New Equipment Providers?

[Kathy F.]

Many pilgrims are making up for lost time and heading out on their long postponed Camino journey.

My question is, what are some of the new companies that sell equipment for our use? Besides REI, Decathlon, etc., there are some lesser known places that sell great equipment. If you have a favorite you would recommend a friend look into, what would it be? Why?
Links to websites welcome.

 

[J Willhaus]

Six moon designs sells nice packs.
Check some of the online stores like Moosejaw or Backcountry.com.
Cabellas/Bass Pro Shop has some products.
I live in the Mountain West part of the US so there are also lots of local stores what sell outdoor gear and I go to garage sales as many people in these parts are hikers and campers.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

With few exceptions my gear since 1972 has been bought from REI and EMS, Eastern Mountain Sports. In the early days the EMS catalog serviced double duty as the textbook on backpacking. They are online and also have stores in the northeastern US.

Eastern Mountain Sports

We're working hard to bring you a new web experience which will be home for all the outdoor gear and apparel you know and love us for. In the meantime, you can still stop by one of our stores where our teams are ready to welcome you.

ems.com

Edit: The company that owns EMS also owns Bob's Store and EMS clothing may be on sale at Bob's. It is at my local Bob's.

 

[vjpdx]

Following.
I don't know of much nationally other than brands you've mentioned, Kathy. If you live in a place with an outdoor store, may I suggest checking out their consignment/used gear sections? I've gotten some great gear for pennies. I'm an REI member and they'll get some of my cash for sure, but I love giving a share to the little guys.

 

[good_old_shoes]

Not an outoor store, but still useful for long distance walking: Veith, a small german company, makes absolutely amazing merino socks! https://www.veith-socks.de/ You wear them "inside out" and they're not marked left/right, but they will adjust to the shape of your feet after wearing them for some time (mark one sock with a few stitches of coloured string so that you know which one is left / right). Instead of getting holes, they change into some sort of felt after a while and get even stronger. I'm not associated to the manufacturer, just a happy customer!

 

[Kathy F.]

For the record, I currently live in a state (Hawaii) that has NO outdoor /sporting goods stores.
None. Nada. Zilch.
Everything we get is either from Walmart or ordered online and shipped in. This conversation is very useful for me, hopefully for others.

 

[Kathy F.]

Not an outoor store, but still useful for long distance walking: Veith, a small german company, makes absolutely amazing merino socks! https://www.veith-socks.de/ You wear them "inside out" and they're not marked left/right, but they will adjust to the shape of your feet after wearing them for some time (mark one sock with a few stitches of coloured string so that you know which one is left / right). Instead of getting holes, they change into some sort of felt after a while and get even stronger. I'm not associated to the manufacturer, just a happy customer!

I looked at the website. They look amazing! It seems that they don't sell directly online, you go to other stores' websites and order them. Is that correct?

 

[Kathy F.]

Following.
I don't know of much nationally other than brands you've mentioned, Kathy. If you live in a place with an outdoor store, may I suggest checking out their consignment/used gear sections? I've gotten some great gear for pennies. I'm an REI member and they'll get some of my cash for sure, but I love giving a share to the little guys.

I am a member also and, when I'm in town, I always shop in the store, also online. They have clever equipment. I've also gotten some nice used equipment from a brick & mortar store many years ago, served my needs well. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[J Willhaus]

My husband just got a new 6 Moons design pack. The company rep told him today how to size it for his torso and told him to send photos while he was wearing it so they could help him fit it properly. Good service.

 

[trecile]

I looked at the website. They look amazing! It seems that they don't sell directly online, you go to other stores' websites and order them. Is that correct?

Those socks do look great, but it doesn't look like they are sold outside of Germany.

 

[Esperanza]

For the record, I currently live in a state (Hawaii) that has NO outdoor /sporting goods stores.
None. Nada. Zilch.

When I lived in Hawaii years ago, I was shocked at this. Sorry to hear it is still the case. OTOH, if you want a custom built surf board, you have plenty of options for that.

While not exactly supporting the little guys, I have found quite a bit of hiking gear on Amazon. I recently bought an EMS fleece quarter zip of exceptional quality. It’s been many years (decades, actually) since I have bought any of their gear, and I was really impressed. I am trying to justify buying another, actually, but so far haven’t been able to do so. I also recently bought some very nice merino socks from the big A.

Good luck!

 

[good_old_shoes]

I looked at the website. They look amazing! It seems that they don't sell directly online, you go to other stores' websites and order them. Is that correct?

