I do go to REI to try out the different items they have that I am interested in esp shoes. I want to get a pair that fit me right as sizes seem to change every yr! I check around to get the best price on any item I am wanting to purchase. One thing that REI has going for it is it's no questions asked return policy.

Only bad thing about some of the small cottage companies is trying to find someone who may just happen to carry it. There are some packs that I would like to see up close and try out but unfortunatley that is hard to do unless you know someone who has one.