Camping Supply in New Hampshire?

[RossKean]

All the recent talk about MC camping and "Boondocking" has me realizing that I have to upgrade some of my stuff. Can anyone recommend a good camping gear supplier in NH? Elsewhere in the Northeast would be OK but I think I may be taking a run down that way this weekend and, all other things being equal, I would rather not pay the sales tax. I want a place that has good selection but not one that caters to the "Elite" back-country backpacker types. The "Boutique" gear stores aren't cheap. Looking for a large waterproof duffel, gasoline camp stove, cooking utensils and maybe a new sleeping bag. I know better deals are often found on-line but shipping, taxes and duty kill the savings when shipping to Canada.

Thanks

(I realize that this is more "off topic" but needs to be in regional. It is, however, for motorcycle camping)

 

[PEIFJR]

Check out Whitehorse Gear in North Conway. You are not far from Mt Washington or the Kancamagus highway and lots of places to stay.

 

[bseelbach]

REI usually has a good selection but I don't see any in NH. https://www.rei.com/map/store

If you don't mind shopping on line, check out Campor. https://www.campmor.com/

I started upgrading my gear a couple of years ago. It is amazing how much smaller the gear is now.

Current sleeping bag packs up to about 1/4 of what they did in the 90's. Air mattresses pack to the size slightly bigger than a beer can.

Camping hammocks have become quite popular. Several of my hardcore friends swear by them. They say its better than their bed at home. Check out Hennessy Hammocks Explorer Deluxe. Best prices from distributors on ebay.

 

[Fred W]

Whitehorse gear is not cheap. No REI's in NH. We have EMS stores , but they aren't cheap either. Online is where it is at for cheapness. You just need a NH ship to address,. (wink, wink) PM sent.

I just scored myself an XL Kwik Tek Waterproof roll top duffle (Dry Bag) in preparation for my trip. The thing is huge (30" long) and easily gobbles my coleman tent, sleeping bag, thermarest pad and ground cloth/fly with room to spare. $50 on Amazon.com I thought that was a pretty good price. The semi hard shell bottom allows you to mount it sideways on the back seat and not have it sag down onto the hard bags. At 30" it is still considerably narrower than the sidebags are. Alternately you can strap it on length wise if you have no trunk.

I could probably have gotten away with the "Large" size which is 24" long, and may actually go for one of those and just return whichever I don't want.

 

[Sno Cat]

Bass Pro opened a new store @ 2 Commerce Dr., Hooksett, NH (near Manchester): Nice store, 'spensive but well stocked.

 

[RossKean]

No problem finding the stuff I'm looking for at Cabela's, LL Bean, EMS, MEC (Canada) or BassPro shops. It seems that these guys all have similar stuff and none of it is bargain priced. Some stuff seems to be cheaper "on-line" but not as much as I would have thought; especially name brands. To some extent, you get what you pay for but I suspect that some of the domestic suppliers have a MAP (minimum advertised price) policy. No-Name brand tents, sleeping bags, duffels, lights, knives etc. can be found inexpensively on the net but you don't really know what you are getting unless you can find a good review somewhere.

 

[Pepperell]

Ross, try Vermont Army Navy in Barre. Vtarmynavy.com

 

[Fred W]

VT is not sales tax free. I think that is why he specified NH.

 

[RossKean]

Ross, try Vermont Army Navy in Barre. Vtarmynavy.com

All things being equal, I would opt for New Hampshire because, as Fred mentioned, it is tax free. On the other hand, if they have great prices, it might be worth a look.

 

[Mr Bill]

Ross,

I'm lucky to have a great place in town. Have to pay the tax man though.

New England Backpacker on the Burncoat summit

I get boots, boats and camping gear there.

 

[extrememarine]

Good luck with your hunt; seems like finding decent gear in a brick and mortar is getting harder and harder. Online sources have the best prices, so the NH ship to might be the best option.

I'm a thrifty individual as well, but in my experience, cheap gear means you're replacing it often or facing a failure of that gear in a time of need.

-Wayne

 

[Pepperell]

Yes, I realize vt has sales tax, but vtarmynavy seems to have the stuff, and the prices seem really good.

That said, I've never visited their shop, only their website.

 

[RossKean]

Ross,
I'm lucky to have a great place in town. Have to pay the tax man though.

New England Backpacker on the Burncoat summit

I get boots, boats and camping gear there.

That place looks interesting but a little bit out of my way. Not much point in going that far to save a couple of bucks. No prices on their website?

Good luck with your hunt; seems like finding decent gear in a brick and mortar is getting harder and harder. Online sources have the best prices, so the NH ship to might be the best option.
I'm a thrifty individual as well, but in my experience, cheap gear means you're replacing it often or facing a failure of that gear in a time of need.

-Wayne

I prefer to do the brick and mortar; even if it means I might pay a bit more (within reason). Sometimes you hit closeout specials in the stores and can pick up a real bargain. Not going to mail order to save $20 on an order of $400. My preference is for inexpensive, not cheap. Pretty good idea what I want in a camp stove. Need cookware and might have to see what's available in person. No way I would buy a sleeping bag without looking at it first.

Yes, I realize vt has sales tax, but vtarmynavy seems to have the stuff, and the prices seem really good. That said, I've never visited their shop, only their website.

I will probably check out the Army Navy place in person - sometimes run into interesting stuff in these places.

 

[Mr Bill]

Ross,
I'm lucky to have a great place in town. Have to pay the tax man though.

New England Backpacker on the Burncoat summit

I get boots, boats and camping gear there.

That place looks interesting but a little bit out of my way. Not much point in going that far to save a couple of bucks. No prices on their website?

Ross,

They will list sale prices, but they are just a small store and not into internet sales. People here in Worcester are cheap so you usually need to go to Boston to get really nice stuff.