The shops and online stores that sell them are listed on the website. Sadly all in germany, one shop in belgium apparently. I get them from a small shoe store in the south of germany - ordered very old school by e-mail or phone and then sent to me.

I have seen the socks on amazon and ebay a few times, but they're probably only available in germany? You could try to email the manufacturer and ask.

(Edit: I just had a look at one of the online stores that sells them (bergzeit.de), and it seems that they do ship to places outside of germany and outside the EU, but not sure if overseas.)

 

[domigee]

Many pilgrims are making up for lost time and heading out on their long postponed Camino journey.

My question is, what are some of the new companies that sell equipment for our use? Besides REI, Decathlon, etc., there are some lesser known places that sell great equipment. If you have a favorite you would recommend a friend look into, what would it be? Why?
Links to websites welcome.

It so depends where we all live! My telling you of a little local shop in South East England will soooo not help anyone

 

[good_old_shoes]

It so depends where we all live! My telling you of a little local shop in South East England will soooo not help anyone

Maybe we can't buy from there but I always find it interesting to see which kind of amazing gear is available elsewhere

 

[Corned Beef]

I looked at the website. They look amazing! It seems that they don't sell directly online, you go to other stores' websites and order them. Is that correct?

If you are a new equipment 'junkie' then look for a trade exhibition. All you usually need to get in is a business card and the business need not be relevant to the trade. You can wander around and see the sort of items you never see in the mainstream and some up-and-coming products before the catch hold in the market.

And if you time it for just after lunch on the last day, some will sell product off the stand so they don't have to take it back to the office.

 

[domigee]

Maybe we can't buy from there but I always find it interesting to see which kind of amazing gear is available elsewhere

Well, it was the only shop in the UK where I could buy Hoka one one shoes - and I still had to order them.

 

[Kathy F.]

These suggestions are all wonderful! Keep them coming. Please don't imagine that your favorite local store won't be of interest to anyone else - I live in Hawaii BUT my son lives in Belgium and we are moving soon to Germany!!

 

[henrythedog]

I’m pretty much of the view that a fleece is a fleece is a fleece; although I’m a sucker for designer brands. Socks and footware are another matter entirely and there are many recommendations on here.

But rucksacks: well, pull up a chair:

I default back to my Osprey range; but locally to me there are two artisanal manufacturers worth checking out.

Aiguille Alpine Equipment make sacks for pretty much all of the U.K. mountain rescue teams. Made largely of cordura they take a bit of strength to pick up empty; but they are bombproof and much sought-after.

Aiguille Ltd - UK made, high quality, outdoor kit that will last.

At Aiguille we design and manufacture climbing and mountaineering rucksacks in the UK, as well as equipment for various other outdoor activities.

www.aiguillealpine.co.uk

Totally at the other end of the scale are Atom packs; the makers of which trained at Aiguille; but have gone very lightweight.

Atom Packs | Ultralight Backpacks Made to Order

Custom built ultralight backpacks for hikers, climbers and mountaineers, all made to order in the Lake District National Park

atompacks.co.uk

Whether you’re in the market or not, both websites are well worth exploring.

I also live just a couple of miles from the designers and sole suppliers of ‘pacer poles’.

Finally; for high quality down equipment - when you call them you speak to the man or woman who’s making your gear:

PHD | Sleeping Bags and Mountaineering Clothing | Made in England

www.phdesigns.co.uk

They have a couple of sales every year which can bring the price down to just ‘very expensive’ from the usual ‘How much ???’ - but the quality’s exceptional.

The English Lake District probably has the highest concentration of outdoor equipment shops in Europe. Trying to find a shop selling milk can be a challenge, but every second retailer will outfit you for anything from a dog walk to an expedition to the Himalaya.

 

[dougfitz]

For the record, I currently live in a state (Hawaii) that has NO outdoor /sporting goods stores.
None. Nada. Zilch.
Everything we get is either from Walmart or ordered online and shipped in. This conversation is very useful for me, hopefully for others.

I was going to be sympathetic to your plight, but I thought I would consult Dr Google first. Interesting!

And I know that there is more to Hawaii than just this one island.

 

[Dennis Pack]

I ordered my Icebreaker merino wool socks directly from the company. Not a big fan of "middlemen", especially those that screw over their employees.

