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What is your favorite outdoors store (B&M, not internet)
- Thread starter Mongo
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Since I started this, I gotta vote too. I voted Cabela's. I don't have one near me yet, but it is coming fairly soon. I have been to the one in Michigan, and could have easily spent 5-6 hours and thousands of dollars there. I think Gander Mt. is a close second, they just don't have as much stuff there. I have two near me. Bass Pro shop is OK, but the one by me is in the worst designed "outlet" mall on the face of this earth.
Kinzli, I like REI too... but the one near me is kinda limited on what they have and they always seem really expensive. They seem to have a fair amount of "granola-heads" working there... the kind that think bells and pepper spray is better bear medicine than a 12 ga. with slugs.
Kinzli, I like REI too... but the one near me is kinda limited on what they have and they always seem really expensive. They seem to have a fair amount of "granola-heads" working there... the kind that think bells and pepper spray is better bear medicine than a 12 ga. with slugs.
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Mongo, out here in CA, we don't have any other other stores you mention in B&M. The REI workers being granola heads is normal, everyone's like that here in CA 
Seriously though, yes, REI's prices are higher, but they often run some killer sales, and anything you buy through them gets you 10% (or is it 20%?) back at the end of the year if you're a member. That, combined with the "Can't go wrong" return policy cinches it for me. Even shoes, if you buy a pair, and after wearing them a while you're convinced they suck, you can get all your money back, no questions asked. Yes, it's prone to abuse, but I don't abuse it, just use it for what it's intended for.
I like Costco for the same reason.
Seriously though, yes, REI's prices are higher, but they often run some killer sales, and anything you buy through them gets you 10% (or is it 20%?) back at the end of the year if you're a member. That, combined with the "Can't go wrong" return policy cinches it for me. Even shoes, if you buy a pair, and after wearing them a while you're convinced they suck, you can get all your money back, no questions asked. Yes, it's prone to abuse, but I don't abuse it, just use it for what it's intended for. I like Costco for the same reason.
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Sports Authority
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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I've ordered from Cabelas before, but never set foot inside one. I've been to Dicks Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain, and prefer Gander Mountain. Dicks doesn't sell handguns, has such a small selection of knives its pitiful, and, depending on which one, has a small supply of airguns, let alone airgun supplies (the one in York PA has a good selection, the one in Hunt Valley MD has only a few airsoft).
I prefer Gander Mountain for its selection of new and used rifles and shotguns, fishing supplies, knives, new and used handguns, airguns and supplies etc. They are more geared to the outdoorsman, and the location in York PA is probably the best big sports store I've been in.
Theres a Bass Pro Shops halfway between DC and Baltimore in my area, and a Cabelas near Harrisburg PA that I want to visit.
I prefer Gander Mountain for its selection of new and used rifles and shotguns, fishing supplies, knives, new and used handguns, airguns and supplies etc. They are more geared to the outdoorsman, and the location in York PA is probably the best big sports store I've been in.
Theres a Bass Pro Shops halfway between DC and Baltimore in my area, and a Cabelas near Harrisburg PA that I want to visit.
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Ranger Surplus is a store of choice in this area. They're a local chain around the D.C. Metropolitan area where they can easily get ahold of military surplus and supply government groups with it. In addition to neat stuff like Israeli medical satchels, they've got the outdoors stuff and brands you'd find at a "normal" store too. The staff is knowledgable too. Plus a friend of mine used to work at one and was in one of their commercials so I'm biased 
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The Cabelas store 30 miles from me is almost always busy. That place is a zoo on weekends. People come from miles around to do their outdoor shopping there. Sometimes you can get some real bargains. I do like Cabelas over Gander Mountain.
There is an REI store 70 miles from me, but I have yet to stop there. REI tends to be on the pricey side, although their gear is top quality.
There is an REI store 70 miles from me, but I have yet to stop there. REI tends to be on the pricey side, although their gear is top quality.
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this is my favorite part of this thread:
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll
I guess im not good enough to vote but I like sportsmans warehouse. Ive got a bass pro a cabellas and an rei near by dont go to them much.
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll
I guess im not good enough to vote but I like sportsmans warehouse. Ive got a bass pro a cabellas and an rei near by dont go to them much.
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I'm a big REI fan---
LL Bean is OK too, although I am usually distracted by the Freeport Knife Company across the street.
There is a joint called the Kittery Trading Post in Maine. They handle all the stuff that REI doesn't and then some. Cater more to the hunting/fishing crowd than to the hiking/granola crowd.
Lots of guns, too.
LL Bean is OK too, although I am usually distracted by the Freeport Knife Company across the street.
There is a joint called the Kittery Trading Post in Maine. They handle all the stuff that REI doesn't and then some. Cater more to the hunting/fishing crowd than to the hiking/granola crowd.
Lots of guns, too.
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shaldag said:I'm a big REI fan---
LL Bean is OK too, although I am usually distracted by the Freeport Knife Company across the street.
There is a joint called the Kittery Trading Post in Maine. They handle all the stuff that REI doesn't and then some. Cater more to the hunting/fishing crowd than to the hiking/granola crowd.
Lots of guns, too.
WOW! You hit it right on the head. I love LL Bean for their warrenty of their house brand items. Years ago when looking for a good 0 degree sleeping bag at Beans I was trying to decide between a Marmot and a Bean bag that were identicle. I opted for the Bean because if years later a seam splits or the zipper blows out, they will fix or replace it for free.
I also love the Freeport knife Co. as a place to feel a knife out. Then I seem to buy it on the net where it is WAY cheaper.
KTP is the place I go to for most of my firearm and outdoor needs though. They have the largest handgun selection that I have seen in the NE area. Plus every other outdoor need you could think of.
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Mountain Equipment Co-Op, MEC. It is similar to REI, I suppose in that it's a co-op. High environmental ethics and is very stringent about the factories producing their products. They strive to offer most things being made in Canada and their product line is very good. They don't really carry an exteremely wide variety of products, just enough and all very good. If you're looking for trendy clothes with an outdoorsy label, look elsewhere. This stuff is for users.
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Academy Sports gets high marks in my book.
Bass Pro has good deals from time to time, though I think most of their employees have either (a) never set foot in the woods or (b) never heard the words "customer service."
The folks at REI are usually outstanding, and they stand behind what they sell.
Online? Sierra Trading Post, REI Outlet, and Campmor--in that order.
Bass Pro has good deals from time to time, though I think most of their employees have either (a) never set foot in the woods or (b) never heard the words "customer service."
The folks at REI are usually outstanding, and they stand behind what they sell.
Online? Sierra Trading Post, REI Outlet, and Campmor--in that order.
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- 1,710
sportsman's warehouse.
all your fishing, hunting, camping needs.
some boating stuff, some military styled weapons, knives, flashlights, sunglasses.
these stores are in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Also think they are in other states.
all your fishing, hunting, camping needs.
some boating stuff, some military styled weapons, knives, flashlights, sunglasses.
these stores are in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Also think they are in other states.
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A big :thumbdn: to DICK'S (aptly named) sporting goods. What used to be a fine store - Galyan's - became nothing but a glorified Sports Authority when they got bought out by Dick's. I used to be a REGULAR and FREQUENT customer, but haven't set foot in the place but once or twice to confirm my fears/suspicions after the change-over. Bunch of damn east coast liberals.