Gear Discounts
You shouldn't pay full price for gear.
Discounts and Pro Deals
Some companies offer special deals to industry professionals, educators and even bloggers. Some offer basic discounts; others offer steep discounts and some might even offer up gear to try.
After you learn about the world of discounts, you may change how you shop and never by retail again.
General Discounts
Club Membership
You can get discounter prices or credit/money back by joining certain clubs
Costco - discount prices and money back if you have a high level membership
REI - 10% back, free shipping and tons of gear to choose from (may not be the best prices)
Moosejaw - frequent sales, special discounts for military and credit back (similar to REI)
backcountry.com - frequent sales, special discounts for military and credit back (similar to REI)
Holiday Shopping
Serious discounts during holiday sales
Black Friday - often great discounts
Labor Day
Memorial Day
Fred Myers
Occasional sale for Sporting Goods department - limited items
Clearance Stores
Sometimes excellent options (shop around)
Branch of Moosejaw
Sometimes same item is cheaper on Moosejaw
Used Gear
If you know what you are shopping for, you can get great deals on used gear
REI.com - used to have incredible deals - now deals are OK
Second Hand Stores
You can find incredible deals on shoes, clothing and sometimes usable gear
Good Will
Thrift Stores
Scout Discounts
Scout Discounts are hit and miss. Some retailers give great deals. Sometimes a discount is dependent on who you speak with
35%? - Call them... but first go here:
Was previously www.scoutdirect.com
Too easy to sign up - don't need to prove affiliation
Sometimes discounts greater than 50%
Special Jamboree Discounted gear
Campmor for group purchases
10% discount on most merchandise to Boy and Girl Scout troops
Local Stores
Dick's Sporting Goods
10%
Sportsman's Warehouse
10% on most gear (not guns and ammo)
Other places
It doesn't hurt to ask
Even if store doesn't have an official discount, they may give you one
Pro Deals
Many companies offer Pro Deals to those who might showcase their gear. There are usually stipulations, such as for personal use only and you generally need to present some sort of credential. Sometimes being a Scoutmaster is good enough. Being a Wilderness Medicine Instructor helps. Other companies want to see a pay stub.
General Rule
Rules vary, but generally include:
"Do not talk about Pro deals"
Individual use only. NO Gifting
Pay for Shipping (which sometimes negates discounts)
Companies with Pro Deals
Many companies offer special discounts to outdoor professionals and volunteers.
Quality backpacking gear
Quality clothing
Quality Backpacking Gear
Expedition quality gear
Economy camping and backpacking gear
Economy camping and backpacking gear
May take several weeks to get accepted
Wool socks and clothing
Premium UL Quilts
Also offer Medical Pro discounts
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pro Deals
Premium UL Gear
Camping Gear
Shoes
excellent Military Discounts
Excellent Water Gear
You need to join if you are safety for your paddlesports program
Premium gear
Premium Clothing
Quality Packs
Excellent Climbing Gear
Hunting Gear
Clothing
Running and Climbing Footwear
Quality clothing and gear
BSA affiliation not enough for pro deal
North American Rescue
Excellent Medical/Rescue Gear
Military get automatic discount
Have accepted BSA in past
Coleman
Had a Scout, Youth and Military program? (35%)
Pro Deal Portals
connects to many different retailers and services
Military, First Responders, Medical Pro
Lot of good Stuff here!
30-50% major brands like Kelty, Alps, Mountain Hardware, OR, Backpacker Pantry, several outdoor shoes, etc.
BSA Volunteer, OA, Eagle alumni, Law Enforcement, Military accepted
Military Deals
A lot of Scouters are former military. There are a lot of deals out there for you and you shouldn't have to pay retail on most items
10%
10%
20%
10%
In Store Only
20%
Danner
10%
Store in Renton has boots in stock and a ramp to try our your boots on
Cabela’s
5%
Bass Pro Shops
5%
10%
Active, reservist, veteran and retired U.S. military personnel, spouses and dependents
Pro Deal
Pro Deal for Active Duty and Veterans
Super easy to apply
10-20%
connects to many different retailers and services
moosejaw.com
20%
backcountry.com
20%
Under Armour
20% Off
YETI
20% Off
GCI Outdoor
15% Off
Campmor
10% Off
Carhartt
25% Off
Oakley Standard Issue
Up to 60% Off
Wiley X
30% Off
10%
Stanley
20% Off
Columbia Sportswear
10% Off
Benchmade
15% Off
KEEN Footwear
50% Off for Active Duty Military & 30% Off for Veteran
Merrell
20% Off
New Balance
25% Off
Bates Footwear
15% Off
GoPro
7% Off
RTIC Outdoors
10% Off
Stio
20% Off
Competitive Cyclist
20% Off
Lectric eBikes
$50 Off
Rad Power Bikes
$50 Off
VAAST Bikes
10% Off
Cobra
10% Off
GovVelo.com
Up To 20% Off
686
20% Off
America the Beautiful Pass
The program waives entrance or standard amenity fees for the following agencies:
National Park Service
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Forest Service
US Army Corps of EngineersMilitary-Annual Pass can be issued to current U.S. military and dependents
Interagency Military-Lifetime Pass can be issued to Gold Star families and U.S. military veterans
www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Get yours at REI
Veteran's Advantage - Read description
Sounds like a reputable organization and endorsed by reputable name brands
Before you sign up and give up you information, search the web about this service
Pay for Discount service
Many significant complaints - like not being able to cancel service
Gear Wholesale
A few scouters have set up wholesale businesses for the purpose of equipping units with discount gear. If you are in the Seattle area, contact us and we can connect you to one.