Perhaps the most overwhelming aspect of scouting is where to buy equipment, what to buy and how to not spend too much money. It’s easy to say “Go to REI, they’ll help you, educate you and stand behind their products.” That’s all true, but one thing you didn’t see in that statement is anything about being on a budget.
I’m going to make a few recommendations and give a few of my own perspectives in this email, which I hope you’ll find helpful in choosing the right equipment for your scout(s) according to your own budget.
REI
For $20, you get a life time membership to REI. You don’t have to buy it, but since you get 20% off your first purchase when you do, it pretty well pays for itself. The advantages of membership are:
- You receive coupon offers for 20-30% off a few times per year, all of your purchases are tracked so returns without a receipt are no hassle.
- Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you buy it, use it and hate it, you can return it….the next day, week or year.
- Every year you’ll receive a 10% dividend on you purchase for the following year, which were made without coupons and weren’t from the scratch & dent sales/ bins.
- They will help you and educate you and the staff does have experience.
- Some of the REI brand gear was designed using what they know about the other brands they sell and what they’ve learned from their customers. Very good stuff.
- They are not a discount outlet. Most days you’ll pay full retail for what you purchase.
hikerdirect.com
This is a special purchase route only for scouts and scouting leaders only, direct from the manufacturer of Alps Mountaineering products.
- This programs gives scouts ~45% off retail pricing and the ability to purchase sales samples (salesman used it to show dealers) at truly incredible prices.
- Mr. Fraley has experience with them and says they make great stuff.
- There are no Alps dealers local to us , so you’ll have to do your research online.
- Go to http://www.hikerdirect.com/hd/faq to learn more about the program and register.
- Go to http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/ to see the gear and RETAIL pricing.
- Go to https://www.hikerdirect.com/hd/sales_items to see the sales sample which are so deeply discounted. You’ll need to look the item up on the Alps website to learn about the item itself.
- Order will be placed by phone, email or fax. No shopping cart at this time.
- Mr. Fraley says they have a strong return policy.
The Scout Store
- Growing selection of equipment
- Usually good quality gear
- Price is usually at or below retail
- Return policy is VERY limited
Bass Pro Shops
- Offers a variety of equipment with a little less expertise than REI.
- Offers a 10% scouting discount (bring you membership card, hat, something).
- They’re a little far off, but have a lot of good gear.
Coleman Stores
- Sells only Coleman gear
- Offers a scouting discount (just tell them)
- Light on the expertise (they know what the book says)
- Equipment is middle range quality. Good enough for many, but I’d say more family camping oriented.
- I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a trail stove hear or some accessories where quality really won’t vary much.
Sports Authority
- About the same as the Coleman store, but without the discount.
- Clothing items are usually at full retail.
- Return policy is limited.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Just not worth MoG traffic and hassle.
- Good selection of gear, high and low quality
- Some expertise
- Not a great return policy
- Prices are a little high for the quality in my opinion
Walmart
Zach and I started with Walmart equipment. In the end, I paid about the same as I would have if I’d bought at REI as I had to keep replacing the gear.
- Offers no expertise or guidance.
- Very budget oriented and with a few good items, but the term “you get what you pay for” applies hear.
- The return policy on used equipment (things you’ve tried out) is hit or miss.
- Good inventory of items.
- Use as a last resort if you can help it.