Black Friday Outdoor and Cycling Gear Deals 2012

November 22nd, 2012

Here’s a list of outdoor and cycling related deals for Black Friday and through the weekend to Cyber Monday. Some of the deals are already available and some are just on Black Friday or Cyber Monday so check the details.

A couple big deals are 40% off regular priced items and 20% off sale items at Konasports and up to 30% off at Sierra Trading Post. See list below for coupon codes. The list is alphabetical by store name.

Altrec

Backcountry.com

Backcountry.com is running a few different sales through 11/28/12 with up to 70% off and includes free 2-day shipping on $50+ orders.

Bike Nashbar

Take an extra 20% off orders over $50 including bikes and frames through Sunday with code 72635. Some exclusions. Free shipping on Monday and Tuesday with code 43841 on orders over $25.

Climb High

25% off Rab, Patagonia, Brooks Range & ISIS. 20% Off All Ice Climbing Gear. Free shipping and free returns on all orders. Deals run Thursday through Monday.

CycloCamping.com

DC

Spend $125 and Get $25 OFF Your Next Order & Free Shipping. Offer Expires 11/26 at Midnight.

Derailed

15% Off Sitewide on Snowboard and Ski Apparel and Accessories and More.

Dogfunk

Equipe Sport

Getz

Save up to 50% on The North Face + Free Shipping over $75. Good through 12/1/12.

Giantnerd

Up to 80% off bike and outdoor gear.

Half-Moon Outfitters

Save an Extra 20% Off Select The North Face Items through 12/3 while supplies last, with promo code: tnfsale. Free Shipping on orders over $49!

Icebreaker

Jenson USA

Lots of great bike and bike accessory deals.

Konasports

Get 40% of regular priced with coupon code BCW40 and 20% off sale items with code BCW20. Excludes UGG, Oakley and Nixon . Free 2 day priority shipping in the US excluding oversize items. Click here to visit Konasports.

Moosejaw

Save 20% on almost everything at Moosejaw. No code necessary! Deal excludes some brands. Ends 11/25/12.

Pactimo

30% Off Cycling Apparel – Jerseys, Jackets & More! Sale runs through Monday.

Performance Bikes

Door busters in every category including bikes. Take an extra 20% off items other than door busters and bikes. Ends Sunday. $20 off orders over $100 on Monday.

Peter Glenn

Extra 20% off sale items on Monday with coupon code CYBMON12. Excludes skis, ski boots and ski bindings.

ProBoardShop

Up to 70% Off Snowboards, Skis, Outerwear, and much more through Monday. Click here to see.

Real Cyclist

Biggest Sale of the Season – Up to 50% Off thousands of bike items.

REI

Save on Gear with REI’s Cyber Monday Deals! Online only at REI.com. Save 50% on all REI Brand Outerwear for Men, Women, Kids on Friday only.

Rock Creek

Sierra Trading Post

Soul Poles

Get 20% off custom ski poles and free shipping with coupon code cybersoul.

Tahoe Mountain Sports

30% Off All Patagonia Clothing for Black Friday-Cyber Monday AND Get Free Shipping Too. Ends Monday. Also check their sale page.

The Clymb

Get the best prices of the year Monday only. Expires 11/27/2012 At 8:00AM PST.

TriVillage

20% Off Almost Everything for Running, Cycling & Swimming + Free Shipping over $75 w/ code: BLACKFRIDAY20. Ends Monday night.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

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Posted in Camp, Climb, gear, Hike, outdoors, Ski, Snowshoe | 2 Comments »

Bike and Outdoor Gear Deals for Black Friday/Cyber Monday

November 25th, 2011

Update: 2012 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Bike and Outdoor Deals

Alli Sports
On Black Friday they are offering 20% off all orders (including sale items) plus free ground shipping with code turkeys. Then on Cyber Monday they’ll have 30% off all regular price items plus free ground shipping with coupon code interweb.

Backcountry.com
Black Friday Sale at Backcountry.com – Up To 50% off plus Free 2-Day Shipping On Orders Over $50.

Bike Nashbar
Take 20% extra off orders over $50 including bikes and frames on Black Friday only. Use coupon code 48572. Some exclusions apply.

