Do you know what’s the worse thing about buying outdoor gear?
It’s having to wait for your next camping trip outdoor adventure to use it. I hate that. I want to use it immediately.
These days there are no excuses for not being properly outfitted for the outdoors regardless of where you live because you can everything you could possibly need online. I buy tons of this stuff online and we actually have a great outdoor gear store near us. I love the convenience of clicking from my sofa and having it delivered.
After hours and hours and hours spent shopping online, I amassed a great list of my go-to online camping retailers. Here they are for all you, fellow gearheads.
1. Backcountry
Backcountry.com’s website depicts consumers using their gear to venture out into nature. This is the overall tone of the website, an emphasis on exploration that is. In fact, two of the categories linked at the top of their page are “Explore” and “Activities.” The website also has traditional categories like Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’.
Additionally, Backcountry carries most major outdoor gear brands so consumers can shop for all their camping gear needs by browsing what their favorite brand has to offer. While Backcountry doesn’t sell previously owned camping gear, their sale section is always generously stocked.
Backcountry gets credit for having a chat link at the top of their homepage in addition to listing their customer service phone number. No one enjoys struggling to reach a human for assistance when needing to make an inquiry about a purchase or potential purchase. Another perk is that users can create a free account that allows them to track orders and save items on a wish list.
Buyers have 30 days to return items and be refunded. All items must be completely unused to qualify for reimbursem*nt. Consumers pay return shipping and can print a prepaid $6.99 flat-rate label directly through Backcountry. Shipping rates vary but Backcountry often offers free shipping on purchases over $50.
2. Huckberry
The Huckberry site is minimalist but has a well-designed layout. The site sells general camping gear and even has an entire section for “camp kitchen.” To get to this section, you go to the outdoor section on the homepage and then continue to the camp sub-section. The homepage also features clothing, footwear, and accessories that could be used on camping trips.
Back to their incredible camp kitchen section, which features items that you can’t pick up just anywhere. Coffee lovers rejoice because they sell portable pour-over sets, french presses, and coffee grinders.
Another item that is unique to this online camping site is the pop-up fire pit, which allows you to burn a safe campfire virtually anywhere. Their camping section also includes tents that hang from trees and down throw blankets! Though Huckberry doesn’t have the widest selection of camp gear, they do have items you likely won’t find elsewhere.
This site doesn’t list its shipping fees outright so it is implied that the shipping rate varies by the shipping location. Returns are free on items shipped to U.S. addresses. There is a 30 day limit on returning items.
3. Moosejaw
Moosejaw’s site offers a specific section for hiking and camping gear. This category offers everything a happy camper could need like coolers by YETI, backpacking tents by Arcteryx, camping stoves, sleeping pads, and more.
The homepage has additional sections for clothing, footwear, and outdoor activities like biking and climbing. At the very top of the homepage, current special offers are listed, an incentive for shoppers to continue browsing. Each category is filled with an abundance of choices so shoppers can rest assured that they know exactly what their options are.
This online outdoor store offers price matching, something that sets them apart from their competitors. Additionally, Moosejaw accepts unused items for return within 30 days of original purchase. However, campers should be aware that this policy does not apply to rooftop tents, which must be returned no later than 15 days after ordering. It’s also important to note that a $7.95 shipping fee is subtracted from your total return credit if you ship the item back with Moosejaw’s prepaid label.
The overall tone of Moosejaw’s site feels geared towards people in their late teens and twenties, this is especially reflected in the wording used. Exploring the site is fairly simple and their stock contains a lot of variety.
4. Sierra Trading Post
Sierra Trading Post’s stock leans heavily towards outfitting the entire family for outdoor adventures. This is reflected by three of the main categories at the top which are men, women, and kids. Something unique about their site is that they have a section for home and pets. So if you like to take furry companions camping or are more of a glamper then you may find some preferable items that other camping sites generally don’t carry. Sierra Trading Post’s tent section carries less expensive brands like Coleman to midrange priced brands like Marmot and more expensive brands like Kelty.
