Why camping gear pricing varies
Camping gear pricing across REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, and Sierra Trading Post varies by retailer specialty and seasonal cycle. REI Co-op Member dividend stacks year-round. Backcountry runs aggressive promotional events. Moosejaw rewards loyalty pricing. Sierra Trading Post discounts previous-season styles year-round.
For camping and backpacking enthusiasts buying multiple gear pieces annually, knowing the cross-retailer pricing math catches material savings.
Where REI Co-op Member wins
REI Co-op Member ($30 lifetime fee, 10 percent annual dividend) earns store credit usable on subsequent purchases. Combined with REI Co-op Member-only sales (typically 4 times per year), REI is competitive vs Backcountry and Moosejaw on most camping gear.
For shoppers buying multiple REI purchases per year (camping, hiking, climbing), REI Co-op Member is the consistent year-round savings path.
Where Backcountry and Moosejaw win
Backcountry runs aggressive site-wide promotional events with 20 to 30 percent off select brands. Moosejaw Rewards earns 10 percent back on most purchases as Moosejaw Cash usable on subsequent purchases.
For shoppers comfortable shopping across Backcountry and Moosejaw, the rotating promotional events catch additional savings beyond REI Co-op dividend.
Where Sierra Trading Post wins
Sierra Trading Post (owned by TJX, parent of TJ Maxx and Marshalls) discounts previous-season outdoor gear 30 to 60 percent off vs new full retail. For shoppers willing to buy previous-season colorways, Sierra Trading Post is the consistent year-round deepest pricing path.
Sierra Trading Post Yellow Tag clearance events catch additional 30 to 50 percent off Sierra Trading Post pricing for net pricing 50 to 80 percent off original retail.
How to track camping gear across retailers
For specific tent, sleeping bag, and backpack SKUs, paste product URLs on REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, and Sierra Trading Post into DiffScout. Set monthly monitoring outside major promotional windows, daily during REI Co-op Member sales (March, June, September, December), Backcountry promotional events, and Sierra Trading Post Yellow Tag clearance.
*DiffScout tracks camping gear URLs across multiple specialty retailers. Try it free →*