Seattle, San Francisco camping gear shops
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Feb 20, 2013 4:19 AM Last Post By: ap0619
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Seattle, San Francisco camping gear shops
Where in San Francisco, Seattle and in between them can we buy a two burners stove for camping, gas balloons to go with it and bear pepper spray. In which shops is there a greater chance to find these articles? Are they easy to come by? Our trip will be in AugustThank you
1
REI has stores in San Francisco and many other cities in the area. There are also stores in cities along highway I5, but not on the coast. They have several stores in the Seattle area, including their flagship shore--the biggest and most prominent one.REI can sometimes be a bit expensive, but if the camping gear exists, they will probably have it. The also rent some equipment, including stoves.
If you are looking for bear spray, you may want to see if your destination requires or recommends bear-proof food canisters. See REI's list of requirements
3
REI is the only sporting goods store that reliably carries bear spray. Be aware that you cannot flyon an airline with bear spray in either checked or carry-on luggage. I had to ship mine home.
4
I love REI too, but a basic cookstove like this that you're not trying to hike around with, can be found at any sporting goods store and probably also at most big discount stores like Target or Walmart. Coleman is the big brand. (Bear spray, not so much...)Propane is sold in "canisters" or "tanks" in the US. Calling them "balloons" may confuse sales staff.
5
Note for your return, per the TSA: "Camp Stoves - These can travel as carry-on or checked luggage only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left. Simply emptying the fuel container will leave flammable vapors. We recommend that you ship the fuel containers to your destination ahead of time - passengers frequently have to leave them at the checkpoint because of fuel vapors." Which is why I recommend you either plan to donate at trip end or consider alchohol stoves, even though they don't cook as quickly or with as fine control over heat levels.6
Also, if you are not bringing your own and need basic camp kitchen stuff, it can be purchased at a thrift stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army for very cheap, and then be re-donated or otherwise left behind if you don't need it anymore. I am also curious about your wanting bear pepper spray - if you are doing an SF-Seattle camping trip, I am not sure how useful it will be. Yellowstone area, maybe so. Coastal camping, not really. I have camped all over CA, Sierras included, and have never felt the need (even while backpacking), but I do not want to dissuade you from carrying it if you want to.7
Thank you everybody who replied.You gave me food for thought though.
In case I don't see any bears in San Francisco or Seattle, I might have more luck in Yellowstone or Glacier... I think.
Unfortunately I don't need that spray afterwards, so would not rather send it home or donate....
And I am afraid it is quite expensive. So I just wonder if there is any way to rent that pepper spray? Maybe from a shop or rangers in a National Park? And then bring it back (hopefully) unused?
Would also appreciate any advice on what brand to choose and other details to take into consideration concerning those sprays...
8
Hi Donna, The Bear Spray Cannister (wise to have at Glacier NP) is around $35-$50. REI will have itnear the lower end of that price range and independent Sporting Goods Store in Columbia Falls outside Glacier west entrance carry it for about $50. I know seeing a Grizzly seems surreal but last
time I was in Glacier, the rangers had closed a popular hiking trail due to their presence. And outside
the National Park, I've personally sighted one in a state park. It's a good idea to have it. You can check
out REI's website and order in advance.
10
I don't know how I feel about the bear spray. I took a human self defense class and they advised against pepper spray. Makes the guy more mad and will probably do more harm to you. As for a bear, you are walking in their territory, they have every right to attack you. (Sorry to be honest). I think you are better off just running in the other direction. And I feel like the pepper spray will also make the bear more mad, too. Poor bear. I feel sorry for he or she. Sorry, just your typical tree-hugging animal loving pac NW'er. LOL!!ADVERTISEMENT
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