Returns on camping gear are required to have all the original tags and packaging intact. Items must be returned within 30 days if originally purchased from a physical store, while online returns are allowed a 40 day period. If the shopper chooses to exchange the item then they’ll receive a discounted shipping rate at $2.95. Unlike other online camping stores, shipping rates actually increase as the cost of the purchase increases. For example, orders totaling less than $25.00 ship for $5.95 while orders totaling $150.00 ship for $15.95.
Overall, the site is more basic than some other leading names. It is good for customers looking for general camping gear like tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and outdoor clothing.
5. Dick’s Sporting Goods
By the name you can tell that Dick’s sells more than camping gear, however, it shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to places to purchase camping items. They have a section devoted to camping and hiking products that offers a wide variety of gear including tents, sleeping bags, outdoor cooking accessories, hi-tech coolers, fold-up chairs, backpacks, and camping specific clothing.
Dick’s offers three types of shipping, which include standard shipping which typically takes 2 to 5 business days, expedited shipping which takes only 2 days, and express shipping which will get your order to you in 1 day. The rates vary based on the shipping location. When returning an item purchased online, you must also include the original packing slip.
The site for Dick’s Sporting Goods is user-friendly. It’s a store that shouldn’t be overlooked for camping gear. Keeping an eye out for store brand products is a great way to decrease the amount you have to spend to purchase gear without compromising quality. Additionally, Dick’s carries brands that are affordable like Coleman and Quest. This is a good site for people interested in leisurely camping trips that don’t require heavy-duty gear.
6. REI
REI is amongst the most reputable outdoor gear suppliers out there. Their unique co-op business model has set them apart from competitors since they got their start in Seatle, Washington in 1938. The website is up to par with the company’s image, offering a wide variety of gear for cold and warm weather activities, clothing, and shoes. A one-stop-shop, you could easily get everything you need for a camping adventure on REI’s site, making it one of the best camping gear stores online.
The site is user-friendly with all the shopping categories laid out at the top of the page and includes: Camp & Hike, Climb, Cycle, Paddle, Run, Snow, Travel, Yoga, Men, Women, Kids, and Deals. In addition to new gear, REI takes a sustainable approach by offering used gear at a discounted rate. Also accessible through the homepage is REI Outlet, another option for purchasing discounted gear, except it is all new.
Their liberal return policy increases consumer’s comfortability with taking a chance on products. For most products, other than electronics, items can be returned up to a year after purchase. When it comes to retrieving a purchase, in-store pick up is always free while standard shipping is a flat rate of $5.99, and better yet, purchases over $50 qualify for free shipping. As a shopper, this site is accessible and intuitive to navigate.
7. The Clymb
The Clymb is set apart from traditional online camping gear stores by its discounted rates and membership requirements. This means that shoppers have to sign up in order to see prices and place orders. However, enrolling as a member is free and basically just requires that you are not a robot and do have an email address.
The camp section listed on The Clymb’s homepage covers subcategories that cover sleeping, cooking, lighting, and technical needs. So, essentially a camping trip can be covered by one section on the Clymb’s website. However, the Clymb sells additional gear too. So if you want to do some surfing, yoga, or skiing while you’re on your camping trip, you can grab additional needed gear from the Clymb’s site.
When it comes to returns, The Clymb will reimburse for unused items. Items must be returned within 90 days from the date you received the item. Shoppers who choose to be reimbursed by store credit are not charged for shipping, however, to be reimbursed in the original form of payment, an $8.95 shipping fee is applied.
This outdoor store has everything a camper needs at discounted prices. The site even offers pre-planned travel itineraries that you can book and put your camping gear to use.
8. Outdoor Gear Exchange
Outdoor Gear Exchange, also known as GearX, carries top brands at low prices. It can be considered an outlet type store, meaning it sells closeout items. What’s great about the site is that items are listed from a wide variety of major brands, as well as some lesser-known, resulting in an inventory that covers most camping needs. Whether going on an expedition or a family camping trip, GearX’s inventory has all the items needed for a successful trip.
