Where should I buy my gear online?

Another noob looking for help...

I've got the basic gear like harnesses, shoes, and chalk bags. I'm saving up to get the next level of gear like ropes, quick draws, slings and the like so that I can top rope and do a bit of sport climbing.

Anyone have a personal favorite online retailer with solid deals on gear?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Darren B.

i like moosejaw.com.

spadout.com - USE FOR DISCOUNTS!!
geartrade.com
backcountry.com / backcountry outlet
moosejaw
mountaingear.com
Sierratradingpost.com
REI.com / REI outlet
Altrec.com
alpenglowgear.com
campsaver.com
ebay.com
mammothgear.com

The big thing is do an internet search for what you want. Don't pay retail!! Also another trick is to find the site / item you want to buy, then google "moosejaw coupon" or whatever the applicable name is. I've gotten free shipping / $ off just by taking 2 minutes to do that. Wait for sales too...there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get at least 10-15% off and free shipping if you try.

I think the key to find out what you are looking for then google it. Sometimes I find stuff from small shops that are clearing out gear. Take the time to research and plow through alot of websites.

Ooops forgot Bentgate!! Great place! And Wilderness Exchange..thanks Mark!

Support our site sponsors!

Bent Gate has a lot of great deals: bentgate.com/
Neptune has everything under the sun: neptunemountaineering.com/
WildyX has chill folks and closeout deals: wildyx.com/

I get 95% of my stuff through those three sites or in person.

Mark Cushman wrote:Support our site sponsors! Bent Gate has a lot of great deals: bentgate.com/ Neptune has everything under the sun: neptunemountaineering.com/ WildyX has chill folks and closeout deals: wildyx.com/ I get 95% of my stuff through those three sites or in person.

I agree.

Yep, Bentgate is a great store and has some specialty stuff that is hard to find (ie aliens). Neptune's is another great local Boulder store I fully support supporting. On the other hand, you can return climbing gear to REI, but they are an evil corporate conglomerate. But I'm sure there are local stores in your area that would greatly appreciate your patronage, and being able to talk to someone at a shop can help you narrow down what you really need and want.

I've had nothing but awesome experiences buying from bentgate!

Darren,

All the sites already mentioned are great and usually have sales going on. My favorite is mountaingear.com. Since you live in Asheville, check out Black Dome. They have a coupon in the mountain express every couple of weeks that could save you a few bucks. And the guys there are very knowledgeable. Also, if a petzl Fuse 9.4mm 70m rope is something you are interested in let me know. I have a brand new one in the package for sale, for $165.

Mark Cushman wrote:Support our site sponsors! Bent Gate has a lot of great deals: bentgate.com/ Neptune has everything under the sun: neptunemountaineering.com/ WildyX has chill folks and closeout deals: wildyx.com/ I get 95% of my stuff through those three sites or in person.

Awesome, I'll start checking them out.

I have been using Mountain Tools for a long time. They reward repeat customers with discounts too. They have great customer service and have done things what I consider above and beyond.

mtntools.com/

Support local shops, even if you have to drive!

acmeclimbing.com has some pretty good package deals, i know they have some sport packages, might be worth checking out.

Another vote for Bent Gate. They've got a wide selection of gear and their shipping is prompt.

JL

rock and snow has weekly 25% off deals. that's how I got my Heliums and my C4's. well worth it and they're great to deal with in my experience.

If you do buy online make sure it's not gear that you have tried on/recieved beta about from you local gear shop. As far as I'm concerned that's theft.

Tyson Anderson wrote:If you do buy online make sure it's not gear that you have tried on/recieved beta about from you local gear shop. As far as I'm concerned that's theft.

bs

EDIT: i'm not for wasting hours of a shop's time but the full price i pay at a local shop certainly can go to cover the times I check something out in person and buy elsewhere at a more competitive price. Shops know the market they're competing in these days.

I try and support local shops that have good customer service and consistently carry what I want and have knowledgeable staff. Who do I really like?

1) Bentgate
2) Mammoth Mountaineering
3) Backcountry.com

Who have I had repeated BAD experiences with?

1) Mountain Tools (seriously, the owner is a prick...based experience of myself and others I know)
2) Eastern Mountain Sports
3) Mountain Gear (though I still occasionally buy stuff from them)

Spadout works really well, but just make sure that you are supporting good businesses.

Chris Plesko wrote: bs EDIT: i'm not for wasting hours of a shop's time but the full price i pay at a local shop certainly can go to cover the times I check something out in person and buy elsewhere at a more competitive price. Shops know the market they're competing in these days.

Chris, I'm not sure about what you're saying, but if I am understanding it correctly, then that is bullshit. Is it cool to go and take a look at a piece of equipment and then buy it somewhere else at a cheaper price? Yes. Is it ok to go into Neptune and spend two hours trying on ice boots and getting help and opinions from staff and THEN going elsewhere to purchase said item at a cheaper price? No. That's called doucebagery.

I personally value a shop like bentgate because they have knowledgeable staff that stock gear that I want and not the crap that they sell at most REI's. Hiring good staff and maintaining good stock should be rewarded with business. At a minimum, give the shop a chance to match the price....I know bentgate often does.

I'm saying it's fine to go into a local store and check stuff out, even trying on a pair of boots or shoes.

I'm not saying wasting hours of their time only to buy stuff elsewhere is cool.

There is a difference and purely saying that you can't go into a local store and check something out and if you buy it elsewhere then it's theft. That is crap.

And I agree that a local shop is valuable. I've bought many full price items from Bent Gate, WildyX and Neptune...including freaking tents and -25deg $leeping bags. But I've also asked them to match or be competitive on a price in other instances. If they won't then I reserve the right to buy elsewhere as well. Their value exists not just for the things I buy, but also for the things I check out in person at another time. That's why I continue to shop the local stores and not just order everything online.

Fair enough Chris.

i can't believe nobody has mentioned gearexpress.com yet. great shop,(and it used to be my local shop), some of the best prices online, and VERY VERY good service.