Inviting Outsiders : Sunshine Sports, long a source for the budget-minded, is offering a clearance sale on camping equipment.

Going camping is a great way for a family to spend quality time together. People the world over envy our parks and camping facilities, so what better time than summer to take advantage of all these glorious spots.

But first you need the equipment, and to save serious money on that equipment, head for Sunshine Sports, long a favorite bargain source for the budget-minded outdoor lover. The low prices are even better than usual, thanks to a clearance sale--the store is preparing to relocate within the same shopping complex.

Sizable savings can be found on tents. A $250 Eureka! Tetragon-9 tent for four to five people is reduced to $169.99. One 9-by-9-foot dome that sleeps four to five people is usually $140, but now it’s $89.99. Other name-brand tents include The North Face, Sierra Designs, Quest, Kelty and Walrus.

Sleeping bags also are heavily discounted. A Wenzel bag with three pounds of Hollofil is usually $30 here; on sale, it’s $18.99. Big discounts also are available on bags by Slumberjack, Sierra Designs and The North Face.

Some good buys are offered on backpacks, too. A Camp Trails Scout backpack, instead of Sunshine Sports’ regular price of $80, is $39.99. The store carries an assortment of packs, including external, internal, travel and day packs. Other brands on sale include Kelty, Gregory, Lowe, JanSport and Eagle Creek.

All kinds of accessories and camping foods are included in the store’s inventory. We loved the mini-espresso machine for $13.99 and a dining canopy, which is 12-by-12-feet, goes for $14.99 instead of $24.98.

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Any good bargain hunter knows that summer is an excellent time to buy ski jackets. Jackets from North Face, Nordica and Columbia have prices that will please. One Columbia jacket that usually sells for $145 is $72.50. And there’s a two-for deal on jackets--buy any brand of ski jacket, and a second one of your choice (of equal or lesser value) is free. The same special applies to all ski socks and gloves--buy a pair, get a second pair free.

Most hiking shorts are selling at about half the usual price, $14.99 for $30 shorts, for instance. Thermal underwear from Duofold also is 50% off.

For 20 years, Sunshine Sports has been selling quality camping and backpacking gear, carrying the brands and labels that are found only in specialty stores rather than the major sporting goods chains. The store also stocks replacement tent poles, a rare service.

Don’t be confused by the Wilderness Trail Factory Outlet sign, which is prominently displayed along with Sunshine Sports on the front of the store. Wilderness Trail is a house label that’s offered there.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life! Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley Life!, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns. Geri Cook can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.

WHERE TO SHOP

What: Sunshine Sports.

Location: 20103 Saticoy St., Canoga Park.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Cards: MasterCard, Visa.

Call: (818) 341-5805.