CampSaver
At CampSaver.com’s Black Friday Sale you can save up to 70% OFF with some great Door Buster Deals! Awesome savings on climbing gear, footwear, gloves, tents, packs, clothing and much more! Plus 15-20% OFF 20,000 items sitewide! And to top it off, these sale prices will be good through Monday.

Department of Goods
Black Friday they will have 100’s of items at least 60% off. For Cyber Monday they will have 72 items 72% off for 72 hours.

DogFunk
DogFunk’s Black Friday sale includes deep discounts of Up to 50% across 1,000’s of products. Plus they have FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING on $50 orders.

Eastern Mountain Sports
Take 20% Off (Almost) Everything at EMS.com through Monday.

GiantNerd
Get An Additional 15% Off Complete Bikes At Giantnerd.com. Use Coupon Code 15BM At Checkout. Expires 11/28/2011 At 11:59PM MST.

Half Moon Outfitters
Half Moon Outfitters is having a large sale on such brands as Patagonia, Smartwool, Marmot, Arc’Teryx, Horny Toad, Columbia Sportswear, and Mountain Hardwear. Hurry Sale ends on 11/29/11! Free shipping on items over $49! Also get 20% off on Smartwool Hats, Scarves, and Gloves when you enter the promo code wooliscool through 12/6/11.

Icebreaker
30% off all black product and 15% off everything else plus free shipping. Black Friday Only. Cyber Monday Special – Save 20% on all items in the Icebreaker Gift Guide. Plus FREE SHIPPING on all orders! Valid from 12:01 am EST 11/28 until 11:59pm PST 11/28. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts or promotions.

Jenson USA
Killer deals on bikes and accessories at Jenson USA through Monday.

KonaSports
KonaSports has 16% off bmx bikes with code XMASBMX16, 40% off apparel, sunglasses and watches that aren’t on sale with code BF40SALE and 30% off all sale items with code BF30SALE (excludes over sized).

LeftLane Sports
50% Off Ahnu Hiking Footwear And Trail Running Shoes. Ends 11/30.

MooseJaw
Take 30% Off All Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes at Moosejaw.com through 11/27. No code needed. Get free Moosejaw e-Gift Card with any item over $99 with coupon code FREEGC. Some brands excluded. Ends 12/4.

Mountains Plus
Thanks-Gearing Sale UP TO 40% OFF at Mountains Plus. Expires 11/30!

Nantahala Outdoor Center
Monday get 30% Off All Patagonia At Nantahala Outdoor Center. Add Items To Cart To See The Discount Applied. Expires 11/28/2011 At 11:59PM EST.

Outdoor DIVAS
Receive 20% off ALL PrAna.

Performance Bike
20% off almost everything until 2 PM on Black Friday. Excludes Black Friday deals and outlet bikes.

Monday get $20 off purchases of $100 or more. No code needed.

Pro Board Shop
Take an Additional 10% Off All Skullcandy Heaphones & Earbuds at Proboardshop.com with coupon code skullcandy10 on Monday. Shop Proboardshop.com for Up to 70% Off.

River Sports Outfitters
20% off Cascade Designs-Therm-A-Rest, MSR, Seal-Line, Platypus and Tracks and 30% off Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Jackets. Good through Monday.

Rock/Creek Outfitters
15-50% off at Rock/Creek’s Hiking & Camping Sale plus FREE Shipping over $49.

Snowboards.net
20% off skiing and snowboarding accessories through Monday. Some exclusions.

Summit Online
20% off skiing and snowboarding accessories through Monday. Some exclusions.

Tahoe Mountain Sports
Get 10-30% off all the new Patagonia Jackets, Pants and Fleece. Sale ends Monday 11/28 at midnight.

TriVillage
TriVillage is kicking off the Holiday Season with a 20% Sale from today through Monday, November 28th at midnight. Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY to save 20% on hundreds of popular gift items for swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes.

If you need some gift ideas, I have gift guides from last couple years and most of the items will still make great gifts. I plan on posting updated gift ideas soon.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

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Posted in Bike, Camp, Climb, gear, Hike, outdoors, Ski, Snowshoe | No Comments »

Get Your S’more Fix at Home

June 17th, 2011

The U.S. Forest Service has placed fire and smoking restrictions on public lands in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests in the following counties: Clear Creek, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Park, Teller, Chaffee, Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas. 

The restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using fires, campfires of stove fires. Campfires are allowed in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, in the provided fire grates and grills, and gas-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are still allowed.

For more information, go to the Forest Service website,  fs.usda.gov/psicc/

– Deb Acord

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Camp | No Comments »

$50 for Outdoors Costs Nothing with REI & Facebook

December 21st, 2010

REI and Facebook Deals

REI is giving away $100k to outdoor non-profits. They have a list of groups they’re donating to. Our local group is Trails and Open Space Coalition.

Customers determine how much each group gets. For every person that checks in to a REI store that has a local non-profit it is supporting, that outdoor group gets $50 (originally i was $1. The updated info is here). Only one check-in is counted for each person. If your local REI store is on the list and you have a smart phone, go make sure they get their share of the money.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Posted in Bike, Camp, Charity, Climb, Hike, outdoors, running, Ski | No Comments »

Camping In PA And NJ Is A Wonderful Getaway For The Whole Family

December 5th, 2010

This is a guest post. If you’d like to guest post on UltraRob.com, please contact me.

If you and your family love to sleep under the stars, then you will find that camping in PA and NJ may be just the thing that you are looking for. People have different ideas of what a fun camping trip is.

Some people want to find the most remote spot in the woods pitch a tent and live off the resources of the land for several days. Other people like to find a campground that has all the amenities of a working bathroom and running water. Regardless of which group you belong to, you will find something for either group of campers and for those that fall in between.

Camping in Pennsylvania and New Jersey will also offer you two totally different environments. You can find lush and dense forests in Pennsylvania for you and your family to explore. In New Jersey, you can camp near the ocean and pitch your tent right on a beach.

Pennsylvania is known for offering a rougher terrain and a more rustic type of camping adventure. You can start your adventure somewhere along the Appalachian Trail. During the fall, the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s beauty can be seen throughout the state. Hiking trails and the hunting is plentiful throughout the state.

If you prefer to relax at a campground that offers a play area for the children and showering and laundry facilities, they are located throughout the entire state, as well. There are even campgrounds that you visit during the winter months and you may find yourself skiing to the general store to pick up more supplies. Many families have a favorite campground that they go to every year and have developed small communities with other vacationing families.

For those that enjoy camping grounds that have the amenities that make life a little easier, there plenty to be had in either state. There are campgrounds that are located close to amusement parks, so that you can have both the enjoyment of camping and have a place to take the kiddies during the day. Neither state runs short in RV parks, for those that enjoying traveling with a lot of comforts from home.

Whether you are camping in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you will be creating memories that your children will want to recreate with their children. Whether you are looking for a cheap getaway for you and the kids or you want to totally escape the technologically advanced world of today, know that there is a spot for you to plunk down a tent and just be for a while.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Camp | No Comments »

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals 2010

November 25th, 2010

Update: 2012 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Bike and Outdoor Deals

Here’s a list of outdoor and cycling related deals for Black Friday and through the weekend to Cyber Monday. Some of the deals are already available and some are just on Black Friday or Cyber Monday so check the details. I still have more deals to post so check back for more. I expect I’ll find more throughout the weekend and will post them as I find them.

If you need some gift ideas, I have gift guides from last couple years and most of the items will still make great gifts. I plan on posting updated gift ideas soon.

AlsSports

Starting on Monday save big on a huge selection of items storewide: Smith Ski goggles 70% off, Scott Alias Goggles $19.99, North Face Clothing 40% off, Nike Clothing and socks 50% off, ALps Osage 2 Person Tent – $26.99, 40% off all footwear,Smith Sunglasses up to 80% off, Nike Lebron James Basketball $5.99 – Regularly $19, Black Diamond Skis 50% Off, Scott Skis 60% off, Slumberjack Latitude 0 Degree Sleeping Bag $24.99. Ends 11/30

Altrec

Six Days of Deals kicks off on Friday. Coupon BLACKFRIDAY10 gives an extra 10% off on Friday and Saturday.

Backcountry.com

Get up to 50% off select items from brands like Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia and Oakley. In addition to the outstanding deals, get free shipping on all orders (no minimum threshold). Expires 11/29

Bicycle Touring Pro

Black Friday Special get 4 bike touring products for just $47 (normally priced at $85). Valid 11/25-11/28.

