Outdoor gear in Miami / Costa Rica - store recommendation

Hi there,

I am an Australian soon to visit Miami for a conference. My idea was to take advantage of the (temporary??) dollar parity and buy a new backpack and boots, because mine are falling apart.

However, many of the brands I know do not sell in Miami. Does anyone know of any reputable dealers in that city? I am reluctant to buy over the web because I don't really know enough about packs to buy without trying.

Another option is to try in Costa Rica, but again I can't find any info about good stores.

Thanks heaps for any advice you can give.

Cheers

Deb

Well, as far as I know, the only place in South Florida with a decent or any selection of packs and boots is Jets in Miami:

http://www.jetsfloridaoutdoors.com/

Last time I checked, they had some Gregory packs and some Vasque boots in stock. What they lack in stock and selection, they make up for in knowledge.

There is also the Peter Glenn stores at several South Florida locations:

http://www.peterglenn.com/pglenn/

There is also the (yech) Outdoor World chains. They stock some MSR tents and some packs.

You know, you can buy a decent Goretex Jacket anywhere in South Florida. Unfortunately there is not much of a hiking or backpacking population here. You may be best off by taking a trip to Travel Country in Central Florida who will have better selection, prices, and good service from what I hear:

http://www.travelcountry.com/

I live down here, and Bass Pro is about the only thing we have with a selection --- I'm more of an REI fan, but the closest store we have is in Atlanta or I buy from rei.com.

BPS isn't bad, it has the "run of the mill" brands - Kelty, Jansport, TNF, and some Gregory. Sleeping bags vary, and the boots are OK. If that's all you are getting, you should be OK, but you'd have better luck buying online and having it shipped to your hotel.

Peter Glenn - well, I've never been too fond of it unless I'm buying snow gear. The biggest store around is on Oakland Park Blvd between 95 and the Turnpike, the one on Sunrise Blvd is quite small and tends to be more of a "boutique" store.

But then again, I'm biased.... REI got me hook, line, & sinker!