For orders shipping to U.S. addresses, any order over $49 qualifies for standard shipping. For shoppers who need their items faster, priority, and next day options are available. However, these rates will vary by location and are paid at the customer’s expense. When it comes to returns, the shipping costs are on the shopper and though all camping gear is eligible, not all items sold by GearX are eligible for return.
GearX is a great option for someone looking for a deal and is flexible about item specifics. Additionally, they make camping more accessible to shoppers on a budget. In fact, consignment items are available, so you get to help out another camper by rehoming their gently used gear. Overall, the site is simple and easy to find your way around.
9. Surplus Army Warehouse
Seasoned campers know that an excellent option for sourcing affordable and durable camping gear is at the army surplus store. Luckily, if you don’t have a surplus store near your home city then you can easily find a wide stock of items on the Surplus Army Warehouse website.
While their tent options are more primitive, the site has many useful nick-nacks and miscellaneous items that you might not find on a traditional camping site. Their stock places emphasis on utilitarianism. So if you are looking for tent patching glue or a durable set of military-grade camping stakes, look no further.
Their return policy is comparable to traditional online camping stores, allowing 30 days to refund a purchase. Their shipping prices vary and are calculated specifically by the measurements and weight of the shipping box used. Also, note that this company only ships to the USA and Canada.
The Surplus Army Warehouse online store is a no-frills kind of site that sells utilitarian items. It’s a great place to browse if you already have a collection of basic gear and are looking to add odds and ends. Additionally, this is a good site for minimalist backpackers who are looking for more survival-oriented camping accessories.
10. Camp Gear
What makes Camp Gear one of the best camping gear stores online is that it focuses specifically on what you’ll need for a camping trip versus covering a huge range of outdoor activities. The main categories on the site’s homepage include tents, sleeping gear, and backpacks.
Placing a strong emphasis on camping specific gear allows this online outdoor store the ability to focus on top gear and brands. In this instance, fewer categories are more for the avid camper. They also sell unique camping furniture uncommonly seen on other sites like compact pop-up tables. Top brands carried by the site include Kelty, Mountain Hardware, and Eureka. Additionally, they offer unique sleeping options from 2 in 1 hammock tents to jungle nests.
Their return policy is hassle-free, allowing unused items to be returned and reimbursed for the original form of payment up to 30 days. For 45 to 90 days, customers can return items for store credit. They charge standard shipping prices but often offer deals, so if you spend over a certain amount you may qualify for free shipping.
11. Mountain Gear
Mountain Gear is a good online camping site for anyone looking for technical gear. For this reason, backpackers will benefit from taking a look at this site. They can score gear like the Reactor Stove System which is compact and easily packs up into a backpack.
They also sell lightweight sleeping pads that roll up into a small enough bundle to attach to a backpack. Options in their camping section include tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, cooking accessories, furniture, hydration, and navigation. The navigation section is another great resource for people camping on backcountry trails. The section includes hi-tech GPS gear and inexpensive compasses.
Economy shipping is free for orders over $59.00. Additional shipping options are available at the shopper’s expense. When returning new gear, Mountain Gear has a generous return policy. They’ll allow customers to return these items within one year of purchase. Of course, tags must be attached and the items must be unused. The overall impression this site generates is that their items are for serious campers or for people committed to investing in good gear they can have for years to come.
12. Garage Grown Gear
Garage Grown Gear is a highly unique online outdoor store that offers a curated stock of camping items manufactured by small businesses. Their stock includes unique items not listed on standard camping sites and brands that are less common to come by. As a small start-up, what they have to offer differs from big brand outdoor stores.
The site is less intuitive to navigate than other online outdoor stores so poking around is highly recommended. Upon first glance at the homepage, it can be easy to miss that they sell a variety of camping gear. However, by clicking on the gear tab, shoppers will find a backpacking section which includes backpacks, hammocks, tents and shelters, sleeping bags, lightweight camping accessories, and stoves.
Their inventory will attract campers with niche interests, people who feel strongly about supporting small businesses, and individuals who are shopping for technical gear. Some items found on their site that you won’t see elsewhere are their easily packable Vargo Outdoors camping stoves and insulated camping pads by Klymit.
