First of all, you're welcome for the Wyclef Jean/Akon reference.
More importantly, outdoor gear is effing expensive. There’s almost no getting around it. Well, almost. Fear not, my fellow sticker-shocked outdoors beginners – there are ways to save some cash while gearing up that I’ll share with you. Plus, I didn’t want you starting to think I had some sort of foot fixation after making my first two blogs exclusively about things that go on your feet.
More importantly, outdoor gear is effing expensive. There’s almost no getting around it. Well, almost. Fear not, my fellow sticker-shocked outdoors beginners – there are ways to save some cash while gearing up that I’ll share with you. Plus, I didn’t want you starting to think I had some sort of foot fixation after making my first two blogs exclusively about things that go on your feet.
First on my list was becoming a member of REI. It costs $20
up front, so I was reluctant to get one because I didn't see the point if it wasn't free. Then I realized that not only is it $20 for a lifetime membership, but REI members get a ton of great benefits. You earn 10% back of
what you purchase each year in a member dividend, easily earning back the $20
you pay (once) for the membership, plus once you’re a member you get discounts
on all of REI’s services, which include equipment rentals, ski and bike repair,
and REI trips and training classes.
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| Become an REI member here. |
On top of that, there are special sales for
members, with the biggest being the REI Garage Sale, formerly known as the REI Used Gear Sale. The garage sale comes twice a year (take that, Christmas) and is an awesome way to get items for much less
than you normally pay. The summer sale unfortunately already happened, but the fall/winter sale is coming up in October.
Everything at the garage sale has been used and returned, so it’s all
heavily discounted (usually about 50% off). For the most part, everything is
still in good shape, it just can’t get resold in the store since it has been
used. Even if something is broken, there’s a good chance it can easily be
fixed. For example, my boyfriend got a brand new Big Agnes tent (high quality,
very expensive brand) for almost nothing because one of its poles had broken
while still in the store. He bought the tent, emailed Big Agnes that he needed
a new pole, and had a free one sent to his door. The garage sales happen twice
a year, and if you have specific items in mind that you’re on the hunt for,
they’re the place to go. But remember, members only!
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| It may not be an addiction for you yet...so how about get your gear, don't starve your bank account? |
Active Junky is a company entirely devoted to discounting
gear. By signing up for a free Active Junky account, you earn cash back on all
the purchases you make through the site. They have hundreds of partners,
including Under Armour, REI, Nike, Sports Authority, and a bunch of other big
brands. The percentage you get back varies with the brand, but since it’s
completely free there’s no reason not to try it out. Active Junky’s revenue
comes from affiliates and advertising, so there are no hidden fees and it is
free forever!
For those of you that have a penchant for flash deals, I
highly recommend you check out Steep and Cheap. It’s a flash sale site for outdoor
gear, so if you’re looking to save big time, I would keep an eye on this site.
Unlike many mainstream flash sale sites (I’m looking at you, Zulily), you can
return any product you get on Steep and Cheap within 30 days, no questions
asked. Added bonus: their parent company, Backcountry, is an affiliate of Active Junky.
Even with all of these great websites and memberships, you
can never go wrong with outlets and the clearance rack. I’ve found some
absolute gems in both places, plus I’ve found out about really excellent sales
by joining email lists. I know everyone needs another email newsletter like
they need a hole in the head, but it’s a great way to get free shipping and
first dibs on sales items.
One last tip – sometimes, it’s okay to go cheap. Target has
an excellent athletic apparel section that will hurt your wallet much less than
a trip to REI.
No matter what your cash flow situation is, there are plenty
of ways to not break the bank while getting your outdoor gear collection
started. You just have to shop smart. But if you find yourself lusting over
everything at REI, I won’t judge you if you splurge.