Sustainable Merino Wool Clothing | icebreaker®

Our natural merino wool clothing provides the ultimate comfort and performance for your adventures outdoors and in life. Shop now!

www.icebreaker.com

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

If you know what you want and size etc. check Sierra Trading Post website. Surplus brand names, equipment and clothing but you need to check regularly. Have not done as well with them recently, but any option for you.

 

[lt56ny]

Those socks do look great, but it doesn't look like they are sold outside of Germany.

Shipping to points west over the pond might be a wee bit expensive.

 

[lt56ny]

May I recommend (as I have a budget), checking out the closeouts and the outlets on the websites of the suggested companies. I have bought clothes from some of them at less than half the original price and am still using them 4 or 5 caminos later. From the REI outlet 3 years ago I bought a light down coat that was about 60% of the price of the one that REI replaced it with. I do not see any real difference looking at the specs. I wore it in 2019 and 2021 on Caminos in December and was warm all the time. I had a REI backpack that I knew only had one Camino left. (It was my 6th Camino) In 2019 I bought a closeout REI Flash 45L backpack for $80US. I checked the internet and it received great reviews and the reviewers were quoting prices of $150-$175. I had private conversations with the wonderful @davebugg and he also thought it was an excellent pack. It is much lighter than my original one. I look forward to many caminos with it.

 

[Kathy F.]

I was going to be sympathetic to your plight, but I thought I would consult Dr Google first. Interesting!

And I know that there is more to Hawaii than just this one island.

Yep. No sporting goods stores on any of the islands. If there was a store on another island, flying there would be doable but somewhat costly and inconvenient.
We don’t have an IKEA, either. Surf shops, yes (one of my sons is a surf instructor, so I’m ok with it).

 

[Keith H]

I was going to be sympathetic to your plight, but I thought I would consult Dr Google first. Interesting!

And I know that there is more to Hawaii than just this one island.

Those were pretty much just fish and guns Doug

 

[Keith H]

If you want a great selection of small producers making great gear check out Garage Grown Gear. I’m very jealous of that site. Nothing like that here

 

[J Willhaus]

If you want a great selection of small producers making great gear check out Garage Grown Gear. I’m very jealous of that site. Nothing like that here

I get their email notifications.

 

[Esperanza]

I was going to be sympathetic to your plight, but I thought I would consult Dr Google first. Interesting!

And I know that there is more to Hawaii than just this one island.

Yes, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, wind surfing, and of course surfing, got that covered. Also super high end designer brands for wealthy tourists. Actual backpacking and wilderness camping gear looks scant.

Although there are eight islands, Oahu is where the vast majority of the population lives. Outer island folks come to Honolulu to shop, not the other way around. In terms of retail selection, there really is just the one island.

 

[Kathy F.]

I had forgotten how good EMS products have been for me in the past. Thanks for the reminders. I am also loving the smaller companies that make more dedicated equipment . . . and I like all your reviews. Also, I’ve never met a merino wool product I didn’t like.

 

[dougfitz]

Those were pretty much just fish and guns

Actual backpacking and wilderness camping gear looks scant.

I accept both of these observations, but that is not the point. Both of you were able to identify that there were outdoor/sporting goods stores, unlike the claim that there were none.

Although there are eight islands, Oahu is where the vast majority of the population lives. Outer island folks come to Honolulu to shop, not the other way around. In terms of retail selection, there really is just the one island.

And this would not be the only place where forum members might face the tyranny of distance. Even the issue of travelling between islands won't necessarily be unique, albeit it does create additional challenges for those where that is necessary.

Yep. No sporting goods stores on any of the islands.

Really! I suppose there might be a nuance that I am missing here, but https://uloha.com/ doesn't mention surfing, scuba diving or swimming at all on the front page and seems to be full of what might be called backpacking and wilderness gear.

Engage in hyperbole by all means. We probably all do from time to time. But don't be surprised if you are called for stretching the truth just a little too thinly!

 

[Esperanza]

@dougfitz I have no wish to continue this discussion, but you raise a good point about the Uloha shop. It may be a new business. @Kathy F. Are you familiar with it?

 

[Kathy F.]

@dougfitz I have no wish to continue this discussion, but you raise a good point about the Uloha shop. It may be a new business. @Kathy F. Are you familiar with it?

I will check it out. It appears to be a relatively new store and the area (Ward Warehouse) where the store is located is newly rebuilt.

Otherwise, the only place I can find to buy even a tent, no backpacks, is Walmart. Even the nearby military base does not carry this equipment here. I don't think of Walmart as an outdoor equipment store.

