Buy it, sell it or find it

Even the best outdoor-themed websites gloss over mounds of information and offer links to online gear retailers that may or may not be a good deal. An excellent alternative is Craig’s List, which began several years ago as a San Francisco online community but has expanded to include dozens more cities, among them Los Angeles.

Though some log on to Craig’s List just to read the personals section, the format also serves the needs of outdoors enthusiasts who want to gear up on the cheap or find a carpool mate to the slopes. In the last year alone, I’ve sold off surplus climbing gear, found skiing partners and browsed for sea kayaks on the Los Angeles Craig’s List site. Each day brings a new crop of outdoor “for sale” offerings, which are free to post. They describe the gear for sale and include digital photos and asking prices.

Replies are done anonymously via double-blind e-mail, and if negotiations go well, a phone number or visit follows. Weirdos and scams are always a possibility, so wheel warily. For the most part, though, you really get what you see on this site. Post what you want, and chances are a Craigs-lister will come to you with a good price on that skim board, dinghy or pogo stick you’ve been after.

-- Emmett Berg