Campmor: Travel Gear Galore

As a
child I would occasionally visit Campmor in Paramus, NJ with my dad or brothers
to get fishing gear or something needed for one of their Boy Scout camping trips, however, I don’t recall actually
buying anything there for my Girl Scout trips. My brothers would claim that this is because the Girl Scouts stayed in
log cabins when they camped, while the tough boys really roughed it in their pitched tents. Whatever! They may be
right, but I would never admit that my survival skills were any less than theirs.

Ha! As I prepare for this
extended backpacking trip of mine, I’m realizing that my gear IQ is indeed far lower than I’d like it to be. But the
prep work is turning out to be the best way to learn. And the folks at Campmor have helped with some valuable lessons.
I’ve made two trips to their retail store this week, loading up on essential items for my trip: Eagle Creek travel
alarm clock, Naglene water bottle, Polartec fleece and, at long last, my Kelty backpack! Many travel-lovers I know
across the country use Campmor for their gear needs, but most I’ve talked with have no clue that the company has an
actual retail store. Campmor does a huge mail-order business, but I’m lucky enough to be close to their Bergen County
store so I can try stuff on and chat with the staff.

On my first visit, the customer service was so-so. The
guy in backpacks was distracted and seemed sleepy, like he needed another cup of coffee. In another department, a woman
was super-busy walking around, but not once asked if I needed assistance. I overheard her say to another customer that
morning is the worst time to shop at Campmor’s store because they are slammed with restocking tasks and fulfilling
online orders from the night before. I figured the online business must really distract from providing quality customer
service in the store…maybe I should just go home and shop Campmor.com?

I gave them another chance two days
later, and discovered that it’s all about timing when shopping at Campor. On my second, early evening visit, the sales
clerk in the backpack department spent a good half hour with me, answering questions, showing me the correct way to
strap on my pack, and helping me practice carrying it with heavy sandbags. I was satisfied with the service (they’ve
got plenty of staff in each department too) and, whether you shop online or in the store, their prices are hard to
beat. Be sure to check them out online or, Come See for Yourself in good old Jersey if you’re in the neighborhood :)