Bike Nashbar

20% Off orders of $75 or more through Friday with code TURKEYDAY.

Commuter Bike Store

Department of Goods

Get at least 72% off select items for 72 hours. This includes outdoor gear from Oakley, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’terx and more. Free shipping on orders over $50. Expires 11/29

Dogfunk

50% off select items from brands like Volcom, Element and Special Blend. In addition to the outstanding deals, get free shipping on all orders (no minimum threshold). Expires 11/29

Eastern Mountain Sports

evo

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale: Extra 20% Off ALL Outlet with code superbig2.

GearX

From Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday they’ll be featuring: Most Packs, Sleeping Bags, & Tents at least 10% off. Discounts up to 50% off on select models. Gloves & Mittens at 25-53% off. Extra discounts on Skis, Skins, Tele, & AT Boots. Hundreds of skis priced below $300. Skins up to 70% off.

HaberVision

Huck N Roll

Get up to 70% off select mountain bike gear, shorts, helmets, jackets and more Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Icebreaker

Black is the New Black. Friday Only get 30% off all Black items at Icebreaker. 15% off everything else. Use code BLACK10. Excludes outerwear.

Jenson USA

Big price drops at midnight Thursday night.

KL Sport

Makais

Great deals on bikes, treadmills and much more Friday through Monday.

Masseys Outfitters

Lots of outdoor gear on sale. Click here for the list of sale items.

Modells

  • Black Friday Sale – 20% off orders at Modells.com. Valid 11/26 – 11/28. Exclusions Apply.
  • Cyber Monday Sale – 25% off any single item + Free Shipping with no minimum at Modells.com. Valid 11/29 only. Exclusions Apply.

Moosejaw

NRS

10% off all orders Thursday through Monday. They carry kayaking, rafting, canoeing gear and apparel.

outdoorDIVAS

15% off all PrAna product through December 31. Enter coupon code 5991 at checkout.

Performance Bike

Great deals on many items.

Poppy Sports

20% discount for a week with coupon code BIGTWENTY. Ends 12/3

Pro Boardshop

96 Hours of Saving with deepest discounts on 50 of their top products. Valid Friday through Monday.

Real Cyclist

Get up to 70% off select jerseys, bibs, complete bikes, components and more from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Sierra Trading Post

25% off $125 or 30% off $150. Use code: ALBLACKFRI2KX Valid 11/25 – 11/28.

SKECHERS

  • Get $20 Off Your $100 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT200 11/25 – 11/29
  • Get $30 Off Your $150 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT300 11/25 – 11/29
  • Get $40 Off Your $200 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT400 11/25 – 11/29

Skis.com

Additional 20% OFF thousands of select items. Friday through Monday.

Snowboard Connection

Up to 40% OFF the top brands in Snow, Skate, and Surf. Free Shipping and No Sales tax on orders over $99. Black Friday – Cyber Monday Only!

Snowboard.net

Get an additional 20% OFF thousands of items through Monday.

Sports Authority

Cyber Monday Sale. 20% off Orders at SportsAuthority.com! Exclusions Apply. Valid only on Monday.

Tahoe Mountain Sports

Teton Village Sports

Receive 15% off with code gravy15. Valid 11/25 – 11/30. Brands Volkl, Yeti, Loudmouth Golf, Marker, Sage, Arc’teryx and The North Face are excluded.

The House

96 Hours of Saving with deepest discounts on 50 of their top products. Valid Friday through Monday.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 
b

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bike, Camp, Climb, gear, Hike, outdoors, Ski, Snowshoe | 2 Comments »

When Worlds Collide

November 11th, 2010

The outdoors has been featured prominently in entertainment news lately.

Last week, Oprah Winfrey and her friend Gayle visited Yosemite on her first-ever camping trip and first-ever trip to a national park.  She was invited by park ranger Shelton Johnson, who has made it a personal goal to increase the number of African-American people visiting the national parks.

