Hi All,

I'm pretty new to the forum, but have thoroughly been enjoying reading all the posts.

I'll be going to the BWCA in June for the first time in about 12 years. I have been several times as a kid, but this will be my first time as an adult. I've been living in Montana for the last 14 years, but recently moved back home to Iowa. I have a lot of hiking and camping gear, but want to get some more canoe trip-specific gear (packs, tarps, hatchet, saws, fishing gear, etc). Needless to say, the list is getting long and distinguished! Money is an issue, but I also believe in the "buy nice or buy twice" motto with outdoor gear. I've been eyeing the CCS Pioneer pack and tarps.

My question is, is there a time that you know when these go on sale? I know REI has a big Memorial Day sale every year, but they don't carry CCS gear or other items I'm specifically looking at.

Was curious if any of you knew any places or times where a good deal can be found. I appreciate any help, and look forward to becoming more involved in this wonderful community.

i went crazy on black friday. You going in june can't wait that long,,but don't forget next year!

Oldtown13: "Hi All,

Was curious if any of you knew any places or times where a good deal can be found. "

IIRC, if you buy equipment at Canoecopia, you will get a 20% discount. Last year I bought a paddle, yakima round bars and two life vests.

Wick: "i went crazy on black friday. You going in june can't wait that long,,but don't forget next year!"

Thanks, Wick. I could wait that long for some gear. Does CCS have Black Friday deals, or are you talking in general?

rdgbwca: "

Oldtown13: "Hi All,

Was curious if any of you knew any places or times where a good deal can be found. "

IIRC, if you buy equipment at Canoecopia, you will get a 20% discount. Last year I bought a paddle, Yakima round bars and two life vests."

Thanks, I'll check that out!

Oldtown13: "

Wick: "i went crazy on black friday. You going in june can't wait that long,,but don't forget next year!"

Thanks, Wick. I could wait that long for some gear. Does CCS have Black Friday deals, or are you talking in general?"

Yes they did. I bought two CCS pioneer packs this year on Black Friday. I have heard that they also have deals on them at Canoecopia, but have never been there... yet.

canoecopia is march 9-11 in Madison WI canoecopia click here

Worth keeping an eye on the classified section here too.

If you can get to Canoecopia like other's have said, that's the way to go. Not only is the discount good, you also get to see and try on almost all of the portage packs models. CCS, Kondos, ect ect. Each one is good and has minor details of their own.

Check out used gear at outfitters, I see Piragis has some Granite Gear packs and CCS tarps listed, call to make sure. I have a GG pack I got from them, used, and in excellent condition. All at a deep discount compared to new.

Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis has an expo at the end of April. Dan Cooke will be there with his products and there's usually about a 15% discount on on his packs and tarps.

Tony

I picked up an almost new CCS pioneer pack last spring on Craigslist for cheap. This winter, I found a brand new, still in original bag, CCS Pioneer pack (Bell Logo) for a great price. Just have to know what you want or what is quality and keep a watch out.

If you're looking new, like Tony said, the Midwest expo is a great place to purchase with a decent discount, and even if you don't buy, you get to see all the good stuff up close.

Rent packs this year. Plan on buying for your next trip. Rentals are cheap.

Voyageur North Outfitters also sells used packs. I have several of their used Kondos packs that are in great shape. A friend of mine owns several of their used packs too along with two of their tarps and other items from them. They all have lots of life still in them for many years to come. Neither his nor mine had any rips or tears or any repaired places to them.

.......anytime I've got some spare change laying around. That's the best time to buy gear. Always deals to be found. I've also found that sometimes I just need to wait and save a little extra to buy the exact piece of gear I want vs. settling for something comparable just because it is on sale.

I've bought gear all times of the year usually looking for smoking deals like end of season for most camping/canoeing gear. However, I've also bought some used gear that worked well and a good value. I've also just bought what I wanted at maybe a 20% since some gear rarely if ever goes on a big discount sale and I get tired of driving myself crazy trying to find the ultimate bargain.

I agree with other posters on here. Rent what you need, take what you have, take a non-ambitious trip and see what fits your needs then buy more. My son and I take trips anywhere from ultra light single portage to base camp type trips and I take different gear depending on the trip.

Gear I won't leave home without others never take and vise versa. You need to take a trip first and decide what fits you is my recommendation. You absolutely DO NOT need great gear to have a great trip and enjoy yourself. Example.... everyone use to wear cotton blue jeans, canvas tents, etc... and thought nothing of it. Many still do and get along just fine. If I could make a single suggestion be confident in your tent and tarp that will make or break the trip. Rain gear is a close second. Don't let gear hold you back and don't over buy.

Thank you all. I'll look at the Midwest Mountaineering in April, as that is within striking to me. I like the ideal of seeing the packs in person. Also, renting is good suggestion for this year. Thanks!