There is no standard shipping rate for Klymit orders, but if you live in the U.S., excluding Hawaii and Alaska, then any orders you place over $20 will qualify for free standard shipping. Expedited shipping is available but the rate can be up to $70 per order. Their return policy is fairly standard, allowing unused items to be returned within 30 days.
13. GO Outdoor Gear
GO Outdoor Gear has a somewhat dated looking site and uses graphics that have a stock appearance, but there is some charm to this look. Regardless of these features, they offer a great variety of camp gear and accessories. For instance, their camping gear section includes accessories like a dental medic kit, bug spray wipes, emergency bivy blankets, and trauma packs.
When packing for camping trips we rarely consider all the possible probabilities and usually focus on what we are looking forward to. This line of thinking leads many of us to pack small generic first aid kits. However, GO Outdoor Gear goes above and beyond to supply items that could be potentially life-changing, even life-saving, that you won’t find in a stock first aid kit. Overall, this is a great site for additions to your camp gear.
GO Outdoor Gear ships to locations around the world, something to keep in mind if you’re planning a camping trip abroad and need to purchase gear to be sent to your destination. Their shipping rates vary and are determined by the weight and size of the package being shipping. In addition, they provide reimbursem*nt for items returned within 30 days in the original packing, unused and damage-free.
14. Eastern Mountain Sports
Eastern Mountain Sports has an excellent selection of camp gear. From the homepage, shoppers can click on the camp/hike tab which will lead them to a full range of categories that include backpacks, water accessories, navigation, tents, shelters, camp kitchen, hiking clothing, sleeping bags, lighting, camp furniture, sleeping pads, and accessories.
They carry top brands like Marmot, The North Face, Black Diamond, Gregory, Osprey, Camelbak, Yeti, and more. Additionally, they sell their own Eastern Mountain Sports brand which is affordably priced.
Something special about the EMS site is that it offers insight about how to pack gear and choose the gear that is right for you. They have tutorials on how to pack a lightweight pack for backpackers, as well as articles on how to choose the perfect sleeping bag. Sometimes shopping for gear can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate, so this feature makes the shopping experience less stressful and also helps shoppers find the camping gear that is the right fit for their needs.
The standard shipping rate for EMS is $7.99 and packages are typically delivered 3 to 7 days after shipping. As with other sites, express and overnight shipping are offered for an additional fee. Their return policy is slightly more lenient than others because it allows shoppers 60 days to return items.
15. CampSaver
The Campsaver site is marketed towards the bargain buyer and its homepage does an excellent job showcasing what’s in-store and the type of shopping experience to expect. A the of the page, free shipping, and returns are advertised. Just below this link are categories of merchandise sold by Campsaver, which include Deals and Camp & Hike.
Below the categories is a slideshow of deals and merchandise. Below that section is listed logos for quality brands sold on the site like Arcteryx, Salomon, Fjall Raven, and more. If you keep scrolling down you’ll see a snapshot of sale items, new arrivals, and outlet specials. The site sells a wide range of camping gear while also doing a thorough job of putting it all on display.
CampSaver provides a free printable label for return items but not every item is eligible and this option is only available for domestic orders. If you live in the contiguous U.S. or have a U.S. Military shipping address then you qualify for free shipping if you spend over $49. This option is considered “value shipping” and can take up to 15 days between processing and shipping times.
16. Gear Trade
Gear Trade takes a totally fresh approach to sell outdoor gear. Instead of selling new gear or even close-out items, the site’s stock is made up of gently used items. There is more than one reason to be excited about this fresh approach to selling camping gear!
To begin with, it’s a sustainable practice that reduces waste by diverting old gear from ending up in the landfill by creating an opportunity for the gear to instead end up in someone’s possession. This means items that are no longer on the market or are unusual can be found at great prices. And, you can even sell your gear too!
Items available are always fluctuating but include finds like REI tents, NEMO backpacking tents, Asolo hiking boots, and more. You can also find unique vintage items like a pair of Italian Fabiano hiking boots. The site has a simple web design and is a good place to periodically check out and view the ever-changing listings.
