How to Buy Camping Gear Online

Buying camping gear online may be risky business unless you know what you're looking for. Your best bet may be to find the items you want in a retail store, get product numbers and prices, then go online to see if you can save money or locate a specific hard-to-find item.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• First Aid Kits
• Insect Repellents
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Camping Cookwares
• Camping Stoves
• Compasses
• Gas Lanterns
• Sleeping Bags
• Tents

1. Enter the words "camping gear" in a search engine such as Yahoo or Alta Vista. If desired, enter more specific words such as "sleeping bag" or "camping stove."
2. You can also click on a Related Site or click the appropriate boxes in the shopping list below and choose the "shop online" option.
3. Browse the sites by category, such as "sleeping bags," "packs" or "tents," or by manufacturer. If you know the exact item you want, find it by doing an on-site search.
4. Be sure to check all areas of the site where you might find specials or sales.
5. Click on items to select and add to your order or shopping cart.
6. When you're finished shopping, go to the checkout and fill in your shipping information and credit card number as directed.
7. Before you submit your order, add in shipping costs and applicable taxes, then compare the cost to what you might spend at a local retail store to see if you're getting a bargain.
8. Check the site's guarantees and return policy.
9. If satisfied, submit your order.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't feel comfortable using your credit card online, check for a toll-free number that will allow you to order over the phone.
• Sales tax is usually added to an order that is being sent within the state where the online company is based.
• Browse as many links as you can - some gear sites offer deep discounts.