Hello,

I have a little extra money that I’m going to put toward my preparedness goals. I usually just go with the cheapest I can find. If I do that now, I’ll get hammered by shipping charges. Are there particular places you prefer to shop online or locally? Also, are there places you would recommend avoiding?

Thanks,
Michael

As far as preparedness and survival goes, I was really happy with my experience dealing with BestGlide Aviation.

Other places I'd purchase from again include REI, MEC, and Cabela's...all have retail or online options.

Does anyone here have any experience with Emergency Essentials (beprepared.com)? I like their shipping rates even if their prices are a bit higher.

No experience with EE, but ... since that's the type of product line you're looking at, I'll throw out http://nitro-pak.com/

My first experience with them was maybe 20 years or so ago — before they moved the operation to Utah — when they had a brick & mortar operation in Southern Cal. Decent selection, competitive prices, free shipping over $100 purchase (read details for the few exclusions), price match on identical items (again, some modest exclusions) and a 120 day money-back guarantee.

//No affiliation except a long history as a buyer//

Hi Mike,

What country are you live in, I have done a lot of mail-order but almost all from Canadian stores.

Hacksaw, I have read your posts before saying that ordering survival/preparedness items from the US retailers is not overly expensive as long as you use USPS or USPS Express, not UPS due to the high GST/Duty Brokerage fees. Did I interpret this correctly? Did you get stuck with much additional duty or tax charges when using USPS?

Thanks,

Mike

I have purchased a couple of things from them and they were fine.

Country Comm is always good....loads of small neat things.

Ben's Backwoods has some good things and I have heard very good reports on his service....my order is not yet placed. Firesteels, some knives, Books, other assorted items.

Ragweed Forge is exceptional. Scandi knives from many places, with excellent prices and shipping that it out of this world.

Sierra Trading Post is superb...excellent prices and service on loads of clothing items. Overstocks, seconds, first line stuff with tons of high end brands at excellent prices. My #1 order place. Get on their mailing list....lots of additional percent off emails come...Sometimes free shipping offers. This place is definately worth watching for excellent stuff. I just bought an Ice Breaker wool top for $27....these sell for close to $70 retail. Not only are they the best merino wool tops to be had but at that price a definate steal.

David Morgan has unique items and exceptional service. Akubra hats, Filson, braiding leather, tons of other items.

LA Police Supply excellent prices, deals, and service (5.11 pants etc).

I think it’s kinda hard to give a blanket “buy from here” statement. Lots of the survival items we all want or have can be bought from so many places. Wal-Mart, K-mart, on-line from outdoor / survival suppliers, the local grocery store, department stores, home depot. The list is endless.

Better to make a list and then decide where to buy each item as no one place will have all of them.

I try to buy as much locally as I can and have had good luck finding a large amount of things I want locally. You may have to wait till summer to get many survival item as these things are also camping items and stores are prone to seasonal changes.

I also do a lot of making my own stuff or modifying an item to suit my needs.

But if needed (can’t get it locally) I will order it on-line.

I'm addicted to County Comm, I want one of everything they have. I can vouch for Sierra Trading Post as well.

One place I have just ordered from is basegear. Great prices and service, they ship quickly. I've put in 3 orders and no problems.

http://www.basegear.com/

Blitz

I think it depends on what you're buying.