Shipping and return policies are less across the board due to the variation in seller preferences. However, shipping generally seems to be determined by zip code. The basic layout of this site is simple to navigate and checking it out is recommended, who knows the treasures someone may stumble upon.
17. Rock/Creek Outfitters
Every link you need to find your way around the Rock/Creek site can be found directly at the top of the page. This section includes the option to chat with a site rep or call customer service. It also includes categories divided up by the titles brands, men, women, kids, activity, sale, and collections.
Under the activity section, you’ll find everything you need to fit your camping needs. They’ve even got a subsection for dog gear, making this a great online camping store for dogs. Since all of this information is listed directly at the top of the homepage and easy to view it makes the website user-friendly. Additionally, the gear section is well-rounded offering trail maps, tents, water bottles, gear storage, hiking poles, lighting accessories, first aid items, and all the supplies you need to cook a great meal out in mother nature.
For orders over $49, Rock/Creek covers the shipping expense for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. For orders less than $49, the flat rate shipping fee is $6.95. Notably, this only covers standard shipping which takes 5 to 7 business days for delivery. If you want your items faster you’ll have to pay nearly $26 for 2-day shipping or almost $43 for next day shipping.
18. Bass Pro Shop
You’ve probably seen a giant storefront for Bass Pro Shop at some point in your lifetime. However, this household name offers equally as many items, if not more online. So, it should not be overlooked when it comes to shopping for camping gear online. Their camping gear section lists items for the campsite, as well as items that can be used for outdoor activities during your camping trips like kayaks and canoes.
A great feature of Bass Pro’s selection is that they offer a variety of sleeping options for your campsite. Selling more than just traditional tents and sleeping bags, they also carry hammocks, cots, and air mattresses. Campers who prefer glamping may find some new additions to their camping gear in this section.
Shipping rates for the U.S. within the contiguous U.S. are reasonable, with standard shipping for items under $50 priced at $5 while items over $50 qualify for free standard or express shipping. For orders less than $50, 2-day shipping is priced at an excellent value costing only $8. However, anyone wanting their order in 1 day will have to pay $25, regardless of the item order total.
19. Cabela’s
Head to the “shop” section when you enter Cabela’s site. It is there that you’ll find a category that has a mix of camping gear listings. With nearly 20 subcategories in the camping section, everything a camper could ever need is covered. This site is great because it is oriented towards all types of campers so whether you are a survivalist, backpacker, traditional All-American camper, or glamper, you’ll be able to find items that fit your camping gear wish list.
Cabela’s even carries camping showers, toilets, and RV accessories. Because they sell a range of outdoor gear, their site may not be a traditional camper’s first stop but by browsing the site it will become easily apparent for shoppers that they sell items of interest. The site is by no means frivolous, its basic design is not difficult to navigate for users.
Orders over $50 ship for free and orders under $50 ship for only $5, as long as the orders are placed in the U.S. However, Cabela’s does ship to Canada and other countries abroad. Shoppers have 90 days to return unused items with a receipt for reimbursem*nt in the form of the original payment.
20. The North Face
The North Face is a well-known high-end brand and their online shop is perfect for campers because it’s curated collections of gear cover all the camping essentials. They sell tents that house anywhere from 1 to 4+ people and feature a range of specs.
They even have an entire section dedicated to technical packs, a must-have for serious backpackers. The site allows for easy browsing with the quick view feature or a more in-depth analysis by viewing a full page of the perspective items which includes details about the product features and specifications.
The company has a 60-day return policy and some items are under warranty, including shoes. All items must be returned in their original condition with a return form. The North Face provides a free shipping label for these purchases. It’s important to note that all custom orders are non-refundable. Shipping rates vary by shipment destination.
The North Face site has a sleek and modern appearance. It’s the layout and features make browsing a piece of cake. A perk of the site is being able to check your order status through a link at the top of the homepage, no need to fuss over digging up a tracking number or visiting another website.
