What's the best place to buy camping gear in the Denver metro area?

This really depends on what type of camping you are looking to do and what your budget for gear is. For reasonably priced tents, sleeping bags and other essentials, I like both the Boulder Army Store on 15th and Pearl and the Arvada Army and Navy Store on 57th and Olde Wadsworth. I am a boy scout leader and have found some very good values on quality gear at these stores. The selection can sometimes be limited, but you can find good equipment. REI does have great gear as well. Also, Kelty in Boulder makes quality gear that can be purchased at most of the major sporting goods stores and also at www.kelty.com . Lots of places and choices. One other place to look are garage sales, just make sure you know what you are looking for in brands.

The most comprehensive selection of camping gear can be found at REI. Their "flagship" store, located at 1416 Platte Street in Denver, seems to have the best selection, not to mention it is, by far, the best location to visit due to the setting and the building. If you become a "REI Member", you can receive an annual "REI Dividend" which is a type of refund to be used toward future purchases.

Camping World located at 4100 Youngfield Street in Wheat Ridge (off I-70 and Youngfield) is also a good place to look, but they are more geared toward the RV camper. It's still a fun place to visit.

Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World is another great place to shop. They are similar to Cabela's, which has plans to open two retail stores in the Denver area in 2013.

Good luck!

I think Denver's best camping gear store is REI. Located in the restored 1901 Denver Tramway building, REI Denver has top-brand gear & clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, skiing, snowboarding and more. They have a complete Denver area bike shop, offering a full range of professional bike shop services to help keep you biking the streets and trails year-round. They have a ski & snowboard shop that will keep you on the slopes.

The first place that comes to my mind is REI. I love that you can check prices and stock before you go to their great downtown store. Also Bass Pro Shop is like an event when you go there, there is so much to see it's fun.

I'll make it unanimous and agree that REI is the best place to purchase camping and outdoors gear. One of the best kept secrets is to become a member. Not only do you earn rewards with every purchase, but once a month the stores hold members only sales where you can find crazy deals!

REI is fabulous for gear. But if you're a serious camper and you want a serious tent that will last, check out Davis Tent and Awning at 4635 Jason (www.davistent.com). They know tents, they make a quality product and their customers rave about them.

You can't go wrong when purchasing any outdoor equipment at REI. They have an amazing selection, extremely well-made products, their employees are friendly and will recommend their favorite campsite to aid you in your camping fun!

REI is the best place to go. You can also find stuff at the Army surplus off broadway or Sports authority on Broadway.