 

[Kathy F.]

I visited the new Uloha store here on Oahu. The management and customer service was friendly and seem familiar with their stock. The store is small but seems to focus on the most likely items one would be looking for. This is not to say that the items are run of the mill cheap. They carry Merrill and Keen in the boot department, Osprey backpacks, Jet Boil stoves, Smartwool socks, etc. I even spotted a Big Agnes sleeping bag in a corner. Their inventory is limited but the people seem anxious to please.

The limited selection won’t tempt me away from the offerings here from you, my pilgrim friends. I’ve already looked at many of the sites suggested - it’s always fun to make a new discovery!

 

[C clearly]

For the record, I currently live in a state (Hawaii) that has NO outdoor /sporting goods stores.
None. Nada. Zilch.

I suppose there might be a nuance that I am missing here, but https://uloha.com/ doesn't mention surfing, scuba diving or swimming at all on the front page and seems to be full of what might be called backpacking and wilderness gear.

Thank you for this suggested store, which @Kathy F. has now helpfully visited and posted about.

I think the point has been more than adequately made that there are few outdoor equipment stores in Hawaii of the sort that we most often talk about here on the forum. To say there are "zero" appears to be an inadvertent out-of-date misstatement that @Kathy F. was happy to be corrected on.

To all - please stick to the intent of the thread, which is to point out lesser known suppliers of equipment suitable for the Camino.

 

[ClaytonR]

Hammock Gear makes custom lightweight quilts that are a great value. Real down, 16-17 ozs and less than $200.

Burrow

Make the switch to the Burrow lightweight Top Quilt from Hammock Gear! This quilt is a favorite of both hammock & ground campers around the world.

hammockgear.com

 

[chinacat]

Travel Accessories | Travel Equipment | Travel Clothing | SafariQuip

Safariquip The Foremost Travel Equipment Online Shop for Holiday, Safari and Adventure Gear. Buy Travel Equipment, Travel Accessories, Travel Clothing, Luggage, Insect Repellents, Mosquito Nets and Much More. Travel Advice and All the Kit You Need for Travelling, Together on One Helpful Website

safariquip.co.uk

This used to be a mail order business and went online.
The owner only stocked items he considered functional, good value for money, durable, lightweight etc and he had no room/time for ‘fads’ and brands which were overpriced and sought after by the fashionista.
Anything he stocked had to be useful and reliable.

I haven’t been in the market for ‘gear’ for the last few years - I really do have enough of the stuff - but he was always my first choice, especially for anything for a niche, or specialist, purpose.
I called him when I wanted a pack for the camino 13 years ago. He knew exactly which one would do me and it was perfect.

***
And although it’s no longer the small company it was when I discovered it, I reckon Alpkit is still a great supplier of well designed, well made and well priced outdoor gear. It’s growing now and following the same ethos that made it successful in the beginning. It takes its environmental impact very seriously and also uses a proportion of its profits to enable access to the outdoors for many who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Its merino base layers beat Icebreaker hands down, imho … they’re 100% merino, hardwearing and the fit is perfect, especially the women’s … they’re really well shaped.

(They’ll ship to Oz … I asked them for someone on here. )

 

[Keith H]

Travel Accessories | Travel Equipment | Travel Clothing | SafariQuip

Safariquip The Foremost Travel Equipment Online Shop for Holiday, Safari and Adventure Gear. Buy Travel Equipment, Travel Accessories, Travel Clothing, Luggage, Insect Repellents, Mosquito Nets and Much More. Travel Advice and All the Kit You Need for Travelling, Together on One Helpful Website

safariquip.co.uk

This used to be a mail order business and went online.
The owner only stocked items he considered functional, good value for money, durable, lightweight etc and he had no room/time for ‘fads’ and brands which were overpriced and sought after by the fashionista.
Anything he stocked had to be useful and reliable.

I haven’t been in the market for ‘gear’ for the last few years - I really do have enough of the stuff - but he was always my first choice, especially for anything for a niche, or specialist, purpose.
I called him when I wanted a pack for the camino 13 years ago. He knew exactly which one would do me and it was perfect.

***
And although it’s no longer the small company it was when I discovered it, I reckon Alpkit is still a great supplier of well designed, well made and well priced outdoor gear. It’s growing now and following the same ethos that made it successful in the beginning. It takes its environmental impact very seriously and also uses a proportion of its profits to enable access to the outdoors for many who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Its merino base layers beat Icebreaker hands down, imho … they’re 100% merino, hardwearing and the fit is perfect, especially the women’s … they’re really well shaped.

