EMS.

I have bought at REI, Campmor, EMS, GoLite, BackCountry Edge, Hudson Trail Outfitters, Gossamer Gear, ZPacks, NOC Gatlinburg ... I research first and look for what I want and compare prices.

And sometimes, I'll pay a bit MORE for a product just so I can try it on or get it in the color I want ... Have any of you done that??


Coosa

[Wise Old Owl]

I am so looking for North Face fleece in chartreuse.

[Coosa]

I am so looking for North Face fleece in chartreuse.

Not fleece, but will this do? http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-North-Fa...item51a9a8a5cc

[TheYoungOne]

My big 4 for buying gear are REI, EMS, Campmor and Cabelas. The things I like about REI and EMS is that they are local to me, and I can physically check out things and buy them on the spot. Also REI seem to carry a lot of the more high end lightweight stuff, with EMS coming in at a close 2nd. Both are not cheap, but when they run sales, or you shop the outlet section you can get some great bargains. At the end of the day, when I decide I need to buy a pack, sleeping bag, tent or other high end expensive gear, I wait for a sale, dividens, or cruise the outlet sections.

I occasionally buy from Cabelas online, but sometimes I find myself up in Hamburg PA and I will shop in that store. The problem with Cabelas is they really don't focus on the higher end lightweight hiking/camping gear as much. Most of their stuff is more for hunters and car campers. They also carry more of the mid-range, durable but heavier camping gear, by manufactures like Eureka, slumberjack and Kelty. Cabelas use to have good prices, but over the years they have gotten more and more expensive. However for certain things, like their line of clothing, Cabelas is awesome. Why in the heck should I pay top dollar for an REI or EMS brand polartec fleece jacket or for a base layer, when Cabelas has the exact same thing with their name on it for a lot cheaper.

Campmor for me is similar to Cabelas with selection, but without the hunting and fishing stuff, and they do sell a few higher end gear for decent prices. I hate to say it but I use to buy a lot from Campmor, but as I moved more towards higher end, lighter weight stuff I use Campmor less and less. Also when I factor in shipping and the wait with Campmor, sometimes I'm just better off just going to my local EMS or REI and picking it up.

That is also a sticking point with Campmor. Having too many packages show up at my doorstep has a habit of getting my wife PO'ed. "What the heck did you get now, I thought you already had a tent" Buying at a store, I could sneak it in the house and no one will be the wiser.

[redseal]

I usually shop where the sales are. REI is nice for when I am buying a new piece of gear I am unsure of because I can return it to a store a few minutes from my house. Same goes for EMS. Backcountry is usually my go-to online store.

[haolejohn]

I will warn you, I have never purchased anything from REI, so I am biased. I have always found Campmor to be less expensive, and offer more items. There is a decent Outfitter here in Columbia, SC, but they are all way high on everything. I have a feeling i will be crushed by the REI loyalists here.

I order from both. When i shop REI.com I go to the outlet. I prefer REI b/c I have their CC reward system
But Campmor still gets a lot of my business.
I find campmor's customer service to be just as good as REI's.

[jbsbestfan]

Like several people have said previously....shop around. Always stuff on sale somewhere. My best advise is try "spadout.com" when you narrow down the item you need/want, it tels you what everyone is selling it for. It monitors REI, Moosejaw, backcountry, campsaver, just to name a very few. Lots of stores I have never heard of, but have now used. I personlly prefer Moosejaw and was surprised not to see any other mentions. If I can not find the item I want anywhere for a decent price, I get it there and get 20% instant rewards because of my user status, but even beginners get 10% and 5% on sale stuff. I can emphasize haw nice it is to have spadout.com, though.