Gear and the getting of gear and sometimes just looking for good gear can be another fun component of getting outdoors and Scouting. There are lots of resources both locally as well as on the internet. You can go the basic route of “googling” but you’ll be overwhelmed really quickly! Even if you visit a store or site, you can be overwhelmed really quickly. This post is an attempt to share some of the places I have found helpful.

Local stores have to be the first recommendation. First, they are local businesses that support the local community and have hands-on opportunities, usually with highly knowledgable staff. Alabama Outdoors has a store here in Homewood and Mountain High Outfitters has stores nearby. Both are very happy to help, really, they love to help! Ask lots of questions and you’ll see their eyes light up with an opportunity to share their knowledge. They also have really good gear. Brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes are some of the best in the business. Of course, their price tags show that. That’s the one drawback, it is expensive. But, you certainly get what you pay for. And, remind them you’re a Scout and they both give 10% discount.

Other local stores like Dick’s and Academy and even Wal-Mart have gear that will provide years of service without the sticker-shock. Of course, their staff isn’t as knowledgable and you have to depend more on your knowledge. Some of these stores also have some name-brands that are very recognizable but sometimes they are lower quality items. I’ve looked online for specific models I saw at the store and not even found them on the manufacturer’s website. Seems like they’re made specifically for the big-box retailer. Doesn’t immediately mean it’s not good, but there’s a reason the cost is lower. Check it out and know what you’re getting.

Some of us even find things at thrift stores and second hand stores. Again, you have to know what you’re looking for and it is often very random, but good deals can be found. Not any second hand gear specific stores in our area but other big cities often have them.

Next is the internet. Get ready to find anything and everything you can imagine! Downside is you don’t get to try it on or put hands on it, but you can get deals galore. If you know what you’re looking for, you can get customer reviews and sometimes even store reviews. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a start and some of the go-to stores websites.

REI and Campmor are probably 2 of the biggest, well-known names in camping and outdoor equipment. REI has stores across the US including a few in Atlanta, as well as a huge and very helpful website. They have lots of info in addition to most of the big manufacturers and even have their own name-brand gear that is pretty good and gets good ratings. You can get a co-op membership at REI and get special discounts and a dividend each year on you purchases.

Campmor has been around quite a while and I remember my time in Scouts, combing through the catalog and making wish list of the next fun purchase. They still put out the little catalog, and I can still be caught spending hours reviewing the same small black & white pages, but their website is even more expansive.

Beyond that, you can find websites by all the major manufacturers as well as some other stores like Eastern Mountain Sports, Backcountry.com, and even Bass Pro and Cabela’s. Lots of opportunities and it all depends on how much time you want to spend.

One last recommendation that I found a few months back is The Clymb. You have to be invited the first time (and I get a credit if you use this link: http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/MichaelChurchman1 ) They’re sort of the Groupon of outdoor gear and clothing. They have featured sales everyday and deep discount prices. Again, check other sites before you impulsively buy but I have been very happy with my purchases. (Most Scouts have seen or borrowed my Tool Logic SL Pliers that I purchased on The Clymb: http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/264358/show-product/393333?f=mi ) Plus, they have periodic sales where they give even deeper discounts.

So, thats a start for where to get good gear for Scouts and all your outdoor needs. Feel free to ask any of the adult leaders in our Troop about any items – we all started dreaming in the Sears Christmas catalog, and probably would love to share what we think!