Ask the gear girl

Shape, August, 2004

Q Can you recommend any good Web sites for outdoor gear and fitness clothing?

A Most outdoor gear and fitness clothing Web sites let you shop by product category or activity, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Whether you want something specific or you just want to browse seasonal specials, here are some of our favorite sites. (All offer a 100 percent money-back guarantee and allow you to return products for a full refund--in some instances, even after use.)

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* In 100 words or less, tell us about your commitment to health, fitness and well-being; what you'd like to learn or improve; and how ready you are for a positive change.

* A recent full-length photograph.

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* Your full name, date of birth, current height and weight.

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(good luck!)

                       clothing     gear                sizing
web site               selection  selection  prices     options

athleta.com            Good       Poor       Fair       Excellent
campmor.com            Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Good
ems.com                Good       Excellent  Good       Good
www.rei.com            Excellent  Excellent  Good       Good
sierratradingpost.com  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent
title9.com             Good       Fair       Fair       Good

                          stock
web site               availability  highlights

athleta.com            Good          For women only; great for
                                     hard-to-find sizes; categories
                                     include yoga, running/ walking and
                                     watersports; check out the sales
                                     outlet for the best prices.
campmor.com            Good          Vast assortment of quality
                                     brand-name clothes and gear for
                                     activities from camping and
                                     climbing to winter sports; special
                                     "Web Bargains" updated daily
ems.com                Good          Lots of gear and clothing for
                                     outdoorsy types, from cyclists to
                                     hikers; also provides links to
                                     trails, outdoor activities,
                                     publications and more
www.rei.com            Good          From footwear to guidebooks to
                                     clothing and gear, there are finds
                                     for active people of all ages; get
                                     big discounts at reioutlet.com.
sierratradingpost.com  Fair          Extensive and inexpensive clothing,
                                     gear and fitness essentials for
                                     activities from golfing to
                                     aerobics; you're able to shop by
                                     size (from XXsmall to 2XL).
title9.com             Fair          For women only; sportswear and
                                     accessories for yoga, running and
                                     swimming; great selection of sports
                                     bras and underwear--A.G.