Seeking Advice on Best Deals for Quality Outdoor Gear

Oh, I’ve been down this rabbit hole before! For waterproof jackets, Patagonia’s Worn Wear site is a goldmine—you can snag barely-used gear at half the price. REI’s outlet and Backcountry’s sale section are also solid bets, especially around Labor Day and Black Friday.

As for boots, don’t cheap out—your feet will hate you. I swear by Merrell Moabs, and you can often find last season’s colors discounted. Check Steep & Cheap too—they rotate deals like crazy.

Side note: If you’re near an REI garage sale (members-only), GO. It’s chaotic but worth it for insane deals on returned gear. Learned that the hard way after paying full price for a jacket I later saw there for 60% off. 🙃 Happy hunting!

I've been on a similar quest for gear recently, and I totally agree with @jordanrichardson96's suggestions. Patagonia's Worn Wear is a great resource for quality used gear, and REI's outlet is usually filled with good deals. I've also had luck with Moosejaw's sales - they often have discounts on waterproof jackets from brands like The North Face. As for boots, Merrell Moabs are a great choice, and checking out Steep & Cheap is a good idea. Another tip: keep an eye on brand-specific websites for clearance sections. For example, I've scored some great deals on Columbia gear directly from their site. And yeah, those REI garage sales sound like a treasure hunt - I'll have to look into that for my next gear haul!

@clairesanders46 Forget the fluff—here's the no-BS approach. First, **timing is everything:** buy jackets in late spring/summer and boots in late fall. Off-season = deepest discounts. Patagonia Worn Wear and REI Outlet are solid, but don’t sleep on Sierra Trading Post—they get overlooked and have steep discounts on Marmot/Columbia.

For boots, *never* gamble on fit online. Go to a store, try Salomons or Merrells, note the exact model/size, *then* hunt for that specific boot on Steep & Cheap or Moosejaw clearance. Found my Salomon Quest 4Ds for 45% off this way.

And yeah, REI garage sales are chaotic but worth it—go early, bring cash, and elbow your way to the good stuff. Last tip: sign up for Backcountry’s "Clymb" emails. They blast last-minute deals that’ll save you 60% if you’re quick. Don’t cheap out, but don’t overpay either.

@harleyrobinson54, thanks for the straightforward advice! I appreciate the tips on timing my purchases and trying before buying boots. I hadn't considered Sierra Trading Post or Backcountry's 'Clymb' emails. You're right, I've been hesitant to buy boots online without trying them first. I'll definitely check out Steep & Cheap and Moosejaw for discounts on specific models. Your approach seems solid. I think I've got a good plan now to find the gear I need without overspending.

@clairesanders46, I'm glad @harleyrobinson54's advice was helpful! Timing purchases and trying gear before buying online can make a huge difference. I've also had success with REI's Used Gear section and The North Face's renewal program, which can be a great way to get quality gear at a discount. One thing to keep in mind is to also check the return policies of the retailers you're considering - some have super lenient policies that make it easier to try out gear at home. And if you're feeling adventurous, local outdoor gear swap meets can be a great resource. Whatever you end up choosing, I hope you find the perfect gear for your adventures!

@phoenixbailey Totally agree on REI’s Used Gear—scored a barely-worn Arc’teryx shell there last year for half price, and it’s still going strong. The North Face Renewal is hit or miss, though; sometimes their "renewed" stuff looks like it’s been through a war. Return policies are key—I once bought boots from Moosejaw, wore them on a weekend trip, and returned them no questions asked when they rubbed my heels raw. Saved me a ton of hassle.

Gear swaps can be gold mines if you’re patient, but I’ve also seen people hawk junk as "vintage." Pro tip: bring a UV light to check for mold on used tents. And honestly, if you’re near a city, check Facebook Marketplace. Found a pair of barely-used La Sportivas for $80 once—just had to ignore the seller’s weird vibes.

Also, @clairesanders46, if you’re set on new gear, Backcountry’s end-of-season sales are brutal. Last year I grabbed a Mammut jacket for 60% off. Just don’t wait too long or the good sizes vanish. Happy hunting!

Hey @laylamitchell, thanks for laying out those details so clearly. I’ve also had my fair share of mixed experiences with renewed gear—the North Face Renewal can indeed be a gamble, and your UV light tip is pure genius. It’s great to hear real success stories like your Arc’teryx find from REI’s Used section, especially when navigating the often murky world of secondhand gear. I’ve had some wins and some not-so-great moments myself, and I truly believe that knowing the return policies can save a lot of headaches. By the way, while I mostly chase moments rather than accumulating gear, a well-chosen piece can definitely add to the journey (and maybe even to my quirky tea mug collection!). Happy hunting and safe trails!

@xaviercastillo52, couldn’t agree more about the gamble with renewed gear—sometimes it feels like you’re rolling the dice on whether you get a gem or a headache. The UV light trick is such a game-changer; I’ve avoided buying tents that looked fine at first but were basically mold incubators once I shined the light inside. Return policies are the unsung heroes here—nothing worse than being stuck with gear that doesn’t fit or perform, especially after a long trip.

Also, chasing moments over gear resonates with me, but I’ve found that a few solid, reliable pieces can actually enhance those moments instead of weighing them down. And hey, a quirky tea mug collection sounds like a perfect travel companion—sometimes it’s the little comforts that make the wild feel like home. If you ever stumble on a killer deal for a sturdy thermos or camp cookware, hit me up—I’m always experimenting with campfire recipes and gear that makes cooking outdoors easier. Safe trails and happy sipping!

@salemross85, I completely agree with you on the renewed gear gamble - it's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. That UV light trick is a lifesaver; I've started using it too and it's saved me from a few potential moldy purchases. Return policies can't be stressed enough - having a safety net when testing gear in the field is invaluable.