(They’ll ship to Oz … I asked them for someone on here. )

Nothing like having gear ‘vetted’ in some way. There is sooo much out there that it feels like a minefield of potentially expensive mistakes

 

[chinacat]

Nothing like having gear ‘vetted’ in some way. There is sooo much out there that it feels like a minefield of potentially expensive mistakes

I’ve just been trawling through the site and see that Julian McIntosh has retired (2018) and the site now looks rather sad.
Nothing like the range they used to have and most of what’s listed seems to be “Out-of-Stock“.
It’s a shame.
I suppose it’s possible that it took a specific individual to build and run a company like that. He started by kitting out expeditions.
Whatever the reason, it’s a shadow of its former ‘self’.
Ah well … nothing lasts forever …

 

[henrythedog]

Excellent range stocked here also

Lightweight Outdoor Equipment | UK | Ultralight Outdoor Gear

The best lightweight Camping, Trekking, & Outdoor kit available online. With reviews, full tech specs & helpful advice. FREE UK+EU Delivery

ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

 

[henrythedog]

I’ve just been trawling through the site and see that Julian McIntosh has retired (2018) and the site now looks rather sad.
Nothing like the range they used to have and most of what’s listed seems to be “Out-of-Stock“.
It’s a shame.
I suppose it’s possible that it took a specific individual to build and run a company like that. He started by kitting out expeditions.
Whatever the reason, it’s a shadow of its former ‘self’.
Ah well … nothing lasts forever …

They used to be physically in Moreland near Penrith, just up the road from me. Coincidentally near the original ‘Survival Aids’ shop.

 

[chinacat]

They used to be physically in Moreland near Penrith, just up the road from me. Coincidentally near the original ‘Survival Aids’ shop.

I was going to ask you if they were …
I thought I remembered him as a denizen of the Lake District.
I only ever used to contact him by ‘phone (in the 80s & 90s).

Ah … Survival Aids!!!
Are they still extant?

 

[henrythedog]

I was going to ask you if they were …
I thought I remembered him as a denizen of the Lake District.
I only ever used to contact him by ‘phone (in the 80s & 90s).

Ah … Survival Aids!!!
Are they still extant?

I think they’re online (if anywhere) but in different ownership. . The shop at Moreland closed ages ago and they operated two small outlets at Aldershot and Catterick train stations catering for their target market in the army.

Both they and Travelling Light were real treasures in pre-internet days when you had to wait for the catalogue to come through the post twice each year.

 

[MikeyC]

Travel Accessories | Travel Equipment | Travel Clothing | SafariQuip

Safariquip The Foremost Travel Equipment Online Shop for Holiday, Safari and Adventure Gear. Buy Travel Equipment, Travel Accessories, Travel Clothing, Luggage, Insect Repellents, Mosquito Nets and Much More. Travel Advice and All the Kit You Need for Travelling, Together on One Helpful Website

safariquip.co.uk

This used to be a mail order business and went online.
The owner only stocked items he considered functional, good value for money, durable, lightweight etc and he had no room/time for ‘fads’ and brands which were overpriced and sought after by the fashionista.
Anything he stocked had to be useful and reliable.

I haven’t been in the market for ‘gear’ for the last few years - I really do have enough of the stuff - but he was always my first choice, especially for anything for a niche, or specialist, purpose.
I called him when I wanted a pack for the camino 13 years ago. He knew exactly which one would do me and it was perfect.

***
And although it’s no longer the small company it was when I discovered it, I reckon Alpkit is still a great supplier of well designed, well made and well priced outdoor gear. It’s growing now and following the same ethos that made it successful in the beginning. It takes its environmental impact very seriously and also uses a proportion of its profits to enable access to the outdoors for many who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Its merino base layers beat Icebreaker hands down, imho … they’re 100% merino, hardwearing and the fit is perfect, especially the women’s … they’re really well shaped.

(They’ll ship to Oz … I asked them for someone on here. )

I can also vouch for Alpkit. To date I have bought bivvy bags, a storm shelter and a ripstop nylon tarp. All good quality and I waited for them to be on the Christmas sale so especially good value.
We were hiking in the Lake District last week and visited their Ambleside store. They also have their own bike range and two of the types are respectively "Camino" and "Santiago". I asked but no one could enlighten me as to their choice of names.