The pair embarked on an Oprah-style shopping spree (no spending limit) at a California REI store before they went, stocking up on supplies, and arrived at Yosemite with a stuffed Coleman camper and enough gourmet food (sea bass, anyone?)  to feed the entire campground.   I have to admit it was entertaining TV.  Oprah built a respectable campfire, but then had to wait until after dark for the coals to be ready for cooking; Gayle started her camp slipper on fire; Oprah wore pajamas that matched her sleeping bag (who wears pajamas when they’re camping!?)

Johnson was prominently featured in the segment, and he got to make his case for getting African-Americans to visit the outdoors.  It’s been a goal of his for a long time.   He’s the only black park ranger in Yosemite and he told a newspaper reporter a year ago that he’s trying to increase the number of black Yosemite visitors (less than 1 percent of the total). 

“It’s bigger than just African Americans not visiting national parks,” he said. “It’s a disassociation from the natural world.  I think it is, in part, a memory of the horrible things that were done to us in rural America.”

Oprah is back in one of her homes, but Johnson’s campaign hasn’t stopped. Now, he wants another high-profile visitor: rapper Snoop Dogg.  Johnson and change.org have teamed up to lure Dogg into the park.  “All Snoop Dogg has to do is go camping in Yosemite and it would change the world,” Johnson says.  There’s a petition to Snoop Dog’s PR firm, 5W Public Relations, calling on the rapper to go camping.  Check it out  here.

But wait…that’s not all.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service presented their newest honorary forest ranger with a badge and ranger hat to Betty White.  White, who is 88, said she wanted to be a forest ranger when she was a young girl, but that women weren’t allowed into the agency then.

“Wilderness is harder and harder to find these days on this beautiful planet, and we’re abusing our planet to the point of almost no return,” she said. “In my heart I’ve been a forest ranger all my life, but now I’m official.”

 – Deb Acord

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Camp, outdoors | No Comments »

Should You Rent or Buy Your Outdoor Gear?

October 19th, 2010

Camping Near Lake City, CO

Are you planning on outdoor adventure in the near future? If you’re trying out a new activity, you may not already own the gear you need. While your first thought may be to head to your local outdoor store or order online, you have another option as well. In addition to buying your own camping and other outdoor gear, you may also be able to rent it.

Both buying and renting have their own pros and cons. When it comes to determining whether you should buy your own camping gear or just rent the camping gear that you need, you may have a difficult time deciding what to do. Below, the advantages and disadvantages of buying your own outdoor gear and renting your outdoor gear are outlined.

Pros to Buying Outdoor Gear

You will find that there are a number of pros or plus sides to buying your own outdoor gear. One of these plus sides is the convenience of having it available whenever you decide to head out for an adventure. If it’s something like a pack it’ll already adjusted the way you like it. For something like a tent, you’ll know how to put it up and not need to read the instructions unless maybe if you don’t use it often enough.

Snowshoeing on Wolf Creek PassHaving your own gear also means that you can use it as little or as often as you would like and it won’t cost more. If you’re are planning to the activity frequently, you will find that it is easier, as well as cheaper in the long run, to buy your own outdoor gear.

It is also important to note the many options you have when buying your own outdoor gear. When buying your own outdoor gear, you can buy whatever you want. For instance, if you would like a camping tent that has lots of ventilation, you can find ones that have lots of vents. When you buy your own outdoor equipment, you have the ability to be picky if you want to be. With the huge selection of outdoor gear to choose from and many online retailers, the decision as to what you want to buy is yours to make. Here on UltraRob.com, you can search for outdoor gear from over 80 online retailers.

Cons to Buying Outdoor Gear

Although there are a number of positives, like convenience, to buying your own outdoor gear, you will find that the biggest downside to doing so is the cost. Depending on what you need to buy, it can get pretty expensive to purchase your own outdoor gear. With that in mind though, there’s some outdoor gear like camping tents or sleeping bags, that can be purchased for affordable prices especially if you don’t have to have the lightest available. If you are on a budget, you can still buy your own outdoor gear, but you just need to know where to look and watch for sales or buy used from somewhere like eBay.

Pros to Renting Outdoor Gear

When it comes to renting outdoor gear, you will also find a number of pros and cons. As for the pros or plus sides to renting your outdoor equipment, instead of buying it, you will find that the cost is much more affordable. Despite being relatively affordable, different rental stores charge different rental fees. You will also find that outdoor gear can typically be rented for as little as one day or as long as a couple of weeks. Renting your outdoor gear is nice if it’s your first time using a particular piece of outdoor equipment and if you are unsure as to whether or not you would be interested in doing so again.

