REI.com is the Internet's largest outdoor store, offering a broad selection of trusted gear as well as expert advice and in-depth information about products and outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking for gear for a day hike or summiting K2, REI has it. Their outlet features the best assortment of brand-name closeouts, overstocks and seconds with discounts of 20 to 80 percent.

REI's entire catalog is online and the REI-OUTLET store is exclusive to the Internet shopper. Their Learn & Share section contains absolutely the best collection of free outdoor information in the world!

REI is surprisingly not a publically-traded company. Instead, they are a consumer cooperative has more than 1.8 million active members in the U.S. and Japan. While non-members are welcome to shop at REI, only members (requires a one-time $15 fee) enjoy special benefits (including profit sharing) and offers and the ability to elect the Board of Directors.

REI Adventures has been operating small group tours throughout the world for 15 years, avoiding standard tourist routes and emphasizing outdoor activities (domestic and international bicycling, trekking, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountaineering adventures).

REI offers quality gear, clothing and footwear selected for performance and durability in muscle-powered outdoor recreation. All products sold by REI are backed by a 100 percent guarantee. REI quality assurance testing has set product standards for the outdoor sports industry. Tests are conducted in REI's laboratory in Sumner, Wash., in the field by employees throughout the company and by a consumer panel that meets monthly. There are numerous categories to shop including: Camping / Hiking, Climbing, Cycling, Paddling, Snow Sports, Cross Training, Fishing, Travel, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing, Kids' Clothing, Footwear, Books / Maps, and Gifts.

Sportmart.com is one of the most recognized names in online sporting goods sales. They offer Top Brand Name Recognition, great prices, and great Customer Service. If you can't find it here, it might not exist!

Their Buyer's Guides are an EXCELLENT way to get educated in a huge variety of sporting topics (e.g., how to select the right kind of golf clubs, Bike Frame Styles, Binoculars, etc.). They also have helpful sizing and selection charts and guides. Their Product Info page is pretty cool too!

Their shop categories include: Accessories, Apparel, Baseball, Basketball, Boating / Watersports, Camping / Hiking, Clearance, Cycling, Electronics, Exercise, Fan Shop - Pro / College, Field Hockey, Fishing, Football, Footwear, Games, Golf, Hunting / Archery, Ice Hockey, In-Line Skating, Lacrosse, Paintball, Racquetball / Squash, Roller Hockey, Running, Scooters, Skateboarding, Snow Sports, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling, and Yoga.

Dick's Sporting Goods is a major sporting goods retailer (100+ stores nationwide) and their online store is huge! They have a great search engine and their categories make finding the right item very easy (by sport, brand, department, or model number). We found it easy to navigate their site. Many of their products are accompanied with Buyers Guides and Comparison Charts which we found to be very helpful. They also have some fairly nice "How To" Pro Tips where actual professions share a few pointers on specific topics.

We think you'll find their prices very competitive and if you're looking for a gift, they have a nice gift finder. They offer an Outlet and a Clearance section for really deep discounts.

Wal*Mart has done it again! They are not only the largest retailer around, but when they hit the Internet, they set out to really prove something! They are awesome online too! Walmart.com is a lot like your neighborhood Wal*Mart store. They feature a great selection of high-quality merchandise, friendly service and, of course, Every Day Low Prices. Their other stated goal is that they strive to bring you the best shopping experience on the Internet. We think they've succeeded!

Their website offers just about everything. Some of their online departments include (take a big breath): Electronics (Computers & Printers, Internet Service, TV, DVD & Video. etc.), Photo (Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Photo Center, etc.), Movies, Music, Books, Video Games (PS2, Xbox, etc.), Toys (Outdoor Play, Bikes & Scooters, etc.), Baby & Baby Registry (Shop by Age or Stage), Home (Furniture, Appliances, Bed & Bath, etc.), Garden & Hardware (Patio & Grilling, Lawn Equipment, Home Improvement), Sporting Goods (Exercise & Hot Tubs, Camping & Hiking, etc.), Gifts (Specialty Foods, Gift Registry, Store Shopping Cards, etc.), Jewelry & Watches, Vacations (Cruises, Hotels, Car Rentals), Pharmacy, and just about anything else you can think of!

eBay is the world leader in online auction services. As far as auction sites go, this one is by far the best. They have excellent security, a zillion products for sale, and a great reputation. They have many different categories to bid in. Our advice is that you should shop here whenever you can't find what you're looking for somewhere else. You have to really beware because there's no guarantees, no returns, and you can't always assume that the seller is honest.