- Gear -

On a given rainy November day, you know the one where even your pooch can't be dragged out for a walk, you'll find me pulling out all our rain and winter gear to check it for wear & tear. A little repairing will often extend the life of my favourite gear but sometimes they're just too beat up and damaged so replacing them is the only alternative. Purchasing everything new for everyone in my active family can get VERY pricey so here are 7 ways I get my hands on discounted gear online and in stores here in Switzerland.
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1. Campz Outdoor & Adventure
Campz is an online store that offers weekly deals that can go up to 50% on branded items. They carry brands like Patagonia, FjällRäven, Vaude, Mammut, MSR, Sea to Summit and Poc. You can create a wishlist with the gear items you are interested and monitor the price to get them at the best deal. By signing up to their newsletter you receive a EUR 10.- voucher you can use towards your purchases (see their terms & conditions of use of voucher).

2. SportXX
SportXX is a sports retailer with an online platform and is part of the Migros Group which means you can use Migros' Cumulus vouchers on purchases at SportXX. To receive Cumulus vouchers you need to sign up to their fidelity program and you get credit for every purchase you make at any Migros Group stores. In addition, Cumulus members receive regular members only discounts. 

3. Ochsner Sport
Ochsner Sport also offers a fidelity program where they offer a regular weekly 20% reduction to Club members on Wednesdays in the stores and on Sundays online. In addition, you receive credit for purchases and you can earn vouchers. They also have outlet stores and host their outlet products directly on their online shop platform with discounted items.

4. Decathlon
Decathlon is probably Europe's biggest sports retailer and famously known for their low-cost sport goods which they develop and test in-house. They tiptoed into the Swiss market just 3 years ago but have remained faithful to their commitment to keep prices competitive to the ones they list in their French stores. They are a great option for any new sport or outdoor activity you want to get started with and for kids that grow out of gear sometimes annually! They also have a customer fidelity program but to be honest, I have rarely benefitted from it.

5. Anibis
Anibis is a Swiss online classifieds platform and the one I've found to offer the best second-hand outdoor and sports gear. It is a little like a treasure hunt and you do need to regularly troll the listings but you can come across some gear gems. You can find anything from backpacks, to ski trousers, to bikes and tents listed.

6. Skid'Oc
​Skid'Oc is a speciality store that exclusively sells and rents refurbished winter sports gear or low-cost liquidation winter sports gear. Based near Neuchâtel, they operate only from end of October to April each year.

7. Free gear swap
Swap gear with family and friends. We often pastedown kids outdoor gear but take it step further and do the same with family and outdoorsy friends. Get everyone to bring along items that are still in good condition but are being used by the current owner and swap.

Have any other tips for finding discounted outdoor gear here in Switzerland? Share them with us in the comments below.

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