Good outdoor clothing and gear is expensive there is no getting around it. I honestly believe you get exactly what you pay for. If you go cheap you get cheap! Over the years I have noticed a trend in my adventurous ways. I seem to always be in love with the sports that require the most expensive getup. Isn’t the convenient!
Of course I always want to buy the best gear on the market, but this doesn’t have to be done by breaking the bank or eating Top Ramon Noodles 7 days a week to cover the bills.
It does take a little savvy shopping! I am not suggesting impulse shopping by any means, but I am suggesting keeping an eye out for items you need or know you will need for the next season.
Right now is the perfect time to buy. All the shops and specialty stores are flipping their merchandise. It’s the time for season end sales as stores are getting ready for the fall and winter apparel to arrive. Every year just like clock work your local retailers and chain stores have big annual and semi annual sales. Let’s say you have been eyeing the top of the line wicking top with matching bottom, but have not been ready to ante up for full price? A good suggestion is just ask the sales associate if this item will be on sale anytime soon. In most cases they will gladly tell you what sales are coming up and if they expect it to be marked down. This just might make it worth the wait.
Online retailers are also having big sales now as well. My email box has been flooded with ads and coupon codes offering 15-50%, free shipping, and buy one get one frees for the past week. I have taken the time to check most of these offers out and there are some amazing deals if you can find what you are looking for.
Discount stores are great too. Just last week I saw several pairs of my favorite heavy hiking pant on sale for $16.00 when originally at the big specialty store they retail for $79. That is a huge discount. I love this particular pair of pants so much so that I have and am willing to pay full price, but a discount is always welcome.
Some good tips for finding exactly what yo are looking for at a discount store is making multiple visits. Go once, twice, even three times. Also know the isle and racks that have what you are looking for. For instance I love Patagonia and Prana. Those are my favorite brands when it comes to climbing attire for women. Instead of milling around the store searching through all the racks I go straight the active wear rack and flip through my size section fast. If there isn’t anything no big deal. No time lost. Keep in mind shipments get to the stores weekly on Tuesdays so the closer to the delivery day you make it the more likely to have a greater selection.
You just have to be willing to shop around to get the best price.
By Girl vs. Wild
Jacquelyn Farris