Their merino tops seemed pretty good though I'm all stocked up so can't give a user's feedback.
Mind you, I don't rate Icebreaker as much since they were bought by VF i.e. North Face and Smart Wool amongst other brands they own.

 

[henrythedog]

I can also vouch for Alpkit. To date I have bought bivvy bags, a storm shelter and a ripstop nylon tarp. All good quality and I waited for them to be on the Christmas sale so especially good value.
We were hiking in the Lake District last week and visited their Ambleside store. They also have their own bike range and two of the types are respectively "Camino" and "Santiago". I asked but no one could enlighten me as to their choice of names.

Their merino tops seemed pretty good though I'm all stocked up so can't give a user's feedback.
Mind you, I don't rate Icebreaker as much since they were bought by VF i.e. North Face and Smart Wool amongst other brands they own.

Alpkit have a good community-support programme also with (if I remember correctly) a % of their profit going back into outdoor-related social action. They’re also very helpful people. They sourced some spares for one of their ‘brew kit’ stoves (budget jet-boil) for me and wouldn’t take payment; so I dropped a tenner in their charity box. They can occasionally run low on stock - their products are made for them in bulk to keep the cost down so sometimes you’re (literally) waiting for the ship to come in.

 

[RussB]

I’m pretty much of the view that a fleece is a fleece is a fleece; although I’m a sucker for designer brands. Socks and footware are another matter entirely and there are many recommendations on here.

But rucksacks: well, pull up a chair:

I default back to my Osprey range; but locally to me there are two artisanal manufacturers worth checking out.

Aiguille Alpine Equipment make sacks for pretty much all of the U.K. mountain rescue teams. Made largely of cordura they take a bit of strength to pick up empty; but they are bombproof and much sought-after.

Aiguille Ltd - UK made, high quality, outdoor kit that will last.

At Aiguille we design and manufacture climbing and mountaineering rucksacks in the UK, as well as equipment for various other outdoor activities.

www.aiguillealpine.co.uk

Totally at the other end of the scale are Atom packs; the makers of which trained at Aiguille; but have gone very lightweight.

Atom Packs | Ultralight Backpacks Made to Order

Custom built ultralight backpacks for hikers, climbers and mountaineers, all made to order in the Lake District National Park

atompacks.co.uk

Whether you’re in the market or not, both websites are well worth exploring.

I also live just a couple of miles from the designers and sole suppliers of ‘pacer poles’.

Finally; for high quality down equipment - when you call them you speak to the man or woman who’s making your gear:

PHD | Sleeping Bags and Mountaineering Clothing | Made in England

www.phdesigns.co.uk

They have a couple of sales every year which can bring the price down to just ‘very expensive’ from the usual ‘How much ???’ - but the quality’s exceptional.

The English Lake District probably has the highest concentration of outdoor equipment shops in Europe. Trying to find a shop selling milk can be a challenge, but every second retailer will outfit you for anything from a dog walk to an expedition to the Himalaya.

Atom packs are very good, I took my Mo out today , very comfortable

 

[Kathy F.]

I'm so delighted with the spirit in which just about everyone it responding to my question. I feel like we are all sitting around a campfire, drinking . . . whatever . . . and chatting about favorite equipment and suppliers, which is exactly what I had hoped for and needed.

Since I do order mostly everything online, there is no temptation to run over to the nearest store and pick up what I might want/need. All of these suggestions are being given serious consideration and attention - I'm always on the lookout for a new supplier, especially small businesses.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Something just popped into what is left of my mind. Campmor used to send me yearly catalogs. They must have stopped doing that when they went online. I never did order anything but I sure enjoyed looking at what they had.

Here's their homepage:

Campmor: Your Quickest Link to the Outdoors

Explore the great outdoors with confidence, equipped with gear from Campmor - Your one-stop shop for all things camping and hiking. Find everything you need, from tents to backpacks, at unbeatable prices. Get ready for your next adventure with Campmor!

www.campmor.com

And if you want a taste of what their catalogs were like:

Campmor Retro Paper Catalog

Browse through the memories of Campmor's Paper Catalog. With random printed years you could stroll down memory lane with this catalog. Some items are still in our online catalog *prices are not the same*

www.campmor.com

 

[vjpdx]

Something just popped into what is left of my mind. Campmor used to send me yearly catalogs. They must have stopped doing that when they went online. I never did order anything but I sure enjoyed looking at what they had.

Oh! Campmor! I bought a tent from them in 1986. Good times! I remember those catalogs quite fondly.