Recommended Camping
Supply Stores.

This camping supply guide offers some quick tips I learned from my research about which camping supply stores offer better customer service and quality supplies and gear.

Finding the best store can be a hit or miss proposition. I don't know about you but I don't like to spend my money with a company unless I know that they provide a quality product and/or service. And if by chance I receive something I don't like I expect their customer service to put things right.

As I've done a bit of research for this site, I thought I'd share my view about which camping supply companies are the best with you. I'm sure you already know there are a lot of companies out there that will be more than happy to take your money, but some definitely are better than others.

I've mentioned my personal experiences with the companies below along with their ratings on Bizrate. Ratings being dynamic they may fluctuate a bit from time to time but in general these have been and should continue to be good camping supply companies to do business with.

Zappos (for footwear) ranks in the mid to high 90% after being rated by over 100,000+ customers since 2000. I have to say these guys are examples of what customer service is all about. I ordered three pairs of shoes from them on a Friday after 7:00 pm with free shipping so expected a slower delivery. Monday morning, the next business day, I had my new shoes on before noon without any additional charge.

They also offer free return shipping, a 365-day return policy, and 24/7 customer service. Impressive, especially when you consider how hard it is just to find a live person on the phone at some companies. Free Shipping and free returns on shoes at Zappos.

REI rates in the mid 90's with Bizrate. Their score is based on the response of 100,000+ customers since 1999.

BackCountry I've been impressed with BackCountry for awhile. These guys seem like they're always available when you need them on the phone. They've scored about 90% in satisfaction with the 25,000+ customers that have rated them since 2000 at Bizrate.

Altrec checks in at about 90% with Bizrate too based on the comments of 10,000+ customers since 1999. Free Shipping on orders over $45 and no sales tax (except WA).

Sierra Trading Post: (opens new window) I bought my first Gore-tex jacket (made by Head) through Sierra 10 years ago and still wear it as my daily jacket to this day (it's held up very well).

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: Blink Del.icio.us Digg
Furl Google Simpy Spurl Technorati Y! MyWeb

Actually I should say this is my 2nd jacket from them as I returned the first one after 2 weeks as the scratchy part of the hook-and-loop on the snap-on hood had abraded the left shoulder. I liked it so well though I returned it and asked for a replacement which they sent me with no questions asked. I'm just more careful with the hood now if I use it. Great camping supply company. Sierra rates right around 90% based on 500,000 customers since 2001.

L.L. Bean: (opens new window) I've liked L.L. Bean for quite awhile now. I've been very happy with both pairs of hiking boots, the camping tent, and polar fleece jacket that I bought from them as well as some other stuff that's not camping supply related. Their products have held up well and are of high quality. No returns as of yet.

For some reason L.L. Bean only scores in the mid 80% and have only been rated by 2,500 customers. I have a feeling they don't promote the Bizrate program since they've been a part of it since 1998.

Campmor: (opens new window) I've bought several things from Campmor and haven't been disappointed. Campmor also scores in the mid 90% with Bizrate based on the reviews of 325,000+ customers since 1999.

This list should put you well on your way to a great camping supply shopping experience. Follow these links if you'd like information on how to choose a First Aid Kit, camping coolers, igloo coolers, coleman camping equipment or for more on good quality camping supplies, camping gear and/or hiking equipment.