Cons to Renting Outdoor Gear

As for the cons of renting your camping gear, you may find that you are faced with a limited selection of outdoor gear to choose from. Many outdoor stores only rent the basic items, like tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, skis and snowshoes. While you may have some choices, you will mostly find that your selection is limited. To increase your selection you may want to look at renting online at somewhere like LowerGear.com or GoGITTO.com.

Also when you rent, you will be using a piece of outdoor equipment with which you aren’t familiar. Unless you rent the item a few days early, you won’t have much time to try it out and make sure it meets your needs before you head out on your wild adventure.

I rented snowshoes and backcountry telemark ski equipment a few times before I bought my own. Renting gave me a better idea of what I wanted to buy. As often as I have used them, it has made more sense to own them plus I can go on the spur of the moment without the hassle of renting.

For a couple comparisons between renting and buying outdoor gear, I checked a couple tents. At our local REI store, their Half Dome 2 Tent currently is $199 but can be rented for a week for a bit under $40. Online the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 person tent rents for $39 a week from LowerGear.com plus for where I live 2-way shipping adds another $18.70 for a total of $57.70. It retails for around $329.

Depending on your plans, renting or buying may be your best option. In addition you may also want to think about borrowing outdoor equipment from someone that you know.

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Camp, Hike, outdoors | 1 Comment »

Gear Lust

August 11th, 2010

We’re over halfway through the traditional camping season, and I’m feeling like some new gear. Here are a few things that look intriguing:

The Jetboil Flash, a cool stove that include a thermo chromic temperature indicator on the three color neoprene stripes (it shows you when the contents are hot); a drink-through lid; and a windscreen for the adjustable-flame burner.   The neoprene cozy is the most innovative part of this stove – it stays in place during cooking and doesn’t melt; and it has a pocket for utensils.

Teva Illum flip flops, with LED lights.   If you’ve ever stumbled out of your tent in the dark for a bathroom break, you’ll appreciate this idea.  Tiny detachable LED lights illuminate the ground about eight feet in front of each step. The lights, which are waterproof,  run on batteries that can be replaced.

The Saris Bones trunk bike rack.  I admit it – the color choices sold me on this (who could resist purple?)  but the stability and six attachment straps are also worthy features.  It has a unique shape that’s different than other car bike racks.

The REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed. This is on my dog’s wish list – it has a self-inflating pad insert that allows you to roll it up for easy carrying, and a Sherpa fleece cover.  Think Therm-a-Rest for dogs.

The Dajo Survivor knife, because you can never have too many camping knives. This cool tool has a stainless-steel blade, a fire-starting notch and a Swedish FireSteel included, along with a sheath, emergency whistle and five foot of cord.

A CamelBak insulated stainless steel Better Bottle.  How optimistic I am when I go hiking with my water bottle filled with ice.  How disappointed I am when I stop for my first drink of warmed water.  This bottle eliminates that disappointment, and it has a cool silver finish.

– Deb Acord

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots
Price: $268.44
 
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Price: $159.94
 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bike, Camp, gear, Hike | No Comments »

Story of Frightening Attack

August 6th, 2010

Grizzly Bear and Cub

The details of a bear rampage at a Montana campground in the Gallatin National Forest near Yellowstone National Park last week showed that some commonly known precautions for camping in bear country worked and some didn’t.

A grizzly bear killed one man and injured two people as they slept in their tents.  One of the victims, Deb Freele, said she woke up just before the bear bit her on the arm.  She says she screamed, but the louder she screamed, the harder the bear bit down.  So she played dead and when she stopped moving and screaming, the bear stopped biting, then left her tent.

Playing dead and not fighting back is one of the things wildlife officials tell people to do if they are being attacked.  In this case, it worked.  Campers are also warned to keep food out of the reach of bears because it increases the danger of an attack. In this case, all the campers had put their food in metal food canisters at the campsites but that didn’t stop this rampaging bear.

Wildlife officials don’t know why the bear or bears targeted three of the 27 tents at the Soda Butte Campground. They later trapped the bear and found her three cubs that were malnourished.

– Deb Acord

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