Shopping Sites for the Tactical Traveler

Here's my way of saying thanks to all my brothers and sisters out there, try and enjoy the holiday spirit, I know this guy is.

To my few and random followers out there, I apologize for the extended hiatus. As you are fully aware, the Holidays are upon us, the turkey is dead, and Christmas madness is in full swing. I wish I could be in the states right now to see the chaotic raging disorder at shopping centers everywhere. It’s the closest thing to a real zombie apocalypse. Hundreds of thousands of people drudging out of bed at 4am, aggressive, with one goal in mind. P.S. -To the mobility scooter army out there looking for me, "Not gunna find me this year!"  Had a few drinks with my brother and went to a shopping center at 4am last year; got hit by three people……. two of those people were in mobility scooters. Thus the conspiracy blossomed.

In the spirit of the season, heading into a gladiatorial battle to get the last $5 iPhone is a rush. Getting hit in the face by a soccer mom is priceless but what if you didn’t feel like it, or you just got finished paying off the medical bills you sustained from last year. I got one word for you…….. INTERNET. There have never been more opportunities to get some great things at great prices. For once I’m telling you keep your keys on the table; get some whiskey, get a nice chair, and get a good internet connection. We are about to follow the "white rabbit". (If you didn't get that you probably didn't get my Yoda jokes either).

Eventually We All Eat the Yellow Snow...

Gimmie the goods, this thing has a high setting!

So we find ourselves in the middle of another Christmas Season, and the time for you to put up or shut up has arrived. Long gone are the days of being a college student with a part time job at the library and a half filled bottle of whiskey in my hand. I have to arrange gifts and get em out. Luckily, I have a sweet wife who helps me navigate through this (she is actually the size of an elf). For those of you without an "elf" or if you are preparing to run all over the place in your wheeled sleigh I have a drastic solution for you.The most efficient and effective way to get the things you need for a great price is online. You will not be putting miles on the car, wasting fuel, energy, and time moving from store to store. Many sites feature a load of different offers to include traditional sales, buy one get ones, gift cards, bonuses, special memberships and even admission tickets and events. The following sites are the best I have found for anything and everything tactical for those of you who would prefer trekking through the snow filled landscape.

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The Best Tactical Sites Around

http://www.rei.com/ - This is and has been my #1 pick for tactical shopping, especially for the everyday shopper. Check out my links page for other recommended sites. They offer everything from water bottles, to kids camping gear, to car racks for your mountain bikes, even a GPS to get you to where you’re going. They have it all. I have used them and have yet to be disappointed. Discounts go as high as 70% in the off season. The product reviews are accurate and legitimate. Like anywhere you still have to use good judgement when shopping and read reviews. Do your homework if it’s a larger purchase or a clothing item.

http://www.govx.com/ - This website provides some excellent discounts on a multitude of items. It is a relatively new website which came out in early 2011. The selection isn’t enormous but like I said it has some significant discounts and offers a good variety items like watches, fitness items, and even items for her and for kids. Restrictions- the only catch here is that only military service members or gov civilian workers (GS levels) can purchase from this site. Unlike other military user shopping sites this one is very simple to sign up. All you need to do is provide a valid military e-mail address to be able to purchase. If you have a family member in the service all you need is his/her military email address and you will have complete access to the site! Keep this one on your radar because the selection and items are growing on an almost daily basis.

https://secure.usstandardissue.com/ - If you’re a military member you should be well aware of this site, if not, here it is. Interestingly enough the co-founders of GovX.com worked for the development team that created (this site) US Standard Issue. This site requires you to send in a copy of your military identification card or CAC (Common Access Card) to them in order for you to gain membership. Again, the site is able to offer some truly excellent deals on a number of items, primarily Oakley sunglasses. A great site for the military gift giver this holiday season indeed.

http://altrec.com/ - While I must admit I am not the biggest fan of the navigation layout on this website, it has a plethora of not just brands but articles and information within its pages. Because of the vast selection, affiliates, as well as tips and articles I would throw this one in the Santa tactical tool bag. At the moment since I am writing this on the eve of Cyber Monday, the discounts are as high as 50-60%. Definitely worth a look for the sports enthusiast in your family. They have great prices on snow gear and fitness items. There are no restrictions for this site. If you have money they are open for business 24/7, 365.

http://www.texasknife.com/ - This website stands true to the old familiar saying, "Everything is bigger in Texas" with a vast selection of knife components and kits. From the base blade, to the camel bone handle, and everything in between. It requires a bit of your own ingenuity but it makes a unique and %100 custom gift. They also maintain a permanent 10% discount for all police and military personnel. Since your purchasing components, you'll receive high quality steel, even damascus steel, for wholesale prices.  

http://www.uncommongoods.com/ - As the name suggests, you will be sure to find some quality gifts, especially for that particular person in your family. It isn't completely tactical, but it offers unique decorative travel items for the home as well as many wine and beer connoisseur items. The website navigation is clear, concise, and well organized. Within 5 min of browsing this site I found 5 things that had me ready to pull my credit card out. Travelers and non travelers have a lot to appreciate here, so don't let this one slip by without giving it a look.

http://www.backcountry.com/ - Another excellent and well versed outdoor shopping site. Personally I find this one to have a better navigational layout than some of its peers. Currently, they are offering 2 day free shipping on all orders over $50, which is rare for that price. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money in one place but you still want to snag a great deal this is it. Not everyone in your family will be scaling a mountain or ice fishing this season so this is a great option. Also one additional feature which I liked was the mini chat box that pops up as soon as you start to browse. Normally, I hate pop ups but its to easy if you don’t want it, just simply X it out. If you aren’t the most well read in tactical/outdoors equipment or there is a specific item you are looking for you can simply ask on the spot. There are no restrictions with this website.

A Final Word About the Spirit of Christmas 

Remember, at the end of the day, we all need to keep Christmas in perspective. This Santa did not do that. He climbed atop the roof of a local 711 gas station in my area and put a gun to his head. He had a standoff with police and shot himself. If you find yourself somewhere in between this guy and Will Farrell's Elf you should be golden. The holidays are a time when we don't need to shoot ourselves, that's why we have family. We can enjoy a wonderful holiday meal and it only happens once a year. Take the time to savor these moments people.  Be ready, plan ahead, and shop online for your Christmas gifts. The last thing you want is to run into the grintch with a bottle of whiskey and a handgun. Happy Holidays, Cheers, and Great Travels!

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