Mountain Equipment Coop, the
Canadian version of REI. The gear is better, the prices are in
Canadian dollars. If you order from US by mail be prepared to pay
import duty and to pay US Postal service a fee for collecting the said
duty.
Sierra trading post
Once in a while has a true bargain. Shipping is more expensive than at
other catalogues, so factor this into the price when comparison
shopping.
Nothern
Mountain so called "killer deal" list I have bought an ice axe, a
tent and a bunch of topos from these guys. Everything worked fine.
The humans on the phone were always pleasant to talk to.
REI The US version of MEC (Ok, it
does predate MEC and in fact served as a model for MEC). Shipping is
fast and reasonably priced, but unlike most of other places, will
charge you your state's sales tax. Sale items may be pretty good
deals.
REI outlet The bargain basement of
REI. A bargain at REI outlet may be more expensive than the same gear
at Northern Mountain or at Gear.com. So check first. On the other
hand, all the gear (much too much gear) that I got from REI outlet
worked out pretty well.
Gear.com Vast amounts of what is
mostly junk. Navigation is annoying. Once in a while there is a
quality piece of gear at a great price. Shipping is fast and cheap.
L.L.Bean Reasonable gear at
reasonable prices, but no bargains. A very good return policy.
GearPro.com No
direct experience in dealing with these guys