21. Coleman’s Military Surplus
Coleman’s Military Surplus doesn’t just sell items for people in the military. Their site is open to the public, meaning you can purchase military-grade camping equipment at an affordable price. You may be wondering why buying military-grade gear is necessary.
When you’re in the wilderness, you need gear you can rely on to keep you safe and comfortable. The items sold by Coleman’s are effective and efficient and include camping gear like cooking pan sets, pop-up shelters, tents, and tools. There is a camping gear section, as well as a separate military tent section on the website. Both sections are listed under the “shop” link on the homepage.
Their return policy is fairly strict. Orders must reach their warehouse within 30 days of the original purchase date. Additionally, if the item is returned for preferential reasons, for example, the shopper did not like the item, then a 10% restocking fee is charged. Shipping rates vary for initial orders.
22. Mast General
On the Mast General site, you can shop by brand or category. There isn’t a specific camping section, so head over to the outdoor section under the “shop” link to get started browsing gear. This section contains 15+ subcategories. The subcategories listed cover items that will help you navigate your way, pack your gear, store your food, and more!
You can even pick up food developed specifically to take on the trail, a great buy for backpackers. Don’t leave this section without checking out the sale subcategory, some prices are slashed by up to 50%.
A helpful feature of the site is the ability to search the inventory by setting preferences. For example, you can set your preferences to only show blue items in your favorite brand or pink items under a certain dollar amount. This feature can be helpful in narrowing down item searches.
If you spend over $99 then you will pay no cost for shipping. And, if you live nearby a physical Mast store then you can actually get any order shipped directly to the store at no charge. Returning an item requires an email address or phone. Arrangements are made through direct contact using one of these methods.
23. Campmor., Inc.
Fantastic features of Campor’s site are the running cart total at the top of the page and the chat box at the bottom of the homepage. Both of these features make the user experience smoother. The entire site is oriented towards camping activities so you can’t go wrong with any category you choose to browse.
The main categories listed on the homepage include water bottles, canoes, kayaks, car racks, travel, sunglasses, and tents. Each major category has subcategories so if you didn’t see something on your list then browse further. For example, the travel category is home to packs, duffel bags, pack organizers, and toiletries.
Shipping fees are simple, spend less than $35 and you’ll pay a flat rate of $6.99, but spend over this amount and you won’t have to pay anything. Expedited shipping ranges from $22 to $30 regardless of the order total. They embrace a flexible 90-day return policy for unused items that are returned with a valid receipt of purchase.
24. Amazon
Since Amazon offers two-day free shipping for Prime members and oftentimes free shipping on larger purchases, making it a site to keep in mind for camping gear. Though it isn’t a traditional online camping gear store, they sell just as many camping items and offer a wide variety of items.
The best way to navigate Amazon’s site is to search directly for an item or brand since it isn’t a traditional camping site with traditional categories on the homepage listing camping merchandise. With that being said, a quick search in the search box for “camping gear” will bring up a feed of results in addition to a sidebar hosting a list of categories under the outdoor recreation department.
This loophole makes navigating the camping merchandise simpler by redirecting you to an entire section relevant to camping gear. However, this is a more difficult site to use for browsing gear given the nature of its inventory. Though, it is no task too challenging for someone who is comfortable browsing the web.
If you don’t have Amazon Prime or purchase an item that doesn’t qualify for free shipping then your shipping costs will vary. Most Amazon items can be returned if unused and sent back within 30 days. You can also buy gift cards for friends and family who can then load up on all kinds of gear and apparel.
25. Patagonia
You didn’t think I’d skip Patagonia, did you? Here it is and it’s a must-check outdoor gear store. Specifically, it’s an outdoor clothing store that designs, manufactures, and sells high-end outdoor apparel.
While it’s definitely brand-name, it’s well earned.
Another benefit is there are brick and mortar retail store locations where you can return items (can be easier than shipping them back).
Online shopping tips: Whenever you visit these sites, check for “Sale” tabs. Not all of them have it but if they do, you can find amazing deals. Another tip is to search in Google with “X store sale”. You may find some hidden deals and discounts for that online store.
