Altrec.com

Full review
I recently found that I wanted a new backpack to replace my gym bag - one which became too bulky to lug around after work. My co-worker has had her The North Face backpack for over three years and it is still going strong, so I figured I would do some research and see if I could find one at a decent price. Altrec.com ended up giving me the lowest price - including shipping and tax - for my The North Face Jester backpack, which is not the cheapest yet not the most expensive of the backpacks that the company makes. However, at $54.95 all-in, it was cheaper than buying it from The North Face website.

Altrec.com is a rather modern website which is easy to navigate. The store offers all sorts of outdoor-based merchandise, such as helmets, coats, backpacks, sunglasses, gloves, and even outdoor electronics. The company also offers a plethora of brands to choose from, and prices seem to be fair. Certainly check out the website before ordering directly from the brand's store - most The North Face products seem to be cheaper. And the selection appears endless - there were many colors of the Jester backpack which I did not see on other websites.

Placing my order was rather straight forward; I didn't have to sign up for an account or anything, though I could elect to after placing my order. The company takes all major credit cards, and the text is easy to read and understand. The free shipping policy for orders $45 and over is not a gimmick. Of course, only the slowest shipping feature is free, but it's still not that bad (the website states that it arrives 4-9 days after the order). There are other shipping options as well, such as overnight, which are significantly pricier.

After I placed my order, I received a confirmation e-mail with the total price I paid. The next day, I received an invoice confirmation which stated that my order shipped. I was also given a link to the FedEx website tracking page, which I used to track my order over the course of its shipment. Unfortunately, it took the entire nine days to arrive in my hands, but it seems that this had more to do with the holiday weekend and delays on FedEx's part rather than Altrec.com.

When I received my backpack, it came in a large, thick plastic bag which was rather sturdy and waterproof. While I would have preferred for it to come in a box for extra protection, this seemed to be enough to keep my backpack safe. I was delivered the color which I ordered, and my credit card was charged the correct amount. Can't really ask for much more, right?

Overall, I certainly recommend checking out Altrec.com for outdoor gear needs. The website has a great selection of products and brands, and prices seem to undercut the ‘big guys.' It is certainly a reputable company in my book.